Skip to main content

INFORMATION FOR ACCREDITING AGENCIES

By NewsNo Comments

RE: INFORMATION FOR ACCREDITING AGENCIES REGARDING TEMPORARY FLEXIBILITY PROVIDED TO CORONAVIRUS IMPACTED

 

Institutions or Accrediting Agencies

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) has received inquiries from institutions of higher education and accrediting agencies regarding regulatory flexibilities that may be necessary in response to COVID-19 interruptions. Because of the highly unusual circumstances and challenges presented to the postsecondary education community by COVID-19, the Department provides the following guidance to accreditors, who should view this additional flexibility as a unique and temporary departure from the Department’s accreditation agency requirements.

In earlier COVID-19 information provided by the Department, we extended temporary flexibility to institutions to implement distance learning solutions to continue educating students in the event of campus interruptions or the unexpected return of students from travel abroad experiences. We similarly provided flexibility to accrediting agencies to waive routine regular distance learning review requirements and approval processes to allow institutions quickly to switch to distance learning so as to enable currently enrolled students to complete the current term.

As more campuses limit travel, reduce campus operations, or restrict visitors on campus, it may become difficult for accrediting agencies to perform site visits, including because the home institutions of site visitors have limited institutional travel. As a result, the Department announces the following temporary flexibility to accrediting agencies to help them serve institutions and students through the period of COVID-19 interruption. The Department has determined that it is reasonable and prudent to permit on a temporary basis – but not require – accrediting agencies to perform virtual site visits during this period (even if their existing procedures do not provide for virtual visits). The agency board (or other decision-making body) should approve any change to policies governing virtual visits (or increased use of virtual visits) using the abbreviated process described at the end of this letter. If agencies implement virtual visits, they should follow-up with in-person visits to meet the statutory and regulatory requirements to perform regular on-site inspections. Virtual site visits should rely on an engaged, interactive format (e.g., telephonic meetings, video conference calls, and the like), rather than solely document reviews or exchanges of emails.

If an accreditor employs a virtual site visit, the agency must perform a follow-up, in-person visit to the campus (though not necessarily a full peer-review site visit) within a reasonable period of time following the virtual site visit. At its discretion, an accrediting agency may limit virtual site visits to institutions or programs that are otherwise in good standing or to institutions or programs that are engaged in renewal of accreditation, as opposed to those institutions or programs seeking an initial award of accreditation. It is the responsibility of the accreditation agency to determine if, and under what conditions, it would perform virtual site visits during this temporary flexibility period.

Moreover, during this period of COVID-19 interruption, the Department is permitting accreditors the flexibility to develop, adopt, modify, and implement temporary virtual site visit policies. With the approval of the agency’s board (or other decision-making body) during a telephonic or video conference meeting, accreditors may adopt or modify temporary virtual site visit policies without a public comment period. Because these policies would be temporary and arise from the unique set of circumstances and challenges presented by the COVID-19 interruption, this approval would not require a vote of the full membership of the accrediting agency. Should an agency desire to make a temporary virtual site visit policy or policy modification permanent after the period of COVID-19 interruption, it must adhere to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

The Department is also offering accrediting agencies the discretion to extend the term of accreditation, for a reasonable period of time during the COVID-19 interruption, for an institution that is undergoing renewal of accreditation and was scheduled to have a site visit during a COVID-19 interruption. In addition, during the COVID-19 interruption, ac creditors may provide a good cause extension to institutions on a show-cause order or probation if the agency is unable to perform a required site visit or hold a hearing with representatives of the institution because of the COVID-19 interruption. This includes providing an additional good cause extension to an institution or program that has otherwise already been provided with the agency’s maximum allowable good cause extensions. The Department expects each agency to resume normal practices as soon as reasonably possible after the COVID-19 interruption has ended and will inform agencies of its expectations as the circumstances created by COVID-19 unfold.

Finally, the Department is aware that, in some instances, an accrediting agency may have scheduled a site visit of a program or institution such that the results of that site visit would inform an agency accreditation decision in time to ensure that students who graduate during the current or prior term will be considered to have graduated from an accredited program. The Department is reminding accrediting agencies that retroactive accreditation is permissible as long as the effective date of accreditation is no earlier than the date on which the institution or program accepted the program or agency as an applicant on the pathway to accreditation, or the date of a previous negative decision regarding an initial award of accreditation. If an agency typically has a retroactive accreditation policy that establishes the effective date as the date of a site visit to the program or institution and that site visit has now been cancelled as a result of COVID-19, the effective date of the final decision could still be assigned based on the date of the scheduled site visit or an earlier date, but no earlier than the date on which the institution or program was accepted as an applicant on the pathway toward accreditation.

