Accreditation & State Authorization
Accreditation
The John Leland Center for Theological Studies is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (COAATS) and is approved to offer the following degrees: Master of Christian Leadership (MCL), Master of Divinity (MDiv), and Master of Theological Studies (MTS). Leland is also approved by COAATS for comprehensive distance (online) education. COAATS is the premiere accrediting body for theological schools in the United States and Canada.
The following extension sites are approved by COAATS to provide up to 49 percent of the following degree programs but not complete degrees:
First Baptist Church of Newport News, VA (MDiv, MCL)
Bonsack Baptist Church, Roanoke, VA (MCL)
The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada
10 Summit Park Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15275 USA
Telephone: 412-788-6505
Fax: 412-788-6510
Website: www.ats.edu
State Authorization
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia Statement
The John Leland Center for Theological Studies is a religious institution exempt from the requirements of state regulation and oversight in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Maryland Higher Education Commission Online Registration
Leland is registered with the Maryland Higher Education Commission to enroll Maryland students in the following online programs: Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Christian Leadership, Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, Graduate Certificate in Christian Leadership, Graduate Certificate in Biblical Justice Formation, Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Leadership, Graduate Certificate in Trauma and Healing Ministry, and Diploma in Theology.
The University of North Carolina System Religious Exemption
The following programs of study offered by The John Leland Center for Theological Studies have been declared exempt from the requirements for licensure, under provisions of North Carolina General Statutes Section (G.S.) 116-15(d) for exemption from licensure with respect to religious education: Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Christian Leadership, Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, Graduate Certificate in Christian Leadership, Graduate Certificate in Biblical Justice Formation, Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Leadership, and Graduate Certificate in Trauma and Healing Ministry. Exemption from licensure is not based upon the assessment of program quality under established licensing standards.
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education Religious Exemption
The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education has declared that The John Leland Center for Theological Studies and the following programs are exempt from licensing by the Commission based on the religious nature of these programs: Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Christian Leadership, Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, Graduate Certificate in Christian Leadership, Graduate Certificate in Biblical Justice Formation, Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Leadership, Graduate Certificate in Trauma and Healing Ministry, and Diploma in Theology.
Student Complaints
The process for student complaints about The John Leland Center can be found on pages 8-21 of the Student Handbook.