Proprietary School Certification
Certain types of postsecondary education providers must be approved to operate by the MDHE. The MDHE's Proprietary School Certification Program is responsible for the oversight activities involved in this approval process. This page contains information and links of interest to individuals and institutions that want to offer postsecondary education in the state, for schools currently approved to operate, and for students and prospective students.
The central focus of the Proprietary School Certification Program is consumer protection. This is accomplished through the establishment of standards for school operation and monitoring of those operations to ensure students are treated in a fair and equitable manner and receive education and training consistent with the published objectives of the instructional programs and the school.
Getting Started As a School In Missouri
Any school or training facility that is not specifically exempted from the law must be certified to operate to offer instruction, grant certificates or degrees, or recruit students in the state of Missouri. In order to comply with this requirement, schools must apply for exemption from or certification to operate under the proprietary school regulations. It is important to note that proprietary as contained in the program title is somewhat of a misnomer as profit-making status is not a primary factor in determining if a school is subject to the certification requirements.
Certification Process Overview
Explanation of certification to operate and a brief overview of the process to become certified to operate.
Operating Standards
This link will take you to an overview of the standards established by the MDHE for certification to operate. While primarily applicable to applicant and currently operating schools, this information may also be of interest to students and parents.
Initial Certification
This link is for individuals or schools wanting to become certified to operate. It will take you to more detailed information about becoming certified to operate in Missouri, including how to request an application and access to other related resources.
Exemption
Certain types of schools are not subject to the certification program requirements. Exemption, as this status is called, must be granted by the MDHE based on the submission of an application. This link takes you to a more detailed explanation of the exemption process and eligibility criteria.
Monitor School Operations
Proprietary School Certification Program staff conduct regular on-site evaluations of schools. These evaluations include interviews with faculty and staff, observation of classes and school operations, surveys of students and graduates, and reviews of institutional and student records.
Substantive Changes Reporting
This section provides access to information about how to report and the necessary forms for reporting a variety of changes at the school.
Student Record Verification
Effective February 28, 2013, the department will begin collecting fees for providing copies of transcripts or other student records. The Proprietary School Certification Program strives to maintain information on closed schools in the state of Missouri. In some instances, the department maintains the actual records although we make no claims for having records in their entirety. Click here for information on how to obtain a copy of your transcript or other student records.
New Fees!
Effective February 28, 2013, the Proprietary School Certification Program will begin collecting fees for administrative requests. Click here for the new fee schedule.
Annual Recertification
Certification to operate must be renewed each year. Beginning January 4, 2013, materials related to the 2013-2014 recertification cycle for all existing schools are available. Click on the links below to access the information and documents you will need.
Summary and explanation of the recertification process including deadlines, instructions, and links to application materials and sources of additional information.
Application/Data Forms Download Page
Links to the two primary application packages - one for schools offering instruction in Missouri and one for schools recruiting students to a non-Missouri campus.
Helpful information about using the electronic applications and related data forms.
Information and assistance request form focused solely on recertification.
Public Information Resources
To assist prospective students and their parents in making informed choices about educational institutions, the Proprietary School Certification Program provides a variety of public information resources about the schools that are certified to operate.
Missouri Business Portal
The state's business portal provides information about other requirements for starting a business in missouri such as registration, filings, licenses, and permits required by other agencies.
MOSourceLink
This is a small business resource for the state of Missouri. MOSourceLink provides a monthly newsletter highlighting tips and trends to help small businesses.
Statistical Summary: Proprietary Sector of Missouri Postsecondary Education
Data tables reporting student and institutional information about the characteristics, scope, and economic impact of this sector.
About Proprietary Schools
Consumer information about this sector of education, including a closed school FAQ and information on how to choose a school.
Accreditation
Explanation of what accreditation is and information about a number of recognized accrediting commissions.
Diploma Mills
Information about substandard educational entities and tips about how to avoid being deceived by such organizations and links to listings of accredited institutions in the United States and recognized institutions in Canada.
Colleges & Degrees
Information about a Missouri postsecondary education institution or programs offered in Missouri.