Northwestern Christian University
"Educating the World for Jesus Christ"

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Christian Education

Earn your theologically accredited Bachelor, Master, or Doctorate Degree in less time and with great savings!

Accreditation/ Educational Accountability

Celebrating over 42-Years of Educational Ministry Since 1980

RECOGNITION OF YOUR DEGREE FROM

NORTHWESTERN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

In the educational world today, regional accreditation is not always a mandatory requirement, especially for ministry-related, non-secular, avocations/ professions. Many Pastors, Christian teachers, Christian Counselors, etc. opt for Bible Colleges and Seminaries with non-regional accreditation which results in huge financial savings while still achieving a quality standard of education. In fact, the majority of Bible schools are NOT regionally accredited.

At Northwestern, we have numerous students and graduates who have come to us from major seminaries, colleges, and universities, including Liberty and Fuller, etc. for their post-graduate studies, to earn a Master's or Doctoral degree. Of course, many of our graduate school students already have a regionally accredited Bachelor's or Master's degree but it is not necessary for many ministry-related positions.

Northwestern Christian University is a member in good standing with

The International Association for Christian Educational Accountability

(IACEA). IACEA is a Christian alternative to secular accreditation

providing recognition for educational accountability to Christian

seminaries and Bible colleges. The terms accreditation and

educational accountability may be considered similar and used

interchangeably. 

Concerning the "MONOPOLY" on accreditation in the USA today.

Accreditation is BIG BUSINESS today and what is happening amongst the major accreditation agencies fits the definition of a monopoly.

Only a few agencies are recognized by the Government through the U.S. Department of Education and these agencies have instituted astronomical fees and requirements that make it financially impossible for smaller colleges, universities, and seminaries to comply.

They go as far as to assume that any accreditation that is not provided by Governmentally approved accreditors is not accreditation at all and they then call all non-traditional schools, Bible Colleges, and Seminaries that do not have regional accreditation or D.O.E. / Governmentally approved accreditation as non accredited. Unfair? Yes of course it is.. But, this is BIG Business and it is controlled by the few major accrediting bodies recognized by the Government.

Controlling the market and not recognizing any accrediting organization that is not part of their, Governmentally recognized, a select group is a highly unfair practice and should be deemed illegal. Furthermore, calling quality Bible Colleges and Seminaries unaccredited, just because they are not regionally accredited, is deceptive and a blatant lie, since numerous smaller Bible Colleges, Christian Universities, and Seminaries do have non-traditional accreditation (Not recognized by the Government) yet remain just as accountable in providing quality education to their students. They simply refuse to pay the exorbitant cost to participate in the "monopoly" on accreditation.

The cost of accreditation with a major accrediting organization adds up to millions of dollars in expenses for colleges and universities that have such accreditation. That is why it costs up to $200,000.00 or more, for a four-year degree from a  private universality today, making it impossible for the underprivileged and many middle-classed students to enroll. In fact, many of the students who do enroll in major colleges and universities wind up strapped with huge student loans which compound and take many years to pay off.

None of this is fair to the average person or underprivileged individual who seeks a quality education today. There is a huge educational gap populated by students who cannot afford to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for education. But, thankfully there are non-traditional schools, Bible Colleges, and Seminaries available that are equipped and able to meet this great educational need.

Northwestern Christian University is such a school and we are meeting a great need by providing a quality, accredited educational opportunity for 98% less than it costs to attend a private university in the United States. We do this while providing our students with a state-of-the-art online library and the MOODLE online educational management system which is the same system used by major colleges and universities.

Northwestern has fulfilled educational requirements in our determination to acquire and maintain a quality educational program. Further information concerning the process of evaluation leading to our Christian educational accountability, may be obtained by visiting IACEA at www.TIACEA.org

Accreditation and Recognition of Credit

Concerning university accreditation/ educational accountability; the value ofAccredited Seminary Degrees an accredited or certified university, bible college or online university, college, or seminary degree is subjective. In other words, it depends on the amount of work that went into earning it, the student’s attitude and aptitude, and external circumstances related to the school itself or to the graduate’s working world.

You should be aware that numerous Christian Universities, Private Schools, Bible Colleges, and Seminaries elect not to be governed by the U.S. Department of Education and do not seek Regional Accreditation, which is more common among Secular Colleges and Universities. Christian Educational Ministries are automatically exempt from the dictates of both the Government and secular accreditation agencies. Northwestern Christian University, like other Christian Education Ministries, has full theological certification which is recognized and respected as an acceptable form of accreditation/ educational accountability for those in pursuit of ministry-related avocations.

Northwestern Christian University is both a state-authorized and theologically certified institution of higher learning. Most accredited universities, accredited seminaries, accredited Bible colleges, and accredited colleges have their own criteria for recognition and acceptability of online educational credits. The individual should always address specific questions to selected institutions in determining their particular criteria concerning accreditation. 

