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
Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
Not CHEA-recognized
USDE-recognized
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC)
CHEA-recognized
Not USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
Programs in regionally and nationally accredited institutions within the United States and internationally that provide professional education in journalism and mass communications at the baccalaureate and master’s degree level (only profession-focused master’s level programs). (2011)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
This organization is recognized only by CHEA and not USDE.
American Academy of Forensic Sciences Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (AAFS-FEPAC)
CHEA-recognized
Not USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
FEPAC accredits forensic science education programs that lead to a bachelor's or master's degree in forensic science or in a natural science with a forensic science concentration in the United States and Internationally. FEPAC will also accredit bachelor's or master's programs with a digital evidence concentration. (2015)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
This organization is recognized only by CHEA and not USDE.
American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Council for Accreditation (AAFCS)
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
Units in postsecondary institutions in the US and its territories having educational programs (majors) leading to a baccalaureate degree or degrees through which professionals are prepared for a career in family and consumer sciences or in the profession’s career specializations. (2001)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
This organization is recognized only by CHEA and not USDE.
American Board of Funeral Service Education, Committee on Accreditation (ABFSE)
CHEA-recognized
USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
Funeral service/mortuary science education programs at the associate (or comparable) and baccalaureate levels in the United States. (2012)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
American Council for Construction Education (ACCE)
CHEA-recognized
Not USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
Master’s, baccalaureate and associate degree programs in construction, construction science, construction management, construction technology and other construction-related studies and single-purpose institutions that offer associate degree programs in construction-related occupational education. Accredited degree programs and single-purpose institutions may be located anywhere in the United States of America or at any international location. (2023)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
This organization is recognized only by CHEA and not USDE.
American Culinary Federation Education Foundation, Inc., Accrediting Commission (ACFEF-AC)
CHEA-recognized
Not USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
The ACFEF Accrediting Commission extends its services both within the United States and to international programs which award Post-Secondary certificates, diplomas, Associate degrees in the culinary arts or baking and pastry arts and Bachelor degrees in foodservice management at accredited institutions. Where accreditation in a country is not otherwise available, the institution must have the approval of the government agency responsible for oversight of the institution. (2015)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
This organization is recognized only by CHEA and not USDE.
American Library Association, Committee on Accreditation (ALA-CoA)
CHEA-recognized
Not USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
Accredits master’s programs in library and information studies offered under the degree-granting authority of institutions in the United States, its territories, possessions, and protectorates; in Canada by agreement with the Canadian Federation of Library Associations/Fédération canadienne des associations de bibliothèques (CFLA-FCAB); and in the United Kingdom. (2019)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
This organization is recognized only by CHEA and not USDE.
American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (AOTA-ACOTE)
CHEA-recognized
USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
ACOTE is a nationally-recognized accrediting body for occupational therapy educational programs in the United States, Puerto Rico, and internationally, offering one or more of the following credentials for the occupational therapist: professional master’s degree, combined baccalaureate/master’s degree, and/or professional occupational therapy doctorate degree. In addition, ACOTE accredits occupational therapy assistant baccalaureate-degree-level and associate-degree-level educational programs in the United States and Puerto Rico. This recognition includes the accreditation of occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational programs offered via distance education. (2019)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
American Osteopathic Association, Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (AOA-COCA)
Not CHEA-recognized
USDE-recognized
USDE-recognized Scope Statement: