Houston Graduate School of Theology, Accreditation, and The University Senate of The United Methodist Church

The information on this page is designed to help United Methodists seeking theological higher education understand what role HGST can and cannot currently play in those plans. I hope it will also help correct some of the misinformation that is sometimes circulated.

I have heard otherwise knowledgeable United Methodist leaders make the statement that HGST is “not accredited.” This is simply not true.
HGST is a fully accredited member of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS), the leading accrediting agency for theological higher education in North America. All thirteen UM seminaries are also accredited by ATS. HGST is accredited to offer the following degrees:
  • Master of Arts,
  • Master of Arts in Counseling,
  • Master of Divinity, and
  • Doctor of Ministry

I'm sure what was meant by the statement is that HGST is not “ approved ” by the University Senate for offering basic ministerial education for United Methodist clergy. That statement is true. HGST is not currently approved by The University Senate to provide the basic theological education (usually the Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent) for those seeking ordination as United Methodist pastors. But the terms "accredited" and "approved" are not interchangeable, and a lack of precision in using them can be detrimental to those in training for ministry.

But even though not currently “approved,” HGST can still play a part in the education of those who are seeking ordination. HGST is working aggressively to enhance its “United Methodist ethos,” essential to the formation of United Methodist clergy. Recent changes show the progress being made in this area:

The president is a United Methodist Elder with over 30 years of ministry experience, much of it in United Methodist higher education,

The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees is a career United Methodist pastor, currently serving as a District Superintendent,

Another trustee is a United Methodist Elder with over 30 years of ministry experience, currently serving as CEO of a high profile non-profit organization in Houston,

Another trustee is a United Methodist layperson actively involved in a large congregation in Houston,

Several faculty members are United Methodist clergy or laypersons, and

The president and the trustees have secured a wide range of support for the school from many influential United Methodist leaders in Houston and several educational partnerships exist with their congregations..

However, those seeking ordination as elders or deacons must realize that our Master of Divinity degree does not fulfill the basic educational requirement outlined in The Book of Discipline. Credits earned at HGST should transfer to most University-Senate-approved schools, but only in accordance with that school's published policies for accepting transfer credits toward their degree. In most cases, the number and type of transferable credits will be limited.

Each student is solely responsible to work with the Registrar at whatever seminary he/she intends to graduate from to determine which HGST credits will transfer. The HGST Registrar can assist in this process, but it remains each student's ultimate responsibility.

Keith A. Jenkins, Ph.D.,

President

Letter from The University Senate, February 6, 2007