Pursuant to 34 C.F.R. § 600.9, Drake University is required to disclose consumer information regarding our curricular programs that “foreseeably lead” to careers requiring state licensure. This regulation requires us to determine whether or not our licensure-related programs satisfy the educational requirements for professional licensure in the states where our prospective students are located.
Because licensing requirements differ dramatically by occupational category as well as by state, we encourage prospective students to check their state legislative codes to verify the information presented here. We will strive to update this information on an annual basis by July 1 of each year.
Accounting | Applied Behavioral Analysis | Athletic Training | Clinical Psychopharmacology | Counseling | Doctor of Pharmacy | Occupational Therapy | Teacher Education
The School of Accounting at Drake University prepares students for careers as accounting professionals and business leaders, as well as further graduate study. Additionally, the School of Accounting assists students in preparing for CPA and other professional certification examinations. This preparation includes exam topic coverage in the classroom, expert accounting faculty advising, and access to a CPA exam review course. Drake accounting students and graduates qualify for discounted tuition for the exam review through Becker CPA Review. While an accounting degree alone will open up numerous opportunities, professional certification is the next step. You can pursue a wide range of accounting-related certifications; however, the most prestigious and recognizable is Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Unlike other certifications, the CPA designation is a license granted by a state board of accountancy. Every state, as well as the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, has a board that licenses and regulates Certified Public Accountants. CPAs are thus similar to attorneys, physicians, and teachers. For an overview of the process of becoming a CPA, visit This Way to CPA.
Becoming a licensed CPA requires the completion of three steps: education, examination, and experience, often called the 3 E’s. A CPA applicant must possess a bachelor’s degree with specified coursework in accounting and business. Most states also require 150 credit hours of total coursework before certification. Additionally, an applicant must successfully complete the Uniform CPA Examination. Visit the world's largest member association of the accounting profession, the American Institute for CPAs for information on the CPA examination. The final requirement is obtaining one to two years of relevant work experience. Completion of the education, examination, and experience requirements will allow you to apply for licensure as a CPA. Retaining the designation requires completing a minimum of hours of continuing education and adherence to the profession’s standards of ethical conduct.
Please be aware that licensing requirements differ among the states. It is important to verify the requirements of the state you anticipate seeking licensure in. Many states mandate specific courses. Individual state CPA requirements may be found on the website of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). Additional certification opportunities exist in accounting. These certifications are sponsored by private organizations and are generally more specialized. Similar to becoming a CPA, these other certifications possess education, examination, and experience requirements. The education requirement usually entails the possession of an undergraduate degree, without any specific coursework.
Determination: The Master of Accounting curriculum at Drake University meets the educational requirements to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination. It has not been determined if Drake's program meets the respective educational requirements for licensing in each state.
For Contact Information Related to Each State: the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) CPA Exam or Link
Anyone interested in a career in applied behavior analysis should be aware of the two primary credentials that are often needed to do so. The first is Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and the second is Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA; sometimes called a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst or LABA).
The BCBA credential is a nationally recognized professional credential focused on discipline-specific professional standards. The LBA credential is a state-established credential that is related to specific state regulations on the practice of applied behavior analysis. The requirements for each state’s LBA credential vary. Some states require the BCBA credential to obtain the LBA credential, while others list the BCBA credential as one possible option for getting the LBA. For example, the state of Iowa issues licenses to practice behavior analysis if one holds the BCBA credential. Students interested in other state licenses should review the desired state’s criteria.
Relevant Exam Pass Rates/Program Outcomes: Follow this link for Behavior Analyst Certification Board VCS Pass Rates.
Determination: The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis curriculum at Drake University meets the educational requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination. It has not been determined if Drake's program meets the respective educational requirements for licensing in each state.
For Contact Information Related to Each State: Link
Drake University Contact: Pamela Moore | 515-271-2673 | pamela.moore@drake.edu
The Drake University Master of Athletic Training program is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), located at 2001 K Street NW, 3rd Floor North Washington, DC 20006; (512) 733-9700. A required comprehensive accreditation review will be conducted during the 2025-2026 academic year.
To become an Athletic Trainer, candidates must graduate with a degree in Athletic Training from an accredited Athletic Training program and successfully pass the Board of Certification (BOC) exam. To practice as an Athletic Trainer in most states, the individual must also be credentialed within that state. Passing the BOC exam is only a precursor to athletic training practice, and earning BOC certification does not guarantee the ability to obtain a license. It is recommended to visit the state regulation page to view laws and contact information for each state and/or contact the BOC for assistance.
Relevant Exam Pass Rates/Program Outcomes: Program Information and Outcomes
Determination: Drake’s Master of Athletic Training program meets the educational requirements to sit for the BOC exam. It has not been determined if Drake's program meets the respective educational requirements for licensing in each state.
For Contact Information Related to Each State: Link
More information: Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer | NATA Athletic Training State Regulatory Boards
Drake University Contact: College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | (515) 271-3018 | drakeat@drake.edu
The online Master’s in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) degree from Drake University gives licensed post-doctoral psychologists the specialized training required to prescribe medication in Iowa and other states.* This advanced credential can enhance your practice offerings, help you increase access to essential mental health care, and open doors to new professional opportunities.
After completing your MSCP degree, you will meet the requirements to sit for the Psychopharmacology Exam for Psychologists (PEP). With a passing score on the exam and completion of a fellowship where you will gain hands-on experience and supervision from a licensed physician, you will be ready to apply for prescriptive certification.
