Seminary accreditation is the process of an independent third party certifying a seminary’s compliance with basic educational and administrative standards. The approach to seminary accreditation differs from country to country. Some people seek accreditation from government-approved agencies, while others seek approval from religious organizations, such as churches. Others might not be officially recognized at all. The admissions office can provide prospective seminary students with information on a school’s accreditation status. Any accreditation claims can be checked with the accrediting authority.
Accreditation is a time-consuming procedure. Inspectors come to campus to see what types of classes are available and to assess their quality sitting in on classes, reviewing curricula, and meeting with students. The inspectors evaluate the school’s administrative management as well as the curriculum presented to seminary students. They go over the seminary’s policies and look for things like how refunds are handled, what kinds of notices are sent out, and how the office is set up. The seminary will be accredited if it meets their requirements. The seminary will need to be re-evaluated when its accreditation expires.
Seminary accreditation is not as important as secular educational institution accreditation. People can attend non-accredited schools and receive an excellent education as well as job opportunities after graduation. Many unaccredited seminaries are affiliated with specific denominations, and seminary graduates can use their training to serve as religious officiants in their respective faiths. Seminary coursework differs dramatically from that offered secular institutions, and the rigorous academic standards of secular accreditation authorities are not always observed in seminary accreditation.
Seminaries that provide training in specific religious faiths are accredited official government agencies in many regions. These organizations can provide accreditation to schools. They can also ask religious officiants and independent commissions set up members of their faith to evaluate them. Those who are curious about the accreditation standards used during the review process can request to see them in order to learn more about the reviewers’ evaluation methods.
When a government agency accredits a seminary, the seminary is permitted to display the agency’s seal and claim affiliation with the agency and other seminaries that share the accreditation. By contacting the accrediting authority and requesting information, people can confirm that the seminary is in good standing. Seminaries affiliated with non-denominational religious groups may also display information about themselves, including contact information for those interested in learning more.