Texas recognizes that religious institutions providing degree programs exclusively in religious disciplines operate differently from institutions offering secular degree programs. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) does not regulate private postsecondary institutions whose degrees are offered only in religious disciplines. Qualifying religious institutions may request a religious non-oversight letter acknowledging this status.
For Think Institute, this educational model allows our programs to remain centered on biblical instruction, Christian ministry, faith-based leadership, theology, and other religious disciplines consistent with our mission.
Religious exemption does not mean accreditation.
Religious exemption addresses an institution's regulatory status for religious education. Accreditation is a separate process involving evaluation by an accrediting organization.
Think Institute is not institutionally accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Think Institute provides faith-based educational programs intended for religious education, biblical studies, ministry, Christian leadership, Christian counseling, theology, and related religious areas of study.
We believe students should understand this distinction before enrolling, particularly when their educational goals involve transferring to another institution, professional licensing, employment requirements, or continued education at an accredited college or university.
Think Institute is not the first faith-based institution to operate outside the traditional accreditation model. For decades, established Bible colleges and ministry-training institutions have chosen educational structures designed specifically around their religious mission.
Portland Bible College in Portland, Oregon, was established in 1967 and has served students for nearly 60 years. The institution states that it is not accredited by a federally recognized accrediting association and operates with religious-exempt degree-granting status in Oregon.
Christ For The Nations Institute (CFNI) in Dallas, Texas, was established in 1970 and has provided biblical and ministry education for more than 55 years. CFNI states that its Board of Directors has intentionally chosen not to pursue accreditation and that the institution operates under religious exemptions applicable to its educational programs.
Charis Bible College was established in 1994 and has provided biblical and ministry education for more than 30 years. Charis publicly states that it is not accredited and operates as a Bible college focused on ministry and biblical education.
These long-established institutions demonstrate that biblical and ministry education has a history of operating through educational models that do not always follow the traditional accredited college or university structure.
A Think Institute credential should not be assumed to serve the same purpose as a degree from an institution holding recognized institutional accreditation.
Accreditation may be required for certain professions, state licensing, admission to other colleges or universities, employment positions, federal financial aid, or other educational purposes.
Think Institute does not guarantee that another college, university, seminary, employer, licensing board, government agency, or other organization will accept credits, coursework, certificates, or degrees earned through Think Institute.
The receiving institution or organization and not Think Institute, determines whether coursework or a credential will be accepted.
Think Institute does not guarantee the transferability of its academic credits.
Colleges, universities, seminaries, and other educational institutions establish their own policies regarding the acceptance of credits from other institutions. A receiving institution may accept, partially accept, or decline coursework completed through Think Institute based upon its own policies and requirements.
Students who intend to continue their education at another institution are strongly encouraged to contact that institution before enrolling at Think Institute to determine whether Think Institute coursework may be accepted toward their educational goals.
Transfer of credits is determined by the receiving institution and is not guaranteed by Think Institute.
Think Institute programs are religious educational programs and should not be assumed to satisfy educational requirements for state-regulated professional licensure or certification.
Requirements vary by profession, employer, licensing authority, and jurisdiction. Students intending to pursue professional licensure, certification, government employment, or a position requiring a degree from an accredited institution should verify those requirements with the appropriate authority before enrolling.
Think Institute cannot guarantee that its degrees or certificates will satisfy educational requirements established by an outside licensing board, employer, government agency, or professional organization.