To allow the flexibility that the current COVID-19 situation requires, the Department is waiving the normal process by which accrediting agencies are required to develop, seek public comment, and enact new policies for the limited purpose of allowing agencies to implement the changes described above (and in the earlier distance education communication), so long as the policy changes are approved by the agency’s board (or other decision-making body). The agency may obtain this approval at a telephonic or video-conference meeting of the board; this approval would not require a public comment period or a vote of the full membership during this period of temporary flexibility. Should an agency desire to make a policy or policy modification permanent after the period of COVID-19 interruption, it must adhere to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Agencies should record in writing and publish on their websites a decision to use the temporary flexibilities explained in this electronic announcement and include in its records the name of the school, a description of the waiver or extension, an explanation of the basis for granting the waiver or extension, the date on which the agency granted the waiver or extension, and a description of the suspended activity resulting from the waiver or extension. Agencies should also record in writing the vote of its board (or other decision-making body) when establishing a new or revised policy in response to circumstances created by COVID-19.

If you have any questions or concerns about the information provided in this electronic announcement, please contact the Department at COVID-19@ed.gov. Also, please visit our COVID-19 website (www.ed.gov/coronavirus) to monitor updates posted by the Department and to find links to information provided by other relevant Federal agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control.
Thank you for continuing your work to ensure that students receive a quality education, including during this time when innovative solutions may be deployed by institutions rapidly to continue providing educational opportunities to their students.

 

ACCREDITATION IN THE USA

Institutional Accrediting Agencies

The following accrediting agencies are recognized by the Secretary as reliable authorities concerning the quality of education or training offered by the institutions of higher education or higher education programs they accredit.

The dates specified for each entry are (1) the date of initial listing as a nationally recognized accrediting agency, (2) the date of the most recent review for renewed recognition of the agency by Department staff and by the NACIQI, and (3) the date of the next scheduled review of the agency’s compliance report or full petition for renewal of recognition. (Note: S=Summer NACIQI meeting; W=Winter NACIQI meeting; C= Compliance Report)

Unless otherwise noted in a Title IV note after the agency’s name, accreditation by an agency listed below may be used by an institution accredited by the agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs. Since December 1999, the Department has been routinely including distance education (defined at the time to include correspondence education) in its in-depth review of all agencies seeking initial or continued recognition. Consequently, all recognition decisions made after December 1, 1999 and prior to July 2010 include a determination as to whether an agency’s scope of recognition includes the accreditation of distance education. Beginning in July 2010, at each review for renewal of recognition, an agency will be expected to demonstrate its evaluation of distance education and/or correspondence education in order to retain distance education and/or correspondence education in its scope of recognition.

 

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics

1974/2017/S2023
Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation, within the United States, of Didactic and Coordinated Programs in Dietetics at both the undergraduate and graduate level, postbaccalaureate Dietetic Internships, and Dietetic Technician Programs at the associate degree level and for its accreditation of such programs offered via distance education.
Title IV Note: Only postbaccalaureate dietetic internship programs may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

Rayane AbuSabha, Executive Director
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, Illinois  60606-6995
Tel. (312) 899-4872, Fax (312) 899-4817
E-mail address: rabusabha@eatright.org
Web address: www.eatright.org/acend

 

Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

1969/2016/S2021
Scope of recognition: the accreditation of private, postsecondary institutions in the United States offering predominantly* allied health education programs leading to a certificate, diploma, and degrees at the level of the Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Occupational Science, Academic Associate, Baccalaureate and Master’s; and the programmatic accreditation of medical assisting, medical laboratory technology, and surgical technology programs, through the Associate degree, including those offered via distance education. The scope extends to the Substantive Change Committee, jointly with the Commission, for decisions on substantive change.
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.

