ACCREDITATION AND LICENSURE

Accreditation of the Institution

 

Accreditation:

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Baptist University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. Baptist University of Florida also offers credentials such as certificates at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Baptist University of Florida may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website.

 

Accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music:

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Baptist University of Florida is also an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

National Association of Schools of Music
111250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21
Reston, VA 20190
(703) 437-0700

General Disclosures about Programs Leading to Professional Licensure

As part of our commitment to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), Baptist University of Florida wants all students to be aware of programs in our curriculum that lead to professional licensure. BUF currently has two such programs – the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and the Bachelor of Music Education. These two programs have been approved by the State of Florida Department of Education for the following dates (BAEE 2014-2024, BME 2018-2024).

Florida Certification Information

Students completing these two programs are eligible to apply for a Professional Florida Teaching Certificate from the State of Florida Department of Education.

Other Education-Related Programs Not Leading to Professional Licensure

For other education-related degree programs at BUF (Education Studies and History/Social Studies Secondary Education), completion of one of these degrees does not lead to professional licensure. Students completing one of these programs may become eligible for professional licensure through an alternate certification route.

Florida Contact Information

Students interested in obtaining a Florida teaching certificate should contact the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Educator Certification, Room 201, Turlington Building, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, (800-445-6739), http://www.fdoe.org/teaching/certification/index.stml.

Out of State Students Seeking Professional Licensure

Fully-online students residing outside the State of Florida may enroll in either the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education or Bachelor of Music Education degrees. However, all new students in these two programs are required to pass all sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Exams and must complete an internship in a Florida public classroom. As such, completion of either of these two degrees leads only to professional licensure in the State of Florida. Once the Florida Professional Certificate has been obtained, students may seek a reciprocal teaching certificate in their state of residence. Based on the most recent information we have (January 2023), we can provide the following information about reciprocal teaching certificates from other states:

1. The following states grant reciprocal certification (assuming submission of a valid professional license, a completed application, transcripts, fees, verification of identification, background checks, and other required documentation): Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Mississippi, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming.

2. The following states grant reciprocal certification with additional requirements (such as additional testing or other steps toward full certification): Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

3. The following states do not grant reciprocal certification but provide the option of applying for a teaching certificate based on the submission of a valid professional license, verification of identification, transcripts, background checks, and other requirements: Kentucky, Montana, New York, Utah, and the US Virgin Islands.

4. At this time, we cannot determine whether the following states and/or territories provide reciprocity certification: California (not a member of NC-SARA), and Puerto Rico.

If you have further questions about BUF programs leading to professional licensure, please contact:

Melodee Davis
Director of Compliance/Accreditation Liaison
Baptist University of Florida
5400 College Drive
Graceville, FL 32440
850-263-3260 Ext. 416

Accreditation and Licensure-Related Complaint Information for Current Students

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Appeal to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Baptist University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. The Commission is to be contacted if there is evidence that appears to support an institution’s significant non-compliance with the SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation. Procedures have been established to provide a mechanism for the Commission to consider complaints that address significant violations of the Commission’s standards. Questions about these procedures may be directed in writing to SACSCOC.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, GA 30032