State Regulatory Authorizations & Licensure Disclosures
Program Licensure Directory
Bluefield University offers degree programs that prepare students for professional licensure and certification requirements in the state of Virginia. BU programs may allow graduates to be eligible for licensure in other states. Students and prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact the state’s licensure entity where they intend to practice. This information is provided per U.S. Federal Regulations, 34 CFR § 668.50 (2016 Rules), 34 CFR § 668.43 (2019 Rules), and in compliance with the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) Manual.
Professional licensure and certification requirements vary by state and the type of licensure or certification the student is seeking may have additional requirements beyond earning a certificate or degree. Students planning to live and practice outside of Virginia will need to review the requirements for that state. Information on how to research requirements for other states is provided below in the program section.
Licensure disclosure information is updated annually. The information below is accurate as of 6/9/2025.
School of Education & Social Sciences
Bluefield University’s educational programs that lead to licensure or certifications are designed to meet Virginia’s licensure/certification requirements and prepare students for licensure exams within the state of Virginia. Each state and territory may have different professional licensure and certification requirements. Other states may require individuals to obtain additional coursework, additional fieldwork, background checks, the passage of additional state licensing exams, additional fees, or other requirements.
The State professional licensing boards determine whether or not an individual will be eligible to sit for licensure based on the rules and regulations in place when the individual submits their application for licensure. Please be advised that state laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time.
For more information on a state-by-state basis, see Teaching License Reciprocity Guidelines by State. To go directly to the state department of education website for each state, see State Departments of Education listing.
Bachelor of Science in Biology Education
Meets requirements in Virginia | Outside of Virginia visit the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification at https://www.nasdtec.net/.
Bachelor of Science in Business Education
Meets requirements in Virginia | Outside of Virginia visit the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification at https://www.nasdtec.net/.
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Meets requirements in Virginia | Outside of Virginia visit the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification at https://www.nasdtec.net/.
Bachelor of Arts in English Education
Meets requirements in Virginia | Outside of Virginia visit the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification at https://www.nasdtec.net/.
Bachelor of Arts in Music Education
Meets requirements in Virginia | Outside of Virginia visit the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification at https://www.nasdtec.net/.
Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Meets requirements in Virginia | Outside of Virginia visit the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification at https://www.nasdtec.net/.
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Meets requirements in Virginia | Outside of Virginia visit the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification at https://www.nasdtec.net/.
Master of Arts in Counseling (School Counseling)
Meets requirements in Virginia | Outside of Virginia visit the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification at https://www.nasdtec.net/.
Information on national certification requirements for school counselors can be found at www.schoolcounselor.org/.
Master of Arts in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
Meets educational requirements for licensure as a professional counselor in Virginia (Additional requirements include supervised practice hours and a passing score on the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination) | Outside of Virginia visit the National Board for Certified Counselors (https://nbcc.org/directory).
School of Nursing
Bluefield University’s academic nursing programs are designed to prepare students for professional nurse licensure upon completion of the program. A professional nursing license is typically required for graduates to practice and/or gain employment in the field of nursing. If you are planning to be licensed outside of Virginia, please select the Nursing License Compatibility by State link for more information regarding educational requirements for professional nursing licensure in the U.S. states, commonwealths, and territories.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Meets educational requirements in Virginia | Outside of Virginia visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) at https://www.ncsbn.org/.
Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Meets educational requirements in Virginia | Outside of Virginia visit the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board at https://www.aanpcert.org.
Master of Science in Nursing (Leadership / Education)
Meets educational requirements in Virginia | Outside of Virginia visit the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board at https://www.aanpcert.org.
Master of Science in Nursing – (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Meets educational requirements in Virginia | Outside of Virginia visit the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board at https://www.aanpcert.org.