NAAPTI - National Accrediting Agency

Accredited institutions are to accurately reflect the nature of accredited status in their catalogs and other advertising.

Accredited  institutions are to display the NAAPTI logo on their website with a  hyperlink to our website. This logo will be provided to the accredited  institution in both .jpeg and .png format with the hyperlink embedded.

The following wording is for illustration. Once accreditation is awarded the exact wording will be sent along with the logo:

Wording  for use when CERTIFIED MEMBERSHIP STATUS IS AWARDED: -- name of your  institution-- has been awarded Certified member status by the National  Accrediting Agency of Private Theological Institutions and has received  full accreditation of curriculum, faculty and administration. Name of  your institution-- is thereby accredited to grant religious degrees at  the Associate, Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate levels. These levels will  be dependent on the curriculum submitted for evaluation.

Wording  for use when ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP STATUS IS AWARDED: -- name of your  institution-- has been awarded Associate member status by the National  Accrediting Agency of Private Theological Institutions and has received  full accreditation of curriculum, faculty and administration. name of  your institution-- is thereby accredited to grant religious degrees at  the Associate and Bachelor levels. In some cases, depending on the  curriculum submitted by the applicant, the Associate member status may  only provide for the granting of certificates and/or diplomas.

NAAPTI  accredits both the curriculum and the faculty of the institution.  Therefore, we require validation of an educator’s credentials (copy of  degree(s) and transcript) to teach on the level and specific discipline  of degree or higher on all courses for which the degree level is  intended.

1. The programs to be accredited will be in biblical/theological and ministry formation related areas only.

2.  The programs to be accredited will demonstrate compliance relative to  criteria such as Bible/theology credit hours and student ministry.

3.  Institutional Mission. The objectives for programs to be accredited by  NAAPTI are within the scope of the institutional mission or purpose.

4.  Catalog: An institution must have available to students and the public a  current and accurate catalog setting forth the institution’s  governance, mission, institutional goals, specific objectives, programs  and courses, resources admissions and standards, academic offerings,  rules and regulations for conduct, degree completion requirements, full-  and part-time faculty rosters with faculty degrees, fees and other  charges, refund policies, a policy defining satisfactory academic  progress, graduation rates, and other items related to attending,  transferring to, or withdrawing from the institution.

5.  Learning Resources: Accredited programs must be supported by adequate  learning resources. These can be in hard copy or digital format.

6.  Christian Service Program: Students admitted to programs accredited by  NAAPTI are expected to participate in a program of Christian Service  under the auspices of the institution.

7.  Agency Disclosure: An institution must agree to disclose to NAAPTI any  and all such information as it may require to carry out its evaluation  and accreditation functions.

8.  Compliance: An institution must commit itself to comply with the  Standards for Accreditation of NAAPTI either current or as hereafter  modified during the period of its affiliation.

9.  Public Disclosure: An institution must attest in writing that it  understands and agrees that NAAPTI may, at its discretion, make known to  any agency or member of the public the nature of any action, positive  or negative, regarding its program’s status with NAAPTI.

10.  Accredited institutions will provide to NAAPTI documents to support the  following (omit any that are already included in the institution  catalog):
Anti-discrimination policy
Student Grievance policy
Disciplinary (academic) statement
Educational philosophy
Mission statement
Example of student record folder
Copy of current student transcript (omit personal information)
Copy of graduated student transcript (omit personal information)
Copy of current on campus student attendance record(omit personal information)
Statement of credits required to receive degrees on all offered levels
Copies of degree(s) of all faculty of the institution
Copy of institution catalog (may be sent to NAAPTI as email attachment in .pdf format)
Pictures of facility, offices, classrooms, etc. (only when on-site visit is waived)
All other items listed on the initial Member Application that are not listed here

The institution seeking NAAPTI accreditation will submit a  dated document signed by all the faculty members that they are in  agreement with the following standards and will implement these  standards in their respective responsibilities and duties.