India Tips, Executive Director
7777 Leesburg Pike, Suite 314N
Falls Church, Virginia  22043
Tel. (703) 917-9503, Fax (703) 917-4109
E-mail address: mark.mckenzie@acaom.org
Web address: www.abhes.org

 

Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
1988/2016/S2021
Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation (“Candidacy”) throughout the United States of professional non-degree and graduate degree programs, including professional doctoral programs, in the field of acupuncture and/or Oriental medicine, as well as freestanding institutions and colleges of acupuncture and/or Oriental medicine that offer such programs.
Title IV Note: Only freestanding institutions or colleges of acupuncture or Oriental medicine may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

Mark S. McKenzie, Executive Director
8941 Aztec Drive, Suite B
Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Tel. (952) 212-2434, Fax (952) 657-7068
E-mail address: mark.mckenzie@acaom.org.
Web address: www.acaom.org

 

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. – May 6, 2013
(Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission)
1952/2017/W2023
Scope of recognition: Accreditation of nursing education programs and schools, both postsecondary and higher degree, which offer a certificate, diploma, or a recognized professional degree including clinical doctorate, masters, baccalaureate, associate, diploma, and practical nursing programs in the United States and its territories, including those offered via distance education.

Title IV Note: Practical, diploma, associate, baccalaureate, and higher degree nursing education programs that are not located in an institutionally accredited institutions may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

Marsal P. Stoll, Chief Executive Officer
3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
Tel. (404) 975-5000 Fax (404) 975-5020
E-mail address: mstoll@acenursing.org
Web address: www.acenursing.org

 

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
1967/2011/S2021
Scope of recognition: the accreditation of private, postsecondary, non degree-granting institutions and degree-granting institutions in the United States, including those granting associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees, that are predominantly organized to educate students for occupational, trade and technical careers, and including institutions that offer programs via distance education.

Michael McComis, Executive Director
2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 302
Arlington, Virginia 22201
Tel. (703) 247-4212, Fax (703) 247-4533
E-mail address: info@accsc.org
Web address: www.accsc.org

 

Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training
1978/2018/S2024
Scope of recognition: the accreditation throughout the United States of institutions of higher education that offer continuing education and vocational programs that confer certificates or occupational associate degrees, including those programs offered via distance education. 
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.

Judy Hendrickson
Interim Executive Director
1722 N Street, NW
Washington, DC  20036
Tel. (202) 955-1113, Fax (202) 955-1118
E-mail address: jhendrickson@accet.org
Web address: www.accet.org

 

Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
1956/2016/2021
Scope of recognition: the accreditation of private postsecondary institutions offering certificates or diplomas, and postsecondary institutions offering associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees in programs designed to educate students for professional, technical, or occupational careers, including those that offer those programs via distance education.

Michelle Edwards, President
1350 Eye Street, NW, Suite 560
Washington, DC 20005
Tel. (202) 336-6780, Fax (202) 842-2593
E-mail address: medwards@acics.org
Web address: www.acics.org

 

American Bar Association, Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar

1952/2018/S2021
Scope of recognition: the accreditation throughout the United States of programs in legal education that lead to the first professional degree in law, including those offered via distance education, as well as freestanding law schools offering such programs. This recognition also extends to the Accreditation Committee of the Section of Legal Education (Accreditation Committee) for decisions involving continued accreditation (referred to by the agency as “approval”) of law schools.
Title IV Note: Only freestanding law schools may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

William E. Adams, Jr.
Managing Director, Accreditation and Legal Education
ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar
321 North Clark Street, 19th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60654-7598
Tel. (312) 988-5103, Fax (312) 988-5681
E-mail address: william.adams@americanbar.org
Web address: www.abanet.org/legaled/

 

American Board of Funeral Service Education, Committee on Accreditation
1972/2017/W2021
Scope of recognition: the accreditation of institutions and programs within the United States awarding diplomas, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees in funeral service or mortuary science, including the accreditation of distance learning courses and programs offered by these programs and institutions.
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.

Robert C. Smith, III, Executive Director
992 Mantua Pike, Suite 108
Woodbury Heights, New Jersey 08097
Tel. (816) 233-3747, Fax (856) 579-7354
E-mail address: exdir@abfse.org
Website: www.abfse.org

 

American Osteopathic Association, Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation
1952/2018/S2021
Scope of recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation (“Provisional Accreditation”) throughout the United States of freestanding institutions of osteopathic medicine and of osteopathic medical 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.

Joshua L Prober
Interim Secretary to the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation
American Osteopathic Association
142 East Ontario Street
Chicago, Illinois  60611-2864
Tel. (312) 202-8124 fax (312) 202-8202
E-mail address: jprober@osteopathic.org
Web address: www.aoacoca.org

 

American Podiatric Medical Association, Council on Podiatric Medical Education
1952/2016/W2022
Scope of recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation (“Provisional Accreditation”) throughout the United States 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.

