Accreditation

Accreditation

ICM is proud to be accredited by Accrediting Commission International the worlds largest non governmental accrediting association. Accreditation by ACI gives ICM oversight and assures our students that they are receiving a quality biblical education.

Accrediting Commission International is an international accrediting commission which holds as its primary objective the encouragement and maintenance of sound scholarship and the highest academic achievement in the areas of private education. Quality education is the goal at all times. Its purpose is the preparation of quality education in private schools, colleges, and theological seminaries. It is a non-governmental body and makes no claim to be connected with the government.

A student or potential student must understand that credits taken in one type of program may or may not transfer to another type program. This is the sole determination of the receiving institution. ICM does not guarantee the transfer of credits to other schools (except other ACI schools). That is the responsibility of the receiving institution.

In the United States, accreditation of universities and seminaries is a voluntary process with accreditation granted by private, non-governmental agencies. Governmental agencies never provide theological or ministry accreditation. Additionally, there is no absolute 'national' standard for educational accreditation since the educational world is currently re-examining criteria for accreditation, focusing less on institutional inputs and more on educational outcomes.

There is no such requirement as Federal or State accreditation of a religious institution, because the civil government has no authority to regulate religious teachings or which certificates or religious degrees upon completion of such education may be issued. This is a matter of separation of Church and State. Politicians and civil authorities must never be allowed to officially endorse or disapprove directly or indirectly the beliefs and practices of churches or their schools.

Please keep in mind that most Bible Colleges and Christian Universities do not have secular regional accreditation.

State of Florida Department of Education

In the United States of America, jurisdiction over degree-granting institutions rests with the individual state governments. Compliance with state regulations is the necessary condition for offering a legitimate, legal American degree. International College of Ministry grants degrees under the authority of the Florida Department of Education Commission for Independent Education in compliance with Section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The State of Florida does not require regional or theological accreditation.

Please Note: ICM as well as other Christian colleges are NOT required to be regulated by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE); therefore, ICM is not listed with the FLDOE as a 'regulated' institution. ICM has received approval (authorization) as of 2016 from the FLDOE that ICM is in compliance with the Florida statues pursuant to religious institutions to offer legitimate, legal religious degrees.

Dr. Ray L. Self
Founder and President