A)  INTEGRITY: The program is a model of Christian ethical behavior, both  internally and externally. The program demonstrates integrity in all of  its practices and relationships, with strict adherence to ethical  standards and its own stated policies. Relative to this standard, an accredited program will demonstrate:
1.  Institutional publications, statements and advertising that describe  accurately and fairly the institution, its operations, its programs, and  its effectiveness claims.

2. Fulfillment of all applicable standards and requirements of NAAPTI.

3. Integrity in all financial matters.

4. Honest and open communication regarding compliance with agencies such as accrediting, licensing, and governing bodies.

5. Fulfillment of all applicable standards, policies, and requirements of NAAPTI.

B)  ADMINISTRATION: The program has personnel to bring together its various  resources and allocate them to accomplish objectives by implementing  policies and structures in collaboration with appropriate  constituencies. Relative to this standard, an accredited program will  demonstrate:

1. An organizational structure and qualified staff that fit the size and scope of the institution.

2. Administrative leaders with appropriate credentials, skills, and resources necessary to discharge

their duties and who enjoy a status comparable to that of other sectors within the institution.

3. Clear documentation in regard to organizational structure, encompassing all units and roles.

4. Complete, accurate, and securely maintained administrative records.

5. A process for review and enhancement of the performance of personnel.

C.  ORGANIZATIONAL RESOURCES: The program has the human, financial,  physical, and technological resources needed to achieve its objectives  and has implemented policies and procedures to manage these resources  effectively.Relative to this standard, an accredited program will  demonstrate:

1. An adequate number of qualified program personnel to provide basic services to students, faculty, and administration.

2. An organizational climate that encourages job satisfaction, collegiality, and respect among personnel.

3. Appropriate technology and the use of that technology to enhance the institution’s educational and operational effectiveness.

4. Systematic allocation of resources to maintain and expand technology.

5. Adequate financial and physical resources to ensure achievement of educational goals.

6. Ongoing training for technical personnel and users of information systems.

7.  Evidence that facilities, equipment, and supplies are adequate to  support the institutional mission and to achieve the educational goals.

D.  ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT AND STUDENT SERVICES: The program utilizes  procedures designed to effectively recruit, admit, and retain qualified  students. The program also provides services that contribute to the  holistic development and care of students and are appropriate to the  level of education and delivery system. Relative to this standard, an  accredited program will demonstrate:

1.  Recruitment strategies that are directed toward students whose spiritual  commitment, goals and interests are consistent with program objectives.

2. Accurate and comprehensive recruitment literature that enables prospective students to make informed decisions.

3.  Evaluation procedures that reasonably ensure admitted students have  attained the requisite educational level and possess the ability to  successfully achieve their educational goals.

4. Published policies and procedures related to transfer credit applicable to the program.

5. An assessment process that measures student retention, attrition, and completion rates.

6.  A commitment to the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, and  social development of students that is consistent with biblical higher  education.

7. Services that meet the needs of students, regardless of location or instructional delivery system.
8.  Leadership development facilitated by curricular and/or co-curricular  programs that are integrated with the educational objectives.

9. Opportunities for students to provide input in programmatic decision making.

10. Published procedures for and records of addressing student complaints and grievances.

E.  FACULTY RESOURCES: The program maintains a faculty committed to the  institutional mission and program objectives and qualified academically  and spiritually to facilitate student learning within their disciplines  and to contribute to the development of a biblical worldview. The  program fosters an academic climate that stimulates the exchange of  ideas, encourages professional development, and promotes the well-being  of faculty. Relative to this standard, an accredited program will  demonstrate:

1. A spiritually mature faculty who engage in modeling and mentoring relationships with students.

2. A core faculty of sufficient size and expertise, responsible for the fulfillment of the program objectives.

3. Undergraduate faculty who have earned a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and who are teaching in their areas of expertise.

4. Graduate faculty who have earned terminal degrees in their primary teaching fields.

5. Faculty members who possess earned degrees from accredited institutions recognized by NAAPTI.

6.  A faculty that is appropriately involved in decision-making processes  especially related to admissions criteria, curriculum, student life, and  graduation requirements.

