MSA Self-Study

An Overview of Accreditation and
the Self-Study Process

According to the Middles States Association of Colleges and Schools, "Accreditation is the means of self-regulation and peer review adopted by the educational community. The accrediting process is intended to strengthen and sustain the quality and integrity of higher education, making it worthy of public confidence and minimizing the scope of external control. The extent to which each educational institution accepts and fulfills the responsibilities inherent in the process is a measure of its concern for freedom and quality in higher education and its commitment to striving for and achieving excellence in its endeavors" (MSA's Characteristics of Excellence, p. iv).

The Association for Biblical Higher Education advocates a similar philosophy of accreditation but also adds that the accreditation process with ABHE seeks "to better equip institutions to prepare students for a life of service to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (ABHE Manual, p. 9).

Every ten years, LBC participates in a of its accreditation with both of our accrediting bodies, MSA and ABHE. This self-study is a two-year process that results in a product, i.e. a Self-Study report. During the self-study, LBC carefully considers all of our educational programs and services, with particular attention to student learning and achievement.

The self-study process allows LBC the opportunity to show our accrediting bodies that we are indeed fulfilling our mission statement, accomplishing our institutional goals, and meeting accreditation standards. The self-study process is also a time to identify areas in which we can excel even more as an institution as we seek to glorify God and to build His kingdom.

An Overview of Accreditation and the Self-Study Process

An Overview of Accreditation and
the Self-Study Process