What Our Students and Faculty Say
Dr. Norman Geisler (1932-2019)
VIU Cofounder and Distinguished Professor of Theology & Apologetics
Dr. Ron Rhodes
Author, Apologist, President of Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries
Bill Dembski
Author of The Design Inference and other books on intelligent design
Dr. Joseph Holden
President and co-founder of Veritas International University
Scott Stripling
VIU Graduate, PhD in Archaeology & Biblical History
Daniel McCoy
PhD, MA in Christian Apologetics from VIU, Editorial Director at Renew.org, co-author (with Normal Geisler) of The Atheist's Fatal Flaw, General Editor of Harvest Handbook of World Religions (Harvest House Publishers, 2021)
Jason F.
VIU Graduate
Petrina S.
VIU Graduate
Christopher H.
VIU Master of Arts in Theological Studies Graduate and Senior Editor of Bastion Books
Alana A.
Doctor of Ministry in Christian Apologetics (Class of 2020)
Shawn N.
VIU Doctor of Ministry Graduate
David D.
VIU Graduate
Simon W.
VIU Graduate
Discover Why VIU is the Right Choice for You
At Veritas International University, we are committed to providing a transformative educational experience rooted in evangelical values. Our diverse degree programs and experienced faculty create a supportive environment where students can grow academically, spiritually, and personally. Join our community and embark on a journey of intellectual discovery and spiritual enrichment.
Our Classical Approach
Biblical Inspiration & Inerrancy
Developing Minds & Hearts
Explore Our Diverse Degree Programs at VIU
Veritas International University offers nine distinct degree programs designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in apologetics, archaeology, Bible, theology, and pastoral studies. Our programs are taught by experienced evangelical scholars dedicated to fostering intellectual and spiritual growth. Discover the program that aligns with your calling and aspirations.
VIU Bible College & Seminary
VIU School of Apologetics
VIU School of Archaeology
Study with esteemed faculty who are doctrinally faithful and active practitioners, not just theorists.
When you graduate, you will know what you believe, why you believe it, and how to live by it.
Dr. Joseph Holden
President, Professor of Theology & Apologetics
Dr. Holden is the co-founder and first president of VIU, an author, and specializes in theology proper (doctrine and nature of God), bibliology, and classical apologetics. Among his publications where he served as general editor or associate editor are The Apologetics Study Bible for Students; The Comprehensive Guide to Apologetics; The Comprehensive Guide to Science and Faith; A Popular Handbook of Archaeology and the Bible; and The Essential Chronological Guide to the Last Days.
Dr. Jay H. Smith
Dr. Smith, born in India in 1953 to missionaries, has served in missions full-time since 1983, including spending many years in Senegal and 25-years in London leading the Hyde Park Christian Fellowship. He is an expert in Christian-Muslim apologetics and polemics, spending 25 years at “Speakers’ Corner” in Hyde Park debating Muslims and training Christians. In 1992, he began developing his unique polemically based evangelistic ministry, leading Christians to winsomely engage Muslims in the public square. Dr. Smith is recognized for his work in the historical criticism of Islam, using textual analysis of the Qur’an and archaeological research to challenge traditional Islamic dogma. This sensitive research has led Dr. Smith to serve as the spokesman and debater for a team of anonymous scholars, disseminating and teaching cutting-edge content that has never been made publicly available. He currently serves as the Director of VIU’s graduate program in Polemics and Apologetics to Islam.
Dr. Steven Collins
Professor of Archaeology & Biblical History
Dean, School of Archaeology
Dr. Collins is an author and leading biblical archaeologist with decades of excavation experience, most recently completing 16 season at the Tall el-Hammam excavation site (Sodom) in Jordan. He also teaches evidential apologetics and regularly speaks at ASOR, NEAS, and archaeology symposiums around the country.
Dr. Brian Nixon
Professor of Education & Christian Thought
Chief Academic Officer/Provost
Dr. Nixon is an author and gifted Bible teacher specializing in classical education, patristics, and Christian thought. He also serves at VIU as Chief Academic Officer (CAO) overseeing VIU degree programs. Among his many publications are Tilt: Finding Christ in Culture; Beauty and the Banana: A Theoretic Aesthetic; The Master Teacher: Developing a Christ-Based Philosophy of Education; and A Beautiful Defense: How Aesthetics Points to God.
Dr. Forrest Weiland
Dean, Veritas College & Seminary
Dr. Forrest Weiland serves as Dean of the College and Seminary and Professor of Biblical and Pastoral Studies at Veritas International University. He has published numerous articles in a variety of academic and ministry publications. His authored works include The Theory & Practice of Biblical Hermeneutics, The Vindication of the Messiah on Earth, and a forthcoming volume on the Church.
Dr. William Roach
Dean, Norman L. Geisler School of Christian Apologetics
Professor of Theology and Biblical Languages
Dr. William Roach serves as Dean of the Norman L. Geisler Chair of Christian Apologetics at Veritas International University. His books include Defending Inerrancy, Sola Fide: A Primer on Paul’s Doctrine of Justification in Romans, Defending Evangelicalism: The Apologetics of Norman L. Geisler, and Hermeneutics as Epistemology, among others.
Equip Yourself to Defend the Faith
At VIU, our School of Apologetics provides opportunities to learn in various areas of defending the faith, including programs in Islamic Polemics and Apologetics, Philosophy of Religion, Apologetics and Philosophy, and Classical Christian Apologetics. You’ll develop critical thinking and communication skills, preparing you for ministry, teaching, or further academic pursuits. Each student should expect to gain:
- Critical Thinking: By sharpening your analytical skills.
- Ministry Preparation: Ready for diverse ministry environments.
- Comprehensive Understanding of the Christian Worldview.