7. Systems for evaluating the teaching effectiveness of all faculty.

8.  Evidence of faculty contribution in the areas of student learning,  scholarship, institutional development, ministry, and community service.

9. Adequate support for the professional advancement and development of faculty including the pursuit of advanced studies.

10.  Appropriate documentation of its faculty’s academic preparation;  including official transcripts, official documentation of professional  experience, performance and technical competencies, published documents,  and other certifications and qualifications.

11. A published statement of academic freedom and adherence to its principles within the context of the institutional mission.

F)  LIBRARY AND OTHER LEARNING RESOURCES: The program ensures the  availability of learning resources and services of appropriate form,  range, depth, and currency to support the programmatic offerings and  meet student needs. Relative to this standard, an accredited program  will demonstrate:

1. Faculty involvement  with the library staff in the analysis of resource adequacy, the  selection of resource materials, and the establishment of library  policy.

2. Library staff participation in curricular planning.

3. The availability of reference services and other means of support to help users find needed information.

4. Evaluation of learning resource utilization by the learning community.

5. Sufficient funding, staff and practices to procure and maintain needed library resources and services.

G)  ACADEMICS: The program is appropriate to the achievement of the  institutional mission and to the level being offered, specifically for  service in church-related ministry enabling students to achieve a  biblical worldview. Relative to this standard, an accredited program  will demonstrate:

1. Evidence that  academic programs exhibit the content and rigor characteristic of higher  education, and a level of analytical research and communication skills  needed for life-long learning commensurate with the level of education.

2.  A written statement of expected student outcomes for each academic  program and a coherent program of study to achieve these objectives.

3. Evidence that the integration of curricular components enable students to achieve a biblical worldview.

4. A program taught with sensitivity to the cultural context in which the students minister.

5. A process of regular review by faculty to ensure that curricular objectives for each academic program are being realized.

6. Evidence that course sequence progresses from foundational to advanced studies appropriate to the degree.

7. A curriculum content and level of education appropriate to the degree and nomenclature being offered.

8. Appropriate distinctions between levels of study in terms of students, faculty, and learning methods.

9.  A system of grading and associated policies and procedures that  reflects integrity, ensures fairness and consistency, conforms to higher  education norms, and facilitates transportability of students’ academic  credits.

10.  Curricula providing for the development of research and independent  thinking at an advanced level and/or appropriate high level professional  practices and training experiences.

11.  Pre-requisite or curricular biblical/theological studies to ensure that  students develop and demonstrate significant ability to think  biblically in relation to their academic or professional disciplines.

12.  Appropriate pre-requisite and/or curricular requirements to ensure that  students are capable of pursuing advanced studies in the discipline.

13.  A learning environment that cultivates critical thinking, theological  reflection, spiritual formation, and effective leadership/ministry  practice.

14. Appropriate practicum or internship experiences in the area of specialization for all professional programs.

H) ACADEMIC PATTERNS AND PROCEDURES: Relative to this standard, an accredited program will demonstrate:

1.  An academic advising system that guides the student from matriculation  to selection of a program and graduation from that program.

2. A clear and publicized statement of faculty-adopted requirements for graduation.

3. A process that involves faculty approval of candidates for graduation.

4.  An academic calendar that considers regional higher educational  patterns, and meets state, provincial, or federal regulations.

5. A system of accurate and secure record keeping consistent with state, provincial and/or federal regulations.

I)  ALTERNATIVE ACADEMIC PROGRAMS (Distant Learning):Relative to this  standard, an academic program utilizing off-campus locations, distance  education or alternative academic patterns will demonstrate:

1. Objectives consistent with the institution’s mission.

2. An intention to extend the accessibility of the institution’s learning opportunities.

3.  Clearly defined learning outcomes that are designed, approved,  administered and evaluated under established institutional procedures.

4. Standards for quality of instruction and academic rigor appropriate to higher education.

5. Accessible and adequate learning resources.

6. Adequate staffing, facilities and technology to support the program.