Self-Study Handbook

DESCRIPTION: This August 2025 edition of the Self-Study Handbook explains how ATS member schools conduct comprehensive self-studies for initial accreditation and reaffirmation in light of the 2020 Standards of Accreditation. It introduces the historical development and purposes of accreditation, outlines ten educational principles underlying the standards, and describes three major phases of self-study: the process, the written report, and the evaluation visit. The handbook gives practical guidance on organizing the self-study, engaging stakeholders, using institutional and assessment data, and structuring the final report to address all ATS Commission Standards. It also highlights available ATS resources and emphasizes self-study as a means of quality assurance, quality improvement, and mission-focused institutional reflection.

KEYWORDS: open access / free access; ATS Standards of Accreditation (2020); comprehensive visit for accreditation/reaffirmation; educational effectiveness; institutional evaluation; quality assurance; quality improvement; self-study report; theological schools

CITATION: Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools. 2025. Self-Study Handbook. Association of Theological Schools. https://www.ats.edu/files/galleries/self-study-handbook.pdf.