Heather M. Stagliano, Director
9312 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, Maryland  20814-1621
Tel. (301) 571-9200, Fax (301) 571-4903
E-mail address:  hmstagliano@cpme.org
Web address: www.cpme.org

 

 

The Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
1952/2017/S2022
Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation (“Candidate Status”) of institutions of biblical higher education in the United States offering undergraduate certificates, associate degrees, baccalaureate degrees, graduate certificates, and master’s degrees, including the accreditation of educational programs offered via distance education.

Ronald C. Kroll
Director, Commission on Accreditation
5850 T.G. Lee Boulevard, Suite 130
Orlando, Florida 32822
Tel. (407) 207-0808, Fax (407) 207-0840
E-mail address: ron.kroll@abhe.org
Web address: www.abhe.org

 

Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools, Accreditation Commission
1974/2018/S2023
Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation (“Correspondent” and “Candidate”) within the United States of advanced rabbinical and Talmudic schools to include Associate, Baccalaureate, Masters, Doctorate, and First Rabbinic and First Talmudic degrees programs.

Bernard Fryshman, Interim Director
11 Broadway, Suite 405
New York, New York 10004
Tel. (212) 363-1991, Fax (212) 533-5335
E-Mail Address: bfryshma@nyit.edu

 

Association of Institutions of Jewish Studies
2015/W2021
Scope of recognition: the accreditation of postsecondary institutions of Jewish Studies within the United States exclusively offering educational programs leading to a certificate, associate degree, baccalaureate degree or their equivalent credential in Jewish Studies or Classical Torah Studies

Rabbi Doniel Ginsberg, President
500 West Kennedy Boulevard
Lakewood, NJ 08701
Tel: (732) 363-7330, fax: (732) 415-8198
E-Mail Address: Dginsberg@theaijs.com
Web address: http://theaijs.com/

 

Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools
1952/2016/S2021
Scope of recognition: the accreditation of theological schools and seminaries, as well as schools or programs that are parts of colleges or universities, in the United States, offering post baccalaureate degrees in professional and academic theological education, including delivery via distance education.
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.

Frank M. Yamada, Executive Director
10 Summit Park Drive
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  15275-1103
Tel. (412) 788-6505, Fax (412) 788-6510
E-mail address:  yamada@ats.edu
Web address: www.ats.edu

 

 

Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation
2002/2015/W2021
Scope of recognition: the accreditation of institutions and programs in the United States that award postsecondary certificates, postsecondary diplomas, academic Associate degrees and occupational Associate degrees, in the practice of massage therapy, bodywork, and aesthetics/esthetics and skin care
Title IV Note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of massage therapy, body work and aesthetics/esthetics may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

Dawn Hogue, Acting Executive Director
Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation
900 Commonwealth Place, Ste 200-331
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Tel. (202) 888-6790, Fax (202) 888-6787
E-mail address: dhogue@comta.org
Web address: www.comta.org

 

Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
1955/2018/S2023
Scope of recognition: The accreditation of institutions and programs of nurse anesthesia at the post master`s certificate, master`s, or doctoral degree levels in the United States, and its territories, including programs offering distance education.
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

Francis Gerbasi
Director of Accreditation and Education
222 South Prospect, Suite 304
Park Ridge, Illinois  60068-4010
Tel. (847) 692-7050, Fax (847) 692-7137
E-mail address: fgerbasi@coa.us.com
Web address: https://www.coacrna.org/about-coa/

 

The Council on Chiropractic Education, Commission on Accreditation
1974/2019/W2022
Scope of recognition: the accreditation of programs leading to the Doctor of Chiropractic degree and single-purpose institutions offering the Doctor of Chiropractic program. 
Title IV Note: Only freestanding schools or colleges of chiropractic may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

Craig S. Little, President
Council on Chiropractic Education
10105 E. Via Linda, Suite 103 – 3642
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Tel. (480) 443-8877, Fax (480) 483-7333
E-mail address:  little@cce-usa.org
Web address: www.cce-usa.org

 

Council on Occupational Education
1969/2013/S2021
Scope of recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation (“Candidacy Status”) throughout the United States of postsecondary occupational education institutions offering non-degree and applied associate degree programs in specific career and technical education fields, including institutions that offer programs via distance education.

