Hofstra University offers a number of programs leading to professional licensure and/or certification. U.S. Code of Federal Regulations §668.14 and §668.43 require disclosures for all programs leading to a license or certification. These disclosures indicate whether the program satisfies the applicable educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in each state so that a student who enrolls in the program and seeks employment in that State after completing the program qualifies to take any licensure or certification exam that is needed for the student to practice or find employment in an occupation that the program prepares students to enter.
Hofstra University is committed to helping students enrolled in programs leading to professional licensure or certification (such as accounting, counseling, education, nursing, or psychology) to better understand whether their program meets licensure or certification requirements in states outside of New York.
Professional programs at Hofstra University prepare students to meet all New York State licensure and certification requirements. The program director of each professional licensure or certification program is available to answer your questions about licensure in other states. Although every effort is made to provide the most up-to-date information regarding licensure in general, specific regulations vary by state and are subject to frequent revision. If you are enrolled or intend to enroll in a Hofstra program leading to licensure or certification, we strongly encourage you to seek information from the state(s) in which you may wish to practice.
Relocation while enrolled in a program leading to professional licensure may affect students’ ability to remain in the program, meet state licensing requirements, and/or receive financial aid funding. Students who are considering relocation are advised to first contact their academic program director and the student financial aid office to discuss the potential impact of relocation. Hence, Students are advised to contact the state licensing agency for the state to which they are relocating.
Contact information for a variety of professional licensing boards outside of New York is provided on the Professional Licensure Directory webpage maintained by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
Programs for Licensure and Certification Disclosure
Accounting
BBA Accounting – 120
[Note: This program does not meet licensure requirements in New York State. It has not been determined if this program meets licensure requirements in other states or territories.]
This program qualifies students for general accounting careers in business but does not currently fully satisfy the educational requirements for licensure as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New York State. New York currently requires 150 semester hours of coursework for licensure as a CPA. Students intending to pursue careers in public accounting in New York State are currently advised to consider the BBA Accounting 150 program or our BBA Accounting 120 + MS in Accounting or Taxation programs. Students should note that licensing requirements vary by state and are subject to change. For specific state requirements students should consult with the state board in the jurisdiction in which they are applying for licensure. Contact information for state boards of accountancy can be found on the NASBA site: https://nasba.org/stateboards/. Additionally, students can contact the Department of Accounting at Hofstra University for additional information regarding New York State CPA licensing requirements.
BBA Accounting – 150
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in New York State. It has not been determined if this program meets licensure requirements in other states or territories.]
This program satisfies the current educational requirements for licensure as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New York State. Students planning to obtain CPA licenses in states other than New York should review individual state licensure requirements. Students should note that licensing requirements vary by state and are subject to change. For specific state requirements students should consult with the state board in the jurisdiction in which they are applying for licensure. Contact information for state boards of accountancy can be found on the NASBA site: https://nasba.org/stateboards/. Additionally, students can contact the Department of Accounting at Hofstra University for additional information regarding New York State CPA licensing requirements.
Accounting, MS
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in New York State. It has not been determined if this program meets licensure requirements in other states or territories.]
This program satisfies the current educational requirements for licensure as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New York State. Students planning to obtain CPA licenses in states other than New York should review individual state licensure requirements. Students should note that licensing requirements vary by state and are subject to change. For specific state requirements students should consult with the state board in the jurisdiction in which they are applying for licensure. Contact information for state boards of accountancy can be found on the NASBA site: https://nasba.org/stateboards/. Additionally, students can contact the Department of Accounting at Hofstra University for additional information regarding New York State CPA licensing requirements.
Taxation, MS
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in New York State. It has not been determined if this program meets licensure requirements in other states or territories.]
