CBCTS - Online Theological Degree Programs

	NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PRIVATE THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS The National Association of Private Theological Institutions has granted and bestowed the status of Fully Accredited Member upon CBCTS, and has recognized our institution as a degree granting institution of higher learning. To verify membership and status visit: www.napti.us
	WORLD-WIDE ACCREDITING COMMISSION CBCTS is a fully accredited member of the World-wide Accreditation Commission of Christian Educational Institutions (WWAC). Anyone desiring to contact WWAC for verification may write to: WWAC Attn: Dr. Paul Richardson - Executive President 2800 Blendwell Rd. Richmond, VA 23224 Please be advised that due to the principles of separation of Church and state (Mk. 12:17; II Cor. 6:14; Ja. 4:4) WWAC has chosen not to seek endorsement by either the EAES or COPA.
	NATIONAL BIBLE COLLEGE ASSOCIATION CBCTS is a fully accredited member of the National Bible College Association (NBCA). Anyone desiring to contact NBCA for verification may utilize the below links: Email: [click here] Web: [click here] To verify our status as an accredited member: [click here] Disclaimer: Covenant Bible College & Theological Seminary is accredited by NBCA, which is not recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDOE).
	CBCTS is granted legal authority in the State of Indiana to issue certificates, diplomas, and degrees of a religious nature. (IC 20-1-19)

Accreditation in the United States:

The United States has no Federal Ministry of Education or other centralized authority exercising single national control over post secondary educational institutions in this country. The States assume varying degrees of control over education, but, in general, institutions of higher education are permitted to operate with considerable independence and autonomy. *

In order to insure a basic level of quality, the practice of accreditation arose in the United States as a means of conducting non-governmental, peer evaluation of educational institutions and programs. Private educational associations of regional or national scope have adopted criteria reflecting the qualities of a sound educational program and have developed procedures for evaluating institutions or programs to determine whether or not they are operating at basic levels of quality. *

Some Functions of Accreditation:

Verifying that an institution or program meets established standards.
Assisting prospective students in identifying acceptable institutions.
Assisting institutions in determining the acceptability of transfer credits.
Protecting an institution against harmful internal and external pressure.
Establishing criteria for professional certification and licensure and for upgrading courses offering such preparation. *

* Excerpts from the United States Department of Education, Office of Post Secondary Education web site.

CBCTS IS NOT ACCREDITED BY AN ACCREDITING AGENCY RECOGNIZED BY THE UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF EDUCATION.

Legal Status

In the United States, accreditation of universities and seminaries is a voluntary process with accreditation granted by private, non-governmental agencies. Governmental agencies never provide theological accreditation. Additionally, there is no national standard for educational accreditation, and the educational world is currently re-examining criteria for accreditation, focusing less on institutional inputs and more on educational outcomes.

There is no such requirement as Federal or State accreditation of a religious institution, because the civil government has no authority to regulate religious teachings or which certificates or religious degrees upon completion of such education may be issued. This is a matter of separation of Church and State. Politicians and civil authorities must never be allowed to officially endorse or disapprove directly or indirectly the beliefs and practices of churches or their schools.

A casual survey of Church history shows that such linkage with "Caesar" eventually leads to infringement upon conscience, bondage, and corruption. Therefore, to be accredited by any agency, which in turn is controlled by the U.S. Department of Education, would to some degree be a compromise of the separation principle and constitute a violation of the Church's sovereignty.(Source: Dr. Paul Richardson of WWAC)

Please keep in mind that most Bible Colleges and Christian Universities do not have secular regional accreditation.