[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 171 (Friday, September 1, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53277-53282]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-22400]


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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 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 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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As required by statute,\1\ the Secretary 
issues the following list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies 
and State approval agencies that the

[[Page 53278]]

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 in 34 CFR part 
602, while the criteria for State approval agencies are in 34 CFR part 
603. The dates 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. If the Secretary has placed a 
limitation on the scope of an agency's recognition for purposes of 
Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, that 
limitation is noted in a Title IV Note for that agency.
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    \1\ 20 U.S.C. 1001(a)(5), 1094(c)(4), 1011c, 1401(a)(11)(E), 
4351(3); 25 U.S.C. 1813; 38 U.S.C. 3675(a); 42 U.S.C. 298b(6).

    Note: A determination as to whether or not an agency's scope of 
recognition includes the accreditation of distance education applies 
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only to agencies reviewed for recognition after November, 1999.

I. Regional Institutional Accrediting Agencies

    Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on 
Higher Education (1952/1996/2002). Scope of recognition: the 
accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accreditation'') 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.
    New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on 
Institutions of Higher Education (1952/1997/2002). 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 that 
award bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees, or any combination of 
these degrees, as well as associate degree-granting institutions in 
those states that include degrees in liberal arts or general studies 
among their offerings. This recognition extends to the Board of 
Trustees of the Association jointly with the Commission for decisions 
involving preaccreditation, initial accreditation, and adverse actions.
    New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on 
Technical and Career Institutions (1952/1997/2002). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidacy'') of 
secondary institutions with vocational-technical programs at the 13th 
and 14th grade level, postsecondary institutions, and institutions of 
higher education that provide primarily vocational/technical education 
at the certificate, associate, and baccalaureate degree levels in 
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and 
Vermont. This recognition extends to the Board of Trustees of the 
Association jointly with the Commission for decisions involving 
preaccreditation, initial accreditation, and adverse actions. Title IV 
Note: Any vocational/technical schools accredited by this agency that 
offer non-degree, postsecondary education and that wish to use that 
accreditation to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV 
programs must be accredited by the agency as offering education through 
the 13th or 14th grade level.
    North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on 
Institutions of Higher Education (1952/1997/2002). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for 
Accreditation'') of degree-granting 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, Wyoming, and the 
Navajo Nation.
    North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Executive Board 
of the Commission on Schools (1974/1998/2000). 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, 
Wyoming, and the Navajo Nation. Title IV Note: Only those vocational/
technical schools accredited by this agency that offer non-degree, 
postsecondary education may use that accreditation to establish 
eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
    Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on 
Colleges (1952/1997/2002). 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 (1952/1995/2001). 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 (1952/1997/2002). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for 
Accreditation'') of community and junior colleges in California, 
Hawaii, the United States territories of Guam and American Samoa, the 
Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth 
of the Northern Marianna Islands, and the Republic of the Marshall 
Islands.
    Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission 
for Schools (1974/1999/2003). 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, the United States territories of Guam and American 
Samoa, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Marianna Islands, and the Republic of the 
Marshall Islands. Title IV Note: Only adult and postsecondary schools 
accredited by this agency that offer postsecondary programs below the 
degree level may use accreditation by this agency to establish 
eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
    Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission 
for Senior Colleges and Universities (1952/1995/2001). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for 
Accreditation'') of senior colleges and universities in California, 
Hawaii, the United States territories of Guam and American Samoa, the 
Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth 
of the Northern Marianna Islands, and the Republic of the Marshall 
Islands.

II. National Institutional and Specialized Accrediting Agencies

    Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (1952/
1997/2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation

[[Page 53279]]

