ACCREDITATION

Our Commitment to Accredited Theological Education

Christ Our Redeemer Seminary is committed to providing authentic, rigorous theological education that prepares servant-hearted leaders for gospel ministry. As part of this commitment, we want to help prospective students understand the importance of choosing an institution with legitimate accreditation and the serious risks posed by diploma mills and unaccredited institutions.


Understanding Accreditation

Legitimate accreditation is a quality assurance process conducted by recognized accrediting bodies that evaluate educational institutions against established standards of academic excellence, institutional integrity, and student achievement. Accreditation ensures that:

  • Academic programs meet established educational standards
  • Faculty possess appropriate qualifications and credentials
  • Student learning outcomes are systematically assessed and improved
  • Institutional operations demonstrate financial stability and ethical governance
  • Graduates receive education that prepares them for effective ministry

Institutional Effectiveness & Educational Quality

For our degree programs, CORS has established student learning outcomes (Program Learning Outcomes) along with means for assessment and criteria for success. These are assessed using both direct and indirect measures to demonstrate the extent to which these outcomes are achieved. Download our Statement of Institutional Effectiveness.


CORS Accreditation Journey

History

CORS was established in 2021 as a branch of Metro Atlanta Seminary (MAS), which is fully accredited by the Association of Reformed Theological Schools (ARTS), which is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). From the beginning, plan has been for for CORS to become an independent institution. The MDiv degree program launched in August 2021 under the academic authority of MAS and administered by CORS. Through this strategic partnership, CORS has graduated two cohorts with an accredited MDiv degree (class of 2024 and 2025). In line with our plan to mature as an independent institution, CORS assumed full responsibility for our third cohort (class of 2026). This cohort and all subsequent cohorts are not under MAS. The programs we are currently providing for these cohorts is therefore not yet accredited.


Current Status

Christ Our Redeemer Seminary is currently pursuing accreditation through ARTS and in June 2024 achieved applicant status. Currently CORS is in the middle of the rigorous Self-Study phase of the accreditation process and hopes to achieve candidate status in the Fall of 2025 and full accreditation by the summer of 2026. You can also consult the ARTS directory for accreditation status for CORS and other seminaries.


Christ Our Redeemer Seminary's active pursuit of accreditation through ARTS ensures that our graduates receive education that meets the highest standards of theological scholarship and practical ministry preparation. This process demonstrates our commitment to:

  • Continuous improvement in educational quality
  • Transparency in institutional operations
  • Accountability to external oversight
  • Recognition within the broader theological education community


Association of Reformed Theological Schools

ARTS was established in 1999 to provide a professional and accrediting organization dedicated to theological education in the Reformed Evangelical tradition. The mission of ARTS is to preserve and advance the academic quality and accountability of institutions committed to educating students in the tenets of Reformed theology. As an accrediting agency, ARTS is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) for the following scope of accreditation:

ARTS Commission on Accreditation accredits United States-based institutions and other locations as determined by the Commission on Accreditation, which offer baccalaureate and/or graduate degrees in fields aimed at preparing students for Christian service and ministry through biblical and theological studies of Reformed traditions. (2024)


Why This Matters for Your Ministry Preparation

CORS pursuit of accreditation through ARTS is due to a dedication to meet the highest standards of ministry preparation. As a potential student, choosing an a legitimate theological institution is crucial for several reasons:

  • Some organizations are diploma mills–fraudulent organizations that offer academic credentials with little or no legitimate educational requirement. Such organizations require minimal or no coursework for degree completion, lack qualified faculty with appropriate academic credentials, charge substantial fees for worthless certificates or degrees, use fake accrediting bodies with official-sounding names, and can mislead students about degree recognition and career prospects.
  • Academic Integrity: Authentic theological education requires rigorous engagement with Scripture, church history, systematic theology, and practical ministry skills. 
  • Professional Recognition: Degrees from legitimate institutions are recognized by legitimate employers, denominations, or other educational institutions.
  • Ethical Foundation: Ministry leaders must model integrity in all areas of life. Studying at a legitimate institution lays an important ethical foundation for pastoral leadership.
  • Congregational Trust: Churches and ministry organizations increasingly verify the educational credentials of potential leaders. A degree from a diploma mill can permanently damage your reputation and ministry effectiveness.


Contact Information

For questions about our academic programs, accreditation status, or how to verify legitimate theological education, please contact us at info@christourredeemer.org.


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