Membership Process

Schools wishing to become members of The Association of Theological Schools must review the Associate Membership Application Instructions and complete the application form pursuant to the Procedures Related to Membership in The Association of Theological Schools. The application fee is $5,000, invoiced in two installments (see pages 1-2 of the application form, linked above). The deadline for submitting the application is September 1 of the year preceding the upcoming ATS/COA Biennial Meeting, which is held in June of even-numbered years (i.e., the next submission deadline is September 1, 2025, in advance of the 2026 ATS/COA Biennial Meeting).

Schools wishing to renew Associate Membership should follow the Guidelines for Renewing Associate Membership. Schools that are already Associate Members and desire to pursue initial accreditation should consult the Guidelines for Achieving Initial Accreditation.

NOTE: If you are a current ATS member school CEO or CAO submitting a letter of support, click here to submit your letter by email (PDF attachment of 1-2 page(s) recommended). The letters of support should speak to the general qualities of the applicant school and its fit within the ATS community.