This program satisfies the current educational requirements for licensure as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New York State. Students planning to obtain CPA licenses in states other than New York should review individual state licensure requirements. Students should note that licensing requirements vary by state and are subject to change. For specific state requirements students should consult with the state board in the jurisdiction in which they are applying for licensure. Contact information for state boards of accountancy can be found on the NASBA site: https://nasba.org/stateboards/ . Additionally, students can contact the Department of Accounting at Hofstra University for additional information regarding New York State CPA licensing requirements.
Business Administration, Concentration in Accounting, MBA
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in New York State. It has not been determined if this program meets licensure requirements in other states or territories.]
This program satisfies the current educational requirements for licensure as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New York State. Students planning to obtain CPA licenses in states other than New York should review individual state licensure requirements. Students should note that licensing requirements vary by state and are subject to change. For specific state requirements students should consult with the state board in the jurisdiction in which they are applying for licensure. Contact information for state boards of accountancy can be found on the NASBA site: https://nasba.org/stateboards/. Additionally, students can contact the Department of Accounting at Hofstra University for additional information regarding New York State CPA licensing requirements.
Applied Behavioral Analysis, MS
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in New York State. It has not been determined if this program meets licensure requirements in other states or territories.]
Our New York State-approved ABA Master’s program equips students with the foundational knowledge and credentials for licensure in New York. Students completing this online program are eligible to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) examination. Behavior Analysis License applicants must also meet additional requirements as outlined by NYS Education Department
Given the absence of a national reciprocity framework, behavior analysts seeking to practice in a different state must navigate that state's specific licensure process. Some states may offer licensure by endorsement or reciprocity, allowing practitioners licensed in another state to obtain licensure, provided their credentials meet the new state's standards.
Athletic Training, MS
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in all states and territories.]
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Athletic Training is a 53-credit program that utilizes a hands-on learning experience to transform students into a highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professional. This program’s curriculum is designed to meet the current entry-level athletic training standards established by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Graduates qualify for national certification with the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer and New York State licensure as an Athletic Trainer.
In all U.S. states and the District of Columbia, eligibility for state certification or licensure as an athletic trainer requires, at minimum, the completion of a degree from a CAATE-accredited program and successful passage of the Board of Certification (BOC) examination for Athletic Trainers.
Audiology, AuD
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in New York State. It has not been determined if this program meets licensure requirements in other states or territories.]
Hofstra University, in cooperation with Adelphi and St. John’s Universities, offers a professional doctorate in audiology (AuD). This is a four-year, post-baccalaureate program with an integrated curriculum across the three institutions. The primary objective of the program is to produce highly skilled practitioners who are competent to perform a wide variety of diagnostic, remedial, and other critical services within the scope of practice for audiologists. The Doctor of Audiology (AuD) education program in audiology at the New York Consortium of Adelphi, Hofstra, and St. John’s Universities is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
Graduates of the New York AuD Consortium are eligible for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and New York State Licensure in Audiology. Further information regarding certification and state licensure may be found on the American Speech Language Hearing Association website.
Cardiac Perfusion, MS
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in New York State. It has not been determined if this program meets licensure requirements in other states or territories.]
Hofstra’s Cardiovascular Science and Perfusion Medicine Program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The accreditation process is overseen by the Accreditation Committee for Perfusion Education (AC-PE). Graduates of CAAHEP-accredited programs are then eligible to sit for the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) certification exam. Information regarding specific requirements of each state can be accessed at the using this link Current Perfusion Licensure List March 2020.pdf. For additional information by State, please use see information from American Society of Extracorporeal Technology at https://amsect.org/Members/State-Committees.
Clinical Psychology, PhD
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in New York State. It has not been determined if this program meets licensure requirements in other states or territories.]
