When considering online Bible colleges and universities, accreditation is an important factor for making your decision. The Internet has enabled many to pursue a degree in Biblical studies from the convenience and comfort of their home. Studying online provides many benefits and for some, the idea of getting an accredited degree is not a big issue. Others, however, may wish to study online and then transfer their credits so they may attend a Bible college in a brick and mortar location. For the latter, accredited online Bible schools are the best choice. Though it is possible for some accredited colleges and universities to accept life and ministerial experience as well as some non-accredited college credits, it is best to select accredited Bible colleges if you plan to attend an online school.
There are well known Bible colleges, such as Moody Bible College, Rhema Bible College (not accredited but credits may be transferable), Liberty University, Oral Roberts University, Grand Canyon University, Pensacola Christian College, Bethany University, and Dallas Theological Seminary that offer a variety of programs. Each has its own requirements and specifications and transferring credits. Due to the possibility that someone could undergo years of Bible training at an unaccredited school, then find it impossible to transfer their credits to an accredited Bible college or university, it is important to carefully consider your choice of Bible college. It is best to attend accredited Bible schools when possible.
Bible accreditation varies from one country to the next and it is important to check with your country’s higher education department for information regarding accrediting agencies. There are several accreditation groups in the United States that provide accreditation services for U.S. based Bible schools, colleges, and universities. These are the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), Association of Christian Schools International, Evangelical Training Association, Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS), and the Institute of Theological Studies. In addition to these Biblically based accreditation commissions, there are also regional accrediting agencies that many Bible colleges and universities are accredited by.
Regional accreditation commissions include the Higher Learning Commission, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, New England Association of Schools and Colleges and Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
National accreditation commissions include the American Academy for Liberal Education, Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, and Distance Education and Training Council. The College Review Journal has compiled a list of national accrediting agencies. You may access it here: Complete List of National Accrediting Agencies. http://www.collegereviewjournal.org/complete-list-of-national-accrediting-agencies/
You may find more information regarding accreditation in the United States form the College Accreditation in the United States. http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html
The decision to attend a non-accredited or accredited Bible college or university is that of each student. Make certain to take your time to weigh the pros and benefits and research the accrediting agencies each school is associated with before making your final decision.
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