I asked this question on a previous thread specifically about Global University, but I think it probably fits best on a seperate thread all its own. So here goes: How does DETC accrediation compare with TRACS accreditation? I know that neither is on the same level as RA. But of the two, which would you think would be more respectable, and which one would provide the greater utility for a master's degree? mhl
Both DETC and TRACS are legal, recognized national accreditors. TRACS has a distinct mission for the accreditation of Christian institutions of higher educaiton, so it requires each institution to have a publish statement of Biblical foundations that is compatible (but not necessarily identical) to the TRACS statement of Biblical foundations. DETC requires no statement of belief or faith from its institutions. Which would provide the greater utility for a master degree? It really depends on the type of degree that you are pursuing and your goals for that degree. For goals in which conservative Christian affiliation plays a factor, then TRACS has a distinct advantage. For goals in which religious orientation plays no factor, DETC may be a wise choice. Distance learning is another issue. Since TRACS-accredited colleges are not necessarily distance learning institutions (and DETC colleges are), that may also be a factor to consider when making your choice. Tony Pina Faculty, Cal State U. San Bernardino
I suspect that TRACS might generate stronger opinions, pro and con, than DETC because of its strong religious agenda. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing probably depends on how and where you anticipate using your degree. TRACS is an evangelical/fundamentalist accreditor that demands that its schools only hire conservative Christian faculty and staff. Many of its schools are the literal 6-day creation kind of places. On the other hand, DETC is a DL-specific secular accreditor. It probably pays more attention to matters like DL course design and delivery than TRACS does. But it could identify your school as a DL institution as well, exposing you to whatever prejudice might exist against DL. Apart from their specialized roles as conservative Christian accreditor and DL accreditor, I don't think that there's a lot of prestige difference between them.
Of course, when Bill says that TRACS accredited schools are "literal 6-day creation kind of places," he's referring to the completion of the universe. Degrees take a lot longer.
TRACS ,as Bill's post suggests , does not require its accredited schools to teach a six day (ie 24 hrs each) creation. The text used by some ,(Renewal Theology by Rodman), at the , then, TRACS school, ACCS, says "...quite likely the day represents a period of time." (p108) If one intended to minister in an "evangelical" or "fundamentalist" setting , these have not the same meaning, then TRACS would likely be the better choice of the two.
