Postsecondary Schools

Who We Are

A proprietary school is an educational institution that offers training in a particular trade or vocation that is required to be licensed and their programs approved by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Workforce Development (LEO-WD).

Students attending the school receive a certificate of completion instead of earning degrees. Proprietary schools are required to be licensed and their programs approved by LEO-WD.

Program Overview

Announcements

Postsecondary License Search Tool

Effective March 3, 2023, a new search feature has been added. The Postsecondary License Search tool allows the public to search the entire list of postsecondary schools requiring licensure by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) - Employment & Training (E&T).

Forms

All forms related to new Educational Corporation (Private College or University) applications have been automated within MIPSS. We are no longer accepting mailed in applications. The MIPSS New Educational Corporation Approval User Guide has been updated to reflect these new automated processes.

All forms related to In-State Application and Approval for Institutional Participation in SARA and Out-of-State Institution Distance Education Authorizations have been automated within MiPSS. We are no longer accepting mailed in applications. The MiPSS Distance Education User Guide has been updated to reflect these new automated processes.

All forms related to Proprietary Schools have been automated within MiPSS. This includes changing a school’s name, location, accreditation status or contact information, as well as adding/deleting programs. The MiPSS User Guide has been updated to reflect these new automated processes.

Transcript Requests/Education Verifications

Effective Monday, October 4, 2021, Proprietary Postsecondary Schools (PSS) has partnered with DiplomaSender to fulfill transcript requests/education verifications for closed, private schools. Please visit DiplomaSender.com to submit your request and make your payment on-line. This self-service website is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. You may also reach a DiplomaSender specialist Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time at 855-313-5799.

School Types

Distance Education Schools - Degree Granting

The Higher Education Authorization and Distance Education Reciprocal Exchange Act (2015 PA 45)authorizes the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to enter into reciprocal distance learning compacts; ensure that distance learning providers meet standards of practice; set annual fees; protect student records; and establish a student complaint system.

In-state schools that choose to participate as part of a national reciprocity agreement are authorized to provide distance education in other member states. Out-of-state schools located in states that are not a member of a national reciprocity agreement may seek authorization under this act to provide distance education to Michigan residents.

To be eligible to apply and participate, a school must be degree granting and accredited.

Please click on the following MIPSS Distance Education Authorization New/Renew License User Guide link for instructions on how to apply for a new license and or renew your existing license.

Proprietary Schools - Trade & Career

Schools that provide training in a specific trade, occupation or vocation are required to be licensed by the PSS, in accordance with Proprietary Schools Act, Public Act 148 of 1943. Students attending these schools do not receive a degree but may earn a certificate of completion.

Administrative Rules

If you already have an account and need to login to the new system, please visit: https://jobs.mitalent.org/signin

If you need to create an account, please visit: https://jobs.mitalent.org/MITC/Admin/License/Apply

Please click on the following MIPSS Proprietary Schools New/Renew License User Guide link for instructions on how to apply for a new license and or renew your existing license.

Distance Education Schools - Non-Degree Granting

Non-degree granting proprietary or trade schools, with no physical presence in Michigan, providing distance education to Michigan residents need to be licensed under the Proprietary Schools Act, Public Act 148 of 1943.

Please click on the following MIPSS Distance Education Authorization New/Renew License User Guide link for instructions on how to apply for a new license and or renew your existing license.

Educational Corporations - Private College or University

PSS has statutory powers, duties, functions and responsibilities regarding the establishment and approval of non-public institutions incorporating private colleges and universities in accordance with Public Act 327 of 1931, Educational Corporations-Private College or University, Michigan General Corporation Act, MCL 450.170 to 450.177.

If you need to create an account, please visit: https://jobs.mitalent.org/MITC/Admin/License/Apply

Please click on the following MIPSS New Educational Corporation Approval User Guide link for instructions on how to apply for a new approval to operate a private college or university in or from Michigan.

New Post Secondary School Type Decision Tree

Transcript Request Closed Michigan Private Postsecondary School (LEO-E&T/PSS-100)

This form has been deleted. To obtain a transcript request/education verification, visit DiplomaSender.com.

Note related to transcript requests/education verifications: PSS does not regulate the cosmetology profession. Inquiries regarding verification requests for school hours completed at a licensed cosmetology school, should be directed to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL) by visiting their website at www.michigan.gov/bpl. (info for Proprietary School, linked to transcript request above)

Consumer Information

Postsecondary License Search