ATS – IPS Accreditation
The Institute of Pastoral Studies, Loyola University Chicago (IPS), is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools. The Board of Commissioners of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) granted full accreditation to IPS on June 10, 2019.
The Association of Theological Schools
10 Summit Park Drive
Pittsburgh PA 15275-1110
Telephone: 412-788-6505
The following IPS degree programs are approved by the Commission on Accrediting: Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality (Professional MA), Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (Professional MA), Master of Arts in Counseling for Ministry (Professional MA), Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (Professional MA), and the Master of Arts in Social Justice (Professional MA) were also approved, as were our comprehensive online (distance education) programs.
ATS is a membership organization comprised of over 270 graduate schools in the United States and Canada. These schools offer post-baccalaureate professional and academic degree programs that educate people for the practice of ministry, teaching, and research in the theological disciplines.
As a member of ATS, IPS is also a part of the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS). ACTS, founded in 1984, is currently made up of 12 schools and provides opportunities for member institutions to collaborate via student cross-registration, library access and acquisitions, interchange among faculty members in the disciplines of theological education, and communications between the schools. Each is affiliated with or sponsored by a denomination, a diocese, a religious organization, or several religious orders. Each offers professional degree programs for ministry at the master’s and doctoral levels, and most also offer other academic degrees. All offer a variety of opportunities for continuing education for clergy and lay leaders, as well as conferences, lectures, and other programs of interest to a wider public.
To review a list of courses offered via the association, please click here. The following form is needed when registering ACTS Cross-Registration Form.
All IPS degree programs including our comprehensive online (distance education) programs are approved by ATS. The Board of Commissioners of the Association of Theological Schools will reevaluate IPS in the spring of 2026.
For more information, please click on the links below:
Association of Theological Schools