As an American Psychological Association Accredited Program, it is our intention to train students in all the competencies outlined for the profession of health service psychology (clinical psychology). It is our expectation that the vast majority of our graduates will obtain professional licensure as clinical psychologists and will be able to engage in clinical practice and supervise trainees. Hofstra’s clinical training program is designed to meet the high standards of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Professions—standards that meet or exceed those of many other states. However, licensure is controlled by individual governmental bodies in each of the 50 US states (typically State Boards of Psychology under the Division of Occupational Affairs in State Governments) and every jurisdiction may impose their own unique requirements. Hence, we cannot guarantee that the specific training we provide will meet the criteria for licensure in any individual state. That said, we are quite successful at advocating for our students, and we are unaware of any graduate from the last 25 years who has been unable to obtain licensure in any state if they have pursued it. For more information see our program requirements. For specific information about a specific state's licensing requirements see https://www.apaservices.org/practice/ce/state/state-info. You are strongly encouraged to review current state licensing requirements and to speak with the program director if you are planning to get licensed in a state other than New York.
Creative Arts Therapy, MA
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in all states and territories.]
The Creative Arts Therapy Counseling master's program at Hofstra University offers an integrated field experience designed to prepare students for licensure as Licensed Creative Arts Therapists (LCAT) in New York State. In addition, the program meets national training standards that support licensure eligibility in other U.S. states. The Hofstra University Creative Arts Therapy Counseling program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE), 9355 113th St N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775; 727-210-2350; www.caahep.org. This affirms that the curriculum aligns with national educational standards for art therapy licensure.
Graduates are also eligible to sit for the Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination (ATCBE). The program is approved by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) for nationwide provisional registration (ATR-P), full registration (ATR), and future credentials such as the Art Therapy Certified Supervisor (ATCS), regardless of where licensure is obtained.
To further support students and alumni across the country, the program hosts a workshop three times a year focused on navigating the licensure and credentialing processes across different states and at the national level.
Education
Educational Leadership, EdD
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in New York State. It has not been determined if this program meets licensure requirements in other states or territories.]
This New York State-approved educational leadership program prepares candidates for School Building Leader (SBL), School District Leader (SDL), and School District Business Leader (SDBL) certification in New York. While New York certification may support eligibility for similar leadership roles in other states, certification requirements vary across the country.
Candidates seeking certification in another state may need to meet additional requirements, including but not limited to: state-specific leadership assessments, verification of administrative experience, additional coursework, or degrees aligned with local standards.
We strongly recommend that students intending to pursue leadership certification or licensure outside New York consult the program director and the Department of Education or relevant licensure authority in their target state for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Teacher Education, BA, BSEd, MA, MSEd
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in New York State. It has not been determined if this program meets licensure requirements in other states or territories.]
This New York State-approved teacher education program prepares students for initial/Professional teacher certification in New York. Through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, many other states recognize New York certification, facilitating a more streamlined certification process. Since requirements vary by state, students may need to meet additional conditions such as state-specific exams, coursework, or background checks.
States that recognize New York teacher certification through the NASDTEC Interstate can be found here Interstate Agreement - National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification
Please note that while these states participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, each state may have specific requirements for certification. Students planning to teach outside New York should consult the Department of Education in their desired state to understand specific certification requirements.
Engineering, BS, BE
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in all states and territories.]
The curricula of Hofstra University’s six engineering programs—BS Bioengineering, BS Civil Engineering, BS Computer Engineering, BS Electrical Engineering, BS Industrial Engineering, and BS Mechanical Engineering —meet the educational requirements for Professional Engineering (PE) licensure in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. View contact information for all state licensing boards at The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) website.
Health Administration, MHA
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in New York State. It has not been determined if this program meets licensure requirements in other states or territories.]
The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program features a 48-credit curriculum which is designed to develop and strengthen students’ health services knowledge, as well as their leadership and communication skills, so that they can effectively and ethically manage any prospective organization. The residential in-person Master of Health Administration (MHA) program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), PO Box 911, Spring House, PA 19477.
