ACCREDITATION AND EDUCATION
In 1969 California Graduate School of Theology opened its academic door to
provide the highest level quality of theological education possible. It marked
a new era for Christian Education as Cal Grad focused on being an interdenominational
graduate school with affordable tuition rates, top level scholars at the lecture
podium, and a schedule that was designed to meet the demands of the working pastor
or student interested in advancing in their Christian education. Today these ideas
are common-place but it was Cal Grad that first blazed the trail for such a program
of study!
Over 5,000 students have taken pride in being students of California
Graduate School of Theology. During its 39 year history the names
associated with Cal Grad have included such renowned Christian leaders
as: D. James Kennedy, Charles Stanley, John MacArthur, Jerry Falwell,
David Hocking, I.D.E. Thomas, and Jack Hayford. What is perhaps most
noteworthy is that since its inception Cal Grad chose to operate
independently of any federal accrediting agencies while meeting or
exceeding the standards that such agencies are designed to uphold.
The quality of education is understood in the integrity of the classroom
instruction, the academic credentials of the professors and administrators,
and the ministry accomplishments of the graduates!
As a degree-granting institution in full compliance with the
California State Department of Consumer Affairs and the Bureau For Private Postsecondary
and Vocational Education, Cal Grad has submitted to providing the state
with financial, academic, and vocational records of the school and its professors/administrators
for nearly forty years. Every degree that has been given by California
Graduate School of Theology since 1969 has been in full compliance with state governed
education and business standards: B.A., religion; M.A. religion/theology; M.Div.; Th.M; D.Min;
Th.D.; Ph.D.; and an approved ESL program. Several state senators, including most recently Dick Ackerman
(May 2007) have commended the school or its administration for its work in
education in the state of California.
But what about federal accrediting agencies? The history behind
“accreditation” is a history involving government loans and grants
and a federally governed system to make sure that government money
goes to schools that demonstrate a record of legitimate operation.
Certain standards are expected and the agencies oversee that these
standards are met in order for students to apply for federal loans
and grants. As stated earlier, when Cal Grad was founded its leaders
made a purposeful decision to work within the regulations of the
state law while at the same time choosing not to participate in
federal government programs for loans and grants. Our state compliance
and certificates of recognition have consistently proven that Cal Grad
has held to a standard that provides quality education to its students
– as evidenced by our alumni and distinguished honorary graduates.
Students of California Graduate School of Theology continue to receive a top quality
education at an affordable tuition rate designed to work around a busy schedule! Our record speaks for
itself and our alumni are the best evidence of how Cal Grad has met a need in theological education and
reaches higher each year. It is worth noting that many of our students have had a warm reception of their
academic work in accredited colleges, seminaries, and universities. For more information about our programs
of study please review our website or email us for more
information: info@cgsot.edu
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DCA Contact Information:
Consumer Information Division
1625 N. Market Blvd. Suite N112
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: (800) 952-5210
Email: bppve@dca.ca.gov
Cal Grad is a participant in the voluntary compliance agreement DCA.