Gary Puckett, Executive Director
7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325
Atlanta, Georgia, 30350
Tel. (770) 396-3898, (800) 917-2081, Fax (770) 396-3790
E-mail address: puckettg@council.org
Web address: www.council.org

 

Distance Education Accrediting Commission
1959/2017/S2022
Scope of recognition: the accreditation of postsecondary institutions in the United States that offer degree and/or non-degree programs primarily by the distance or correspondence education method up to and including the professional doctoral degree, including those institutions that are specifically certified by the agency as accredited for Title IV purposes.
Title IV Note: Only accredited institutions that are certified by the agency as accredited for Title IV purposes may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility of its degree and/or non-degree programs to participate in Title IV programs.


Leah K. Matthews, Executive Director
1101 17th Street NW, Suite 808
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. (202) 234-5100, Fax (202) 332-1386
E-mail address: info@deac.org
Web address: www.deac.org

 

Higher Learning Commission
1952/2017/W2023
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, and Wyoming, including the tribal institutions and the accreditation of programs offered via distance education and correspondence education within these institutions. This recognition extends to the Institutional Actions Council jointly with the Board of Trustees of the Commission for decisions on cases for continued accreditation or reaffirmation, and continued candidacy, and to the Appeals Body jointly with the Board of Trustees of the Commission for decisions related to initial candidacy or accreditation or reaffirmation of accreditation.

Barbara Gellman-Danley, President
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois  60604-1413
Tel. (312) 263-0456, (800) 621-7440, Fax (312) 263-7462
E-mail address: bgdanley@hlcommission.org
Web address: www.hlcommission.org

 

 Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
1957/2016/W2022
Scope of recognition: the accreditation of educational programs in radiography, magnetic resonance, radiation therapy, and medical dosimetry, including those offered via distance education, at the certificate, associate, and baccalaureate levels. 
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.

Leslie F. Winter, Chief Executive Officer
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, Illinois  60606-3182
Tel. (312) 704-5300, Fax (312) 704-5304
E-mail address: mail@jrcert.org
Web address: www.jrcert.org

 

Middle States Commission on Higher Education
1952/2017/W2023
Scope of recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation (“Candidacy status”) of institutions of higher education in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and any other geographic areas in which the Commission elects to conduct accrediting activities within the United States including distance and correspondence education programs offered at those institutions.

Heather Perfetti, President
3624 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania  19104
Tel. (267) 284-5000, Fax (215) 662-5950
E-mail address:  info@msche.org
Web address: www.msche.org

 

Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools
2004/2019/S2022
Scope of recognition: the accreditation of institutions with postsecondary, non-degree granting career and technology programs in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to include the accreditation of postsecondary, non-degree granting institutions that offer all or part of their educational programs via distance education modalities.
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.

Lisa Marie McCauley, President
3624 Market Street, 2 West
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-2680
Tel. (267) 284-5000, Fax (215) 662-0957
E-mail address: lmmccauley@msa-cess.org
Web address: www.msa-cess.org 

 

Midwifery Education Accreditation Council
2001/2015/W2021
Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation throughout the United States of direct-entry midwifery educational institutions and programs conferring degrees and certificates, including the accreditation of such programs offered via distance education.
Title IV Note: Only freestanding direct-entry midwifery educational institutions may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

Beatrix Packmohr
Interim Executive Director
850 Mt. Pleasant Ave
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Tel. (360)466-2080, Fax (480) 907-2936
E-mail address: info@meacschools.org
Web address: www.meacschools.org

 

Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education
1995/2017/W2021
Scope of recognition: the accreditation of Montessori teacher education institutions and programs throughout the United States, including those offered via distance education.
Title IV Note: Only freestanding Montessori teacher education institutionsmay use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

Rebecca Pelton, President
Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education
108 Second Street, S.W., Suite 7
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Tel. (434)-202-7793, Fax (888) 525-8838
After Hours Tel. (434) 987-2975
E-mail address: rebecca@macte.org
Web address: www.MACTE.org

 

National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences, Inc.
1970/2015/W2021
Scope of recognition: the accreditation throughout the United States of postsecondary schools and departments of cosmetology arts and sciences and massage therapy, including those offered via distance education.

Anthony Mirando
Executive Director
3015 Colvin Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel. (703) 600-7600, Fax (703) 379-2200
E-mail address: amirando@naccas.org
Web address: www.naccas.org

 

National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation
1966/2017/S2023
Scope of recognition: the accreditation throughout the United States of freestanding institutions and units offering art/design and art/design-related programs (both degree- and non-degree-granting), including those offered via distance education.
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.

