Draft:Redemption Seminary

Redemption Seminary is an accredited non-profit and 100% online evangelical Christian seminary. It has an administrative office in Chandler, Arizona. It offers two graduate level credentials, Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MABS) and graduate-level certificate in biblical studies.

History
Redemption Seminary was established in 2018 as a not-for-profit 100% online theological school in the state of Arizona by an independent board. The school appointed Dr. Schwandt as its founding president in 2018. The school obtained 501c3 charity status in 2019 and began enrolling its first students in 2020. The first graduating class for the master’s degree programs was 2022. Redemption Seminary was accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) on January 26, 2024. DEAC is recognized by the U.S. department of education.

The reason the board thought it necessary to create Redemption Seminary was to serve a segment of the broad Christian church that was not being served by traditional seminary models. Redemption Seminary uses both an asynchronous (self-paced) portion and a synchronous portion where students meet in live individual meetings with a mentor they select for each course.

Redemption's model keeps the course tuition at rates that fit within average disposable income levels and uses a curriculum that can be pursued alongside a career.

Accreditation
Redemption Seminary is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Theological Framework
Redemption Seminary is an explicitly Christian faith-based ministry with its mission statement taken directly from 2 Pet. 3:18.

"Redemption Seminary helps adult Christians grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through quality distance education which enables learning within their ministry setting."

Its statement of faith is composed of four parts (Apostles Creed, Authority of Scripture, Authority of Authorial Intent, Effectiveness of Prayer). This allows for intellectual and religious freedom within an evangelical framework.

Library
Since the school is 100% online its library is also online with the central component being a curated Logos digital research library for the MABS program. Students have access to all required course materials through the library resources offered by Redemption Seminary online.