The Office of Educator Services (OES) is available to assist educators as they explore online options for coursework and programs approved for certification purposes. Due to the increasing number of online and distance learning programs, our office is unable to maintain a list of approved online courses and programs on our website. It is highly recommended that educators seeking to enroll in an online institution of higher education (IHE) submit a request for pre-approval.
Approved Program Requirements
In order for an online program to be approved for initial certification, it must be offered through an IHE meeting the following criteria:
- The IHE must be Regionally Accredited; and
- The IHE must be approved either by that state’s licensing authority or by
NCATE/CAEP; and
- The program must be approved for certification by the educator licensing agency in the state in which the IHE is located; and
- The program must include student teaching or an internship.
Seeking Program Pre-Approval
Prior to beginning a program, educators must request approval using My SC Educator Portal. Once a program approval request is submitted through the portal, educators must upload a PDF copy of program description information to the portal. This is generally available through the provider's website or academic bulletin; please contact the provider if you encounter difficulties locating their program description information.
Approval for online programs cannot be given via phone or email.
Approved Coursework Requirements
In order for online coursework to be approved for certification purposes (add-on, BA+18, MA+30, or renewal), the coursework must meet the following criteria:
- The IHE providing the coursework must be Regionally Accredited; and
- The coursework itself must meet the specific criteria outlined for its intended certification purposes.
Seeking Coursework Pre-Approval
Prior to beginning online coursework, educators must request approval using My SC Educator Portal. Once a coursework approval request is submitted through the portal, educators must upload a PDF copy of course description information to the portal. This is generally available through the provider's website, course catalog, or academic bulletin; please contact the provider if you encounter difficulties locating their course description information.
Approval for online coursework cannot be given via phone or email.
