AETA

• 목록

AETA Accreditation Standards

AETA accreditation standards are guidelines designed to help member institutions follow AETA's values and standards. Some of these evaluations are specifically related to 'institutions or programs without campuses.' Additionally, these include extended education, online education, and distance education programs. 

I. Institution and Institutional Philosophy

1. Government Registration of Institution 

All institutions are encouraged to be legally organized as non-profit educational institutions by their respective national governments as circumstances permit. 

2. AETA Membership 

1) Institutions applying for accreditation for the first time become AETA candidate members upon receipt of their application.

2) AETA Associate Members are institutions that have largely met AETA's accreditation standards but may be upgraded to Full Member status once deficiencies noted by the accreditation committee are remedied. 

3) AETA Members are institutions that follow the Association's requirements and standards and either engage in academic partnerships with AETA or become members of AETA-accredited institutions. 

3. Institutional Goals 

Each institution must have clearly defined and articulated goals for the overall program, each specific program, and each academic course. Additionally, graduates must complete credits related to church-planting ministry. Accreditation committees will evaluate the entire program based on the institution's stated goals. The following are the basic goals of schools to be accredited. 

1) To develop Christian life and experience. 

2) To promote comprehensive knowledge of the Bible and understanding of Christian theology. 

3) To equip students with appropriate knowledge regarding church ministry and cultural, socioeconomic, and political issues in their nations and communities, enabling them to begin church ministry upon graduation by broadening the scope of their ministry.

4) To develop a dynamic vision for evangelism, missions, and social service. 

5) To equip students spiritually, intellectually, physically, emotionally, morally, and socially to cooperate with local churches. 

4. Stability 

Before applying for accreditation, institutions must have a satisfactory record of maturity, experience, administrative continuity, and effective operations. The following are basic criteria for institutional stability. 

1) Faithful adherence to the institution's stated philosophy and goals 

2) Continuous operation as an educational institution for 3-5 years before accreditation 

3) Evidence of producing graduates aligned with institutional goals through the presented educational programs 

4) Continued leadership by administrative departments 

5) Low staff turnover 

6) Low annual student enrollment fluctuation 

7) Growing enrollment to meet the needs of the church 

8) Financial management stability through balanced income and expenses 

9) Significant commitment and sustained support from institutional members (denominations, local churches, and individuals) 

10) Ability to accept development and growth of institutional progressive leadership 

11) Systematic efforts for continuous renewal and improvement of programs 

12) Freedom from personal or factional interests in institutional operations 

II. Administrative Management 

1. Administration 

1) Each institution must have a firm organizational structure and administration with a manual that clearly defines staff responsibilities for achieving institutional goals. 

2) There must be a board of trustees or committee with final responsibility for institutional stability and personnel and financial decisions. 

3) The board should appoint the school principal and encourage the development of national leadership. 

4) Institutional members must meet regularly to make decisions related to achieving the institution's goals and for fellowship. 

5) A student body or student representative group must be established, and they may participate in achieving institutional goals. 

6) Document records must be effectively maintained and administrative reporting must be conducted (board meeting minutes, financial reports, student academic records, etc.). 

2. Operating Board of Trustees 

1) Each institution must have a responsible operating board of trustees with a minimum of 7 members serving the institution. 

2) The operating board is recommended to be composed of experts from various fields. This is so that theological education can be understood in a holistic dimension. 

3) It should be located within the institution or in the home country. 

4) At least 50% of the trustees should be local nationals, with efforts to increase that proportion. 

3. Operations and Finance 

1) Each institution must have reasonable procedures for the preparation, adoption, and adjustment of annual finances to receive board approval. 

2) Financial audits should be conducted annually by certified public accountants. 

3) Each institution must increase local support rather than become excessively dependent on foreign assistance. 

4) People working for the institution should be provided adequate compensation and benefits so they can provide their best service to the institution. 

4. Buildings and Facilities 

1) Campus Institutions (institutions operated around a campus) 

Careful evaluation will be conducted for the following matters - appropriateness of buildings and facilities and their maintenance, classrooms, dormitory facilities, staff residence facilities, library, administrative facilities, chapel, infirmary, recreational facilities, utilities such as electricity, gas, and water, sanitation, education, moral development, student center, and sports field. 

(1) Buildings must have at least one large auditorium capable of accommodating all students and faculty members or a separate chapel. 

(2) Classrooms must be large enough to accommodate the maximum number of students for each course. The size of the classroom as well as lighting and ventilation must be considered. 

(3) The library must have adequate space for study and research. If the library is separated from the main campus, it is desirable to be located near the school building. 

