Therapon University - Accreditation

When God entrusted us with this ministry, we were determined to follow the vision He gave of validating the work of Christian ministers, ministries and lay people. It is our goal to help people receive the educational recognition they need to fulfill their dreams of serving the Lord. Therapon University has been blessed, and we have passed the accrediting test of one of the fastest growing accrediting agencies in the country - the American Accrediting Association of Theological Institutions. We give God praise and thanksgiving for this accreditation because, “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that builds it.” (Psa. 127:1)

Our accreditation with this agency is a religious accreditation, rather than secular - voluntary, rather than mandatory. The laws of the Virgin Islands give us the authority to grant degrees, rather than A.A.A.T.I. The agency monitors educational and religious standards for Bible colleges, and their accreditation is accepted by many religious organizations. However, this accreditation would not be accepted by some secular organizations, as A.A.A.T.I. is not recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as one of the seven official regional accrediting agencies. This non-recognition may have some implications that include, but are not limited to:

1.	Therapon University is not eligible to participate in the Federal Student Loan/Financial Aid program.
2.	Therapon University is not authorized to accept the GI Bill.
3.	Therapon University is unable to guarantee acceptance of its degrees in other postsecondary institutions, except those also accredited by A.A.A.T.I.
4.	Corporations are not required to recognize degrees from Therapon University.
5.	Therapon University is unable to guarantee acceptance of its degrees for employment.

To reach a decision concerning our school, you should determine your ultimate goal in seeking a degree. Our mission is to train born-again believers to serve the Lord in some phase of ministry, as "Therapons." If you are simply seeking additional education to increase your ministry potential, our school will be an excellent choice.

Accreditation Requirements of The American Accrediting Association of Theological Institutions, Inc.

Those accredited by American Accrediting Association of Theological Institutions must comply with the following standards perpetually:

1.	Institutional Philosophy:
	Institution must state its philosophy and objectives in the regularly published catalog, brochure, etc. It must also maintain a balanced Theological view on theological issues.
2.	Institutional Programs:
	The essential elements of any educational program are imparting and improving knowledge as well as developing skills which will ultimately benefit the students as they prepare themselves for their profession of Christian service (full or part-time).
	The curriculum should be designed to meet the needs of the student and his particular field of service or profession.
	The curriculum should also comply with the designed objectives and philosophies of the institution.
	Each institution must publish the name and number of each course offered when possible or if it's applicable. Also each level should be designated if applicable. (For example, credit for undergraduate, graduate, certificate, non-credit, or post-graduate courses).
3.	Institutional Structure:
	Each institution must be chartered, licensed, or whatever is required by the appropriate governmental agency in order to grant degrees, certificates, diplomas, etc. This is a must before A.A.A.T.I. can accredit any institution. Proof of this must be sent to the association when applying for accreditation.
	The appropriate officers or governing body shall make policies and administer all policies and procedures effectively.
	Each institution is required to set its fees and conduct its financial policies in the best interest of those to whom it serves.
4.	Institutional Staff:
	All administrative officers as well as staff members must have appropriate education, practical training, experience (or its equivalent) in the courses they teach or sponsor.
5.	Institution's Instructional Material and Equipment:
	All instructional material must be conducive to learning, particularly to those catered to by the institution. The curriculum should also compare favorably to similar studies at other institutions of like kind, especially those to whom you compare your institution. Your institution should strive to be comparative in the areas of thoroughness, depth, scope, informational training, and credit, in view of your peer institutions and comparative accreditation associations. This should apply to both campus and correspondence institutions.
	Each institution should have adequate equipment to carry on the normal functions expected by the student body and staff. (It is understood that this requirement is fulfilled to the best of the institution's ability in accordance with its financial potential.
6.	Institution's Facilities:
	All institutions should have adequate facilities to perpetually meet the needs of the growing student body (especially campus institutions). The external or correspondence institutions should also have adequate facilities to conduct and carry out their particular educational goals.
7.	Institution's Enrollment Procedures:
	All institutions must provide information concerning their enrollment procedures and policies. For example: (1) if a student is accepted any time throughout the year, (2) if transcript/s are required from previous education, (3) if they accept transfer credit, (4) if they provide transcripts for credit transfer, (5) if life-experience credit is offered, etc.
8.	Institution's School Year and Time Schedule:
	The institution's catalog or brochure should state the minimum, maximum, or unlimited time for the completion of all course curriculums in any given year.
9.	Institution's Grading System:
	Each institution must publish its method/s, policies or procedures of its method/s of grading the student's work.
10.	Institution's Financial Policy:
	Each institution must publish its financial policies concerning such things as: (1) Method of payments. (2) Cost basis per course or total curriculum. (3) Whether cost is per semester hour, quarter, etc. (4) Whether there is a discount for cash payment at time of enrollment or within specified time period. (5) Whether there is a discount for any specific individuals or groups, senior citizens, pastors, etc. (6) Whether any grants, scholarships, or other means of financial aid are available for students who need financial aid (if applicable). (7) What procedures should be taken to secure financial aid (if applicable).
11.	Institution's Academic Credit Structure and Graduation Requirements:
	All institutions must publish their academic credit policies. Whether credit hours, semester hours, term credit hours, yearly credit, etc. is used, the appropriate system must be clarified.
	The required credit for graduation should also be published. Minimum credit required for full time - 15 credit hours per semester / 30 credit hours per year).
	A file and appropriate records should be kept on each student for verification of the academic achievement and progress.
12.	Institution's Affirmations:
	All institutions must anticipate a perpetual operation, agree and comply with all set standards of A.A.A.T.I., as well as submit an annual report to the association which will be supplied by American Accrediting Association of Theological Institutions.
	In short, this is a brief summation of the basic requirements for institutions who desire to become accredited by A.A.A.T.I. and maintain that status.
13.	Institution's Doctrinal Perspective:
	All Theological institutions must agree to and comply with the primary doctrinal qualifications stated in the Statement of Faith presented by A.A.A.T.I.
14.	Institution's Affiliate Schools:
	Affiliate schools are not automatically accredited by A.A.A.T.I., even if they are under the same Board of Directors or ownership. Each school must apply separately for accreditation. A list of affiliate schools (with name, address and phone number) should be sent to A.A.A.T.I. for your file.
15.	Degree Granting:
	Regardless of one's educational background or ministerial experience, some work should be required (such as a thesis) before a degree is granted.

Dr. Cecil Johnson is the Executive Director of The American Accrediting Association of Theological Institutions. If there are any further questions not answered about our accreditation on this page, he may be contacted by writing to:

Dr. Cecil Johnson / Exec. Dir.
A.A.A.T.I.
P. O. Box 8938
Rocky Mount, NC 27804