Hofstra University's Master of Health Administration (MHA) program equips students to lead and manage health services across diverse settings, including hospitals, healthcare facilities, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, insurance and pharmaceutical companies, and consulting firms. While selecting a specific track is not mandatory for degree completion, students have the option to pursue one of two thoughtfully designed academic tracks: Operations Management and Administration or Long-Term Care Administration. These tracks offer structured pathways for students seeking specialized knowledge and skills in their chosen areas of interest. Regarding long-term care administration, the MHA program offers courses that align with the New York State educational requirement component for a nursing home administration license. Students must take five classes (Qualification 3 in the link above).
Marriage & Family Therapy, MA
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in New York State. It has not been determined if this program meets licensure requirements in other states or territories.]
The Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Hofstra University is a New York State-licensure qualifying education program. The MFT Program curriculum meets the education and experience requirements for licensure as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
Students will be awarded a master’s degree upon successful completion of all curriculum requirements, including a supervised practicum/internship comprising at least 300 client contact hours. In accordance with New York State Education Law and the Commissioner’s Regulations, these supervised client contact hours may be applied toward the 1,500 total hours of supervised experience required for licensure.
Prospective licensees are advised to consult the relevant licensing boards in their respective states or jurisdictions for specific and additional requirements. Further guidance regarding license portability can be found through the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).
Medicine, MD
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in all states and territories.]
The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). The LCME is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the notable authority for the accreditation of medical education programs leading to the MD degree and by state medical licensing boards.
Mental Health Counseling, MA
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in New York State. It has not been determined if this program meets licensure requirements in other states or territories.]
The Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling degree is designed to provide students with the educational preparation to qualify as a licensed mental health counselor in the state of New York. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a critical knowledge base comprised of 11 content areas identified by the New York State Education Department in compliance with Article 163 of the Education Law, which established mental health counseling as a licensed profession in New York state in 2006. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), has granted accreditation to the Mental Health Counseling (MA) program at Hofstra University.
Along with completion of the coursework outlined on our website, students can become eligible for licensure in New York when they complete 3,000 hours of post-master's supervised experience in the practice of mental health counseling and pass a national examination (NCMHCE). Students may be eligible for licensure in states outside New York; however, requirements vary from state to state. Graduates of our programs who wish to practice in a state other than New York should consult the licensing board of that state to determine whether the coursework and clinical training from this program meet its specific criteria. In many cases, graduates may be eligible to apply for licensure in other states but may need to complete additional steps, such as submitting syllabi for coursework review, taking licensure-specific electives, obtaining additional supervision hours, or testing. Further guidance regarding licensure portability can be found on the National Board for Certified Counselors website.
Students in the Mental Health Counseling program have an additional educational opportunity to pursue a specialized track in the area of alcohol and substance abuse practice. Interested students can complete the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services’ (OASAS) educational requirements for the Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) designation. Those graduates who complete this specialization track are eligible to register for the CASAC designation and thus qualify for the clinical experience component of the certification.
Nursing, BS, MS
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in all states and territories.]
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, Master of Science in Nursing program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Hofstra University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (aacnnursing.org/CCNE).
The Hofstra BS in Nursing Program meets the education requirements for a Registered Nurse License in all states. Please see the National Council State Board of Nursing website for more guidance on Registered Nurse Licensure as well as the licensure requirements and contact information for each state/jurisdiction.
The Hofstra MS program with Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializations qualify the graduate to sit for the national certification exams offered through AANP or ANCC. The Hofstra MS programs meet the educational requirements for eligibility to apply for licensure in all states. View state-specific information about the advanced practice nursing licensing requirements.
The Hofstra Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner-Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist-Doctor of Nursing Practice Program meets national standards for board certification through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Students can only be eligible for the National Certification Exam (NCE) after having completed a Council on Accreditation (COA) accredited nurse anesthesia program. However, students and graduates still need to maintain an unencumbered nursing license of the state they study or work in. https://www.nbcrna.com/students/nce-resources
Occupational Therapy, MS
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in New York State. It has not been determined if this program meets licensure requirements in other states or territories.]