2) Non-Campus Institutions (institutions operated without a campus) 

(1) The institution must have adequate facilities for administration (for example, keeping academic records, space and facilities for faculty and student support). 

(2) The institution must have adequate facilities and guidance for effective teaching and learning in program operations. 

(3) Institutions that do not own their own library can consider access to libraries of other institutions available to students. 

3) Online Education in Campus and Non-Campus Institutions

(1) Both institutions implement online courses using computers or smartphones according to school circumstances.

(2) The ratio of online to offline instruction is determined according to the school, student, and course circumstances and conditions. 

(3) Recorded or archived materials can be utilized for online or offline classes.

5. Church and Public Relations 

1) Sound public relations are important for the successful operation and development of educational institutions. The institution must provide the church with information about its operations, encourage student recruitment, and ensure stable financial support. 

2) Building good public relations includes strong relationships with local churches, effective and ongoing ministry guidance for graduates, and if possible, cooperation with other theological institutions in the same region.

3) Regardless of the institution's size, public relations of the institution are an administrative responsibility. 

4) Appropriate information must be provided through brochures, catalogs, newsletters, or online. 

III. Educators

AETA institutions include various types of people needed for program operations - professors, administrative staff, online resource providers, group leaders, instructors, and lecturers. Here, all these people are referred to as educators. 

1. All Institutions 

1) Requirements for all educators involved in each level of programming must be clearly articulated.

2) All educators must demonstrate good relationships with local churches and vibrant spirituality. 

3) All educators must be able to serve as appropriate models of spiritual maturity and intellectual curiosity to students. 

2. Campus-Based Institution Programs 

<Faculty Recruitment> 

Faculty should have diverse teaching experience with theological and general degrees completed. Faculty teaching in theological educational institutions offering regular programs should have their degrees obtained from regular programs. 

Faculty applicants must submit materials documenting their academic performance. Additionally, the materials should include discipleship and mentoring processes, group study participation, character and ministry experience. Faculty applicants who do not hold degrees from regular institutions may be accepted if credible materials of personal character formation experience are submitted along with academic achievement. 

1) Faculty must have degrees relevant to programs required by the applying institution. 

2) Faculty must hold a higher degree than the degree granted by the institution. 

3) Faculty must have ministry experience. 

4) Faculty must demonstrate ability to teach and write. 

5) Faculty must have appropriate knowledge of the Bible and theology. 

6) Faculty performance evaluations must be conducted regularly at the institution. 

7) Faculty must continue efforts toward their own academic development, and the institution must provide opportunities for such training and development. 

3. Non-Campus Institution Programs 

<Course Developers and Instructors> 

1) Team course development is recommended. A good team will include experts in educational design for adult education and the unique media used in course delivery, specific subject areas, and cultural contexts. For online programs, appropriate information technology support must be included in the course development team.

2) Expert course development team members for a given subject should hold an accredited bachelor's degree for certificate courses, and a master's degree is required for diploma and bachelor's degree courses. 

3) Course developers must receive the best practical training necessary for course development. And they must have access to reference materials. These materials include adult education and educational design materials, and the media used for curriculum delivery must also be appropriate. 

4) Course development team members involved in instructional design must be persons who have completed the course study they are designing. 

5) Course developers must have access to sufficient materials and personal experience appropriate to their course development area.

6) Documentation of the course development process must be well-maintained. This includes rigorous field testing, editing, and proofreading. 

7) These same standards can be applied to other programs contextualized to different situations. 

8) Care must be taken to ensure all courses are verified through group leaders and include contextualized content. This should include aids that facilitate discussion, application to learning, and practical evaluation. 

9) Online course development must include two forms of student guidance. 

(1) Simple yet well-verified student guidance is needed to help student progress through each stage of the course. 

(2) Student guidance that provides practical assistance in utilizing technical tools and materials adopted in each program is needed.

4. Group Leaders/Teachers/Administrators (including Online Administrators) and Their Trainers 

1) Group leaders must have the support and approval of the local church leadership for their role. 

2) Group leaders must have either already completed the coursework they are assisting with or be able to demonstrate a similar level of learning achievement and maturity. 

3) Group leaders must receive training for various aspects of their role, use media appropriate to the course, and specifically facilitate group discussion. 

4) Group leaders must be trained to continually improve through self-evaluation and receive feedback from students, the institution, staff, and appropriate local church leaders. 

5) The institution must pay special attention to sustained encouragement, support, and further training for group leaders. Support for group leaders through evaluation and field visits by staff are encouraged. 

