Accreditation is formal approval, recognition, or certification granted by an independent third party to confirm that an organization, school, or program meets established standards of quality and competence.
Accrediting organizations vary in purpose and scope, with different groups focusing on different areas of accreditation.
Baptist International Accrediting Agency is an international accrediting commission dedicated to encouraging and maintaining strong scholarship and high academic achievement in private religious education. Its purpose is to promote quality education in private schools, colleges, and theological seminaries. BIAA is a non-governmental body and makes no claim of government affiliation.
Accreditation is a validation process through which Christian schools, Bible colleges, seminaries, and other institutions of higher learning are evaluated. The directors establish accreditation standards and assist in reviewing new applicants as well as institutions seeking renewal of accreditation.
To move smoothly through the accreditation process, prospective colleges must meet the general standards set by peer review accreditation boards.
Each college is typically evaluated on the following criteria:
-
- Institutional mission
- Objectives and goals
- Admission requirements
- Student services
- Educational quality
- Faculty reputation
National and regional accrediting agencies hold online and distance-learning institutions to the same high standards as traditional brick-and-mortar institutions.