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
American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (APTA-CAPTE)
CHEA-recognized
USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
CAPTE accredits physical therapist professional education programs offered at the clinical doctoral degree levels by higher education institutions in the United States and internationally. CAPTE also accredits paraprofessional physical therapist assistant technical education programs offered at the associate degree level by higher education institutions in the United States only. (2019)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
American Podiatric Medical Association, Council on Podiatric Medical Education (APMA-CPME)
CHEA-recognized
USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
The Council on Podiatric Medical Education accredits institutions and programs leading to the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree in the United States and its territories. (2004)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA)
CHEA-recognized
USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
The pre-accreditation and accreditation in the United States of doctoral programs in clinical, counseling, school psychology, (and combinations of 2 or more of these practice areas); doctoral internship programs in health service psychology; and postdoctoral residency programs in health service psychology. (2016)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
American Veterinary Medical Association, Council on Education (AVMA-COE)
CHEA-recognized
USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
Schools and programs that offer the professional Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, or its equivalent, in the United States and Canada. The Council may also accredit foreign veterinary colleges. (2015)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)
CHEA-recognized
Not USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
AAQEP accredits programs that prepare professional educators (including teachers, school leaders and administrators, and other education-related personnel) and that lead to recognized degrees at the bachelor’s, post baccalaureate, or master’s level and/or to recognized post-degree professional certificates or endorsements, across the United States and its territories and dependencies (2021).
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
This organization is recognized only by CHEA and not USDE.
Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board (ABAI)
CHEA-recognized
Not USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
The Accreditation Board of the Association for Behavior Analysis International accredits degree programs in behavior analysis at the master's and doctoral levels in institutions of higher learning in the United States of America. (2021)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
This organization is recognized only by CHEA and not USDE.
Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation (ABHE)
CHEA-recognized
USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
Institutions and programs in the United States, Canada and related territories that offer certificates, diplomas, associate, baccalaureate or graduate degrees aimed at preparing students for Christian ministries through Biblical, church-vocational and general studies. (2007)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc., Accreditation Commission (ACPE Inc)
Not CHEA-recognized
USDE-recognized
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired Accreditation Council (AERAC)
CHEA-recognized
Not USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
AERAC accredits baccalaureate and graduate preparation programs in the United States of America and Canada that prepare teachers and practitioners to work with children and adults who are blind and those with low vision. These programs address the disciplines of Orientation and Mobility, Vision Rehabilitation Therapy, Low Vision Therapy, Assistive Technology and Teacher of Students with Visual Impairment. (2024)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
This organization is recognized only by CHEA and not USDE.
Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE)
CHEA-recognized
Not USDE-recognized
CHEA-recognized Scope Statement:
Associate, baccalaureate, and master's degree programs in technology, applied technology, engineering technology, and technology-related disciplines delivered at national or regional accredited institutions in the United States. (2011)
USDE-recognized Scope Statement:
This organization is recognized only by CHEA and not USDE.