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. Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does 
not enable the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to 
participate in Title IV programs.
    Accreditation Commission for 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. 
Title IV Note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of acupuncture or 
Oriental medicine may use accreditation by this agency to establish 
eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
    Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges, Commission on 
Accreditation (1952/1996/2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation 
and preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accreditation'') of Bible 
colleges and institutes offering undergraduate programs.
    Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (1982/1998/2002). 
Scope of recognition: The accreditation of private, postsecondary 
allied health education institutions and institutions that offer 
predominantly allied health programs, medical assistant programs, 
medical laboratory technician programs, and allied health programs 
leading to certificates, diplomas, and the Associate of Applied Science 
and the Associate of Occupational Science degrees. Title IV Note: Only 
freestanding allied health education institutions and institutions that 
offer predominantly allied health programs may use accreditation by 
this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV 
programs.
    Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology 
(1967/1999/2003). 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. 
Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the 
entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in Title 
IV programs.
    Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (1978/
1997/2002). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of institutions of 
higher education that offer non-collegiate continuing education 
programs. Title IV Note: Only those institutions classified by this 
agency as ``vocational'' may use accreditation by the agency to 
establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
    Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (1956/
1995/2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of private 
postsecondary institutions offering business and business-related 
programs and the accreditation and preaccreditation (``Recognized 
Candidate'') 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. Title IV Note: The only 
institutions preaccredited by this agency that may use that 
preaccreditation to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV 
programs are private, non-profit junior and senior colleges of business 
and private, non-profit 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 (1952/1996/2001). Scope of recognition: The 
accreditation of units within institutions offering professional 
undergraduate and graduate (master's) degree programs in journalism and 
mass communications. Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does 
not enable the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to 
participate in Title IV programs.
    American Academy for Liberal Education (1995/1997/2001). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate 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. Title IV Note: 
Only institutions of higher education accredited by this agency may use 
that accreditation to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV 
programs.
    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. Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does 
not enable the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to 
participate in Title IV programs.
    American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, Council on 
Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (1955/1996/
2002). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of institutions and 
programs of nurse anesthesia at the certificate, master's, or doctoral 
degree levels. Title IV Note: Only hospital-based nurse anesthesia 
programs and freestanding nurse anesthesia institutions may use 
accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs
    American Bar Association, Council of the Section of Legal Education 
and Admissions to the Bar (1952/1997/2000). Scope of recognition: The 
accreditation of programs in legal education that lead to the first 
professional degree in law, as well as freestanding law schools 
offering such programs. Title IV Note: Only freestanding law schools 
may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to 
participate in Title IV programs.
    American Board of Funeral Service Education, Committee on 
Accreditation (1972/1997/2002). Scope of recognition: The accreditation 
of institutions and programs awarding diplomas, associate degrees and 
bachelor's degrees in funeral service or mortuary science. Title IV 
Note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of funeral service or 
mortuary science may use accreditation by this agency to establish 
eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
    American College of Nurse-Midwives, Division of Accreditation 
(1982/1995/2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation and 
preaccreditation (``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. Title IV Note: Accreditation by 
this agency does not enable the entities it accredits to establish 
eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
    American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (1952/1995/2001). 
Scope of recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation 
(``Precandidate'' and ``Candidate'') of professional degree programs in 
pharmacy leading to the degrees of Baccalaureate in Pharmacy and Doctor 
of Pharmacy. Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not 
enable the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to 
participate in Title IV programs.

[[Page 53280]]