Karen P. Moynahan, Executive Director
11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21
Reston, Virginia 20190
Tel. (703) 437-0700, Fax (703) 437-6312
E-mail address: info@arts-accredit.org
Web address: www.arts-accredit.org

 

National Association of Schools of Dance, Commission on Accreditation
1983/2019/S2024
Scope of recognition: the accreditation throughout the United States of freestanding institutions that offer dance and dance-related programs (both degree and non-degree-granting), including those offered via distance education.
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.

Karen P. Moynahan, Executive Director
11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21
Reston, Virginia 20190
Tel. (703) 437-0700, Fax (703) 437-6312
E-mail address: info@arts-accredit.org
Web address: www.arts-accredit.org

 

National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation
1952/2019/S2024
Scope of recognition: the accreditation throughout the United States of freestanding institutions that offer music and music related programs (both degree and non-degree-granting) including those offered via distance. This recognition also extends to the Commission on Community College Accreditation.
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.

Karen P. Moynahan, Executive Director
11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21
Reston, Virginia 20190
Tel. (703) 437-0700, Fax (703) 437-6312
E-mail address: info@arts-accredit.org
Web address: www.arts-accredit.org

 

National Association of Schools of Theatre, Commission on Accreditation
1982/2019/S2024
Scope of recognition: the accreditation throughout the United States of freestanding institutions that offer theatre and theatre-related programs (both degree and non-degree-granting), including those offered via distance education.
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.

Karen P. Moynahan, Executive Director
11250 Roger Bacon Drive. Suite 21
Reston, Virginia 20190
Tel. (703) 437-0700, Fax (703) 437-6312
E-mail address: info@arts-accredit.org
Web address: www.arts-accredit.org

 

New England Commission of Higher Education
1952/2017W2023
Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation (“Candidacy status”) of institutions of higher education in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont that award bachelor’s, master’s, and/or doctoral degrees and associate degree-granting institutions in those states that include degrees in liberal arts or general studies among their offerings, including the accreditation of programs offered via distance education within these institutions.

Lawrence Schall, President
3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100
Burlington, Massachusetts 01803-4514
Tel. (781) 425-7700, Fax (781) 425-1001
E-mail address: lschall@neche.org
Web address: www.neche.org

 

New York State Board of Regents, and the Commissioner of Education
1952/2017/W2023
Scope of recognition: the accreditation of those degree-granting institutions of higher education in New York that designate the agency as their sole or primary nationally recognized accrediting agency for purposes of establishing eligibility to participate in HEA programs including accreditation of programs offered via distance education within these institutions..

Mary Ellen Elia, Commissioner of Education
State Education Department
The University of the State of New York
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12234
Tel. (518) 474-5844   Fax (518) 473-4909
E-mail address: commissioner@nysed.gov
Web address: www.nysed.gov

 

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
1952/2018/S2023
Scope of recognition: the accreditation and pre-accreditation (“Candidacy status”) of postsecondary degree-granting educational institutions in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, and the accreditation of programs offered via distance education within these institutions.

Sonny Ramaswamy, President
8060 165th Avenue, NE, Suite 100
Redmond, Washington  98052
Tel. (425) 425-376-0596, Fax (425) 376-0596
E-mail address: sonny@nwccu.org
Web address: www.nwccu.org

 

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
1952/2019/S2022
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, including the accreditation of programs offered via distance and correspondence education within these institutions. The accreditation status and their recognition extends to the SACSCOC Board of Trustees and the Appeals Committee of the College Delegate Assembly on cases of initial candidacy or initial accreditation and for continued accreditation or candidacy.

Belle Wheelan, President
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, Georgia  30033-4097
Tel. (404) 679-4512, Fax (404) 994-6592
E-mail address: bwheelan@sacscoc.org
Web address: www.sacscoc.org

 

Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
1991/2018/S2021
Scope of recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation (“Candidate” status) of Christian postsecondary institutions in the United States that offer certificates, diplomas, and associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees, including institutions that offer distance education.