The entry-level occupational therapy master's degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE's telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-6611 and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
To qualify for the NBCOT exam, students must complete all academic and fieldwork requirements. Licensure is required in all states and typically involves NBCOT certification plus state-specific steps, which may include a background check, transcripts and/or state laws exam.
Graduates seeking licensure outside New York should consult that state’s licensing board. The AOTA website offers up-to-date guidance on state licensure.
Physical Therapy, DPT
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in New York State. It has not been determined if this program meets licensure requirements in other states or territories.]
Effective October 31, 2023, the Hofstra University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706- 3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Candidacy is considered to be an accredited status as such the credits and degree earned from a program with Candidacy status are considered, by CAPTE, to be from an accredited program. Therefore, students in the charter (first) class should be eligible to take the licensure exam even if CAPTE withholds accreditation at the end of the candidacy period.
The DPT program prepares students not only to pass the National Physical Therapy License Exam successfully but also to work as members of the interprofessional healthcare team with clinical competence based on the current evidence-based practice. Students have the opportunity to apply for licensure in all states and can obtain information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements on the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website.
Physician Assistant Studies, MS
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in all states and territories.]
Hofstra University's Physician Assistant Studies program prepares graduates to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Successful completion of the PANCE is a requirement for national certification, which is recognized by all 50 states as a prerequisite for initial licensure. Our program is accredited and provides the rigorous medical and clinical training necessary to meet the licensure requirements across all states. For a complete summary of initial licensure requirements by state, visit the AAPA website. For more information on national certification, refer to the NCCPA website.
Rehabilitation Counseling, MS, MSEd
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in New York State. It has not been determined if this program meets licensure requirements in other states or territories.]
The Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling is designed to prepare students as professional counselors with specialized knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to assist persons with disabilities toward achieving their personal, social, psychological, and vocational independence including appropriate employment and independent living. The in-person curriculum prepares students to qualify for the nationally certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) credential. Prospective students with baccalaureate degrees can complete the comprehensive curriculum in two to three academic years.
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), has granted accreditation to the Rehabilitation Counseling in Mental Health (MS) program at Hofstra University.
Rehabilitation Counseling in Mental Health, MS
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in New York State. It has not been determined if this program meets licensure requirements in other states or territories.]
The Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling in Mental Health is designed for students who wish to qualify for the New York state license examination for mental health practitioners in addition to the nationally certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) credential. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), has granted accreditation to the Rehabilitation Counseling in Mental Health (MS) program at Hofstra University.
Along with completion of the coursework outlined on our website, students can become eligible for licensure in New York when they complete 3,000 hours of post-master's supervised experience in the practice of mental health counseling and pass a national examination (NCMHCE). Students may be eligible for licensure in states outside New York; however, requirements vary from state to state. Graduates of our programs who wish to practice in a state other than New York should consult the licensing board of that state to determine whether the coursework and clinical training from this program meet its specific criteria. In many cases, graduates may be eligible to apply for licensure in other states but may need to complete additional steps, such as submitting syllabi for coursework review, taking licensure-specific electives, obtaining additional supervision hours, or testing. Further guidance regarding licensure portability can be found on the National Board for Certified Counselors website.
Speech-Language Pathology, MA
[Note: This program meets licensure requirements in New York State. It has not been determined if this program meets licensure requirements in other states or territories.]
The Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology program is intended for students who plan to be speech-language pathologists in clinical and hospital environments, private practice, early intervention programs, and primary and secondary educational settings. The speech-language pathology program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Our MA program is also approved by the New York State Education Department for licensure eligibility of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP). Speech-Language Pathology students may also complete coursework for eligibility toward certification and licensure as Teachers of Students With Speech and Language Disabilities. Qualified students may elect to complete the Bilingual Extension in SLP. (See below for additional information.)
Graduates of the MA Program are also eligible for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Further information regarding certification and state licensure may be found on the American Speech Language Hearing Association website.