The Franciscan School of Theology (FST) at the University of San Diego is committed to complying with federal and state regulations governing distance education.

Federal regulations (34 CFR § 600.9(c)) require institutions offering online or distance education to obtain authorization from states where certain educational activities occur. Depending on the state, these activities may include online instruction, student recruitment, experiential learning, clinical or field placements, internships, advising, mentoring, and other academic services.

State Authorization

The EdD in Catholic Social Thought in Practice is a joint degree offered by USD’s Department of Leadership Studies in SOLES and the Franciscan School of Theology. The program is currently accepting students from the following authorized states:

---

FST is currently authorized to enroll students in the Master of Theological Studies in Franciscan Theology (MTS) and Online Certificate in Franciscan Theology from the following U.S. states:

FST continues to make a good-faith effort to obtain authorization in states where enrollment is currently restricted.

State authorization is determined by the state in which a student resides while participating in online coursework or required experiential learning.

Notice to Students Who Relocate

If you relocate to another state while enrolled in an online program, your eligibility to continue in your program may be affected if FST is not authorized to operate in your new state of residence.

Students who anticipate relocating while enrolled should contact their program coordinator as soon as possible. Prospective students should also consider this requirement if there is a possibility they may move before completing their degree.

Student Complaints

We encourage students to first work directly with FST to resolve any concerns. Students also have the right to file a complaint with the appropriate state agency responsible for overseeing postsecondary institutions in their state of residence. Contact information for each state’s agency is available on our Filing a Complaint in Your State page.

California Complaint Process

Students may also contact the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education regarding complaints:

Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
P.O. Box 980818
West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818

Phone: (916) 574-8900 or (888) 370-7589
Fax: (916) 263-1897

Accreditation & State Authorization

The Franciscan School of Theology at the University of San Diego is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and continues to evaluate and comply with applicable state authorization requirements.

Please note that California is not a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).