Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools TRACS

Overview

The Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) is a U.S.-based institutional accrediting agency that serves Christian postsecondary institutions, including colleges, universities, and seminaries. Established in 1979, TRACS is a voluntary, non-profit, self-governing organization headquartered in Forest, Virginia. Its primary mission is to promote the welfare, interests, and development of postsecondary institutions whose mission is characterized by a distinctly Christian purpose, as defined in the agency’s Foundational Standards. TRACS is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as a national accrediting agency for Christian higher education institutions.

History and Legal Framework

Founded in 1979, TRACS was established to provide accreditation to Christian postsecondary institutions offering associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees. The organization was created to support institutions that integrate Christian values into their educational programs and to ensure that these institutions meet established standards of academic excellence and institutional integrity. TRACS operates under the legal framework provided by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, which recognize its authority to accredit institutions in the United States.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

TRACS' mission is to promote the welfare, interests, and development of postsecondary institutions whose mission is characterized by a distinctly Christian purpose. The organization's vision is to serve as a leading accrediting agency that ensures the quality and integrity of Christian higher education. TRACS' objectives include:

• Providing accreditation to Christian postsecondary institutions that meet established standards of academic excellence and institutional integrity.
• Supporting institutions in their efforts to integrate Christian values into their educational programs.
• Promoting continuous improvement in the quality of Christian higher education.
• Ensuring that accredited institutions maintain financial stability and operational effectiveness.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

TRACS operates as a voluntary, non-profit, self-governing organization. Its governance structure includes a Board of Directors and an Accreditation Commission, both composed of individuals with expertise in higher education and Christian ministry. The organization maintains independence in its accreditation processes, ensuring that decisions are made based on established standards and criteria without external influence. TRACS' headquarters are located in Forest, Virginia, and it serves institutions throughout the United States and internationally.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

TRACS is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as a national accrediting agency for Christian postsecondary institutions. The organization provides accreditation to institutions offering certificates, diplomas, associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees, including those that offer distance education. TRACS' accreditation process involves a multi-step evaluation, including an initial inquiry, application orientation, self-study, site visit, and review by the Accreditation Commission. Institutions must demonstrate compliance with TRACS' standards, which encompass areas such as academic quality, institutional effectiveness, financial stability, and adherence to Christian values.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

TRACS is a member of several organizations that promote quality assurance in higher education. These memberships include:

• International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE): A global network of organizations that promote quality assurance in higher education.
• American Council on Education (ACE): A national organization that represents U.S. colleges and universities and advocates for higher education policy.

Through these affiliations, TRACS collaborates with other accrediting agencies and higher education organizations to promote best practices in accreditation and quality assurance.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

TRACS continues to play a significant role in Christian higher education by providing accreditation to institutions that meet its established standards. This accreditation helps ensure that institutions maintain high levels of academic quality and institutional integrity. Looking forward, TRACS aims to expand its reach and influence by accrediting more institutions both domestically and internationally, thereby enhancing the quality and credibility of Christian higher education worldwide.

Summary

The Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools is a recognized accrediting agency that serves Christian postsecondary institutions. Established in 1979, TRACS provides accreditation to institutions that meet its standards of academic excellence and institutional integrity. Through its accreditation process, TRACS ensures that institutions maintain high levels of quality and effectiveness, thereby contributing to the advancement of Christian higher education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is TRACS?

  TRACS is a U.S.-based institutional accrediting agency that serves Christian postsecondary institutions, including colleges, universities, and seminaries.

• When was TRACS founded?

  TRACS was founded in 1979.

• Is TRACS recognized by the U.S. Department of Education?

  Yes, TRACS is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as a national accrediting agency for Christian postsecondary institutions.

• What types of institutions does TRACS accredit?

  TRACS accredits institutions offering certificates, diplomas, associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees, including those that offer distance education.

• What is the accreditation process for TRACS?

  The accreditation process involves a multi-step evaluation, including an initial inquiry, application orientation, self-study, site visit, and review by the Accreditation Commission.

