Otterbein University holds disciplinary accreditation and approval through:

• The American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology.
• The American Chemical Society.
• The Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Programs.
• The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
• The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
• The National Association of Schools of Music.
• The National Association of Schools of Theatre.
• The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation), and affiliated specialized professional associations, including:
  • Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE)
  • Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
  • International Literacy Association (ILA)
  • National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)
  • National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
  • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
  • National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
• The National Strength and Conditioning Education Recognition Program
• The Ohio Board of Nursing

Additionally, Otterbein University belongs to the:

• American Association of College for Teacher Education (AACTE)
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
• American Council on Education
• Association of American Colleges and Universities
• Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio
• Council of Graduate Schools
• Council of Independent Colleges
• Council on Undergraduate Research
• Ohio Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
• Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges
• Ohio Association of Private Colleges for Teacher Education
• Midwest Association of Graduate Schools

Otterbein University is also approved by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church.