Non accredited degrees in Christian ministry present serious ethical, moral, and credibility concerns that affect public trust, academic integrity, and the Christian witness.

Claiming Degrees from Unaccredited Institutions is Ethically and Morally Wrong

For the sake of this article, accreditation is defined as the following:

All Schools, Colleges, and Universities “in the USA” which are recognized by the Department of Education. If you would like to check your school, you may do so at the following link:

https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home

By the standards of this article, a school is “not accredited” if it:

is located in the USA and

not listed in the above directory, or is

not accredited by one of the following associations not in the above directory listed below:

Before we move forward, we would also like to clarify that nothing in this article should be considered in evaluating schools in other countries around the World (especially those in 3rd World and impoverished Countries, many of which can not drink water from the spigots of their homes). We take no position about those schools. But it should be said, any person in the USA, Canada, England, etc. has no business studying from such schools to gain academic achievements. To do so is to bypass the expected standards of education in the places where they live. Thereby; demonstrating their willingness to be perceived as having the same academic achievements which meet the standards expected of the surrounding society. That is deceit.

Secondly, it should be noted that it is not the role of the church to issue academic degrees. There is no biblical example or mandate for the teaching, academic assessment, or the authority to issue academic degrees. While the church historically played a significant role educating people and establishing education throughout the World, it is not charged nor commissioned by the authority of Jesus Christ to issue or grant degrees.

Bread of deceit is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. (Pro 20:17)

Misrepresentation: Ministers and public figures are often held to high standards of honesty and integrity. The issue of non accredited degrees in Christian ministry is not merely administrative. It is fundamentally moral and involves intentional or negligent misrepresentation of academic standing and educational rigor. Claiming degrees from institutions that lack proper accreditation can be seen as a form of misrepresentation or deception. It implies a level of educational attainment and quality which may not exist.

Study earnestly to present yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. (2Ti 2:15)

Devaluation of Accredited Degrees: By claiming degrees from unaccredited or non-regionally accredited institutions, ministers can inadvertently devalue the worth of legitimate degrees earned through accredited programs. This can harm the reputation and credibility of properly accredited educational institutions.

Ethical Responsibility to the Public: Public officials, including ministers, have an ethical responsibility to provide accurate and truthful information to the public. Misrepresenting one’s qualifications can undermine public trust and confidence in the individual and the office they hold.

Ethical Use of Titles: Using academic titles (e.g., “Dr.”) that have been acquired through non-accredited means can mislead the public and create confusion about a person’s qualifications and expertise. Ethical conduct demands transparency in the use of such titles.

Clarification on Honorary Degrees

Honorary degrees do not represent earned academic achievement and must never be presented as such. While institutions may confer honorary titles to recognize service, contribution, or distinction, honorary degrees do not reflect completion of coursework, academic assessment, or accredited study.

Ethical representation requires that honorary degrees be clearly identified as honorary in all public, ministerial, and professional contexts. Using honorary titles in a manner that implies earned academic credentials constitutes misrepresentation and undermines both personal integrity and public trust.

Support for Quality Education: Ethical behavior includes supporting and promoting quality education. By claiming degrees from unaccredited or non-regionally accredited institutions, ministers may inadvertently undermine the importance of rigorous educational standards and quality assurance processes.

Promotion of Accountability: Accrediting bodies like the Higher Learning Commission exist to ensure that educational institutions meet certain standards of quality and accountability. By not adhering to these standards, ministers may send the message that accountability and quality are not important in education.

“I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” (Acts 24:16).

Setting an Unethical Example: Public figures serve as role models, and their actions can set examples for others. Claiming unaccredited degrees can set an unethical example, encouraging others to engage in similar misrepresentations.

Loss of Credibility: If it becomes known that a minister has claimed degrees from unaccredited institutions, it can lead to a loss of credibility and public trust. This loss of credibility can have significant consequences for their ability to lead and serve effectively.

In summary, claiming degrees from non-regionally accredited institutions (or schools not recognized by the Higher Learning Commission, or at the very least do not qualify from the US Dept. of Education for student loans) are considered unethical and the expressed intent to deceive. This includes claiming non accredited degrees in Christian ministry under academic or professional titles that imply legitimacy not supported by recognized standards. This is because such degrees do not undergo the academic scrutiny, nor the lengthy commitment to the length of study required by accredited courses of study. Further, it is considered ethically wrong because it involves misrepresentation, devalues accredited degrees, undermines public trust, and sets a poor ethical example. Ethical conduct, particularly for public officials, demands transparency and honesty in matters related to qualifications and education.

