Accreditation

Shepherds Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools since June of 2016 in the United States and Canada (ATS) [10 Summit Park Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15275, Telephone: 412–788–6505, Fax: 412–788–6510, Website: www.ats.edu].

The following degree programs are approved as specified:

  • Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
  • Doctor of Christian Leadership (DCL)
  • Master of Theology (ThM)
  • Master of Divinity (MDiv)
  • Master of Arts in Biblical Literature and Languages (MABLL)
  • Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MABS)
  • Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM)
  • Master of Arts in Biblical Archaeology (MABA)
  • Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) & (MATS-Cohort) & (MATS-1-Year Intensive)

STS is approved for a Comprehensive Distance Education Program. The following ongoing extension site is approved as specified:

  • Redeemer Baptist Church (E. 29th Street, Bryan, TX 77802) to offer the MTS degree.
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Authorization to Grant Degrees

Degree programs of study offered by Shepherds Theological Seminary have been declared by the appropriate state authority exempt from the requirements for licensure, under provisions of North Carolina General Statutes Section (G.S.) 116-15 (d) for exemption from licensure with respect to religious education. Exemption from licensure is not based upon assessment of program quality under established licensing standards.

Shepherds Diploma Programs

In addition, Shepherds offers the following nontraditional diploma programs for students with ministry experience, but without a baccalaureate degree:

  • Diploma of Theological Studies (DTS)
  • Diploma of Christian Ministry (DCM)
  • Diploma of Biblical Counseling (DBC)

Authorization to Conduct Distance Education

Shepherds Theological Seminary is authorized to conduct distance education as a nonpublic postsecondary religious exempt institution in the following states:

  • University of North Carolina and is in compliance with North Carolina General Statutes Section (G.S.) 116–15(d)
  • Texas Department of Education and is in compliance with Texas Tax Code Sections §151.310, §156.102 and §171.058.

Shepherds Theological Seminary has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. This approval grants STS permission to offer distance education in 49 states and the District of Columbia: www.nc-sara.org.

STS also offers distance education in California via direct authorization with the state of California (in lieu of NC-SARA inclusion).

Financial Accountability

Shepherds Theological Seminary is accredited by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) [440 West Jubal Early Ave., Winchester, VA 22601, Telephone: 800-323-9473, Website: www.ecfa.org].
ECFA accreditation is based on the ECFA Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship™ that include financial accountability, transparency, sound board governance, and ethical fundraising.