Tyndale is pleased to announce the successful re-accreditation of the seminary by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) for the next 10 years through March 2029. This was the result of an 18-month process that included a systematic institutional self-study; a comprehensive review of educational effectiveness and institutional vitality; a site visit by a peer-review evaluation committee; and final approval by the Board of Commissioners of the ATS on February 15, 2019.
In reaching its decision, the Commission commended the seminary for its “healthy, nimble and entrepreneurial” spirit. The accreditation report noted Tyndale’s distinctive strength, particularly the seminary’s “missional focus on educating leaders whose witness will faithfully engage culture with the Gospel, demonstrated through a rich diversity and reflected in the intercultural and trans-denominational nature of the entire educational enterprise.” Tyndale faculty members were highlighted in the report for their support and dedication toward accomplishing the school’s mission, and for serving the students with humility and humanity so that students say, “They walk with us. We've seen from them such displays of grace."
As Canada’s largest graduate school of theology, the seminary holds true to Tyndale’s 125 years of providing Christian theological education with a global vision of the church. This re-accreditation reaffirms Tyndale’s continued mission. “The self-study that was part of the accreditation process of ATS actually helped position us for the future. It allowed us the space and time to think about who we need to be. At the same time, the affirmation of who we are as a graduate school of theological education and counselling was heartening. Hearing the words from ATS was an affirmation of the leadership of Dr. Janet Clark as Dean, the creativity and diligent scholarship of faculty and the support systems of staff and administration,” says Gary Nelson, President & Vice Chancellor of Tyndale University College & Seminary.
The Association of Theological Schools is a membership organization of at least 270 graduate schools that offer education to those pursuing ministry, teaching and research within theological disciplines. Member schools offer post-baccalaureate academic and professional degree programs within the United States and Canada. The Commission on Accrediting of ATS accredits schools and approves degree programs. Accreditation is a primary means of quality assurance in North American higher education. Tyndale is proud that all of the seminary’s degree programs (MDiv, MTS, DMin and ThM), as well as its comprehensive online distance education program, were re-accredited.