How to Validate Professional Degrees and Studies in the U.S. if You Are a Latino in Texas
Friday 03 Oct 2025
Every year, more Latinos arrive in Texas with the dream of continuing their studies or practicing their professions in the United States. However, for a university degree earned abroad to be recognized in the U.S., it must go through a validation process.
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What Does “Validating a Degree” Mean in the U.S.?
Validation is the process through which a foreign university or technical degree is evaluated to determine its equivalency within the U.S. educational system.
In Texas, this step is especially important for:
- Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists who want to work in hospitals or clinics.
- Engineers and architects who want to obtain state certification.
- Lawyers seeking to validate credentials (with additional requirements).
- Professionals who want to pursue postgraduate studies at universities like UT Austin, Texas A&M, or University of Houston.
Basic Steps to Validate Your Degree in Texas
The process may feel overwhelming, but it usually follows clear phases:
- Collect documents from your home country: diplomas, transcripts, study programs.
- Certified English translation: documents must be translated by an official translator.
- Evaluation by accredited agencies: organizations such as WES or ECE analyze equivalency.
- Submission to universities or employers: each institution decides whether to accept the results.
- Additional requirements: some professions require state exams, licenses, or supervised practice.
Main Agencies for Degree Validation in the U.S.
Before applying to a university or employer in Texas, it helps to know which agencies are most recognized:
| Agency / Organization | Main Role | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| WES (World Education Services) | Compares foreign degrees with U.S. equivalents | Universities & employers in Texas |
| ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) | Evaluates undergraduate and graduate degrees | Migrants pursuing further studies |
| NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) | Network of recognized evaluation agencies | Technical & healthcare professions |
| SPANTRAN | Texas-based, works with Latino migrants | Fast processing & Spanish support |
Common Challenges for Latinos in Texas
- Difficulty obtaining official documents from the home country.
- High costs for translations and evaluations.
- Long waiting times with agencies or universities.
- Extra exams that require significant preparation (e.g., USMLE for doctors).
Tips for Success
- Keep both physical and digital copies of all academic documents.
- Use sworn or certified translators in the U.S.
- Verify that the evaluation agency is accredited by NACES.
- Seek legal guidance if you plan to work in regulated fields like medicine, law, or accounting.
Conclusion
Validating foreign degrees in the U.S.—especially in Texas—requires patience, organization, and expert guidance. With the right documents and support, you can advance your professional career in this country.
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