The Association of Theological Schools Reaffirms Its Accreditation of GRTS
After completing an in-depth, two-year evaluation process, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary is pleased to announce a 10-year reaffirmation of its accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). In their final report, the site visit team affirmed the seminary’s commitment to academic excellence as evidenced by its culture of assessment, exemplary administrative leadership team and practical leadership formation experiences.
“Membership with the Association of Theological Schools adds credibility and currency to a GRTS graduate degree,” said Dr. John VerBerkmoes, executive vice president for academics and dean of GRTS. “As members of this prestigious professional accrediting association, GRTS endeavors to comply with all the standards of accreditation since they are built upon established best practices. The self-study and site visit are formal processes designed to facilitate a careful evaluative look at how we are doing across a number of critical areas.”
GRTS was first accredited as a full member of ATS in 2002. The seminary’s membership was then reaffirmed in 2007 and 2017. Given ATS’ recent decision to renew GRTS’ membership for a 10-year period, the seminary’s next reaccreditation site visit will not occur until 2027.
“We value our ATS accreditation and welcome these evaluative processes since they aid in moving the institution forward toward higher levels of excellence in graduate theological education,” VerBerkmoes said. “And it fosters our learning and growth as an organization so we can better serve our students.”
In addition to its standing as an accredited member in ATS’ network of more than 270 graduate schools, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
