It is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA.
The Seminary was founded in 1913 by the Second Baptist Church of Chicago under the name Northern Baptist Theological Seminary as a theologically conservative alternative within the framework of its association with the American Baptist Churches USA (Northern Baptist Convention).
[3][4] In 1920 a collegiate department was founded, and the Northern Baptist Convention became a seminary partner.
[8] It is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.
On March 13, 2023, the president, William D. Shiell, resigned from his position amid controversy.