Accreditations and Affiliations





Hood Theological Seminary was founded by the A.M.E. Zion Church and operates under the sponsorship of that communion.

Hood Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.

The Board of Commissioners on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada met in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on February 5-6, 2024, and included on its agenda Hood Theological Seminary's comprehensive visit and the resulting report by the evaluation committee.

After reviewing the information in light of the pertinent Commission Standards and Policies and Procedures, the Board voted:
1. To reaffirm the school’s accreditation for a period of ten years, until 31 March 2034, with the next comprehensive evaluation visit in fall 2033.
2. To approve the following educational offerings:
a. Degree programs:
Master of Divinity
Master of Arts in Chaplaincy
Master of Theological Studies
Doctor of Ministry
b. Distance education: Comprehensive
c. Additional locations: None

The Commission contact information is The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, 10 Summit Park Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Telephone 412-788-6505, Fax: 412-788-6510, and website www.ats.edu.


Hood Theological Seminary is listed by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church as an “approved graduate theological seminary” where United Methodist ministerial candidates may be prepared for ordination.

Our Master of Theological Studies, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Chaplaincy, and Doctor of Ministry degrees have been declared by appropriate state authority exempt from the requirements for licensure under provisions of North Carolina General Statutes Section (G.S.) 116-15 (d) for exemption from licensure with respect to religious education. Exemption from licensure is not based upon any assessment of program quality under established licensing standards.