    American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation 
(1952/1995/2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of 
predoctoral dental education programs (programs leading to the D.D.S of 
D.M.D 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). Title IV Note: 
Accreditation by this agency does not enable the entities it accredits 
to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
    The American Dietetic Association, Commission on Accreditation for 
Dietetics Education (1974/1996/2002). 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. Title IV Note: Only postbaccalaureate dietetic internship 
programs may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility 
to participate in Title IV programs.
    American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council 
for Occupational Therapy Education (1952/1995/2001). 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. Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not 
enable the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to 
participate in Title IV programs.
    American Optometric Association, Council on Optometric Education 
(1952/1997/2002). Scope of recognition: The accreditation and 
preaccreditation (``Reasonable Assurance'' and ``Preliminary Approval'' 
{for professional degree programs} and ``Candidacy Pending'' {for 
optometric residency programs in Veterans' Administration facilities}) 
of professional optometric degree programs, optometric residency 
programs, and optometric technician (associate degree) programs. Title 
IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the entities it 
accredits to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV 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. Title IV 
Note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of osteopathic medicine may 
use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to 
participate in Title IV programs.
    American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation 
in Physical Therapy Education (1977/1996/2001). Scope of recognition: 
The accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accreditation'' 
status) of programs for the preparation of physical therapists and 
physical therapist assistants. Title IV Note: Accreditation by this 
agency does not enable the entities it accredits to establish 
eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
    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. Title IV Note: Only freestanding 
schools or colleges of podiatric medicine may use accreditation by this 
agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
    American Psychological Association, Committee on Accreditation 
(1970/1999/2004). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of doctoral 
programs in clinical, counseling, school and combined professional-
scientific psychology, predoctoral internship programs in professional 
psychology, and postdoctoral residency programs in professional 
psychology. Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable 
the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.
    American Speech-Language Hearing Association, Council on Academic 
Accreditation (1967/1997/2002). Scope of recognition: The accreditation 
and preaccreditation (``Candidacy Status'') of Master's and doctoral-
level degree programs in speech-language pathology and audiology. Title 
IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the entities it 
accredits to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
    American Veterinary Medical Association, Council on Education 
(1952/1997/2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation and 
preaccreditation (``Reasonable Assurance'') of programs leading to 
professional degrees (D.V.M. or D.M.V.) in veterinary medicine. Title 
IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the entities it 
accredits to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
    Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc., Accreditation 
Commission (1969/1998/2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of 
clinical pastoral education (CPE) centers and CPE and supervisory CPE 
programs. Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable 
the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.
    Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools, 
Accreditation Commission (1974/1997/2002). 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 (1952/1999/2003). Scope of recognition: The 
accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accredited 
Status'') of freestanding institutions, as well as programs affiliated 
with larger institutions, that offer graduate professional education 
for ministry and graduate study of theology. Title IV Note: Only 
freestanding institutions, colleges, or seminaries of theology may use 
accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.
    Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (1999/2000). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation of nursing education programs at the 
baccalaureate and graduate degree levels.
    Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (1985/1998/2001). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation of two-year programs for the ophthalmic 
dispenser and one-year programs for the ophthalmic laboratory 
technician. Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable 
the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.
    The Council on Chiropractic Education, Commission on Accreditation 
(1974/1997/2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of Doctor of 
Chiropractic programs and single-purpose institutions offering the 
Doctor of Chiropractic program. Title IV

[[Page 53281]]

Note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of chiropractic may use 
accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.
    Council on Education for Public Health (1974/1997/2002). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation 
(``Preaccreditation'') of graduate schools of public health, graduate 
programs in community health education outside schools of public 
health, and graduate programs in community health/preventive medicine 
outside schools of public health. Title IV Note: Accreditation by this 
agency does not enable the entities it accredits to establish 
eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
    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.). Title IV Note: Only freestanding 
schools or colleges of naturopathic medicine or naturopathy may use 
accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs. NOTE: The agency was last reviewed for continued 
recognition in December 1999. The Secretary's decision regarding 
recognition is still pending.
    Council on Occupational Education (1969/1997/2000). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for 
Accreditation'') of non-degree granting postsecondary occupational/
vocational institutions and those postsecondary occupational/vocational 
education institutions that grant the applied associate degree in 
specific vocational/occupational fields.
    Distance Education and Training Council, Accrediting Commission 
(1959/1996/2001). 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. Title IV Note: Accreditation by 
this agency does not enable the entities it accredits to establish 
eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
    Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine 
Technology (1974/1995/2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of 
higher education programs for the nuclear medicine technologist. Title 
IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the entities it 
accredits to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
    Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (1957/
1995/2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of educational 
programs for radiographers and radiation therapists. Title IV Note: 
Only hospital-based radiologic technology programs and freestanding 
radiologic technology institutions may use accreditation by this agency 
to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
    Liaison Committee on Medical Education (1952/1997/2002). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation of medical education programs leading to 
the M.D. degree. Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not 
enable the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to 
participate in Title IV programs.
    Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education, Commission 
on Accreditation (1995/1999/2003). Scope of recognition: The 
accreditation of Montessori teacher education institutions and programs 
evaluated by the following review committees: the American Montessori 
Society Review Committee and the Independent Review Committee. Title IV 
Note: Only freestanding Montessori teacher education schools may use 
accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs. Further, that accreditation must have been granted 
in conjunction with the accrediting activities of the review committees 
listed above.
    National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (1974/
1996/2001). 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. 
Title IV Note: Only hospital-based clinical laboratory science programs 
and freestanding laboratory science institutions may use accreditation 
by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV 
programs.
    National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences 
(1970/1999/2004). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of 
postsecondary schools and departments of cosmetology arts and sciences.
    National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health, 
Council on Accreditation (1996/1998/2002). Scope of recognition: The 
accreditation of women's health nurse practitioner programs. Title IV 
Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable the entities it 
accredits to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
    National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on 
Accreditation (1966/1997/2002). 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. Title IV Note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of 
art and design may use accreditation by this agency to establish 
eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
    National Association of Schools of Dance, Commission on 
Accreditation (1983/1997/2002). 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. Title IV Note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of 
dance may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to 
participate in Title IV programs.
    National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on 
Accreditation, Commission on Non-Degree-Granting Accreditation, 
Commission on Community/Junior College Accreditation (1952/1997/2002). 
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. Title IV Note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of 
music may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to 
participate in Title IV programs.
    National Association of Schools of Theatre, Commission on 
Accreditation (1982/1997/2002). 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. Title IV Note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of 
theatre may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility 
to participate in Title IV programs.
    National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (1952/1995/
2000). 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

