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About Northeastern Seminary

Rooted in biblical and historic Christian faith, Northeastern Seminary prepares Christ-centered men and women for faithful, effective ministry to the church and the world.

What We Believe

Northeastern Seminary is a place where students are being transformed in a dynamic and supportive learning community, where graduates embody, articulate, and advance the kingdom of God in a variety of ministry contexts around the world, and where the church and community are served through lifelong learning for pastors and church leaders.

The vision of Northeastern Seminary is to be a vibrant source for Christian theological formation whose students are formed in a biblical vision of gracious Christianity and impart wholeness to the world in an expansive array of vocations and contexts. 

The true measure of our commitment to … equality cannot be measured by how we treat the rich, the powerful, the privileged, and the respected among us. The true measure of our character is how we treat the poor, the disfavored, the accused, the incarcerated, and the condemned."

Bryan Stevenson, Just Mercy

Accreditations and Authorizations

Why an Accredited Seminary is important

As you explore your seminary education options, keep in mind that accreditation through the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) is an essential credential for any institution. The rigorous academic standards required by ATS will ensure that your credits will transfer to other graduate schools or that licensing bodies for denominations, hospital, military, and prison chaplains programs will accept your degree. Many seminary programs originate and offer programs from schools that lack accreditation.

Educational accreditation is a rigorous process by which an institution is evaluated by an external organization for educational quality and effectiveness. For graduate theological education, the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools serves as this accrediting agency. To be accredited, a school must undergo an initial review that examines a wide variety of factors, including library holdings, faculty quality, and financial stability. The ATS commissioners repeat this process on a regular basis to make sure each of its schools maintain an acceptable level of academic quality.

In March, Northeastern Seminary will voluntarily surrender its accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) as a part of the process to complete our merger with Roberts Wesleyan University. Northeastern Seminary will continue to maintain accreditation with ATS, and we anticipate regaining accreditation from MSCHE in July at the conclusion of our merger with Roberts Wesleyan University.

You can read more about the merger below:

The Association of Theological Schools is a membership organization of graduate schools that conduct post-baccalaureate, professional, and academic degree programs to educate persons for the practice of ministry, teaching, and research in the theological disciplines. Accreditations include Northeastern Seminary’s fully online programs for all master’s degrees.

The Commission on Accrediting from the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada has approved the following degree programs for accreditation:

  • Masters of Arts
    • Theological Studies
    • Theology and Social Justice
    • Transformational Leadership
    • Ministry Practice
    • Spiritual Formation
  • Masters of Divinity
  • Doctor of Ministry

Contact:
The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada
10 Summit Park Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15275
412.788.6505
www.ats.edu

In March 2024, Northeastern Seminary will voluntarily surrender its accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) as a part of the process to complete our merger with Roberts Wesleyan University. Northeastern Seminary will continue to maintain accreditation with ATS, and we anticipate regaining accreditation from MSCHE in July 2024 at the conclusion of our merger with Roberts Wesleyan University.

We understand the significance of accreditation in ensuring the quality and recognition of our educational programs. I want to assure you that this decision does not compromise the quality of education or the academic standards upheld by our institution. We continue to meet the
standards of education of both MSCHE as well as the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), which serves as Northeastern Seminary’s primary accreditor with the Department of Education. 

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. This commission is accepted by the United States Secretary of Education for accrediting activities in the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including distance education and correspondence education programs offered at those institutions.

Contact:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
3624 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104,
215.662.5606
info@msche.org
www.msche.org

Northeastern Seminary is authorized to offer distance-learning (online) programs and courses to residents of member states, districts, and territories under the terms of SARA.

Intended to make it is easier for students to take online courses offered by institutions outside of their state of residence, the agreement establishes comparable national standards for offering post-secondary distance education courses and programs. SARA is overseen by a national council and administered by four regional education compacts. 

Contact:
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements
3005 Center Green Drive, Suite 130
Boulder, Colorado 80301
303.848.3275
info@nc-sara.org

Seminary Alumni

As a graduate of Northeastern Seminary, you are invited to refresh, restore, and renew the essentials of your ministry through a variety of exclusive alumni benefits.

Who We Are

Northeastern Seminary Faculty and Staff

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Northeastern at a Glance

Woman at graduation

640 Alumni

Our alumni have gained practical skills that they take to their communities and congregation that allow them to be gracious Christians, faithful teachers, missional pastors, Spiritual Guides, transformational leaders, and community advocates.

students talking

46% Traditionally Underrepresented Backgrounds

Growing in their faith, bringing a variety of ethnicities and perspectives into one community.

two women students walking and talking

61% Women

Finding your place and calling with like-minded men and women who explore the truth of the Word and live it out in the world.