Northwestern Christian University is an educational outreach ministry of Christian Alliance Ministries Worldwide. Our ministry, established in 1980,  has hundreds of educational branches, evangelistic ministries, and approximately thousands of members in many countries including North America, South America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

The following quote is taken from the website of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). 

"There are accrediting organizations that may not be recognized but are not accreditation mills. For example, the accreditor may be seeking recognition, but the process is not complete. Or the accreditor does not meet the requirements of CHEA or USDE for reasons that do not relate to quality."

The following quote from the United States Department of Education.

"It should be noted that some institutions have chosen not to participate in the federal student aid program and therefore do not have to be approved by an accrediting agency recognized by the Department. While these institutions do not appear on the Department's list, they may be legitimate schools."

This quote from the former executive director of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education), stated as follows:

"There are hundreds of Bible Colleges and Seminaries in the United States and Canada that are offering good solid theological training, yet they are not accredited." 

But, will a degree from Northwestern, be accepted by your Church or place of employment?

While there are certain situations when only a degree from a D.O.E. approved school can qualify one for certain positions and privileges, for the most part, you are judged and accepted based on how you present yourself, not solely by the image represented by the school from which you graduated.  Example: Are you already in ministry?  If so, when was the last time a member of your church asked you if you had a degree at all, much less if it was earned at a regionally accredited college or university?

Ministry and Education

Your ministry avocation is one of those areas where God’s will and plan are more important than anything else. In fact, for those already serving in ministry, a degree from a highly credible though governmentally unrecognized school may be the smartest choice. Especially when you can receive a quality online seminary education for a fraction of the expense associated with regionally or nationally accredited schools. We should not forget that, especially in the Christian tradition, academic freedom is considered a cornerstone of religious liberty.  Of course, so is academic responsibility!  Therefore, any program of study leading to a theological degree should be both Biblically sound, and academically honest.

However, if you are concerned about whether your church or place of employment will accept you with a degree earned through a theologically accountable school, that is not regionally or nationally accredited, you should simply ask!  Even with degrees earned from academically accredited schools, there could be restrictions on what kind of degree is recognized. Always ask, since in some cases, denominations and ministries may not accept degrees from secular schools, or schools not affiliated with a specific denomination or organization.

NCU degrees are geared toward ministry related avocations only and not secular employment.

United States Government Approval

 

We were recognized by the Government of the United States of America, in regard to our rights based on the U.S. Constitution with full rights to provide religious-based education.

Since we are considerate of and obedient to all of the laws set by our government, as a Christ-centered Biblical education ministry, our ultimate authority is God and as such we choose to remain free in our rights to teach degree programs based on the word of God as found in "God's Blue Print for Life" the Holy Bible. However, Because of our legal position based on the U.S. Constitution, NO outside agency has any authority over our educational content regarding our right to teach ministry-focused educational programs leading to the award of such appropriate degrees.

Our Biblical Mandate

And the authorities said, "We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching, in the name of this man Jesus, behold now you have filled all of Jerusalem with your teaching and you intend to bring the blood of Jesus upon us." But Peter and the Apostles answered and said, "We must serve God rather than men." (Acts 5: 28-29)

"And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2)

State of Florida

The Great Seal of FloridaState of Florida Department of Education

Northwestern Christian University has filed to operate under authorization, as a degree-granting institution through exemption, by the Florida State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities under Section 1005.06 (1) (f), FLA Statutes. The state, like other states,  does not require regional accreditation or any other form of accreditation for our Christian educational programs.

 

Theological Accreditation/ Educational Accountability

Northwestern Christian University is a member in good standing and has full theological recognition as educationally accountable by the International Association for Christian Educational Accountability (IACEA). The IACEA represents the Christian alternative to secular accreditation.

International Association for Christian Educational Accountability

https://iacea.info/

IACEA Approval:

The International Association for Christian Educational Accountability is an International organization for Christian evaluation of Theological accountability with the goal of maintaining the highest educational standards for its' member institutions. IACEA accountability standards are maintained through evaluation, compliance, and accountability.
IACEA supports the Biblical principle of separation of Church and state; Mark.12:17; James. 4:4; II Corinthians. 6:14. Remaining consistent with Biblical standards and not liberal or secular positions, IACEA has chosen not to seek endorsement by either the EAES or COPA, CHEA, or other worldwide governmentally influenced accrediting agencies. IACEA is a network of many schools on the cutting edge of Christ-centered, Biblical education. 

