In September 2023, the Board of Trustees of Heidelberg Theological Seminary approved a resolution to inform the Association of Reformed Theological Seminaries (ARTS) of our intent to seek full accreditation.  Full accreditation is at least a two year process, culminating in a site visit by ARTS to Heidelberg Seminary sometime in late 2025.  Heidelberg Seminary has been an Affiliate Member of ARTS since August 2016.

Mission

The mission of the Association of Reformed Theological Seminaries (ARTS) is to preserve and advance the academic quality, accountability, and improvement of seminaries committed to educating students in the tenets of Reformed Theology.

History

Created in 1999 to meet the need for an accrediting organization dedicated to Reformed theological education, ARTS accredits institutions granting graduate degrees in ministry-related fields.

Core Values

ARTS is committed to bringing glory to God by contributing to the building of the Church, the progress of God’s Kingdom, and the preservation and advancement of the Reformed tradition by providing a context where the Association and member institutions can hold one another accountable for fulfilling their individual purposes and commitments.

Tenets of Faith

Each member institution must profess adherence to one or more of the historic creeds of the Reformed tradition, namely, the Westminster Confession and Catechisms, the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Canons of Dordt, the First and Second Helvetic Confessions, or the Second London Confession of 1689.

Membership

Membership in ARTS is institutional and is open to United States-based seminaries that meet the qualifications and requirements of the Association.

Scope of Accreditation

ARTS accredits U.S. based seminaries that offer graduate degrees aimed at preparing students for Christian service through biblical and theological studies of Reformed traditions.