[Federal Register: April 17, 1997 (Volume 62, Number 74)]
[Notices]
[Page 18763-18766]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17ap97_dat-46]
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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies and State Approval
Agencies
AGENCY: Department of Education.
ACTION: List of nationally recognized accrediting agencies and State
approval agencies.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Secretary of Education is required by statute to
publish a list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies and State
approval agencies (1) Whose accreditation or approval is a required
element in enabling accredited or approved institutions, programs, or
both to establish eligibility to participate in Federal programs and
(2) whom the Secretary has determined to be reliable authorities
regarding the quality of education or training provided by the
institutions or programs these agencies accredit or approve. This
document contains the current list of nationally recognized agencies
and supersedes any previously published lists of these types of
agencies.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen W. Kershenstein, Director,
Accreditation and Eligibility Determination Division, U.S. Department
of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 3915, ROB 3,
Washington, DC 20202-7592. Telephone: (202) 708-7417. Individuals who
use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8:00 a.m.
and 8:00 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As required by statute,1 the Secretary
issues the following list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies
and State approval agencies that the Secretary has determined to be
reliable authorities concerning the quality of education or training
provided by the institutions, programs, or both that these agencies
accredit or approve. The criteria the Secretary uses in determining
whether a particular agency should be listed as a nationally recognized
accrediting agency are contained in 34 CFR part 602, while the criteria
for State approval agencies are contained in 34 CFR part 603. The dates
specified in parentheses for each agency are the date of initial
listing as a nationally recognized agency, the date of the Secretary's
most recent grant of recognition to the agency, and the date of the
agency's next scheduled review for continued recognition. The
geographical scope of recognition of each accrediting agency is the
United States, unless stated otherwise.
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\1\ 20 U.S.C. 1094(c)(4), 1141(a), 1145(c)(3), 1401(a)(11)(E),
2471(25)(D), 4351(3), 25 U.S.C. 1813; 38 U.S.C. 3675 (a); 42 U.S.C.
298b(6).
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I. Regional Institutional Accrediting Agencies
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on
Higher Education (1952/1996/2001). Scope of recognition: the
accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate'' status) of
institutions of higher education in Delaware, the District of Columbia,
Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the U.S.
Virgin Islands, the Republic of Panama and a limited number of
freestanding American-style institutions abroad that are chartered or
licensed by an appropriate agency within the Middle States region.
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on
Secondary Schools (1988/1996/1998). Scope of recognition: the
accreditation and preaccreditation of public vocational/technical
schools offering non-degree, postsecondary education in the Middle
States region (Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New
Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands).
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (1952/1992/1997).
Scope of recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation
(``Candidate for Accreditation'') of institutions of higher education
in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and
Vermont.
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on
Institutions of Higher Education (1952/1992/1997). Scope of
recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for
Accreditation'') of institutions of higher education in Arizona,
Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan,
Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio,
Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on
Schools (1974/1992/1997). Scope of recognition: the accreditation and
preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accreditation'') of schools offering
non-degree, postsecondary education in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado,
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,
Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, West
Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on
Colleges (1952/1992/1997). Scope of recognition: the accreditation and
preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accreditation'') of institutions of
higher education in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and
Washington.
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on
Colleges (1952/1995/1999). Scope of recognition: the accreditation and
preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accreditation'') of degree-granting
institutions of higher education in Alabama, Florida, Georgia,
Kentucky, Louisiana. Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission
for Community and Junior Colleges (1952/1992/1997). Scope of
recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for
Accreditation'') of community and junior colleges in California,
Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, the Republic of Palau, the Federated
States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission
for Schools (1974/1995/1999). Scope of recognition: the accreditation
and preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accreditation'') of adult and
postsecondary schools that offer programs below the degree level in
California, Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, the Republic of Palau, the
Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall
Islands.
Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission
for Senior Colleges and Universities (1952/1995/1998). Scope of
recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for
Accreditation'') of senior colleges and universities in California,
Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, the Republic of Palau, the
[[Page 18764]]
Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall
Islands.
II. National Institutional and Specialized Accrediting Agencies
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (1952/
1992/1997). Scope of recognition: the accreditation of basic
(baccalaureate) and advanced (master's) level programs in engineering,
associate and baccalaureate degree programs in engineering technology,
and engineering-related programs at the baccalaureate and advanced
degree level.
Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges, Commission on
Accreditation (1952/1996/2000) Scope of recognition: the accreditation
and preaccreditation (``Candidate'' status) of Bible colleges and
institutes offering undergraduate programs.
Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (1982/1995/1998).
