WHAT’S YOUR
DEGREE WORTH?
Maybe not as much if you have been convicted of an alcohol or drug-related crime in Missouri

You have worked hard in college. You have invested a lot of time and money into your degree. You are ready for your first professional job.
NOT SO FAST.

Do you have a misdemeanor or felony conviction for drugs or alcohol? Your degree might not be worth as much as you thought.

Did you know many employers and licensing boards perform a background check before making a final job offer? This means that if you have an alcohol or drug- related conviction on your record, you may be denied an occupation despite your hard work and educational accomplishments. One night of bad judgment can affect the worth of your college degree.

Drug or alcohol convictions can include:

Before you drink, think. The value of your degree may depend on it.

Know what a “drink” is and stay at a BAC that is right for you.

one drink

The following occupations may be denied to you for misdemeanor and felony alcohol or drug convictions.

Occupation Requirements License Effect of a Criminal Violation
Social Services and Education
Counselor Master's degree in Counseling; supervised clinical experience; state exam* CACREP, CORE, or NBCC* The Committee may refuse to issue, revoke, or suspend license**
Psychologist Doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program; internship, dissertation* Missouri State Committee of Psychologists* Qualifications for licensure include "good moral character" (§337.200)**; The Board may deny, revoke, or suspend license (§337.525)
Social Worker Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW); Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) State Committee for Social Workers* Qualifications for licensure include "good moral character" (§337.615)**; The Board may deny, revoke, or suspend license (§337.630)**
Teacher Bachelor's degree from an accredited teacher education program Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education* State board of education may discipline license or refuse to issue or renew certification of license to teach of an individual who has pled guilty of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude****
Health Care
Chiropractor 3-4 years of undergraduate education, followed by a 4 year doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) degree program* State Board of Chiropractic Examiners (§331.020)** The board may refuse to issue, renew or reinstate certificate (§331.060)**
Dentist Degree in dentistry from an accredited dental school; written and practical exams* Dental Board (§332.011) Qualifications for licensure include "good moral character" (§332.131)**; The board may deny, revoke, or suspend license (§335.066)**
Nurse Degree from an approved nursing program; National exam* Missouri State Board of Nursing** Qualifications for licensure include "good moral character" (§335.046)**; The board may deny, revoke, or suspend license (§335.066)**
Pharmacist Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D); Doctoral or Professional degree; 2 exams* Missouri Board of Pharmacy* Qualifications for licensure include "good moral character" (§338.030)**; The board may deny, revoke, or suspend license (§338.055)**
Physical Therapist Doctoral degree in physical therapy* Board of Registration for the Healing Arts (§334.020)** Qualifications for licensure include "good moral character" (§334.530)**
Physician Degree from a reputable medical college of osteopathy, accredited by the American Medical Association Board of Registration for the Healing Arts (§334.020)** Qualifications for licensure include "good moral character" (§334.031)**; The board may deny, revoke, or suspend license (§334.100)**
Speech and Language Pathologist/Audiologist Master's Degree** Missouri State Advisory Commission for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists** Qualifications for licensure include "good moral character" (§337.615)**; The board may deny, revoke, or suspend license (§337.630)**
Veterinarian Degree with a y-year program at an accredited college of veterinary medicine*; North American Veterinary Licensing Exam* Veterinary Medicine Board Qualifications for licensure include "good moral character" (§340.228)**; The board may deny, revoke, or suspend license (§340.264)**
Government
Military Service High school disploma and in some cases, a GED n/a Many branches of military require a backgroun check. Additional investigation may be necessary to gain higher levels of security clearance. Law violations can affect job selection and security clearances.
Government Agent
(ATF, DEA, FBI, Secret Service)		 Bachelor's degree n/a Fail mandatory security clearances; ineligible for employment*
Police Officer Bachelor's degree n/a Fail mandatory background checks; ineligible for employment*
Business
Accountant At least a bachelor's degree in accounting or related field* State Board of Accountancy* Qualifications for licensure include "good moral character" (§326.060)**; The board may deny, revoke, or suspend license (§326.310)**
Lawyer/Attorney Bachelor's or other 4-year undergraduate degree; Juris Doctorate degree, bar exam*** Admission to the Missouri Bar*** The board may deny admission into the bar based on character and fitness, such as the ability to conduct oneself in accordance with and respect for the law.***
Professional Engineer Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an ABET (Accreditation Board for Enginnering and Technology) accredited school* Professional Engineer license; state exam* Qualifications for licensure include "good moral character" (§327.221)**

*US Department of Labor, Bureau of Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, **Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapters 313 to 351, *** Missouri Board of Law Examiners, ****Department of Elementary and Secondary Education This is not meant to be a comprehensive list of occupations that require licensure or certification. This is meant to be a guide only.