[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 74 (Thursday, April 17, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18763-18766]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-9916]


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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

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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]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P