Scope of recognition: the accreditation of private, postsecondary
allied health education institutions, private medical assistant
programs, public and private medical laboratory technician programs,
and allied health programs leading to the Associate of Applied Science
and the Associate of Occupational Science degree.
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology
(1967/1995/1999). Scope of recognition: the accreditation of private,
postsecondary, non-degree-granting institutions and degree-granting
institutions, including those granting associate and baccalaureate
degrees, that are predominantly organized to educate students for
occupational, trade and technical careers.
Accrediting Commission on Education for Health Services
Administration (1970/1995/2000). Scope of recognition: the
accreditation of graduate programs in health services administration.
Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training,
Accrediting Commission (1978/1994/1997). Scope of recognition: the
accreditation of institutions of higher education that offer non-
collegiate continuing education programs and higher education programs
of non-collegiate continuing education.
Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (1956/
1995/1999). Scope of recognition: the accreditation of private
postsecondary institutions offering business and business-related
programs and the accreditation and preaccreditation (``Recognized
Candidacy'') of junior and senior colleges of business (including
senior colleges with master's degree programs), as well as independent,
freestanding institutions offering only graduate business and business-
related programs at the master's degree level.
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass
Communications (1952/1991/1996). Scope of recognition: the
accreditation of units within institutions offering professional
undergraduate and graduate (master's) degree programs in journalism and
mass communications.
American Academy for Liberal Education (1995/1997). Scope of
recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidacy for
Accreditation'') of institutions of higher education and programs
within institutions of higher education that offer liberal arts degrees
at the baccalaureate level or a documented equivalency.
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Commission on
Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (1978/1995/
2000). Scope of recognition: the accreditation of clinical training
programs in marriage and family therapy at the master's, doctoral, and
postgraduate levels.
American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, Council on
Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (1955/1996/
2000). Scope of recognition: the accreditation of institutions and
programs of nurse anesthesia at the certificate, master's, or doctoral
degree levels.
American Bar Association, Council of the Section of Legal Education
and Admissions to the Bar (1952/1992/1997). Scope of recognition: the
accreditation of professional schools of law.
American Board of Funeral Service Education, Committee on
Accreditation (1972/1992/1997). Scope of recognition: the accreditation
of institutions and programs awarding diplomas, associate degrees and
bachelor's degrees in funeral service or mortuary science.
American College of Nurse-Midwives, Division of Accreditation
(1982/1995/2000). Scope of recognition: the accreditation and
preaccreditation of basic certificate and graduate nurse-midwifery
education programs for registered nurses, as well as the accreditation
and preaccreditation of pre-certification nurse-midwifery education
programs.
American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (1952/1995/2000).
Scope of recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation
(``Precandidate'' and ``Candidate'' statuses) of professional degree
programs in pharmacy leading to the degrees of Baccalaureate in
Pharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy.
American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation
(1952/1995/2000). Scope of recognition: the accreditation of
predoctoral dental education programs (programs leading to the DDS of
DMD degree); dental auxiliary education programs (dental assisting,
dental hygiene and dental laboratory technology); and advanced dental
educational programs (general practices residency, advanced general
dentistry, and the specialties of dental public health, endodontics,
oral pathology, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery,
pedodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics).
The American Dietetic Association, Commission on Accreditation/
Approval for Dietetic Education (1974/1996/2000). Scope of recognition:
the accreditation of Coordinated Programs in Dietetics at both the
undergraduate and graduate level, postbaccalaureate Dietetic
Internships, and Dietetic Technician Programs at the associate degree
level.
American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council
for Occupational Therapy Education (1952/1995/2000). Scope of
recognition: the accreditation of entry-level professional occupational
therapy educational programs awarding baccalaureate degrees, post-
baccalaureate certificates, professional master's degrees, and combined
baccalaureate/master's degrees, and also for the accreditation of
occupational therapy assistant programs leading to an associate degree
or certificate.
American Optometric Association, Council on Optometric Education
(1952/1992/1997). Scope of recognition: the accreditation and
preaccreditation (``Reasonable Assurance Preliminary Approval'' {for
professional degree programs} and ``Candidacy Pending'' {for optometric
residency programs in facilities of Veterans' Administration}) of
professional optometric degree programs, optometric residency programs,
and optometric technician programs.
American Osteopathic Association, Bureau of Professional Education
(1952/1995/2000). Scope of recognition: the accreditation and
preaccreditation (``Provisional Accreditation'') of freestanding
institutions of osteopathic medicine and programs leading to the degree
of Doctor of Osteopathy or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation
in Education (1977/1996/2001). Scope of recognition: the accreditation
and preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accreditation'' status) of
programs for the preparation ofphysical
[[Page 18765]]
therapists and physical therapist assistants.
