Private Postsecondary

​​​Office of Degree Authorization (ODA)

As part of the HECC Office of Private Postsecondary Education, the mission of the Office of Degree Authorization (ODA) is to assist Oregon students and their families in attaining a postsecondary education and to enhance the value, integrity, and diversity of Oregon's college programs.

The Office of Degree Authorization is required by statute to provide for the protection of the citizens of Oregon and their postsecondary schools by ensuring the quality of higher education and preserving the integrity of an academic degree as a public credential. ODA administers laws, standards, and services that protect students, holders of legitimately earned degrees, institutions, businesses, employers, patients or clients, and licensing boards.

All degree-granting private post-secondary institutions offering academic programs in Oregon, or to Oregon students from outside the state, must be approved by the Office of Degree Authorization.

In this Section:

• Find forms and procedures for in-state institution authorization
• Find forms and procedures for out-of-state institution authorization
• Application form for State Authorization of High School Based College Credit
  
• Explore current ODA-authorized and exempt Oregon institutions
• Explore current ODA-authorized out-of-state institutions ​

Also see Student Resources​ for:

• Filing a complaint on an ODA-authorized institution
  
• Requesting a transcript from a closed school​
  
• Information for tuition-protection through surety bonds

ODA Functions and Services

Degree Authorization-For Colleges and Universities

• Approval of private college and university degrees offered to Oregon students
• Approval of courses, practicum and clinical placement programs and other partial degree programs or activities for college credit offered in Oregon
• Technical support and guidance for development of new programs, faculty qualifications, compliance questions, interpretation of regulations, et cetera.

Degree Validation- For Individual Citizens, Licensing Boards, other State Agencies and Employers

• ​Information about accreditation and degree programs approved for Oregon students
• Evaluation of college transcripts and unaccredited degrees
• Information about diploma and degree mills
• Evaluation and validation of international degrees for Oregon residents or employers
• Support and guidance for students with complaints about a campus-based or online programs offered in Oregon
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For more information on authorities, see Oregon Revised Statutes and Administrative Rules pertaining to the HECC and the Office of Degree Authorization.

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​For More Information

• Plan and Pay for College​
• Consumer alerts and updates

Contact Us

​​Staff directory for Office of Academic Policy and Authorization  ​