6) Group leader trainers must have qualifications similar to those mentioned above for faculty. Particularly, they must have extensive experience in group leadership. 

5. Considerations for Online and Distance Education Programs

Fully online and distance education programs for students preparing for ministry must provide appropriate support for student development and ministry development. 

1) The program operations team for student development should include peer support staff or an online spiritual advisor. 

2) The team for student ministry development should include a church or ministry contact staff member. 

3) These contact staff members should ordinarily have qualities similar to group leaders and online facilitators. 

IV. Educational Materials and Support

1. All Institutions

<Administrative Support Staff> 

1) Administrative staff must be qualified to support the institution's educators and student body. 

2) For online programs, staff must be qualified to support the IT team of the program, educators, and student needs. 

2. Campus Institutions

<Librarian and Staff> 

1) Librarians must receive appropriate training in information, technology, materials, and book research. 

2) Librarians and staff should be encouraged to pursue continuing professional development. 

3) Librarians and staff must have appropriate knowledge of the Bible and theology.

3. Non-Campus Institutions 

<Educational Materials for Group Leaders and Students>

1) Group educational programs within institutions such as T.E.E. or church-based education forms, and online programs can be used effectively when they have minimal additional materials, particularly materials that meet accreditation standards. The institution should carefully consider useful materials that can enrich the education of group leaders and students themselves. 

2) These materials include local church libraries, collections of local church pastors, libraries of accessible theological institutions, public libraries, internet resources, public domain materials, materials available on the institution's website, and materials on CD, USB, and SD cards. 

3) The institution should help local educational groups and online study groups utilize useful materials and understand how these can enrich their educational experience. 

V. Curriculum Materials and Teaching Methods

1. Educational materials must be appropriate to support the curriculum. 

2. Teaching methods must integrate learning, ministry, and spiritual formation. 

3. Interaction between students and faculty in the campus environment must take place regularly both inside and outside the classroom. 

4. Non-campus extension programs must have group leaders and educational groups within institutions meet at least once a week. 

5. Fully online courses can use at least one asynchronous forum for online group discussion (students can participate in online discussion at their own time within a specified time period). 

1) This is led by the online provider and at least once a week synchronous course time (a course where all students start and end together regardless of geographic location) should be provided for discussion. 

2) The student's local church leader or their representative should meet with students during the course. 

3) Regular contact must be maintained with the institution's designated church leader or ministry contact staff member. 

5. Selected teaching methods should maximize the intensity of training. 

6. There should be preparation for regular evaluation and reform of the institution. 

VI. Credit Recognition and Credit Transfer 

1. All Institutions 

Credits completed at non-accredited institutions may be conditionally recognized by designating supplementary class time based on the receiving institution's regulations. 

2. Campus Institutions

Class hours per semester for one credit shall be a minimum of 720 minutes (60 minutes x 12 weeks, including 10-minute breaks) of classroom lectures. Practicums are considered one credit as 2,160 minutes (180 minutes x 12 weeks, including three 10-minute breaks). 

3. Non-Campus Institutions

Credit hours per subject are calculated as the sum of personal study time and participation in local educational groups or online discussion, ministry assignment time, or application time in ministry during the period of successful course completion. 

VII. Degree Programs (Academic Track and Ministry Track)

The following are AETA's general guidelines on degrees. For A Track (Academic Track), theory classes constitute 70% and practicums 30%; for B Track (Ministry Track), theory classes constitute 50% and practicums 50%.

<<A-Track (Academic Track)>>

<Diploma Program>

1. Accredited Programs: Theological Accreditation, Ministry Accreditation, etc. 

1) Purpose and Nature 

Accredited programs are designed to provide graduates with basic-level training in the Bible and ministry. 

2) Admission Requirements 

Completion of 10 years of successful schooling or demonstration of equivalent academic ability. 

3) Faculty Requirements 

<Faculty in Campus Institutions> 

(1) Qualifications 

Minimum bachelor's degree (master's degree preferred; transferable credits must be at degree level) 

Teaching training and adult education are desirable. 

(2) Core faculty handles academic subjects. 

(3) Faculty-student ratio should be a maximum of 1:12. 

(4) Average faculty teaching load should be preferably 12 hours per week. 

<Qualifications of Course Developers or Online Program Providers in Non-Campus Institutions>

(1) Subject course development team in non-campus institutions must include experts with bachelor's degrees or higher in the subject. 

(2) Subject course development team members assigned to educational program design roles must receive special media training for effective delivery. They must have such qualifications and experience appropriate to general education and adult education. 

