Programmatic accreditors review specialized and professional programs in a range of fields and disciplines within institutions, as well as single-purpose freestanding institutions.

Accrediting Organization Recognized Scope of Accreditation
Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA)
Not CHEA-recognized
USDE-recognized
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
Visit USDE Website
Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)
Not CHEA-recognized
USDE-recognized
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
Visit USDE Website
Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA-OP)
CHEA-recognized
Not USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
The Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA) accredits two-year Opticianry degree programs in the United States that are sponsored by post-secondary institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the Department of Education or CHEA. (2019)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
This organization is recognized only by CHEA and not USDE.
Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA)
CHEA-recognized
Not USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
COSMA accredits sport management programs in institutions of higher education worldwide that grant bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
This organization is recognized only by CHEA and not USDE.
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
CHEA-recognized
Not USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
CACREP accredits master’s and doctoral degree programs in counseling and its specialties that are offered by colleges and universities in the United States and throughout the world. (2013)
Note:
Effective July 1, 2017, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) assumed responsibility for carrying out the mission and vision of the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE). All graduate programs that were formerly accredited by CORE are now accredited by CACREP.
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
This organization is recognized only by CHEA and not USDE.
Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA)
CHEA-recognized
Not USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
Professional-level interior design programs that culminate in a bachelor's or master's degree located in the United States or internationally. (2013)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
This organization is recognized only by CHEA and not USDE.
Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE)
CHEA-recognized
Not USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
The Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) accredits human services educational programs in the United States at associate, bachelor, and master degree levels. (2011)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
This organization is recognized only by CHEA and not USDE.
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
CHEA-recognized
Not USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
CAEP’s scope of accreditation is the accreditation and preaccreditation of educator preparation providers (EPPs) that offer bachelor’s, master’s, and/or doctoral degrees, post-baccalaureate or other programs leading to certification, licensure, or endorsement in the United States and/or internationally. (2020)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
This organization is recognized only by CHEA and not USDE.
Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, American Bar Association (ABA)
Not CHEA-recognized
USDE-recognized
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
Visit USDE Website
Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CAA-ASHA)
CHEA-recognized
USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
The accreditation and preaccreditation (Accreditation Candidate) throughout the United States of education programs in audiology and speech-language pathology leading to the first professional or clinical degree at the master's or doctoral level, and the accreditation of these programs offered via distance education. (2014)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
Visit USDE Website