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The Virtual
Classroom ...
The Study Hall...
Here is important information you need to know about Online courses.
Accreditation and state laws...
In the United States, besides regional accreditors to approve academics
in seminaries, there are four major religious accreditors (this information may be found on the web). These four groups are recognized as legitimate accreditors by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Depending on the specific applicable state laws, it can be illegal to use the name "seminary" and issue degrees without meeting minimum standards. The ruling allows seminaries to offer theological education and award religious degrees without state government approval or oversight.
Spirit Filled Believers Church Study Hall is not an accredited school, and has no plans to seek such accreditation. The credits earned by completing these lessons are non-academic and are not transferable to any other school, college, or university. Any certificates granted upon the completion of these lessons will be
officially recognized by this school, The Spirit Filled Believers Church (an Internet Church), its membership, and its chartered churches.
Specifically, this study hall will not claim accreditation from any known and recognized accredidation organizations which are not officially recognized and whose sole purpose is to imply official accreditation which does not exist.
Spirit Filled Believers Church study hall exists for the personal and religious edification of members of and visitors to The Spirit Filled Believers Church (an Internet Church).
Unless otherwise noted, Certificates and Degrees are awarded in meritorious recognition of the completion of a prescribed course of studies on the religious beliefs and practices of The Spirit Filled Believers Church (an Internet Church). The lessons and courses offered by this study hall are strictly for the personal and religious edification of those studying the lessons and are not intended to represent any sort of formal or recognized instruction or training in any field.
Are Unaccredited Schools Bad?
No. Remember that every new institution begins as an unaccredited
school so even newcomers are unaccredited a few years. Furthermore, there are some institutions that could be accredited but decline to seek accreditation due to theological reasons.
Name a Situation Where Accreditation Is Not Critical
I'll give you two situations. First, let's suppose that you're interested in distance learning for an M. Div. degree in order to become a pastor in a particular denomination. If that denomination supports an unaccredited seminary, and considers graduates for ordination, then such an unaccredited institution may suit your needs. However, if later you decided to pursue additional graduate study or seek ordination in a different denomination, you may find your degree unacceptable.
Second, in the K-12 online learning environment, many students are homeschoolers who are taking selected classes online. In that case, the education is under the homeschooling umbrella and so institutional accreditation is largely moot.
Look for more details on each course, including lessons, tests, complete course requirements and ordering details.
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