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)
Leland Seminary has been accredited by ATS since 2006. The school's accreditation was last reaffirmed in summer 2022, based on an institutional self-study report and an onsite evaluation visit by a committee of peer and public reviewers. The school's current period of accreditation expires July 31, 2032.
While Leland remains in compliance with COOATS standards, ATS recently notified Leland that the seminary is at risk of not having sufficient and stable financial resources to ensure that it will continue to meet Standard 10.3 on financial sustainability. This does not affect the quality or validity of Leland’s degrees or ability to offer accredited programs. The Seminary is committed to making the needed improvements and will continue efforts to increase contributions and enrollment. (Both, it should be noted, have experienced recent growth.) As Leland moves forward toward increased sustainability, students can continue their education with confidence as God continues to bless this mission.
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
Statement of Educational Effectiveness
The John Leland Center for Theological Studies is a seminary of Baptist tradition that welcomes students and teachers of all church denominations. Leland’s purpose is to serve in the Kingdom of God through accessible, accredited theological education that equips its students to become transformational leaders in the global ministry of Jesus Christ. The seminary is accountable to its supporting churches and institutional partners in the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. region and the state of Virginia. Leland’s goal is to educate and form students in Christ- like character, spiritual discipline, and compassion, with the benefit of biblical knowledge and skills which produce pastors and lay leaders who can serve in diverse ministry settings. While providing a high-quality online instruction to supplement and extend its mission, Leland values in-person, community building instruction which enables it to implement its motto, “Leland: The Seminary for the Church.”
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.