Accreditation
In the United States, accreditation of Non-Secular 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 requirement for Federal or State accreditation of a religious institution, because the civil Government has no authority to regulate religious teachings or the granting of religious certifications or religious degrees. This is a matter of separation of Church and State. Politicians and civil authorities should never be allowed to officially endorse or disapprove directly or indirectly the beliefs and practices of churches or religious institutions and their schools. Many Bible colleges and Christian universities do not seek secular accreditation because they are in the business of granting religious degrees. Bible colleges and Christian universities that are in the business of granting secular credentials have sought after and obtained secular state accreditation.
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Institutions Whose Degrees are Illegal to Use in Texas
You may recognize other institutes on the "illegal list" of the TX Higher Education Coordinating Board web site, but Life Training Institute is not listed and is not illegal. This is because LTI is exempt being a 501c3 religious school with religious studies.
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What process is required to open/start a religious school (teaching only religious studies courses or offering only religious degrees) in Texas?
To start a school that only offers religious studies programs, two things are required:
TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD
Texas Work Commission Letter
There is no requirement for Federal or State accreditation of a religious institution, because the civil Government has no authority to regulate religious teachings or the granting of religious certifications or religious degrees. This is a matter of separation of Church and State. Politicians and civil authorities should never be allowed to officially endorse or disapprove directly or indirectly the beliefs and practices of churches or religious institutions and their schools. Many Bible colleges and Christian universities do not seek secular accreditation because they are in the business of granting religious degrees. Bible colleges and Christian universities that are in the business of granting secular credentials have sought after and obtained secular state accreditation.
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Institutions Whose Degrees are Illegal to Use in Texas
You may recognize other institutes on the "illegal list" of the TX Higher Education Coordinating Board web site, but Life Training Institute is not listed and is not illegal. This is because LTI is exempt being a 501c3 religious school with religious studies.
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What process is required to open/start a religious school (teaching only religious studies courses or offering only religious degrees) in Texas?
To start a school that only offers religious studies programs, two things are required:
- A letter from the Texas Workforce Commission granting an exemption, (TWC can be reached by telephone at 512.936.3100 or via the web at: www.csc.twc.state.tx.us.)
- if degrees will be offered, a letter from the Coordinating Board explaining that approval is not required since religious studies are outside the purview of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD
Texas Work Commission Letter
Information about the Professional Wellness Alliance
The Professional Wellness Alliance is a private ecclesiastical membership association with a mission to promote scripture based health and wellness concepts.
The Professional Wellness Alliance is a private ecclesiastical membership association with a mission to promote scripture based health and wellness concepts.