Organization Name

Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools

Acronym

TRACS

Year of Establishment

1/01/1979

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); U.S. Department of Education

Affiliations or Memberships

International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE); American Council on Education (ACE)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

89

Address

15935 Forest Road
Forest
24551 Virginia United States

Phone

+1 (434) 525 9539

Fax

+1 (434) 525 9538

List of universities accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS):

1) African Bible College, Lilongwe, Malawi, Southeast Africa
2) American University of Health Sciences, Signal Hill, CA
3) Bakke Graduate University, Dallas, TX
4) Bethel Bible Seminary, Kowloon
5) Bethesda University, Anaheim, CA
6) Beulah Heights University, Atlanta, GA
7) Bob Jones University, Greenville, SC
8) Boston Baptist College, Boston, MA
9) California Arts University, Fullerton, CA
10) California Christian College, Fresno, CA
11) California Victor University, Pomona, CA
12) Calvary Chapel University, Sun City, AZ
13) Carolina University, Winston-Salem, NC
14) Caroline University, Los Angeles, CA
15) Champion Christian College, Hot Springs, AR
16) Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary, Charlotte, NC
17) Christ's College Taipei, New Taipei City, TPE
18) Clinton College, Rock Hill, SC
19) College of Athens (formerly Athens College of Ministry), Watkinsville, GA
20) College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, MO
21) Community Christian College, Redlands, CA
22) Daybreak University, Anaheim, CA
23) Elim Bible Institute and College, Lima, NY
24) Epic Bible College and Graduate School, Sacramento, CA
25) EUCON International University, Saipan
26) Evangelia University, Anaheim, CA
27) Faith International University, Tacoma, WA
28) Free Lutheran Bible College and Seminary, Plymouth, MN
29) Grace Mission University, Fullerton, CA
30) Grace School of Theology, The Woodlands, TX
31) Grace University, Laguna Niguel, CA
32) Great Northern University, Spokane, WA
33) Gutenberg College, Eugene, OR
34) Haven University (formerly California Graduate School of Theology), Garden Grove, CA
35) Heritage Bible College, Dunn, NC
36) HIS University, Brea, CA
37) Horizon University, Diamond Bar, CA
38) International American University, Los Angeles, CA
39) International Baptist College and Seminary, Chandler, AZ
40) Ivy College, Vienna, VA
41) Jackson Theological Seminary, North Little Rock, AR
42) John Witherspoon College, Rapid City, SD
43) Kernel University, Fullerton, CA
44) Lutheran Brethren Seminary, Fergus Falls, MN
45) Luther Rice College and Seminary, Lithonia, GA
46) Maple Springs Baptist Bible College and Seminary, Capitol Heights, MD
47) Messenger College, Bedford, TX
48) Morris Brown College, Atlanta, GA
49) Nehemiah Gateway University, Pogradec - Albania
50) New College Franklin, Franklin, TN
51) New Saint Andrews College, Moscow, ID
52) Northern California Bible College, Campbell, CA
53) Oikos University, Oakland, CA
54) Omega Graduate School, Dayton, TN
55) Pacific College of Technology, Atlanta, GA
56) Pacific Islands University, Mangilao, GU
57) Pacific Northwest Christian College, Kennewick, WA
58) Paine College, Augusta, GA
59) Patrick Henry College, Purcellville, VA
60) Paul Quinn College, Dallas, TX
61) Pensacola Christian College, Pensacola, FL
62) Randall University, Moore, OK
63) Reformed University, Lawrenceville, GA
64) Sattler College, Boston, MA
65) Shasta Bible College and Graduate School, Redding, CA
66) Shorter College, North Little Rock, AR
67) Southeastern Free Will Baptist College, Wendell, NC
68) Southern California Seminary, El Cajon, CA
69) Southern California State University, Los Angeles, CA
70) Southern Evangelical Seminary, Charlotte, NC
71) St. Luke University, Pomona, CA
72) The Bible Seminary, Katy, TX
73) The Crown College of the Bible, Powell, TN
74) The King's University, Southlake, TX
75) Trinity Baptist College, Jacksonville, FL
76) Underwood University, Suwanee, GA
77) University of Fort Lauderdale, Lauderhill, FL
78) University of South Los Angeles, Gardena, CA
79) Veritas Baptist College, Lawrenceburg, IN
80) Veritas International University, Santa Ana, CA
81) Virginia Beach Theological Seminary, Virginia Beach, VA
82) Virginia Bible College, Dumfries, VA
83) Virginia University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg, VA
84) Visible Music College, Memphis, TN
85) Washington Theological Seminary, Fairfax, VA
86) Washington University of Virginia, Annandale, VA
87) West Coast Baptist College, Lancaster, CA
88) Western Covenant University, Los Angeles, CA
89) Word of Life Bible Institute, Pottersville, NY

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools's X page

LinkedIn

Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools's Wikipedia article

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Explore other US higher education-related organizations and authorities.

Find top-ranked Universities in the United States.

Search for courses and scholarships with the uniRank World Universities Search Engine.