The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools
The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada approves the following programs: MDiv, MA (Religious Studies), STM, and PhD. CTS is also approved for our Comprehensive Distance Education Program. In January 2023, the ATS Board of Commissioners approved a five-year experiment in the Doctor of Philosophy degree, permitting the degree program to be completed in a reduced-residency format.
10 Summit Park Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15275
Telephone: 412-788-6505 | Fax: 412-788-6510
Chicago Theological Seminary is hosting a comprehensive evaluation visit for reaffirmation of accreditation by the ATS Commission on Accrediting on October 26-29, 2026. The purpose of this visit is to verify that the school meets all applicable Commission Standards of Accreditation. Comments regarding how well the school meets those standards and/or generally demonstrates educational quality may be sent to accrediting@ats.edu at least two weeks before the visit. Comments may also or instead be sent in writing to CTS’s ATS Accreditation Liaison Officer, Dr. Emily Vogt (evogt@ctschicago.edu). All comments will be shared with the on-site evaluation committee.
The Higher Learning Commission
CTS is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the following degree programs are approved: MDiv, MA (Religious Studies), STM, DMin, and PhD.
The Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street
Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604
Telephone: 800.621.7440
Website: www.hlcommission.org
Educational Effectiveness and Student Achievement Data
In compliance with accreditation requirements, Chicago Theological Seminary publishes the data as indicators of the school’s educational effectiveness and student achievement outcomes. Data is taken from surveys of graduating students and alumni/ae as well as information provided by the Registrar’s office. Read the full report here.
Authorization for Distance Education
CTS participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements NC-SARA, which is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education.