Accreditation

Accreditation

Trinity International Theological Seminary was established for the purpose of providing biblical and theological training for students applying to this religious institution. Our mission is to prepare Christian leaders for Christian service.

'Accreditation' is the predominant term used in the US system and is technically a voluntary process undertaken by private, non-governmental, non-profit organizations. In the US system, primary responsibility for higher education rests with states, not central government, and institutions must be authorized, licensed or exempt from approval by a state to operate.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) has determined that the religious coursework offered by Trinity International Theological Seminary is exempt from MHEC approval in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 13B.01.01.03B(7) and (8), and MHEC Policies and Procedures. MHEC is the State of Maryland's higher education coordinating board responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland public and private colleges, universities, and for-profit career schools.

In order to guarantee academic and theological freedom, we are not affiliated (accredited) with any regional or national accrediting agency, and have operated successfully as a school of ministry since 2013. Since our objective is to prepare students for ministry in the church and other Christian applications, we are more concerned with our values, our mission and with pleasing God. The value of our programs can be seen in the quality of our curriculum, the qualifications of our faculty, and the knowledge, character and skills gained by our students. Trinity is committed to providing high-quality, biblically consistent, and ecclesiastically accountable academic and theological training in conformity with our doctrinal standards and our pledge to serve the church of our Lord Jesus Christ, by providing the very highest standards in training for its present and future pastors and teachers.

A Biblical or theological program from Trinity is designed to prepare a person for one basic task: MINISTRY. Our program represents a professional level of academic training in Bible and ministry related subjects. One who has earned this credential should be prepared for ministry in the church, para-church organizations, Christian schools, missionary endeavors, or any number of other ministry applications. Beyond all these ministry possibilities, a Trinity graduate should experience personal spiritual growth and the satisfaction of completing a rigorous Biblical or theological program of study.

Our purpose is clear; we do not seek to prepare our students for secular work. We will seek to provide a sound theological standing from which our students may build their life and an effective Christian ministry. Although learning is one of the key components, it is intentional that our programs are not externally accredited as we desire to prioritize the discipleship process over just the academic process. We believe the contents are accreditation level worthy but we value the flexibility that our own equipping courses provide. By not paying an external body, it has enabled us to reduce cost significantly.

We have followed our commitment to train God's servants for service. It is common for us to hear graduates of Trinity note that the training they receive from Trinity far exceeds the training they receive in more traditional Bible institutes and seminaries. We are grateful for the sound reputation that we have built and will continue our commitment to train leaders for ministries of impact for the Body of Christ.

We have operated successfully as a Seminary, with students graduating and serving in a variety of areas including teaching, preaching, missions, and counseling. Trinity clearly understands the purpose of accreditation. However, as noted by the U.S Department of Education, and all U.S Department of Education recognized accreditors, accreditation is a voluntary process.

The following quote from the United States Department of Education makes the point. "It should be noted that some institutions have chosen not to participate in the federal student aid program and therefore do not have to be approved by an accrediting agency recognized by the Department. While these institutions do not appear on the Department's list, they may be legitimate schools.  (February 1, 2005)

For Trinity, and many other good schools that seek to serve the adult learner population, the true measure of the quality of an education, and the institution itself, is the extensive experience and credential of its faculty, the integrity of its courses and programs, and ultimately the ministry and professional achievements of its students and graduates. Trinity has provided access to Christian higher education to adult learner and has been blessed to have graduated learners who serve to further the cause of Christ all over the world.

 

For additional information on accreditation, you can click on the following link which will take you to the U.S. Department of Education's accreditation statement. A quote from this page regarding the Database of Accredited Programs and Institutions is as follows, "The database does not include a number of postsecondary educational institutions and programs that elect not to seek accreditation but nevertheless may provide a quality postsecondary education. The U.S. Department of Education recommends that the database be used as one source of qualitative information and that additional sources of qualitative information be consulted." 

http://www2.ed.gov/print/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation.html

 

Accreditation Matters

Accreditation matters as an important measure of institutional quality. In fact, it may matter most if the goal of the student is to earn a certificate or diploma for the purpose of entering a profession, or gaining employment promotion. However, when it comes to nondenominational Christian ministry education for mature ministers and laypersons, many adult learners base their school selection solely on accreditation. Often it is due to a misreading of the purpose of accreditation which is to serve as a type of standard assessment factor, and gatekeeper for government funding of education through student loans and grants. That is a necessary thing for the majority of institutions of higher learning.

On the other hand, certain types of theological schools actually do not need accreditation. Namely, those specializing in affordable programs for practicing ministers, and laypersons. For these institutions, accreditation adds layers of extraneous compliance, and thereby raises the cost of tuition and fees out of reach for the average person serving in Christian ministry.

 

Trinity May Be an Ideal Option If...

• You are already serving in Christian ministry, and desire to up-grade or improve your ministry education or credentials;
• You are serving or desiring to serve through a church or ministry organization that does not require a certificate from a specific type of institution;
• You are serving in a para-church ministry;
• You are serving in a personal independent ministry;
• You are serving in a lay ministry capacity, and wish to be better educated;
• You desire to be better educated in a particular area of ministry.

