The Association of Theological Schools
The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada is a membership organization of more than 250 graduate schools that conduct post-baccalaureate professional and academic degree programs to educate persons for the practice of ministry and for teaching and research in the theological disciplines.
The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) is a membership organization of more than 250 graduate schools that conduct post-baccalaureate professional and academic degree programs to educate persons for the practice of ministry and for teaching and research in the theological disciplines. The Commission on Accrediting of ATS accredits the schools and approves the degree programs they offer.
Membership is open to graduate schools of theology in the Christian and Jewish faiths. Arguably constituting the most ecumenical organization in North America, the current roster of ATS member schools represents mainstream Protestantism, evangelical Protestantism, and Catholic and Orthodox churches. Together they enroll approximately 80,000 students and employ more than 3,600 full-time faculty.
In addition, ATS grants affiliate status to organizations with a substantial interest in theological education but not involved in educational programs leading to a degree, as well as to institutions of higher education offering graduate theological degrees related to communities of faith other than the Christian or Jewish faiths. Under this large multifaith tent, ATS welcomes participation by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and others.
In service to its member schools, the Association maintains a website rich in statistical data and other resources. This information has also proven helpful to the general public, prospective students, media representatives, and researchers in theological education.