American Podiatric Medical Association, Council on Podiatric
Medical Education (1952/1995/2000). Scope of recognition: the
accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate Status'') of
freestanding colleges of podiatric medicine and programs of podiatric
medicine, including first professional programs leading to the degree
of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.
American Psychological Association, Committee on Accreditation
(1970/1992/1997). Scope of recognition: the accreditation of doctoral
programs in clinical, counseling, school and combined professional-
scientific psychology, and predoctoral internship programs in
professional psychology.
American Speech-Language Hearing Association (1967/1991/1997).
Scope of recognition: the accreditation of Master's degree programs in
speech-language pathology and audiology.
American Veterinary Medical Association, Council on Education
(1952/1992/1997). Scope of recognition: the accreditation and
preaccreditation of colleges of veterinary medicine offering programs
leading to a professional degree (D.V.M. or D.M.V.) in veterinary
medicine.
Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc., Accreditation
Commission (1969/1991/1997). Scope of recognition: the accreditation
and preaccreditation (``Candidacy for Accredited Membership'') of
basic, advanced, and supervisory clinical pastoral education programs.
Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools,
Accreditation Commission (1974/1992/1997). Scope of recognition: the
accreditation and preaccreditation (``Correspondent'' and
``Candidate'') of advanced rabbinical and Talmudic schools.
Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada,
Commission on Accrediting (1952/1995/1998). Scope of recognition: the
accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accredited
Membership'') of freestanding schools, as well as schools affiliated
with larger institutions, that offer graduate professional education
for ministry and graduate study of theology.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
(1952/1996/1998). Scope of recognition: the accreditation and
preaccreditation (``Candidacy'' status) of educational programs for the
allied health occupations of cytotechnologist, diagnostic medical
sonographer, electroneurodiagnostic technologist, emergency medical
technician-paramedic, perfusionist, physician assistant, and surgical
technologist.
Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (1985/1992/1997). Scope of
recognition: the accreditation of two-year programs for the ophthalmic
dispenser and one-year programs for the ophthalmic laboratory
technician.
The Council on Chiropractic Education, Commission on Accreditation
(1974/1992/1997). Scope of recognition: the accreditation of programs
and freestanding institutions that award the Doctor of Chiropractic
degree.
Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (1987/1995/1999). Scope
of recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for
Accreditation'') of institutions and graduate programs in Naturopathy
that lead to the degree of Doctor of Naturopathy (N.D.) or Doctor of
Naturopathic Medicine (N.M.D.).
Council on Education for Public Health (1974/1992/1997). Scope of
recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation of graduate schools
of public health and graduate programs offered outside schools of
public health in community health education and in community health/
preventive medicine.
Council on Occupational Education (1969/1995/1997). Scope of
recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation of non-degree
granting postsecondary occupational/vocational institutions and also
the accreditation and preaccreditation of those postsecondary
occupational/vocational education institutions currently accredited by
the Council that either have state authorization to grant the applied
associate degree in specific vocational/occupational fields or that
receive such authorization during the Council's current recognition
period.
Distance Education and Training Council, Accrediting Commission
(1959/1996/2000). Scope of recognition: the accreditation of private
and non-private distance education institutions offering non-degree and
associate, baccalaureate, and master's degree programs primarily
through the distance learning method.
Foundation for Interior Design Education Research, Committee on
Accreditation (1976/1992/1997). Scope of recognition: the accreditation
of two-year preprofessional assistant level programs (certificate and
associate degree), first professional degree level programs (master's
and baccalaureate degree and three-year certificate) and post-
professional master's degree programs in interior design.
Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine
Technology (1974/1995/1999). Scope of recognition: the accreditation of
higher education programs for the nuclear medicine technologist.
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (1957/
1995/1999). Scope of recognition: the accreditation of educational
programs for radiographers and radiation therapists.
Liaison Committee on Medical Education of the Council on Medical
Education of the American Medical Association and the American Medical
Colleges (1952/1991/1996). Scope of recognition: the accreditation and
preaccreditation (``Reasonable Assurance'' and ``Provisional
Accreditation'') of programs leading to the M.D. degree.
Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education, Commission
on Accreditation (1995/1997). Scope of recognition: the accreditation
of Montessori teacher education programs and institutions evaluated by
the following review committees: the American Montessori Society, the
International Association of Progressive Montessorians, the Independent
Montessori Consortia (1, 2, and 3), the Montessori Institute of
America, and the National Center for Montessori Education.
