Accreditation
The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accredit CTSFW. ATS accredits theological institutions in the United States and Canada while HLC accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the United States. CTSFW accreditation by ATS began in 1968 and by HLC in 1981.
Accreditation is a process that evaluates quality and provides a road map for institutional improvements. It assures students that their academic programs meet nationally recognized standards and is required for CTSFW to receive federal funds for student financial aid. It assures financial supporters that CTSFW is engaged in appropriate educational efforts and that those efforts conform to normative expectations of quality. While it is not an audit, accreditation functions as an external, independent judgment about the strengths and weaknesses of the institution and encourages wise use of its resources and careful attention to its mission.
To that end, CTSFW engaged in an institutional self-study during the 2018-2019 academic year. The board, administration, faculty, and staff looked at CTSFW through the lens of our Mission and the lens of the ATS Standards and the HLC Criteria. The process resulted in an institutional self-study for ATS and an assurance argument for HLC in preparation for the comprehensive peer reviews by both commissions in 2020. Both commissions reaffirmed CTSFW’s accreditation for the maximal ten years.
The ten-year HLC Open Pathway includes a Year 4 Assurance Argument Update. For CTSFW, this update occurred during the 2023-2024 academic year. A team of five peers is reviewing the update during early summer 2024.
CTSFW views the work of accreditation as an opportunity to build on the school’s strengths as well as to discover and implement institutional changes that further the CTSFW’s mission “to form servants in Jesus Christ who teach the faithful, reach the lost, and care for all.”
ATS Accreditation Information
Accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS).
The following degree programs are approved:
- M.Div.
- M.A. in Deaconess Studies
- M.A. in Pastoral Studies
- M.A.
- D.Min.
- S.T.M.
- Ph.D. (Missiology)
- Ph.D. (Theological Studies)
The following extension site is approved as specified:
Gothenburg, Sweden
Approved Degree: S.T.M.
Approved for a Comprehensive Distance Education Program
The Commission contact information is:
The Commission on Accrediting of the
Association of Theological Schools
in the United States and Canada
10 Summit Park Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15275
Telephone: 412.788.6505
Fax: 412.788.6510
Website: www.ats.edu
HLC Accreditation Information
Concordia Theological Seminary is an accredited member of The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The Commission contact information is:
The Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604-1413
Telephone: 800.621.7440 / 312.263.0456
Fax: 312.263.7462
Website: www.hlcommission.org