Guide to Choosing the Right Christian Program for You

Guide to Choosing the Right Christian Program

online.point.edu Guide to Choosing the Right Christian Program
Table of Contents
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Introduction 3 Financial Aid: FAFSA 10
Types of Online Christian Schools 4 Scholarships 11
Bible Colleges 5 Work-Study Programs 13
Christian Colleges 6 Transfer Students 14
Seminaries 7 FAQ 15
Accreditation for Online Christian Colleges 8 Conclusion 17
Degree Offerings 9

Introduction
Choosing the best online Christian program requires making an informed decision. While it's
important to confirm that a school's beliefs and principles align with your faith, you also need to
make sure it offers the program that interests you most and can prepare you for success in
achieving your professional aspirations. This typically means that the school's curriculum is
academically rigorous, students can enjoy access to resources like libraries and tutoring services,
and the school provides ample opportunities for internships and help with job placement.
Moreover, you should have the chance to develop relationships with faculty members who can
serve as mentors throughout your studies. You also need to think carefully about the different
kinds of Christian schools, such as Bible colleges and seminaries, and how much they cost. The
following information can serve as your guide as you begin to plan the next steps in fulfilling your
academic goals at a Christian institution.
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Types of Online Christian Schools
You can choose from among several different kinds of Christian schools when determining the
right online Christian program for you. Given the array of available options, think carefully about
the type of school that appeals to you, the types of degrees they offer, and what kinds of
financial aid they provide.
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Types of Online Christian Schools: Introduction

The focus of Bible colleges is preparing students for vocational ministry. Although some offer
other programs, a biblical focus is a centerpiece of all curricula. Because of this, Bible colleges
require coursework in the Bible and theology classes that generally total at least 21-30 credits. In
addition, these institutions promote Christian outreach and discipleship. They typically require
that both students and faculty abide by Christian beliefs and conduct themselves in accordance
with a Christian lifestyle. You may find this kind of school to be a good fit if you subscribe to
these ideals.
While these schools once focused primarily on preparing students for ministry-oriented careers,
today they enable graduates to enter a range of professions while maintaining the Bible at the
core of their curricula. Bible colleges offer degrees in a variety of disciplines like education,
music, and social work in addition to programs in areas like children and family ministry.
Most Bible colleges primarily offer bachelor’s degrees, with some exceptions. If you are seeking a
master’s or doctoral degree, you are more likely to find those at a Christian university. These
schools not only allow you to earn the type of degree you desire in your area of interest, but also
allow you to wed your academic goals and faith-based principles to ensure a fulfilling and
enjoyable learning experience.
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Bible Colleges

Compared to Bible colleges, Christian colleges offer a wider range of degrees and reduced core
Bible requirements. At these schools, students and faculty may pray with one another and work
together toward spiritual growth and educational achievement. Like secular colleges, these
institutions offer degrees in a variety of disciplines and engage students in activities like clubs,
sports, and campus government so they enjoy a well-rounded learning experience. Through their
offerings, these schools focus on encouraging Christian formation. They typically require that
students regularly attend worship services and may also feature other events to strengthen
spiritual life.
You can choose to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies at Christian colleges. Schools may
offer coursework similar to what you would find at Bible colleges, such as classes in Old and New
Testament doctrine and Bible history. Although many Christian colleges offer programs that
prepare students for vocational ministry, these programs are typically one option among many.
Expect these colleges and universities to prepare you for success in a variety of fields by fostering
your professional and personal development in a Christ-focused setting.
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Christian Colleges

Seminaries are typically graduate schools, with a few exceptions. You may opt to enroll in a
seminary if you plan to enter a leadership role in the ministry, such as a pastor or missionary. You
might also intend to pursue other careers that reflect your faith, for example as a counselor or
church planter. Seminaries cater to learners who want to deepen their understanding of the
Bible in preparation for an occupation that fulfills their calling by God. The curricula these
institutions offer typically emphasize theology, spiritual development, and the tools necessary
for serving in church ministry roles.
While seminaries prepare students for ministry vocations, this does not mean graduates
necessarily work in a church. In fact, a seminary degree can prepare you to lead a nonprofit,
teach classes, or write for a national audience. Seminaries provide great career flexibility and a
wide variety of job options for their graduates.
Additionally, churches are increasingly establishing their own church-based ministry programs
that offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees. If you consider this option, make certain
the program is accredited; frequently, accreditation agencies do not recognize church-based
ministry programs. Accreditation verifies the high standards and intellectual rigor of an
institution's academic offerings.
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Seminaries

Accreditation for Online Christian Colleges
You should strongly consider accredited schools when choosing the right online Christian
program for your spiritual and academic development. In addition to validating the high
standards an institution meets regarding its curricula, accreditation serves as a sign of excellence
to employers and other institutions of higher education, and affords a better ability to transfer
credits if necessary. Moreover, accreditation requires a robust assessment of a school's
resources, faculty, and student outcomes. Regional accreditation is the most relevant and
respected.
Both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and Council for Higher Education Accreditation
maintain lists of agencies that accredit colleges and universities. The ED also recognizes the
Distance Education Accrediting Commission, an agency that specializes in the accreditation of
online programs. The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) is the primary accrediting body for
seminaries.
In addition, some non-government organizations offer accreditation specifically to Christian
programs. For example, the Association for Biblical Higher Education recognizes some 200
schools throughout North America for their quality and credibility in biblically grounded higher
education. Similarly, the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools recognizes
institutions whose missions align with a Christian purpose and the Association of Independent
Christian Colleges & Seminaries accredits colleges committed to academic excellence and moral
integrity.
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Why is accreditation important?

