TRACS: Is It Real Accreditation?

I know SEBTS takes credits from Liberty now. Though Liberty is RA. If that helps. I know for a fact because they took all of mine.

In Christ,

Brooks

 

I wonder if Broadus could shed light on this? He went to SBTS after completing a couple of degrees at LRS.

 

I wonder if Broadus could shed light on this? He went to SBTS after completing a couple of degrees at LRS. </font>[/QUOTE]Put simply, my MDiv from LRS was in 1985, before, I think, Luther Rice was accredited by TRACS, but I'm not certain about that. My DMin was 1992, after TRACS for sure but before CHEA approved TRACS. SBTS, along with every other accredited seminary to my knowledge, would not allow my LRS work for entrance into the PhD program.

In addition, I received the LRS MDiv without biblical languages and some other more academic (as opposed to practical) courses I wanted in order to do a PhD of substance. Consequently, I did another complete MDiv (first taking 33 hours from SEBTS and NOBTS extensions in Georgia, with the rest on campus at SBTS) and then was accepted into the PhD program, receiving the degree in church history in December '03.

I doubt that SBTS will yet allow an MDiv from LRS to satisfy the master's requirement for entrance into the PhD program. I'm not sure if it's because LRS lacks RA or because MDivs are typically awarded at LRS with a minimum, if any at all, of biblical languages. I would be surprised if very many LRS grads have any Greek or Hebrew. Of course, the same can be said of those graduating even from RA seminaries, and graduates of those would have to pass the biblical and modern language requirements to enter Southern's PhD in the School of Theology.

Bill

 

BTW, if I remember correctly, Dr. James Flanagan, president of Luther Rice, did a second MDiv at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary because SWBTS did not accept his Liberty MDiv. Liberty did not attain regional accreditation until 1980. I think Dr. Flanagan matriculated at SWBTS before Liberty received RA. I don't know if other issues existed which necessitated his earning a second MDiv.

Bill

 

There are several things that are going to limit the usefulness of a TRACS degree. First, it's going to have its limitations with secular institutions particularly, simply because it is a "Bible college" accreditation, which CHEA unfortunately automatically assigns to a lower tier. Second, it is new and anemic in stature with only 36 schools and 15 in candidacy. In comparison to regional accreditation's 4,000+ schools and long history, TRACS maintains feeble positioning. Although is would definitely be better than a non-accredited degree, its not going to open the doors that many students are led to believe. Marketing concerns keep most schools from dealing honestly with the issue.

 

rd,

FWIW, a short bio can be found on our church's website at http://www.cornerstonebaptistclinton.org/templates/cla15bl/details.asp?id=23627&PID=119812 . Better than two Sominex and a pillow.

BTW, where do you teach? PM if you prefer.

Blessings,
Bill

 

I wonder if TRACS somewhat narrow theological standards keep it "anemic in stature" by excluding schools that may have a different view of creation. There are solid Christian institutions IMO that don't necessarily insist on 6 literal days of creation, for example.

 

Yes, TRACS is a solid Christian accrediting agency. They had a rough start and made corrections that have lead to increasing stature. A few years ago when receiving reapproval from the US Dept of Ed., they were complimented in the report on their methodology.

In the US recognized accrediting agencies receive recognition by being approved by the US Dept of Ed/and or CHEA. Best to have both. The Regional Accrediting Agencies and National Accrediting Agencies are recognized in this way. TRACS has both US Dept of Ed & CHEA recognition.

The reality is that Regionally Accredited schools predominate and there is therefore more utility with a degree from a Regionally accredited school. However, there are increasing numbers of schools willing to consider degrees from Nationally Accredited schools (TRACS/DETC, etc). Many employers will accept both. My large secular employer recognizes degrees from any school accredited by a recognized regional or national accreditor.

TRACS is increasing the number of quality schools, for example...Norm Geisler's Southern Evangelical Seminary, Tennessee Temple University, Mars Hill, Liberty University and soon the very well respected Bob Jones University.

Nord

 

My comment about TRACS being "anemic in stature" refers only to their size. They have met and are continuing to meet the highest of qualifications to receive DOE/CHEA recognition. They are growing steadily, and there exists increasing growth potentiol as interest rises in dual accreditation status. (RA and TRACS) Every Christian institution maintains precarious positioning within the educational realm, simply because the world is at enmity with God. The landscape of education can change drastically depending on the leadership of our country.

Presently, Christian institutions with RA status are not having any resistance in executing their God-oriented, Bible-based mission statements, but this could change. Presently, TRACS is gaining ground in the secular community as well as in our Christian circles, but this can change. In fact, TRACS is presented with a two-edeged sword as well-known schools enter their membership. They gain more exposure, but the question will always loom as to whether the exposure will help or hinder their standing with the secular community. If the media decides to have a feast with a place such as BJU or Liberty as they have done in the past, the educational elite can be influenced, as they have already been. Even with DOE/CHEA approval, no institution is required to accept TRACS accreditation. The dual status is being seen as an extra buffer for potentiol difficulties in either direction.

I greatly appreciate the attitude of Northland Baptist Bible College in regard to their decision to seek TRACS accreditation. Their president wrote a meek-spirited announcement about the decision, and downplaying its role in their ministry, he reminded everyone that the world would take one look at any of our mission statements and think we are fools. That is what I believe our attitude should be about the entire accreditation issue. We go as far as we can with it, but mindfully remember that it is just a tool. It can't drive any of us, because who knows when it will kick us off the bus.

 

Well said.

Bill

 

At present, the State of North Carolina does not grant teacher certification for a BJU teaching degree because it is unaccredited. Will they certify the TRACS accredited BJU degree, assuming that BJU will achieve TRACS accreditation? Any opinions?

 

I would think so, but your guess is as good as mine. I can't think of a legitimate reason why they should not, unless they have some course requirements which a BJU teacher's degree does not require.

Bill