Timothy W. Eaton, President
15935 Forest Road
Forest, Virginia  24551
Tel. (434) 525-9539, Fax (434) 525-9538
E-mail address: president@tracs.org
Web address: www.tracs.org

 

WASC Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
1952/2019/S2024
Scope of recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation (“Candidate for Accreditation”) of community and other 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 Marianas, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which have as a primary mission the granting of associate degrees, but which may also award certificates and other credentials, not to exceed the bachelor degree level, where the provision of such credentials is within the institution’s mission and, if applicable, is authorized by their governmental authorities, and the accreditation of such programs offered via distance education and correspondence education at these colleges. This recognition also extends to the Committee on Substantive Change of the Commission, for decisions on substantive changes, and the Appeals Panel.

Stephanie Droker, President
10 Commercial Boulevard, Suite 204
Novato, California  94949
Tel. (415) 506-0234, Fax (415) 506-0238
E-mail address:  accjc@accjc.org
Web address: www.accjc.org

 

WASC Senior College and University Commission
1952/2017/W2023
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 Mariana Islands and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, including distance education programs offered at those institutions.

Jamienne S. Studley, President
985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100
Alameda, California 94501
Tel. (510) 748-9001, Fax (510) 748-9797
E-mail address: jstudley@wscuc.org
Web address: www.wscuc.org

 

 

 

 

International Affairs Office News

By NewsNo Comments

International Affairs Office

U.S Department of Education

Recognition of Foreign Qualifications

In the United States, the competent authorities for recognizing previous education and qualifications include entities such as the following:

  • Education Institutions (for those seeking to study)
  • Employers (for those seeking employment)
  • State-Level Licensing Authorities (for those seeking professional licensure)
  • Federal Immigration Authorities (for those seeking to obtain/change visa status)

In some instances, the entities mentioned above will evaluate foreign credentials themselves. However, in most instances, they will request that you obtain a credential evaluation to determine how one’s non-U.S. credentials compare with U.S. credentials. Such evaluations are carried out by private, non-governmental entities for a fee.

Note: The U.S. Department of Education does not evaluate foreign qualifications or degrees. Please do not submit evaluation requests or related documentation to the Department.

To Study

When seeking admission to an educational institution, the competent authority for recognizing previous education and qualifications is the school or higher education institution in which you seek to enroll. Contact the admissions office for instructions. Many institutions and schools evaluate credentials themselves, while some will refer you to a credential evaluation service.

To Work

When seeking employment, the competent authority for recognizing previous education and qualifications is the employer. For instructions regarding the evaluation of foreign credentials, contact the human resources office of the prospective employer. Some employers will recommend or require that you use a specific credential evaluation service.

To Practice a Licensed Profession

Regulated professions in the United States are generally licensed at the state level, and the competent authority for recognizing previous education and qualifications is the appropriate state licensing board in the jurisdiction where you intend to work. In some states, licensing boards have specific procedures for evaluating and recognizing foreign qualifications.

Depending on the state licensing board and the profession, the evaluation of foreign credentials will be done by the board, by a general credential evaluation service or by a specialized credential evaluation service that focuses on a specific profession. The authoritative source of information regarding the evaluation of foreign credentials is the relevant state licensing board.

For additional information about licensed professions, including links to state licensing boards and professional associations, see Professional Licensure.

Important Notes Regarding Credential Evaluation Services

There is no federal regulation of credential evaluation services. The U.S. Department of Education does not endorse or recommend any individual credential evaluation service or any individual association of credential evaluation services.

Use a credential evaluation service recommended by the employer, education institution or state licensing authority to which you are applying. If no specific credential evaluation service is recommended, you can search online to identify a credential evaluation service on your own, or you can consider using a credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). (See Disclaimer below.)

Credential evaluations are not free. The cost will vary according to the complexity of the case and the amount of documentation you can provide.

Credential evaluations are done on an individual, case-by-case basis and take into consideration various factors. Different credential evaluation services might evaluate credentials differently, according to their criteria.

Credential evaluation services generally require English translations of any non-English documents. For details regarding requirements, consult the entity that will evaluate your credentials.

Credential evaluation services generally have in place a process to appeal their recommendations. If needed, make use of the appeals process provided by the credential evaluation service. (The U.S. federal government has no role in credential evaluation appeals.)

 

Disclaimer
The NACES and AICE hyperlinks above lead to websites created and maintained by private organizations. These links are provided solely for the user’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of this outside information. The inclusion of these hyperlinks is not intended to reflect their importance or to endorse the organizations sponsoring the websites.  The inclusion of these hyperlinks is also not intended to endorse the views expressed, or any products or services that may be offered, on the websites. Please note that privacy policies on these websites may differ from the Department’s privacy policy.