DISCLAIMER: No school can guarantee credit or certificate transferability. All schools reserve the right to accept or decline credit or certificate transfer (whether accredited or unaccredited). There are situations where only a certifcate from a traditionally accredited school will meet certain requirements (such as serving in the Chaplaincy of the U.S. Armed Forces, ordination in some denominations, and various institutional positions). However, in most other circumstances, a certificate from a high quality credible institution such as Trinity may be an ideal option.

 

Why we feel we are approved of God

Our curriculum is based on biblical teachings. We use approved conservative texts that can be found in Evangelical Christian bookstores. Each student must research the Bible for each course and is accountable to defend the truth of their answers as they line up with the Word of God. We stand on the authority of the Word of God and we expect our students to be able to stand on that authority, also.

Our commitment to our students is that:

We pray for every student, faculty member, and Trinity worker.

All of our employees, students, and directors are born again believers in Jesus Christ and the Bible.

Our bylaws insure that we will operate under biblical mandates.

We are committed to honoring God's desires to equip them thoroughly for any ministry of Jesus Christ.

Most importantly, we are relying on the confirmation of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God as our witness. We believe that God will honor His Word as we give the Word to others.

 

Legal Status

STATE OF MARYLAND Department of Assessments and Taxation

Trinity International Theological Seminary (TITS) is registered under the laws of the State of Maryland, USA. TITS was established to train men and women of God and equip them with the tools necessary to be mature, productive and functioning parts of the Body of Christ. Click Here For the State of Maryland Certificate -pdf

Click Here for the State of Maryland Certificate - Microsoft Word Version

Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)

The Maryland Higher Education Commission has determined that the religious coursework offered by Trinity International Theological Seminary is exempt from MHEC approval in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 13B.01.01.03B(7) and (8), and MHEC Policies and Procedures.

MHEC is the State of Maryland's higher education coordinating board responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland public and private colleges, universities, and for-profit career schools.

 

Affiliations:

 

Trinity International Theological Seminary is affiliated with Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary, Evansville, Indiana, USA, the pioneer of Theological Distance Learning, who for over four decades trained thousands of students around the world.

 

Trinity International Theological Seminary is a Learning Partner with Waldorf University, Forest City, Iowa, USA.

Waldorf University is a regionally accredited university, recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Employees of Trinity International Theological Seminary, along with their spouses and children, are eligible for the following benefits at Waldorf University.

With numerous online associate, bachelors and master's degrees, as well as certificates, Waldorf University is a great opportunity for employees of Learning Partners to further their careers with education.

• 10% tuition discount
• Flexible enrollment
• Complimentary tutoring
• Textbooks at no cost
• Waiver of application fees
• No entrance exams
• Assistance with Tuition Assistance (TA) and Veterans Benefits (VA)
• And more!      

 

 

Trinity International Theological Seminary has been approved as an official Certifying Organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award, a prestigious national honor given by the president of the United States.

The President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is the premier volunteer service awards program, encouraging United States citizens and permanent residents, to live a life of service through presidential gratitude and national recognition. As a Certifying Organization, Trinity International Theological Seminary, can nominate potential recipients and distribute the award to those or meet or exceed the AWARD criteria.

Trinity International Theological Seminary is recognized by The Association of Christian School International (ACSI) as a Continuing Education Unit (CEU) providing institution.

Trinity International Theological Seminary's president, Dr. Ambrose E. Edebe, holds the professional Executive Director and Bible Specialist certifications of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), USA.The purpose of ACSI Certification is to strengthen Christian schools by credentialing educators who meet established professional and biblical requirements, which promotes continued professional learning and increased effectiveness. Establishing and maintaining the certification of staff and administration is an essential step toward professional credibility and growth.

ACSI Continuing Education Units (CEU)

Trinity International Theological Seminary offers periodic ACSI-accredited CEU in-service opportunities for ACSI teachers and administrators. Now you can obtain continuing education credit from an organization dedicated to upholding the authority and accuracy of God's Word. Not only that, you'll receive biblical training that will aid you as you minister to students and colleagues.

The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), Colorado, USA, is the largest Protestant educational organization in the world. Since 1978, ACSI has advanced excellence in Christian schools by enhancing the professional and personal development of Christian educators and providing support functions for Christian schools.

 

Trinity International Theological Seminary is a Learning Partner with Columbia Southern University (CSU), Orange Beach, Alabama, USA.

Columbia Southern University is a nationally accredited university, recognized by the United States Department of Education. It provides Trinity International Theological Seminary employees, their spouses, and children with a 10% discount for all courses and programs taken at Columbia Southern University.

 

Trinity International Theological Seminary is listed by SmarterProctoring, Testing Management System (U.S.A.), as an approved Testing / Examination Center. SmarterProctoring is a database of virtual proctoring solutions, testing centers, and individuals that are available to proctor exams for various educational institutions.

 

Trinity International Theological Seminary is a Corporate Partner with California Coast University (CCU), Santa Ana, California, USA. California Coast University is a nationally accredited university, recognized by the United States Department of Education. It provides Trinity International Theological Seminary employees with a 10% discount for all courses and programs taken at California Coast University.