Drake is seeking American Psychological Association (APA) Prescriptive Authority Program Designation for the MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology with the aim of receiving designation prior to the first graduating class.*
For psychologists planning to pursue a certificate of prescriptive authority in a US state, province, or territory that allows for this through their respective scope of practice law, the psychologist must additionally complete a fellowship that is sponsored by Drake University. To apply for the fellowship, the psychologist must:
For psychologists or other healthcare professionals interested in pursuing additional education in psychopharmacology outside of the MSCP program, Drake’s CPHS offers a 12-hour Psychopharmacology Certificate Program.
*Check your state requirements. The MSCP program at Drake University is not currently designated by the American Psychological Association (APA). Although Drake is actively involved with the application process to obtain designation status, no promises can be made as to if or when APA designation will be granted.
Determination: Drake’s Master in Clinical Psychopharmacology program meets the educational requirements to sit for the Psychopharmacology Exam for Psychologists (PEP). It has not been determined if Drake's program meets the respective educational requirements for licensing in each state.
For Contact Information Related to Each State: Link or https://www.asppb.net/page/BdContactNewPG
Drake University Contact: Ryan Ernst | ryan.ernst@drake.edu
All Master of Science in Counseling specializations meet the licensing and certification requirements for Iowa:
While many graduates remain in Iowa after graduation, graduates do seek employment in other states and countries. If you wish to practice mental health or school counseling outside of Iowa upon graduation, contact the American Counseling Association or the American School Counseling Association, respectively, to learn about academic requirements in a specific state of interest.
What is the process for becoming licensed or certified in my concentration?
The process varies depending on the specialization.
Relevant Exam Pass Rates/Program Outcomes: Student Outcome Data
Determination: All Master of Science in Counseling specializations meet the licensing and certification requirements for Iowa. It has not been determined if Drake's program meets the respective educational requirements for licensing in each state.
For Contact Information Related to Each State: Link
Drake University Contact: Coordinator of Graduate Admission | 515-271-2552 | soegradadmission@drake.edu
For the Doctor of Pharmacy, the Iowa Board of Pharmacy is responsible for licensing qualified applicants for the practice of pharmacy (Iowa Code chapters 147 and 155A).
State of Iowa Board of Pharmacy Examiners
400 SW Eighth Street, Suite E
Des Moines, IA 50309-4688
(515) 281-5944
Fax (515) 281-4609
The Drake program exceeds the 1500 hrs of internship requirements and also meets the program accreditation requirement. Students must graduate from an accredited pharmacy program to sit for the national board exam (NAPLEX).
A Drake graduate does not necessarily need to practice pharmacy in Iowa after taking the state licensing examination. Iowa pharmacy licenses can be transferred to most states through reciprocity, although some states may require you to take all or part of their state licensing examination, in particular the parts that pertain to specific laws within the state.
Check with your state's Board of Pharmacy to find out how your Iowa pharmacy license can transfer.
Relevant Exam Pass Rates/Program Outcomes: https://www.drake.edu/pharmacy/
Determination: Drake’s Doctor of Pharmacy program meets the educational requirements to sit for the national board exam (NAPLEX). It has not been determined if Drake's program meets the respective educational requirements for licensing in each state.
For Contact Information Related to Each State: Link
Drake University Contact: dupharm@drake.edu
The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. Students must complete Level II fieldwork and experiential requirements within 24 months following completion of the didactic portion of the program.
Relevant Exam Pass Rates/Program Outcomes: Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online.
Determination: Drake’s Occupational Therapy program meets the educational requirements to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NCBOT). It has not been determined if Drake's program meets the respective educational requirements for licensing in each state.
For Contact Information Related to Each State: Link
Drake University Contact: College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | (515) 271-3018 | drakeot@drake.edu
Drake’s 100% online Master of Science in Education in Effective Teaching is designed to prepare busy, working educators with leadership abilities both inside and outside of the classroom. The online Master of Science in Education in Effective Teaching consists of 32 credit hours and provides educators with valuable instructional strategies needed to engage learners and become leaders in education. MSE graduates are prepared to rise to the level of teacher leader or master teacher, as well as take on roles as instructional coaches, content area specialists, or curriculum developers.
Determination: This program does not provide nor lead to a teaching license or certification.
Drake University Contact: School of Education | (515) 271-3726 | soegradadmission@drake.edu
Iowa Board of Educational Examiners provides information regarding approved endorsements and links to the listing of colleges offering that program. Iowa Board of Educational Examiners provides information regarding approved endorsements and links to the listing of colleges offering that program.
https://boee.iowa.gov/endorsements/endorsements-list
Education endorsement-only programs offer teachers the opportunity to pursue additional State of Iowa teaching endorsements specializing in areas such as ESL, STEM, special education, and reading. Endorsements are offered in both K-8 (elementary) and 5-12 (secondary) teaching levels.
All certification and endorsement programs in the School of Education are approved and accredited by the Iowa Department of Public Instruction, pursuant to Chapter 79, Code of Iowa.
To teach in the state of Iowa, individuals must hold a current teaching license. The license is granted by the state, upon the recommendation of the state-approved institution where the candidate completed an undergraduate or graduate Educator Preparation Program.
The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BoEE) issues teaching licenses that are valid for specific ages or grades (such as K-6 for elementary teachers and 5-12 for secondary teachers). Endorsements on a teaching license indicate which subject areas a teacher is qualified to teach. Completion of student teaching and required coursework does not guarantee a recommendation for a teaching license.
Determination: It has not been determined if Drake's program meets the respective educational requirements for licensing in each state.
For Contact Information Related to Each State: Link
Drake University Contact: School of Education | (515) 271-3726 | soegradadmission@drake.edu
Licensing Disclosure Determination Lists - Outside of Iowa
