Accreditation

Ames Christian University Accreditation

As a young institution (founded in March 2002), the goal and purpose of Ames Christian University has always been to train and equip our learners by providing ministry leadership training through distance learning. Our programs are created from the highest curriculum standards within the framework of Spirit-empowered, biblical authority enabling our learners to be challenged with spiritual passion and personal fulfillment. For that reason our current accreditation is with Christian-focused agencies bringing integrity to our operations and the processes that result in Ames Christian degree programs.

We completely understand that some students' personal preferences and professional needs require that they earn degrees from institutions that are regionally accredited by US DOE-approved agencies. We also know that many students' desires and aspirations are fulfilled by a school with with a less secular accreditation. In the future, ACU MAY consider pursuing an affiliate membership with a faith-based US DOE-approved agency. However, affiliation is not equivalent to accreditation.

With that in mind, we completely trust God to bring us students whose needs we can meet and help to fulfill their God-given call. As a result, we are delighted to have a diverse student body of committed, diligent, and creative learners whose desire is to fulfill the Great Commission and to work powerfully and effectively in their God-ordained ministry. Our learners enjoy the challenge of expanding their faith and practicing excellence in their educational pursuits.

We are honored to have you consider joining them.

WWAC Accreditation and ACEA Certification (See below)

WWAC Accreditation
Ames Christian University is fully accredited by the World-Wide Accreditation Commission of Christian Educational Institutions (WWAC). WWAC is a non-governmental accreditation, extended exclusively to private, Christian institutions upon inspection and approval of their programs, operations, and integrity.

WWAC is a worldwide accreditation that honors the separation of church and state, and extends beyond national boundaries. Its standards and expectations measure compliance with scriptural principles as applied to education.

Ames Christian's accreditation may be verified by contacting:

The WWAC
Dr. Paul Richardson, Executive President
2800 Blendwell Road
Richmond, VA 23224

Phone/Fax (804) 276-4709

E-Mail: mailto:drpaulrich@juno.com

In the United States, accreditation of universities and seminaries is a voluntary process with accreditation granted by private, non-governmental agencies. Governmental agencies never provide theological or ministry accreditation. Additionally, there is no absolute 'national' standard for educational accreditation since the educational world is currently re-examining criteria for accreditation, focusing less on institutional inputs and more on educational outcomes.

There is no such requirement as Federal or State accreditation of a religious institution, because the civil government has no authority to regulate religious teachings or which certificates or religious degrees upon completion of such education may be issued. This is a matter of separation of Church and State. Politicians and civil authorities must never be allowed to officially endorse or disapprove directly or indirectly the beliefs and practices of churches or their schools.

Please keep in mind that most Bible Colleges and Christian Universities do not have secular regional accreditation.

State Copyright Seal

State of Florida Department of Education

State Authorization
In the United States of America, jurisdiction over degree-granting institutions rests with the individual state governments. Compliance with state regulations is the necessary condition for offering a legitimate, legal American degree. Ames Christian University grants degrees under the authority of the Florida State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities in compliance with Section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The state of Florida does not require regional or theological accreditation. Please Note: ACU as well as other Christian colleges are NOT required to be regulated by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE); therefore, ACU is not listed with the FLDOE as a 'regulated' institution. ACU has received approval (authorization) as of 2003 from the FLDOE that ACU is in compliance with the statutes of the Florida State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities to offer legitimate, legal American degrees.

ACEA Certification
Ames Christian University is also certified by the Apostolic Council on Educational Accountability, (www.acea-schools.org) a non-governmental agency designed specifically to promote integrity among Christian colleges and universities. ACEA Member Directory

Both WWAC and ACEA provide accountability and evaluation without compromising Ames Christian University's mission, vision, and calling.

Ames Christian University does not have a regional secular accreditation. If you are desiring to pursue a degree for secular employment, a degree with Ames Christian University may not be the right choice for you. ACU does not guarantee a job or ordination in any specific market or ministry. Although WWAC accredits our degrees, ACU is not listed at this time with a U.S. Department of Education-approved accreditation agency, and an ACU degree is NOT specifically suited for people pursuing secular jobs such as public school teachers, state university professors, and state-licensed counselors or psychologists, among other vocations requiring state licensure.

Tax Exempt Non-Profit Status
Ames Christian University is a non-profit corporation located in the state of Florida, USA. It is recognized as a tax exempt organization under Section 501(c)3 of the US Internal Revenue Code.

What separates Ames Christian from the "diploma mills" springing up on the Internet?

There are several standards that set Ames Christian, and any legitimate institution, apart from the diploma mills:

Curriculum Standards: A legitimate institution sets real, definable curriculum standards, based on historical good practice, for each of its programs.

Instructional Delivery: A legitimate institution requires its learners to undertake instruction, either from its own faculty, or from providers who have been accredited or approved based on a rigorous approval model.

Authorization: Legitimate authorization involves the institution placing itself under the oversight of a duly appointed, sanctioned approval body. A legitimate institution grants degrees under the authority of the government agency in the state or country in which it operates.

Faculty Standards: A legitimate institution will contract with and employ faculty members who are appropriately qualified to teach in their disciplines, diverse in their educational backgrounds, and committed to academic excellence.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to outline our approach to this very important issue. We wish you the best with your degree pursuit, and we look forward to serving you as an Ames Christian University learner.