Eastern Mennonite Seminary earns 10-year accreditation

Eastern Mennonite Seminary announces a successful reaccreditation process through The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS). ATS has reaffirmed accreditation for 10 years, the maximum possible period. The next comprehensive visit will be in 2030.

ATS, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., is an organization of more than 260 seminaries and other graduate schools of theology. It was founded in 1918. 

“ATS is very focused on equipping seminaries for the challenges of our time,” said Sue Cockley, dean of the seminary. “This re-accreditation is welcome affirmation that EMS is providing theological education and Christian leadership preparation in ways that meet those challenges. I am privileged to walk alongside a dedicated faculty and staff in this work.”

The final report highlighted the seminary’s many distinctive strengths, including: 

• Supportive faculty and staff who embody the seminary’s heritage of peacemaking and community and who center themselves on the formation of students with personal care;
• A strong embedded relationship with Eastern Mennonite University, as well as the important denominational ties with the Mennonite Church USA and the United Methodist Church; 
• A clear sense of identity and purpose, shaped by guiding principles, and
• A culture of adaptability and innovation. 

The seminary offers the following graduate degrees – Master of Divinity, MA in Religion, MA in Christian Leadership – as well as two innovative dual degrees, the Master of Divinity and MA in Counseling and the Master of Divinity and MA in Conflict Transformation, in coordination with EMU’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. The seminary also offers certificates and professional training, including the Clinical Pastoral Education program.