Our Standards
The ATS Commission on Accrediting's Standards of Accreditation, revised and approved
by the membership in June 2026, provide a principles-based framework for accreditation that promotes educational quality, institutional improvement, and public accountability while respecting
the diverse missions, contexts, and theological commitments of member schools. The Standards focus on key areas of institutional and educational quality, including mission and
integrity, planning and evaluation, student learning and formation, degree programs, student services, faculty, governance, and institutional resources.
The 2026 revisions build on the successful 2020 redevelopment of the Standards and reflect extensive feedback from member schools, peer reviewers, and the public. More than 600
individuals participated in the review process, helping ensure that the Standards remain clear, flexible, and responsive to the changing realities of theological education. The
revisions address developments such as digital learning, generative artificial intelligence, emerging educational models, shared-resource partnerships, and evolving regulatory requirements.
To support implementation of the Standards, the Commission provides several resources:
The accompanying Self-Study Ideas offer practical suggestions for how schools might demonstrate alignment with the Standards, while the Self-Study Handbook
and Policies and Procedures provide guidance for accreditation processes, interpretation, and implementation. Updated Self-Study Ideas approved alongside the 2026
Standards reflect current developments in theological education and accreditation practice.
The ALO Hub: A Centralized Accreditation Resource
The ATS Commission also offers an Accrediting Liaison Officer (ALO) Hub, a centralized resource designed to help
schools understand and apply the Standards of Accreditation and the Policies and Procedures. The Hub includes practical tools, explanations, and guidance for accreditation
personnel, self-study teams, and schools preparing for evaluation visits.