National Accreditation Commission for Schools and Colleges of
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (1988/1995/2000). Scope of
recognition: The accreditation of first-professional master's degree
and professional master's level certificate and diploma programs in
acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (1974/
1996/1999). Scope of recognition: the accreditation of programs in
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory
Technician/Medical Laboratory Technician-Associate Degree, Clinical
Laboratory Technician/Medical Laboratory Technician-Certificate,
Histologic Technician/ Histotechnologist, and Pathologists' Assistant.
National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences
(1970/1995/1996). Scope of recognition: the accreditation of
postsecondary schools and departments of cosmetology arts and sciences.
National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Reproductive Health,
Council on Accreditation (1996/1998). Scope of recognition: the
accreditation of women's health nurse practitioner programs.
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National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on
Accreditation (1966/1992/1997). Scope of recognition: the accreditation
of institutions and units within institutions offering degree-granting
and non-degree-granting programs in art, design, or art/design-related
disciplines.
National Association of Schools of Dance, Commission on
Accreditation (1983/1991/1997). Scope of recognition: the accreditation
of institutions and units within institutions offering degree-granting
and non-degree-granting programs in dance and dance-related
disciplines.
National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on
Accreditation, Commission on Non-Degree-Granting Accreditation, and
Commission on Community/Junior College Accreditation (1952/1992/1997).
Scope of recognition: The accreditation of institutions and units
within institutions offering degree-granting and non-degree-granting
programs in music and music-related disciplines, including community/
junior colleges and independent degree-granting and non-degree-granting
institutions.
National Association of Schools of Theatre, Commission on
Accreditation (1982/1991/1997). Scope of recognition: the accreditation
of institutions and units within institutions offering degree-granting
and non-degree-granting programs in theatre and theatre-related
disciplines.
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (1952/1995/
1999). Scope of recognition: the accreditation of professional
education units providing baccalaureate and graduate degree programs
for the preparation of teachers and other professional personnel for
elementary and secondary schools.
National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation
Council (1995/1996/1998). Scope of recognition: the accreditation and
preaccreditation of baccalaureate programs in environmental health
science and protection.
National League for Nursing, Inc., National League for Nursing
Accrediting Commission (1952/1996/1997). Scope of recognition: The
accreditation of programs in practical nursing, and diploma, associate,
baccalaureate and higher degree nurse education programs.
New York State Board of Regents (1952/1995/1999). Scope of
recognition: the accreditation (registration) of collegiate degree-
granting programs or curricula offered by institutions of higher
education in the state of New York and of credit-bearing certificate
and diploma programs offered by degree-granting institutions of higher
education in the state of New York.
Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools,
Accrediting Commission (1991/1996/1999). Scope of recognition: the
accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate'' status) of
postsecondary institutions that offer certificates, diplomas, and
associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees.
III. State Approval Agencies for Public Postsecondary Vocational
Education
Arkansas State Board of Vocational Education (1975/1994/1998).
Kansas State Board of Education (1975/1994/1998).
Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
(1974/1995/1999).
Missouri State Board of Education (1974/1995/1999).
New York State Board of Regents (1974/1995/1998).
Oklahoma State Board of Vocational Technical Education (1976/1996/
2000). Scope of recognition: the approval of all non-collegiate public
postsecondary vocational education offered at institutions in the State
of Oklahoma that are not under the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma State
Regents for Higher Education.
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (1976/1994/1998). Scope
of recognition: the approval of public postsecondary education in the
state of Oklahoma for which credit earned is applied toward a degree,
diploma, or other postsecondary academic or collegiate award given at
State institutions comprising the Oklahoma State System of Higher
Education.
Puerto Rico Human Resources and Occupational Development Council
(1983/1996/2000).
Utah State Board for Vocational Education (1976/1994/1998).
IV. State Approval Agencies for Nurse Education
Colorado Board of Nursing (1990/1995/1999).
Iowa Board of Nursing (1969/1994/1998).
Maryland Board of Nursing (1985/1994/1998).
Missouri State Board of Nursing (1970/1995/1999).
Montana Board of Nursing (1969/1996/2000).
New Hampshire Board of Nursing (1969/1995/1999).
New York State Board of Regents, Nursing Education Unit (1969/1995/
1998).
Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1094(c)(4), 1141(a), 1145(c)(3),
1401(a)(11)(E), 2471(25)(D), 4351(3), 25 U.S.C. 1813; 38 U.S.C.
3675(a); 42 U.S.C. 298b(6).
Dated: April 7, 1997.
David A. Longanecker,
Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.
[FR Doc. 97-9916 Filed 4-16-97; 8:45 am]
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