In December 2022, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmed its accreditation of the BMA Seminary’s associate, bachelor and master levels of study. The commission reaffirmed the seminary’s accreditation for the maximum 10 years. Although SACSCOC requires a customary fifth-year interim report, which will be completed in 2028, the seminary is accredited until 2032.
This follows several years of institutional self-reflection and reporting. It also follows a similar process through which the seminary sought reaffirmation of its accreditation with the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (COAATS). In 2021, that commission reaffirmed its accreditation of the seminary’s master’s degree programs until 2031.
Both of the seminary’s accrediting entities are peer organizations that seek to help member institutions maintain quality and integrity regarding agreed-upon standards of higher education. Standards pertain to areas such as institutional mission, planning and evaluation, faculty credentials, governance and administration, student achievement, learning resources and physical and financial resources.
In its final action letter to the BMA Seminary, the Commission on Accrediting recognized certain distinctive strengths of the institution. First, “Consistent with its mission statement, the school embodies the confessional stance of the Baptist Missionary Association, guided by a high view of the inspiration and authority of Scripture.” Second, “The school embodies a relational community of faith and learning.” Third, “The faculty and staff are deeply committed to the mission of the institution, manifested by their personal and vocational engagement in the student’s intellectual, human, spiritual and ministerial formation.”
According to BMA Seminary President Charley Holmes, “Accreditation is a challenging process that requires the attention of administrators, faculty, staff and trustees. It is a blessing to see their efforts recognized and rewarded by our peers. It is also a blessing to know that our students will continue to earn accredited degrees as they prepare to serve in various ministries of Christ’s kingdom.”
