State Authorization for Online Programs

State authorization is a regulation of the U.S. Department of Education that requires institutions offering distance education courses to be authorized by each state in which the institution enrolls students (if such authorization is required by the state). Each state has different requirements when it comes to allowing out-of-state universities to offer online programs to its residents.

University of California, Irvine, is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Please visit the Office of Institutional Research, Assessment, and Planning page for more information on Accreditation.

This page is specific to non-degree courses and programs offered by the UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education (DCE). For information about UC Irvine’s online degree programs please visit the UC Irvine Graduate Division page on UC Irvine State Authorization for Online Programs.

Unauthorized States

Select states restrict enrollment in UC Irvine Certificate Programs. A list of these states is below. This list is subject to change. All other states are authorized.

DCE Learners residing outside of California are encouraged to consult this list prior to enrolling or if they change their state of residence while completing a program.

• Arkansas
• District of Columbia
• Georgia
  • The following DCE Certificate Programs are authorized in the state of Georgia:
    • Business Administration
    • Independent Educational Consultant
    • Regulatory Affairs & Compliance for Pharmaceuticals
  • All other programs are not authorized and may not accept students.
• Kentucky
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Puerto Rico
• Rhode Island
• Virginia

Disclaimer: The above list applies only to DCE certificate programs and courses, NOT UC Irvine online degree programs or corporate training. Please visit the UC Irvine Graduate Division page on UC Irvine State Authorization for Online Programs for more information.

Student Complaint Contact Information by State

Students who have complaints that have not been resolved through contact with the University may seek advisement from the appropriate office in the student’s state of residence, listed below.

This list includes contact information for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories and should not be construed as informative of what agencies regulate the institution or in what states the institution is authorized to operate. States will accept complaints regardless of whether an institution is authorized to operate in that state. The University does not maintain state and territory websites, and information may change without the University’s knowledge.

Refund Policy for Maryland Students

Per §11–202.2.(d)(1) and (2) of the Annotated Code of Maryland and COMAR13B.05.01.10, DCE shall provide a tuition refund to Maryland students withdrawing from our online certificate programs on the following schedule: