Regional Accreditation
In the United States of America, accreditation is the recognition by an independent, non-governmental review board (The Commission) that an educational institution meets their clearly stated requirements and criteria, and that there are reasonable grounds for believing that it will do so in the future. Accreditation provides certification of acceptable institutional quality, and an opportunity and incentive for self-improvement in the accredited organization. There are six regional accreditation commissions recognized by the United States Department of Education.
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC-CIHE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
In the educational world today, an institution’s regional accreditation is not always a requirement, especially for educating men and women to effectively serve in ministry-related vocations or professions. A great many Christian pastors, teachers, professors, and counselors have been educated at Bible colleges and seminaries which do not have regional accreditation. Among the reasons for this decision are the major financial savings for tuition, and a concern about the separation of church and state.
At Southern National Theological Seminary, we have numerous students and graduates who have come to us for their post-graduate studies from major, fully accredited seminaries, colleges, and universities, including Liberty University, Regent University and Fuller. Why? Because they were confident that they would be receiving a high quality, Bible-based, theological education from us. They were not disappointed.
As we look ahead to the future, Southern National Theological Seminary is in the process of preparing to apply for regional accreditation from an agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education—a process that can take 5 years or more. Why are we seeking this status? To meet the United States Department of Homeland Security’s criteria for bringing students from around the world to the United States for on-site pastoral and biblical training. We are dedicated to training men and women from around the world who are committed to carrying out Gospel ministry in places of severe opposition and persecution.
Currently, Southern National Theological Seminary is accredited by a religious organization not affiliated with the US Department of Education.
If you have a family to support so you cannot afford to take on a large student loan debt then give SNTS a try!
