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Fuller’s Accreditation Reaffirmed by ATS and WSCUC

Initial Publication September 18, 2019/

“Fuller Theological Seminary, embracing the School of Theology, School of Psychology, and School of Intercultural Studies, is an evangelical, multidenominational, international, and multiethnic community dedicated to the equipping of men and women for the manifold ministries of Christ and his church. Under the authority of Scripture we seek to fulfill our commitment to ministry through graduate education, professional development, and spiritual formation.” These sentences, derived from Fuller’s mission statement, signify our commitment to offering high quality academic programs that serve our students, the church, and the world. 

Fuller’s commitment to rigorous theological, missiological, and psychological education includes and requires the necessary pathways for accountability to ensure continuous improvement, innovation, and fulfillment of that mission. The central avenue by which accountability is ensured in American higher education is through accreditation. Fuller is and has been accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), and the American Psychological Association (APA). Accreditation through these commissioning bodies indicates that Fuller meets the highest standards of academic quality, institutional commitment, and educational effectiveness.

Over the past year, Fuller has been in the midst of the normal periodic reaccreditation process with all of our accreditors. We are pleased to announce that both ATS and WSCUC have reaffirmed Fuller’s accreditation.  The decision on reaffirmation of accreditation by APA, the accreditor for our doctoral psychology programs, will be made this fall after its commission meets.

ATS has granted Fuller accreditation for a period of five years, with the next comprehensive evaluation taking place in spring 2024. The degrees covered by this five-year extension include the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Global Leadership, Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry, Master of Arts in Theology, Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies, Master of Theology, Doctor of Intercultural Studies, Doctor of Ministry, PhD in Intercultural Studies, and PhD in Theology. In addition, our new cooperative degree with Young Life, the Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership, was also approved for five years. In granting these approvals, ATS made particular note of several areas of strength for Fuller:

  • A faculty whose faithful and committed scholarship translates into the care of and flourishing of students
  • The global reputation and reach of Fuller as an institution whose graduates have profound impact in ministry and missiology in so many parts of the world
  • The provision of innovative models of theological education through multiple modalities and languages through cutting-edge use of technology
  • Making the fruits of Fuller scholarship widely available through the Leadership Platform to learners around the world

WSCUC, Fuller’s regional accrediting body, has granted Fuller accreditation for a period of eight years, with the next comprehensive review and visit occurring in spring 2027. The WSCUC accreditation covers all degrees and academic certificates awarded by the seminary. WSCUC commended Fuller for various institutional commitments including:

  • Addressing its financial situation systematically and with discipline. While not complete, the steps the institution has taken so far and the financial plan it is developing, if fully executed, position the institution to address declining enrollments and significant budget deficits
  • Maintaining fidelity to mission while utilizing the strategic planning process to reconceptualize its structures, consolidate and eliminate degree programs, reduce regional campuses, and expand educational delivery modalities to better serve students
  • Provost Mari Clements bringing an open and inclusive approach to communication while at the same time insisting on responsibility and accountability
  • The Office of Teaching and Learning for promoting faculty development by introducing and orienting them to online delivery and encouraging a culture of assessment
  • The David Allan Hubbard Library for promptly addressing student and faculty research needs using a demand-driven acquisitions model

We are grateful for the reaffirmation of Fuller’s accreditation and the importance of this process for Fuller’s institutional mission. Fuller is committed to offering educational offerings that train, edify, enrich, and prepare women and men for their vocation.

 

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