<Qualifications of Group Leaders in Non-Campus Institutions and Online Programs>

(1) Group leaders must be persons who have completed academic study at the level they are developing or be able to demonstrate similar educational level or maturity. 

(2) Study groups generally achieve optimal results when membership is limited to 10 or fewer members. 

(3) Subject matter experts participating in online discussions must hold a minimum bachelor's degree and a master's degree holder is preferred. 

4) Graduation Requirements 

(1) Completion of a minimum of 36 credits 

(2) Completion of field education and practical assignments 

(3) Character, spiritual development, and ministry suitability are required and must meet standards. 

5) Access to Educational Materials 

Campus Institutions: Collection of 2,000 books corresponding to the curriculum (electronic books are acceptable as substitutes) 

Non-Campus Institutions and Online Programs: Additional materials needed for students to support the curriculum are required.

6) Academic Fields 

Diploma degree includes foundational courses and courses appropriate to the purpose and nature of the program

2. Bachelor's Equivalent Program (Bachelor of Theology Equivalent) 

1) Purpose and Nature 

Degree-granting programs are designed so that graduates possess the qualities and competence to effectively undertake ministry. 

2) Admission Requirements 

Completion of 10 years of academic coursework and training experience in a specialized field or ministry 

3) Educator Requirements 

<Faculty in Campus Institutions> 

(1) Qualifications: Master's degree or minimum bachelor's degree with at least 3 years of teaching experience. Teaching training and adult education are desirable. 

(2) Core faculty handles course subjects. 

(3) Faculty-student ratio should be a maximum of 1:12. 

(4) Teaching load: should be less than 12 hours per week. 

<Course Developers and Online Programs in Non-Campus Institutions>

(1) The course development team must include experts at bachelor's degree level or higher with a specialized field and should include someone with a master's degree in theology. 

(2) Course development team members assigned to educational program delivery roles must receive special media training for effective course delivery. They must have such qualifications and experience appropriate to general education and adult education. 

<Group Leaders in Non-Campus Institutions and Online Programs>

(1) Group leaders must be persons who have completed academic study at the level they are developing or be able to demonstrate similar educational level or maturity. 

(2) Study groups generally achieve optimal results when membership is limited to 10 or fewer. 

(3) Subject matter experts participating in online discussions must hold a minimum bachelor's degree and master's degree holders are preferred. 

4) Graduation Requirements 

(1) Completion of 72 credits

(2) Evaluation of field education and engagement in meaningful ministry appropriate to the requirements 

(3) Evaluation of character, spiritual growth, and ministry competence appropriate to the requirements

5) Access to Educational Materials 

Campus Institutions: Collection of 2,000 books corresponding to the curriculum (electronic books are acceptable as substitutes) 

<Non-Campus Institutions and Online Programs>

Additional materials needed for students to support the curriculum are required. 

6) Academic Fields: 

Bible, Theology, Ethics, 

Practical Theology: Ministry-related courses, Pastoral Studies, Missiology, Christian Education, Ministry Issues, Responsible Citizenship, Discipleship, Evangelism, etc.

3. Bachelor's Degree Program (B. Th., B. Min., B. C. E., B. Miss., etc.) 

1) Purpose and Nature 

Bachelor's degree programs are designed so that graduates possess the qualities and competence to function as leaders or ministers. 

2) Admission Requirements 

(1) Completion of 12 years of academic education or equivalent educational experience 

(2) For older applicants (50 years or older) who have not completed academic education, a Certificate of Completion may be granted or the appropriate degree awarded through qualification review. However, the number of students in this category must be less than 10% of the entire class. 

3) Educator Requirements 

<Faculty in Campus Institutions> 

(1) Qualifications: Minimum M. Div. or M. A. with at least 5 years of teaching experience. Teaching training and adult education are desirable. 

(2) Core faculty handle the major academic areas of the courses. 

(3) Faculty-student ratio should be a maximum of 1:12. 

(4) Teaching load: 12-15 hours per week is desirable. 

<Course Developers in Non-Campus Institutions and Online Programs>

(1) The course development team must include experts at master's degree level or higher with a specialized field and should include someone with a master's degree in theology. 

(2) Course development team members assigned to educational program delivery roles must receive special media training for effective course delivery. They must have such qualifications and experience appropriate to general education and adult education. 

<Group Leaders in Non-Campus Institutions and Online Programs>

(1) Group leaders must be persons who have completed academic study at the level they are developing or be able to demonstrate similar educational level or maturity. 

(2) Study groups generally achieve optimal results when membership is limited to 10 or fewer. 

