(A) Any institution described in division (A) of section 1713.01 of the Revised Code may become incorporated under sections 1702.01 to 1702.58 of the Revised Code.

(B) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, no nonprofit institution or corporation of the type described in division (A) of section 1713.01 of the Revised Code that is established after October 13, 1967, may confer degrees, diplomas, or other written evidences of proficiency or achievement, until it has received a certificate of authorization issued by the chancellor of higher education, nor shall any such institution or corporation identify itself as a "college" or "university" unless it has received a certificate of authorization from the chancellor.

(C) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, no institution of the type described in division (A)(3) or (B) of section 1713.01 of the Revised Code that intends to offer or offers a course or courses within this state, but that did not offer a course or courses within this state on or before October 13, 1967, may confer degrees, diplomas, or other written evidences of proficiency or achievement or offer any course or courses within this state until it has received a certificate of authorization from the chancellor, nor shall the institution identify itself as a "college" or "university" unless it has received such a certificate from the chancellor.

(D) Each certificate of authorization shall specify the diplomas or degrees authorized to be given, courses authorized to be offered, and the sites at which courses are to be conducted. A copy of such certificate shall be filed with the secretary of state if the institution is incorporated. Any institution or corporation established or that offered a course or courses of instruction in this state prior to October 13, 1967, may apply to the chancellor for a certificate of authorization, and the chancellor shall issue a certificate if it finds that such institution or corporation meets the requirements established pursuant to sections 1713.01, 1713.02, 1713.03, 1713.04, 1713.06, 1713.09, and 1713.25 of the Revised Code.

(E) An institution that clearly identifies itself in its name with the phrase "bible college" or "bible institute" and has not received a certificate of authorization may confer diplomas and other written evidences of proficiency or achievement other than associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees or any other type of degree and may identify itself as a "bible college" if such institution:

(1) Prominently discloses on any transcripts, diplomas, or other written evidences of proficiency or achievement, and includes with any promotional material or other literature intended for the public, the statement: "this institution is not certified by the department of higher education or the state of Ohio."

(2) Limits its course of instruction to religion, theology, or preparation for a religious vocation, or is operated by a church or religious organization and limits its instruction to preparation for service to churches or other religious organizations.

(3) Confers only diplomas and other written evidences of proficiency or achievement that bear titles clearly signifying the religious nature of the instruction offered by the institution.

(F) Except as otherwise provided in section 3333.046 of the Revised Code, no school of the type described in division (E) of section 3332.01 of the Revised Code that intends to offer or offers a degree program within this state or solicits students within this state may confer a baccalaureate, master's, or doctoral degree or solicit students for such degree programs until it has received both a certificate of authorization from the chancellor of higher education under this chapter and program authorization from the state board of career colleges and schools for such degree program under section 3332.05 of the Revised Code.

Amended by 131st General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 64, §101.01, eff. 9/29/2015.

Effective Date: 04-03-2003 .