Accreditation Frequently Asked Questions
Is SBIC accredited?
Yes. Southern Bible Institute & College is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) Commission on Accreditation (5850 T. G. Lee Blvd., Ste. 130, Orlando, FL 32822, 407.207.0808) to grant diplomas, certificates and degrees at the Associate and Baccalaureate levels. ABHE is a nationally approved agency by the U.S. Department of Education and is a recognized agency of the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). As an Accredited Institution with the Association for Biblical Higher Education, Southern Bible is listed on the Association’s website directory for member colleges: https://www.abhe.org/directory/.
Who is ABHE and why did SBIC choose ABHE?
ABHE is a North American higher education association recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and is an officially recognized “faith-based” accrediting organization by CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation, http://www.chea.org/pdf/CHEA_USDE_AllAccred.pdf). For more information about ABHE, visit their website at www.abhe.org. You can also contact ABHE at: Association for Biblical Higher Education, 5850 T. G. Lee Blvd., Orlando, FL 32822; telephone, 407.207.0808; web, www.abhe.org.
SBIC chose ABHE because we believe this accrediting association provides the best choice for helping us grow institutionally and advance high academic standards, while carrying out our Biblical higher education institution mission statement which is “to equip men and women to be competent servant leaders with a Bible-centered worldview” and learning outcomes associated with our Bible-centered curriculum. Our well known branding statement affirms this Board of Director’s decision with members of the broader SBIC educational community: “Equipping Servant Leaders.”
Will my degree be “grandfathered” after SBIC is accredited?
The concept of “grandfathering” a degree does not apply to accreditation. Accreditation applies to the institution or programs and not necessarily to all the academic credentials offered by an institution. If a student graduated from SBIC prior to accreditation, they would graduate from an unaccredited institution. If they graduate after accreditation they will graduate from an accredited institution. Any acceptance of academic credentials from SBIC prior to accreditation belongs to the decision-making process of that institution. SBIC is always glad to assist with questions about academic equivalency from other institutions.
Any further questions or concerns about SBIC’s accreditation should be directed to the Institutional Effectiveness Office, Dr. Joel Wilson (SBIC’s Accreditation Liaison) 972.224.5481 or [email protected].