(3) Subject matter experts participating in online discussions must hold a minimum master's degree. 

4) Graduation Requirements 

(1) Completion of 108 credits 

(2) Field education and meaningful engagement in ministry appropriate to the requirements. 

(3) Character, spiritual development, and ministry competence appropriate to the requirements.

5) Library and Educational Materials 

(1) Collection of 2,000 books corresponding to the courses (electronic books are acceptable as substitutes) 

(2) Major publications in the research fields included in the curriculum 

6) Major Fields 

Bible and Interpretation, Biblical Languages, Church History, Theology and Ethics, Worldview and Area Studies 

Practical Theology: Ministry-related courses, Pastoral Studies, Missiology, Christian Education, etc. 

World Religions, Cultural Anthropology

4. Graduate Diploma

1) Purpose and Nature

Graduate diploma programs are designed so that graduates possess the qualities and competence to undertake specialized ministry in their respective fields. 

2) Admission Requirements 

(1) Possession of a bachelor's degree level qualification 

(2) Older applicants (50 years or older) who have not completed such academic work can be admitted if they pass a qualification review. The number of students in this category must not exceed 10% of the class. 

3) Faculty Requirements 

(1) Qualifications: Minimum Th.M. and a degree equal to or higher than that in their teaching field. 

(2) Those with M. Div. or D. Min. degrees may be considered if they demonstrate teaching ability and have 5-10 years of teaching experience 

(3) For online programs at this level, specialized supervising faculty and online facilitators can participate. However, they must have completed coursework at or above the level they are facilitating or demonstrate educational level and maturity equivalent to that level. 

(4) Core faculty handle the major academic areas of the courses. 

(5) Faculty-student ratio should be a maximum of 1:12. 

(6) Teaching load: 12 hours per week is desirable. 

4) Graduation Requirements 

(1) Completion of 30 credits 

(2) Ministry assignment satisfying designated requirements 

(3) Evaluation of character and spiritual development meeting designated requirements or standards 

5) Library and Educational Materials 

(1) Collection of 3,000 books corresponding to the courses (electronic books are acceptable as substitutes) 

(2) Major publications in the research fields included in the curriculum 

(3) Online resources are available

6) Major Fields 

Diploma degree includes foundational courses and courses appropriate to the purpose and nature of the program

5. M. A. Program and Equivalent Programs: Master of Divinity in theology and missiology, Master of Bible Studies, Master of Christian Education, etc.

1) Purpose and Nature 

M. A. programs are designed so that graduates are prepared for specialized ministry. 

2) Admission Requirements 

(1) Possession of a B. A. degree 

(2) Older applicants (50 years or older) who have not completed such academic work can be admitted through qualification review. The number of students in this category must not exceed 10% of the class.

3) Faculty Requirements 

(1) Holders of doctoral degrees with dissertations in their specialized fields (Ph. D., Th. D., Ed. D., etc.). Ideally, they should have experience in general education and adult education training. 

(2) For online programs at this level, specialized supervising faculty and online facilitators can participate. However, they must have completed coursework at or above the level they are facilitating or demonstrate educational level and maturity equivalent to that level. 

(3) Core faculty handle the major academic areas of the courses. 

(4) Faculty-student ratio should be a maximum of 1:12. 

(5) Teaching load: 12 hours per week is desirable.

4) Graduation Requirements 

(1) For holders of a theological bachelor's degree: completion of 30 credits 

(2) For non-holders of a theological bachelor's degree: completion of 60 credits 

(3) Ministry engagement meeting designated requirements 

(4) Character and spiritual development meeting designated requirements and standards

5) Library and Educational Materials 

(1) Collection of 3,000 books corresponding to the courses (electronic books are acceptable as substitutes) 

(2) Major publications in the research fields included in the curriculum 

(3) Online resources and resource materials can be utilized

6) Major Fields

Bible and Interpretation, Church History, Theology and Ethics, Worldview and Area Studies 

Practical Theology: Ministry-related courses, Pastoral Studies, Missiology, Christian Education, etc. 

World Religions, Cultural Anthropology

Thesis or Field Ministry Plan

6. M. Div. and M. Div. Equivalent Degrees

1) Purpose and Nature 

M. Div. programs are designed so that graduates possess the qualities and competence to function as primary leaders or ministers. This is a graduate-level program that guides students to develop and demonstrate critical thinking and discourse skills. This includes the ability to recognize critical theological and moral discourse, the ability to make persuasive arguments, the ability to examine thoughts in light of biblical faithfulness, and the ability to apply contextually and express one's thoughts orally and in writing.