[[Page 53282]]

schools. Title IV Note: Accreditation by this agency does not enable 
the entities it accredits to establish eligibility to participate in 
Title IV programs.
    National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (1952/1998/
2001). Scope of recognition: The accreditation of programs in practical 
nursing, and diploma, associate, baccalaureate and higher degree nurse 
education programs. Title IV Note: Only diploma programs and practical 
nursing programs not located in a regionally accredited college or 
university may use accreditation by this agency to establish 
eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.
    New York State Board of Regents (1952/1995/2000). Scope of 
recognition: The accreditation (registration) of collegiate degree-
granting programs or curricula offered by institutions of higher 
education located in the state of New York and of credit-bearing 
certificate and diploma programs offered by degree-granting 
institutions of higher education located in the state of New York.
    Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, 
Accreditation Commission (1991/1999/2004). Scope of recognition: The 
accreditation and preaccreditation (``Candidate for Accreditation'') of 
postsecondary institutions that offer certificates, diplomas, and 
associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees, including institutions 
that offer distance education.

III. State Approval Agencies for Public Postsecondary Vocational 
Education

    Kansas Board of Regents (1975/1998/2002).
    Missouri State Board of Education (1974/1999/2003).
    New York State Board of Regents (1974/1998/2002).
    Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education (1976/1998/2002). 
Scope of recognition: The approval of 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 (1976/1996/2000). Scope 
of recognition: The approval of public postsecondary vocational 
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 
(1983/2000/2004).
    Utah State Board for Applied Technology Education (1976/1998/2002).

IV. State Approval Agencies for Nurse Education

Iowa Board of Nursing (1969/1998/2002).
Maryland Board of Nursing (1985/1998/2002).
Missouri State Board of Nursing (1970/1999/2003).
Montana Board of Nursing (1969/2000/2004).
New Hampshire Board of Nursing (1969/1999/2003).
New York State Board of Regents (1969/1998/2002).


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Karen W. Kershenstein, Director, Accreditation and State Liaison, 
U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street NW, Room 7105, Washington, 
D.C. 20006-8509. Telephone: (202) 219-7011. The e-mail address for Dr. 
Kershenstein is: [email protected]
    Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) 
may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-
8339.
    Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an 
alternate format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer 
diskette) on request to the contact person listed in the preceding 
paragraph.

Electronic Access To This Document

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    Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1001(a)(5), 1094(c)(4), 1011c, 
1401(a)(11)(E), 4351(3); 25 U.S.C. 1813; 38 U.S.C. 3675(a); 42 
U.S.C. 298b(6).

    Dated: August 25, 2000.
A. Lee Fritschler,
Assistant Secretary, Office of Postsecondary, Education.
[FR Doc. 00-22400 Filed 8-31-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-U