Frequently Asked Questions About Unaccredited Degrees

What is the difference between accredited and unaccredited institutions?

An accredited institution in the United States is formally recognized by accrediting bodies approved by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. These institutions are subject to external academic review, governance standards, faculty qualification requirements, curriculum oversight, and student outcome accountability. Unaccredited institutions operating within the United States bypass these safeguards and therefore do not meet the academic or ethical expectations established within American higher education.

Are religious or theological degrees exempt from accreditation standards?

No biblical or ethical exemption exists that permits religious institutions within the United States to misrepresent academic achievement. While theological education may serve ecclesial purposes, once a credential is presented as an academic degree, it enters the public domain of recognized education standards. Scripture affirms truthfulness and integrity in representation, regardless of religious context.

Is it unethical to study at an unaccredited school for personal enrichment?

Personal study or discipleship training is not inherently unethical. The ethical breach occurs when coursework or certificates are presented publicly as equivalent to recognized academic degrees. The issue addressed in this article is not learning, but misrepresentation. Knowledge pursued honestly is commendable. Credentials presented deceptively are not.

Why does this issue matter especially for ministers?

Ministers are entrusted with moral authority and public trust. Scripture consistently places higher accountability upon teachers and leaders. When ministers misrepresent academic qualifications, they compromise not only personal integrity but also the credibility of the gospel witness they represent. Ethical clarity in credentials protects both the minister and the Church.

How can ministers ethically list education that is not accredited?

Transparency resolves ethical tension. Non-accredited study may be listed accurately using descriptors such as certificate, continuing education, or religious training, without academic degree titles. Ethical disclosure honors both truth and conscience, preserving credibility before God and man.

Broader Ethical and Cultural Implications

The normalization of inflated credentials erodes societal trust beyond the church. When academic titles are detached from verified standards, the public loses confidence in education, leadership, and professional authority. This erosion affects hiring practices, ministry credibility, chaplaincy eligibility, and public representation of Christian integrity. Scripture warns repeatedly that deception, even when culturally tolerated, produces long-term moral decay.

Historically, Christian witness has flourished when believers were known for honesty, not expediency. The temptation to bypass rigor for recognition reflects a broader cultural impatience with discipline and accountability. The Christian response must remain countercultural, anchored in truth rather than appearance.

Practical Guidance for Churches and Organizations

Churches, denominations, and ministry organizations should establish clear policies regarding the representation of academic credentials. Vetting processes protect both leadership and congregations from ethical compromise. Written disclosure standards, credential verification, and transparent titles serve as safeguards against unintentional deception.

Such policies are not punitive. They are protective. They preserve trust, uphold biblical integrity, and reinforce respect for legitimate education without diminishing the value of faithful ministry experience.

Conclusion

The issue of claiming degrees from unaccredited institutions is not merely administrative or academic. It is fundamentally moral. Scripture consistently condemns misrepresentation, warns against deceitful gain, and calls leaders to a higher standard of truthfulness. When academic titles are claimed without recognized academic substance, the result is ethical failure, public confusion, and spiritual harm.

Integrity does not require impressive titles. It requires honest ones. Faithful ministry rests not on borrowed authority, but on transparent obedience before God and man.

Call to Action

The National Association of Christian Ministers exists to support ethical ministry, transparent credentials, and accountable leadership. Ministers seeking guidance, clarity, and integrity-based recognition are encouraged to connect with NACM and pursue pathways that honor both biblical conviction and public trust. Learn more or become a member at https://nacministers.com/.

References

Council for Higher Education Accreditation. (n.d.). Recognized accrediting organizations. https://www.chea.org

U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). Database of accredited postsecondary institutions and programs. https://ope.ed.gov/dapip

Ethics & Culture. (2020). Scams and the Christian life: Inflated credentials and fraudulent accreditation. https://www.ethicsandculture.com/blog/2020/scams-and-the-christian-life-inflated-credentials-and-fraudulent-accreditation

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2001). Crossway.

Problem of Non Accredited Degrees in Christian Ministry