What Is the Role of the United States Department of
Education in Accreditation?
The United States Department of Education (USDE) does not accredit
individual institutions or academic programs, but approves accreditation
associations.
The National Advisory Committee on Institutional
Quality and Integrity of the USDE reviews accrediting agencies and state
approval agencies for USDE approval..
The Secretary of Education determines if the
accrediting association is a reliable authority on the quality of education or
training offered.
Associations need USDE approval before the
institutions they accredit can be eligible to participate in Federal programs
(e.g. student financial assistance).
What Is the Role of The Council for Higher Education
Accreditation (CHEA) in Accreditation?
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation
(CHEA) does not accredit individual institutions or academic programs, but
recognizes accreditation associations through its review process.
CHEA recognition supports the credibility of the
collegial process; accrediting associations are judged by their peers.
CHEA recognition maintains the tradition of
voluntary non-governmental accreditation
How Does Accreditation Relate to State Licensure?
An institution must receive approval from a state before it can conduct
business. Obtaining a state license often does not require demonstration of
quality nor accreditation before it can operate.
State licensure also permits individuals to practice
the profession in the state once they meet minimal academic requirements. They
must take a thorough examination to demonstrate a desired level of competence.
In some professions, (e.g. law, medicine, dentistry) students must graduate
from an accredited institution or program before they can take the state
licensure exams.
Who Conducts Accreditation of American Higher
Education?
Private non-governmental organizations (known as
accrediting associations, agencies, or bodies) are responsible for accrediting
institutions and academic programs.
Organizations that accredit entire institutions are
called institutional or regional associations. The United States is divided
into six regions, with an association responsible for institutions in each
geographic area. Institutions that have a single purpose (e.g. Theological
schools, Bible Colleges, Health Education, Rabbinical Schools, Career Schools)
are accredited by one of several "national" associations.
An institutional accreditation is comprehensive,
covering financial status, governance, student services, faculty and staff
relations and achievements as well as student learning and achievement.
Academic programs that are
administratively located in a degree or non-degree granting institutions are
accredited by about 50 associations which are called specialized and/or
professional. These include academic programs in the professions such as law,
engineering, teaching, and health science and professional fields. The quality
of the professional preparation of the students is the focus