Credentials and Licensure

General Information About Credentialing

Graduates of the Department of Applied Psychology may apply for professional credentials, recognizing their level of training and experience. Credentials may be granted by national professional boards/organizations or by regulatory boards of individual states. Generally there are three possible levels:

Registry or rostering usually refers to a listing of those using a title or providing a service.
Certification is a process of verifying one's professional qualifications. State laws may establish certification; national organizations/boards may also certify. Most often this includes a written examination of one's knowledge in the field.
Licensure is a legislatively established form of regulation generally required to practice in a particular state.

The Department of Applied Psychology recognizes the importance of licensure and certification for professional practice. The legislature in each state establishes the criteria for licensure and an appointed board determines if an individual's education and experience meet their standards. The department has designed its programs to be consistent with the standards of the representative professional organizations. Individual states, many of whom base their legislation on professional organization's standards, vary as to specific coursework, number of hours of supervised practice, supervisor qualification, and other required criteria. While the department offers coursework and internships that allow students to put together a licensable portfolio, it cannot guarantee licensure.

Membership in state professional organizations and ongoing contact with licensure boards in their respective states will assist students in assuring their own prospects for licensure. Faculty advisors are available as resources.

Program-specific Information on Credentialing and Licensure

Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Dance/Movement Therapy
Marriage and Family Therapy
Behavior Analyst and Associate Behavior Analyst certification

Last Updated: 6/7/10