Accreditation is done by a variety of bodies. Technically, the six regional accrediting agencies are not part of the "state." They are, however, listed in the CHEA book and therefore recognized by the U.S. government. Some other reputable accrediting agencies also have their spoon in the soup. ATS accredits seminaries. ABHE used to accredit mainly Bible colleges (aka AABC) and is also listed in the CHEA book.

Many professions have their own accrediting agencies. So, it matters whether a school is only "regionally" accredited (MSCHE, NEASC-CIHE, NCA-HLC, NWCCU, SACS, WASC-ACCJC) or if it has a trade accreditation as well. For instance, quality business programs often elect to be accredited by ACBSP in addition to the regional accreditation of the school where they are nested. Seminaries typically look for an ATS specialized accreditation in addition to the regional accreditation.

Some schools eschew accreditation (typically because they have little $, utilize a high percentage of adjuncts, or have inadequate on-site library facilities). Some quality (but small) Reformed seminaries elect to be accredited by the ARTS group (Birmingham Theological Seminary, FAREL Reformed Theological Seminary, Geneva Reformed Seminary,
Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, New Geneva Theological Seminary, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Sangre de Cristo Seminary, and Western Reformed Seminary).

And, some other credible schools elect to fly bare (e.g., Whitefield).

So, the question for the student is: what kind of seminary experience do I want and for what end? If you are planning on getting a PhD and teaching, ONLY go to an accredited school (esp. ATS accredited). However, if your goal is to be trained for ministry, I have a VERY difficult time thinking that PRTS gives anything other than a quality education and preparation for ministry.

James White, Kenneth Gentry, and R.C. Sproul Sr. didn't do too badly with their terminal degrees from unaccredited seminaries. However, I do notice that Catholics sometimes carp about White's educational pedigree.

__________________
Dennis E. McFadden, Ex Mainline Baptist (in Remission)
Atherton Baptist Homes, CEO
First Baptist Church of Alhambra, Member, Transformation Ministries (CA)

Click to get: Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions?