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Educating The World

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You can receive your state authorized, theologically accredited Bachelor, Master, Doctorate degrees in far less time, for up to 99% less expense than through most traditional online seminaries, online bible colleges, online universities!

Seminary Accreditation

"Celebrating 27 Years of Christian Service"

RECOGNITION OF YOUR DEGREE FROM

NORTHWESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Northwestern Theological Seminary is primarily a graduate school. However, Bachelor Degrees are still awarded, often as part of a combination Bachelor and Masters Degree Program. Some credits (up to 25%) may be assessed toward your Bachelor Degree, based on prior ministry and educational experience as well as evaluation examinations, to determine your current competency in Bible centered knowledge..

Accredited Seminary Degrees Accreditation and Recognition of Credit

Concerning seminary accreditation; the value of any accredited university, accredited bible college or accredited online seminary degree is subjective, depending on the amount of work that went into earning it, the student’s attitude and aptitude, and external circumstances related to the school itself or to the graduate’s working world.

You should be aware that many Christian Private Schools, Bible Colleges and Seminaries elect not to be governed by the U.S. Department of Education and do not seek Regional Accreditation, which is more common among Secular Colleges and Universities. Christian Educational Ministries are automatically exempt from the dictates of both the Government and secular accreditation agencies. Northwestern Theological Seminary, like other Christian Education Ministries, has full theological accreditation which is recognized and respected as an acceptable form of accreditation for those in pursuit of ministry related avocations.

Northwestern Theological Seminary is both a state authorized and theologically accredited institution of higher learning. Most accredited universities, accredited seminaries, accredited Bible colleges and accredited colleges have their own criteria for recognition and acceptability of online educational credits. The individual should always address specific questions to selected institutions in determining their particular criteria concerning accreditation.

Northwestern Theological Seminary is an educational outreach ministry of Christian Alliance Ministries Worldwide. Our ministry, established in 1980, has branch seminaries, evangelistic ministries and approximately 400,000 members in over 40 countries including: the United States, Latin America, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

United States Government Approval

We are recognized by the Government of the United States of America, as a 501 ( c )(3) Religious Organization with all rights and privileges as provided by law.

State of Florida

The Great Seal of Florida State of Florida Department of Education

Northwestern Theological Seminary operates under authorization, as a degree granting institution through exemption, by the Florida State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities under Section 1005.06 (1) (f), FLA Statutes. The state, like other states, does not require accreditation or theological accreditation for our religious education.

State of Arizona

State of Arizona Department of Education

Northwestern Theological Seminary operates as religion based degree granting institution, as such the State of Arizona has no jurisdiction over such religious programs. .Reference the Arizona State Board of Private and Post Secondary Education under A.R.S.32-3022 (E). The state of Arizona, like other states, does not require accreditation or theological accreditation for our religious education as they have no jurisdiction.

Educational Accountability Certification

ACEA Certification

Northwestern Theological Seminary is certified and holds membership with the Apostolic Council on Educational Accountability, a non-governmental agency designed specifically to promote integrity among Christian Seminaries, Colleges and Universities.

Theological Accreditation

NTS is a Theologically Accredited Biblical Seminary

We are fully accredited by the WORLD-WIDE ACCREDITATION COMMISSION OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS (WWAC)
Anyone wishing to contact them for verification may write to: The WWAC, Dr. Paul Richardson Executive President, 2800 Blendwell Rd. Richmond, Va. 23224.

We wish to make it perfectly clear that due to the principle of separation of Church and state Mk.12:17; Ja. 4:4; II Cor. 6:14, the WWAC has chosen not to seek endorsement by either the EAES or COPA, but is a rapidly growing and respected network of over 200 schools on the cutting edge of the Cause of Christ."

About Accreditation

Throughout history there has always been some religious confusion,,, and there is some controversy over the subject of accreditation today. But to clarify the issue:

* There is secular education and there is religious education.
* Secular schools seek secular accreditation, and sacred schools receive sacred accreditation - each by their own peers.
* Religious institutions need no secular accreditation because they offer no secular degrees.
* Secular accreditation associations in turn are recognized by governmental agencies. They trace their authority back up to the capitol of a country, like Washington, D.C.
* Religious accrediting associations are recognized by the Church of Jesus Christ, which has no supreme central office on earth. Our authority is derived from Heaven.
* Civil and religious interests are different and have separate realms of jurisdiction.
* The state is not superior to the Church. The Church need not wait for approval from the secular world.
* Civil agencies should not be dictating standards of Christian education, any more than a police officer should be directing the worship of God.
* Theological Seminaries should not be accredited by accrediting associations that are "recognized" by an agency of the federal government, because it is contrary to the Biblical principle of "Separation of Church and State", indicated by Christ when he said, "render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's." Mark 12:7.
* What business does a Christian educator have, going to the world of unbelievers for recognition and acknowledgment as II Cor. 6:14 says, "Be not equally yoked together with unbelievers: For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?"

As a theologically accredited Biblical seminary, we are not required, by the U.S. Dept. of Education or any other agency, to have regional accreditation nor are we subject to governmental or secular oversight. As such, our educational programs are not required to qualify our students for either governmental or secular certification. However, legally, our degrees are classified as theologically accredited and state authorized as exempt, which fully qualifies all degrees from Northwestern Theological Seminary to be recorded professionally both on your resume and in personal employment records. You can be proud of the legitimacy of your Degrees from Northwestern Theological Seminary.

Our ministries are recognized by the Government of the United States, as a 501 ( c ) (3) Religious Organization. Since we are considerate of and obedient to all of the laws set by our government, as a Christ centered biblical education ministry, our ultimate authority is God and as such we choose to remain free in our rights to teach degree programs based on the word of God as found in His Holy Bible. However, Because of our legal position based on the U.S. Constitution, NO outside agency has any authority over our educational content regarding our right to teach Bible based educational programs leading to the award of appropriate certificates and degrees.

More On Accreditation

In the United States, accreditation of universities and seminaries is a voluntary process with accreditation granted by private, non-governmental agencies. Governmental agencies never provide theological accreditation.

Additionally, there is no national standard for educational accreditation, and the educational world is currently re-examining criteria for accreditation, focusing less on institutional inputs and more on educational outcomes.

There is no such requirement as Federal or State accreditation of a religious institution, because the civil government has no authority to regulate religious teachings or which certificates or religious degrees upon completion of such education may be issued. This is a matter of separation of Church and State. Politicians and civil authorities must never be allowed to officially endorse or disapprove directly or indirectly the beliefs and practices of churches or their schools. A casual survey of Church history shows that such linkage with "Caesar" eventually leads to infringement upon conscience, bondage, and corruption. Therefore, to be accredited by any agency, which in turn is controlled by the U.S. Department of Education, would to some degree be a compromise of the separation principle and constitute a violation of the Church's sovereignty.

[Source: Dr. Paul Richardson]

The Apostle Paul said, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone that believes." (Romans 1:16a)

IMPORTANT: The United States Department of Education does NOT accredit any College, University, Seminary or any Education Program. Here is a quote from the U.S. Department of Education's Web Page:

http://www.ed.gov/about/overview/focus/what_pg5.html#doesnot

WHAT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION DOES NOT DO

Under the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Nothing specific is said about education in the Constitution; therefore it falls outside federal authority.

In creating the Department of Education, Congress made clear its intention that the secretary of education and other Department officials be prohibited from exercising "any direction, supervision, or control over the curriculum program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any educational institution, school, or school system." The establishment of schools and colleges, the development of curricula, the setting of requirements for enrollment and graduation -- these are responsibilities handled by the various states and communities, as well as by public and private organizations of all kinds, not by the U.S. Department of Education."

The Facts Concerning Regional Accreditation

Our board of advisors has chosen not to apply for regional accreditation for the following reasons:

Reasons:

Regional Accreditation is a "Voluntary Process" that is not required of religious institutions.
A regionally accredited degree is required for public school teachers in all states, and for some state and federal employment situations. It is our opinion, that the vast majority of ministry related employers do not require that a minister or religious worker have a degree from a regionally accredited school.
Ministers and Religious workers do not need a degree from a regionally accredited school unless regional accreditation of the school is required by their Church Board or as a requirement of ordination by the particular religious denomination.
Individuals in today's world have sufficient information resource to evaluate programs, schools and universities without depending on the "opinions" of accrediting associations.
Regional Accrediting Association does NOT guarantee the quality of a school, its programs or acceptability of the Degree by any other school or employer.

Regional Accrediting Associations:

Do not require regionally accredited schools to accept transfer students from other regionally accredited schools and are not required to accept transfer students from schools that are not regionally accredited
Try to dictate hiring practices
Attempt to influence guidelines for faculty selection
Presume to influence curriculum. Such practices clearly interfere with Academic Freedom
Regional Accrediting Associations' policies have not kept up with technology for the modern trend of Web Based Distance Education

And the authorities said, "We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching, in the name of this man Jesus, behold now you have filled all of Jerusalem with your teaching and you intend to bring the blood of Jesus upon us." But Peter and the Apostles answered and said, "We must serve God rather than men." (Acts 5: 28-29)

"And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2)

Job Placement and community programs

Concerning job placement and community programs, Northwestern Theological Seminary, like most online degree programs, does not offer community referral or placement services for employment. We are a worldwide online educational program through which it would be geographically and logistically too expensive to offer such programs. By eliminating major expenses, we are able to provide quality educational online Degree programs at a fraction of the expense when compared to other more extravagant, yet geographically limited, institutional education programs at traditional universities, colleges, seminaries and bible colleges.

Ministry Opportunities

Ask about ministry opportunities. Once qualified, we will arrange to ordain you for service as a minister of the Gospel and search our Worldwide ministry opportunities with Christian Alliance Ministries, following your graduation.

Licensing

Any prospective student should understand that Northwestern Theological Seminary has no authority through their advanced online degree programs, to grant licenses. Ministry related vocations are not subject to governmental licensing. However if you are choosing a career path that requires a government license you should address appropriate agencies governing licensing in your state or county of residence concerning requirements for licensing or professional certification. Such licensing is not provided by theologically accredited seminaries and can only be granted by the appropriate government agency.

All NTS Degree Programs are intended to prepare students
for Ministry Avocations.

All races and nationalities are fully welcome at
Northwestern Theological Seminary.