Degree Offerings
Consider online degree offerings in addition to traditional, campus-based programs when
searching for the right Christian program for you. Distance education permits significant
flexibility for learners, especially if you want to continue working and/or need to fulfill family
obligations while earning your degree. Pursuing your degree online affords you convenience
without sacrificing access to the same faculty, curricula, and resources you have access to in an
on-campus program. Check to see if an online program you're considering is fully online or
includes any in-person requirements so that you know what to expect.
Other factors should also play a role in your program decision. For instance, examine what types
of programs the school offers to determine if you can earn an undergraduate degree, graduate
degree, or both, depending on your educational goals. Also, ensure that the school offers courses
that explore the topics that most interest you. If you previously earned college credits and want
to apply them to the program you select, then make certain your school accepts transfer credits
and look into their transfer requirements. Conversely, find out if you can transfer any credits you
earn at that school to another institution if you should later decide to do so.
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How do I find the best degree for me?

Financial Aid for Christian Students
If you need help covering the costs of earning your degree, your first step is to complete the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). As the largest provider of financial aid in the country,
the ED administers and processes these applications to help students develop a plan to pay for
school. Aid may include any combination of grants, loans, and work-study programs. Each year,
the ED supports learners in colleges through more than $120 billion in financial assistance.
Completing a FAFSA allows you to determine your eligibility for this aid, which can prove
important when deciding what school to attend.
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FAFSA

Financial Aid for Christian Students
As a Christian student planning for college, you should be aware of the many funding
opportunities available to you. Countless churches, companies, and nonprofit organizations offer
scholarships based on your background and career goals, and a well-written application can win
you thousands of dollars toward your education.
All that opportunity can feel a little overwhelming. To familiarize you with excellent scholarship
opportunities (and prepare you for success) Point University has compiled comprehensive
Scholarship Guides, including:
• Christian Scholarships Guide
• Military Scholarships Guide
• African American Scholarships Guide
• Single Parents Scholarship Guide
• Scholarship Guide for Hispanic and Latino Students
• ... And more (See the Point External Scholarships Page)
Those considering a career in ministry should also explore our Career Guide for Bible and
Ministry Students.
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Scholarships

Work-Study Programs
The U.S. government funds work-study programs that allow you to earn income by working in a
part-time position while enrolled in school. Completing your FAFSA determines your eligibility for
these programs, and qualified undergraduate and graduate students may apply. Jobs may be
either on or off campus, with the latter often available through a nonprofit organization or public
agency.
In most instances, work-study programs encourage you to fill positions that either build your
civic education or relate to your program of study. For example, you might work at a local
nonprofit that provides services to immigrants and refugees. You might also serve as a research
assistant for faculty members who require help with special projects.
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About work-study programs

Transfer Students
You may wish to transfer credits you previously earned in college to an online Christian program.
Check with the school you plan to attend to learn if they accept transfer credits and discover any
corresponding requirements or limitations, such as a maximum number of transferable credits or
a minimum grade requirement. If you hold an associate degree from a Bible college, find out if
transferring those credits will allow you to enroll in a four-year program with advanced standing
that will enable you to graduate sooner.
If you plan to transfer from a secular school, think about the specific requirements a Christian
program mandates for enrollment. These can include an essay that describes your faith and
commitment to Christian ideals.
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About being a transfer student

FAQs
1. Should I attend a Bible college, Christian college, or a seminary?
You should attend the type of school that most directly aligns with your interests. A Bible
college generally prepares learners for ministry-related careers, while a Christian college
offers a variety of degree programs, yet roots its mission and curricula in biblical principles.
A seminary, meanwhile, typically equips you to become a minister or to serve in a ministry-
related occupation.
2. What are the advantages of earning my Christian degree online?
Earning your degree online provides convenience and flexibility, since most schools permit
you to attend class whenever it works best for your schedule. In addition, you can continue
working and living where you currently reside, which allows you to both earn an income and
save yourself the expense of campus housing. You can also more easily balance academic,
professional, and personal demands when working toward an online degree.
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FAQs
3. Why should I attend a Christian college online?
You should consider attending a Christian college online if you want greater flexibility when
it comes to where, when, and how you attend class or if the program that interests you most
is located outside of your desired state of residency. Remember that distance learners
generally have access to the same faculty and resources as on-campus students.
4. Do you have to be a Christian to attend a Christian College?
It's best if you possess the same faith and commitment to biblical principles as the Christian
college you choose. Not only do admissions applications generally require you write a
statement about your beliefs, but schools may also expect you to regularly attend worship
services and your courses will incorporate Bible teachings.
5. Are online Christian colleges more expensive than public universities?
Christian colleges are generally private institutions, which means you do not receive an in-
state discount on tuition. In addition, private schools typically cost more than public
universities, regardless of state residency. However, you can still apply for scholarships both
through and outside of your school, and you can also complete your FAFSA to discover your
eligibility for federal aid.
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Point University: A Respected Christian Institution
Point University is an accredited, private, Christian university that offers
a wide range of 100% online programs, including:
• Associate Programs
• Bachelor’s Programs
• Master’s Programs
• Certificates
Find the online program that works with your career goals and your busy
lifestyle at online.point.edu, or give us a call at 844-671-5839.
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