IACEA is an international membership association composed of many Christian educational institutions through affiliation. Members in good standing must pass a rigorous evaluation process, leading to the recognition of Christian educational accountability for their educational programs in accord with Christian educational standards and institutional integrity through IACEA evaluation. All IACEA  member institutions in good standing, are enabled to demonstrate educational accountability to the Christian educational community. This accountability is demonstrated through documented evidence of compliance with IACEA standards of structure, governance, material resources, policies, faculty, and curriculum.   

Job Placement and Community Programs  

Concerning ministry related job placement and church based community programs, Northwestern Christian University, like most online Christian education based degree programs, does not offer community referral or placement services for employment. We are a worldwide online educational program through which it would be geographically and logistically too expensive to offer such programs. By eliminating major expenses, we are able to provide quality educational online Degree programs at a fraction of the expense when compared to other more extravagant, yet geographically limited, institutional education programs at traditional universities, colleges, seminaries, and bible colleges. All NCU education is focused on preparing students for non-secular, religious avocations, and ministry positions only.

Licensing 

Any prospective student should understand that Northwestern Christian University has no authority through their advanced online degree programs, to grant licenses. Ministry-related vocations are not subject to governmental licensing. However, if you are choosing a career path that requires a government license you should address appropriate agencies governing licensing in your state or county of residence concerning requirements for licensing or professional certification. Such licensing is not normally provided by theologically certified universities, colleges, and seminaries and can only be granted by the appropriate government agency.

More About Accreditation 

In the United States, accreditation/ educational accountability or certification of colleges, universities, and seminaries is a voluntary process with accreditation granted by private, non-governmental agencies. Governmental agencies never provide theological accreditation. 

Additionally, there is no national standard for educational accreditation/ accountability, and 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. A casual survey of Church history shows that such linkage with "Caesar" eventually leads to the infringement upon the conscience, bondage, and corruption. Therefore, to be accredited by any agency, which in turn is controlled by the U.S. Department of Education, would to some degree be a compromise of the separation principle and constitute a violation of the Church's sovereignty.

[Source: Dr. Paul Richardson]

The United States Department of  Education

 DOES NOT Accredit any College, University,

 Seminary or any Education Program.  Here is a quote

 from  the U.S. Department of  Education's Web Page: 

 http://www.ed.gov/about/overview

What The Department of Education Does Not Do

Under the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Nothing specific is said about education in the Constitution; therefore it falls outside federal authority.

In creating the Department of Education, Congress made clear its intention that the secretary of education and other Department officials be prohibited from exercising "any direction, supervision, or control over the curriculum program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any educational institution, school, or school system." The establishment of schools and colleges, the development of curricula, and the setting of requirements for enrollment and graduation -- are responsibilities handled by the various states and communities, as well as by public and private organizations of all kinds, not by the U.S. Department of Education."

The Facts Concerning Regional Accreditation

Our board of advisors has chosen not to apply for regional accreditation for the following reasons:

Regional Accreditation is a "Voluntary Process" that is not required of religious institutions.

A Regionally Accredited Degree is required for Public School Teachers in all States and for Some State and Federal Employment Situations.  The vast majority (our opinion) of ministry related employers do not require that an minister or religious worker have a degree from a Regionally Accredited School.

In certain US states - North Dakota, Nevada, Texas, Washington, Maine and New Jersey - it is illegal to include religious-exempt degrees on resumes, letterheads, business cards, advertisements and announcements, while this is legal in other states.

Ministers and Religious workers do not need a degree from a Regionally Accredited School unless Regional Accreditation of the School is required by their Church Board or as a Requirement of Ordination by the particular Religious Denomination.

Individuals in today's world have sufficient information resources to evaluate programs, schools and universities without depending on the "opinions" of accrediting associations. 

REGIONAL ACCREDITING ASSOCIATIONS CAN NOT GUARANTEE the quality of a school, its programs or acceptability of the Degree by any other school or employer.

Regional Accrediting Associations can indirectly influence:

  • Requirements of Regionally Accredited Schools to accept transfer students from other Regionally Accredited Schools and Regionally Accredited Schools are not required to accept transfer students from schools that are not Regionally Accredited

  • Hiring practices

  • Guidelines for faculty selection

  • Presume to influence curriculum, such practices clearly interfere with Academic Freedom

Regional Accrediting Associations' policies have not kept up with technology for the modern trend of Web-Based Distance Education.


 

"Celebrating Over 42 Years of Christian Service"

Since 1980

In the United States, many licensing authorities require regionally accredited degrees as the basis for eligibility for licensing. In some cases, accredited colleges may not accept transfer courses and degrees completed at non-regionally accredited colleges, and some employers may require a regionally accredited degree as a basis for eligibility for employment. Potential students should consider how the above may affect their interests.

All Degree Programs are intended to Prepare Students for Ministry Avocations.

All Races and Nationalities are fully welcome at Northwestern Christian University.

Void where prohibited.

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