Explore. Examine. Engage.

What Our Students and Faculty Say

“If you are looking for a Bible-based, Christ-centered, and apologetically oriented training, Veritas International University offers classes from some of the best teachers in the field in the country. At VIU your faith will be grounded in the inerrancy of Scripture and nurtured in a relationship with Christ that will be modeled after His example of humility and self-sacrifice…”
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Dr. Norman Geisler (1932-2019)

VIU Cofounder and Distinguished Professor of Theology & Apologetics 

“As global apostacy continues to escalate, Veritas International University shines as a bastion of uncompromising biblical truth. VIU features Christ-exalting, Bible-based apologetics grounded in inerrant Scripture, led by a host of well-qualified faculty. I enthusiastically endorse and recommend VIU.”
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Dr. Ron Rhodes

Author, Apologist, President of Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries

“Veritas, both the seminary and university, provide a refreshing alternative to much of contemporary Christian education, which sees maintaining respectability within the current secular culture as the best that Christianity can hope for. By contrast, Veritas is unashamed in its stance for Christian truth, letting the chips fall where they may. Without being confrontational or contentious, it calmly and firmly takes the full biblical message to be true, and conveys that truth to its students with integrity. At the same time, by taking an evidential and rational approach to the Christian faith, it is willing to put all the claims of Christianity under scrutiny so that students are not simply asked to blindly accept what they are taught. Students who graduate from Veritas can expect to have an informed, rationally grounded faith — one that can stand up to the entire range of challenges that a secular, and increasingly hostile, culture will array against them. I heartily recommend Veritas as a place for students to be nurtured, grounded, and educated in the Christian faith.”
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Bill Dembski

Author of The Design Inference and other books on intelligent design

“Whatever your course of study may be, by the time you complete your program at VIU you will have greatly enhanced your relationship, appreciation, and worship of our Lord Jesus Christ. Moreover, you should expect to see greater boldness and effectiveness in your ministry, evangelism, and defense of the faith. My hope and prayer is that your studies will help you intimately comprehend and experience the love God has for His people!”
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Dr. Joseph Holden

President and co-founder of Veritas International University

“When I weighed my PhD options, I determined that Veritas International University (VIU) was the best fit for me. The VIU program’s flexibility and emphasis on excellence especially appealed to me. I was not disappointed. VIU scholars partnered with me in my academic pursuit of merging biblical studies with the material culture from the Land of the Bible, and included me in their institutional publications. I am grateful for VIU.”
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Scott Stripling

VIU Graduate, PhD in Archaeology & Biblical History

“At VIU, professors such as Win Corduan, Norm Geisler, and Mark Hanna graciously invested time in me, helping me to articulate the Faith with clarity and confidence. As Nehemiah led the returned exiles in rebuilding their capital city, they met resistance from all around. That’s why Nehemiah stationed guards in the vulnerable spaces of the perimeter so that the work of rebuilding could go on unhindered. Similarly, as we find our Faith slandered from all around, we can be grateful for the Veritas team for standing guard so that the work of ministry can continue unhindered.”
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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)

“Veritas International University is an amazing place where students are not only educated, they are also discipled. I earned two graduate degrees at VIU and God has granted me success for His glory. Since graduating from VIU I have started two Schools of Ministry in New Jersey – no small task! New Jersey ranks as one of the most hostile places in America towards Jesus Christ and His church. I can say with firm conviction that I could not have built either school without the training and education I received at VIU.”
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Jason F.

VIU Graduate

“I loved my time at VIU! My love for Jesus intensified as I learned more about Scripture. With my in-residence classes, the specially arranged courses and module courses provided flexibility to continue in-depth study of theology that fit my schedule. The small class size and online tools allowed me to maintain a connection with professors and fellow students. I would highly recommend VIU for their strong doctrine and dedicated teaching staff.”
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Petrina S.

VIU Graduate

“After I became friends with Dr. Norm Geisler, he encouraged me several times to enroll at VIU. I ignored him for a year or more thinking, “Oh, that’s what he says to every younger person he meets.” But he convinced me that this was where the action was at…. VIU has that vitality that comes with newness. As for discipleship, men left their fishing nets and homes to follow Jesus around for intense learning sessions. What would that translate into today? Find the best teachers you can find and follow them as they follow Christ. I enrolled at VIU because I wanted that same unique blend of Bible, theology, classical apologetics, and philosophy that made Dr. Geisler such a powerful apologist. And VIU uses his books and inherited a lot of his thinking and spirit. After I read The Popular Handbook of Archaeology and the Bible by Drs. Holden and Geisler, I realized VIU was a serious school with a powerful and important message for the world to hear. I enrolled and only regret that I didn’t do it sooner.”
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Christopher H.

VIU Master of Arts in Theological Studies Graduate and Senior Editor of Bastion Books

“As the church stumbles wide into apostasy turning the Word of God into a buffet of extraction, with added seasonings of pagan influence, VIU stands as a beacon for the remnant- A place established in uncompromised truth of the inerrant Word of God. Before any substantial, effective apologetic may be given, a proper understanding of the Creator is essential. VIU offers a foundation that provides a clear, focused lens in which to study the Word of God, grow in a personal relationship with Jesus, and discern the ever-advancing deception. The knowledge I’ve gained at VIU has further validated a steadfast peace that the Word of God in its entirety can be fully trusted, as well as sown an even deeper compassion in me for the lost and the straying church.”
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Alana A.

Doctor of Ministry in Christian Apologetics (Class of 2020)

“What I love most about VIU is their stand on the full inerrancy of Scripture. Instead of following the latest so-called critical-liberal trends or trying to be novel in some aspect of theology, VIU makes it a priority to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). “I love Veritas! Humble teachers… premillennial… dispensational… Thomistic in philosophy… personally, I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.”
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Shawn N.

VIU Doctor of Ministry Graduate

“If you’re looking for a Bible based, philosophically inclined, evangelically focused place of study, consider VIU. I have completed an MA in Christian Apologetics and found Veritas to be very well-rounded. It is academically rigorous, particularly in its commitment to ‘getting underneath’ theological and worldview differences to assess them at their philosophical foundations; at the same time, it is deeply committed to the authority of Scripture and the spiritual growth and development of its students. Dr. Holden and his colleagues are not only leaders in their respective disciplines, they are also great teachers, mentors and friends. For these reasons and more, I am unreserved in my endorsement of Veritas and commend it to anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge of God and mature their faith.”
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David D.

VIU Graduate

“Being a Veritas student was one of the most challenging, yet rewarding times of my life. The core classes are robust, providing a worldview foundation for defending the faith; and, the M.Div. track opened my eyes to the diverse practical applications of Systematic Theology in a Church ministry context. I highly recommend this school to anyone that is serious about serving in ministry.”
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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
VIU approaches education, theology, and apologetics from a Classical/Evidential perspective grounded in early western Greek philosophical thought and the early Christian creeds, which greatly contributed to clarifying and defending the Christian faith. This classical tradition was shaped and refined by Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, and other classical thinkers. VIU instruction draws not only from the Scriptures but also from various primary texts to familiarize students with their contribution to evangelical theology, apologetics, and to the Christian worldview.
Biblical Inspiration & Inerrancy
Our students are not left guessing where VIU stands in relation to the Scriptures: VIU holds to full inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. Our degree programs are designed with biblical inspiration, authenticity, infallibility, reliability, and inerrancy of Scripture in mind. VIU has officially adopt (as part of our doctrinal statement) the definition of inerrancy and the articles of affirmation and denial described in the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy (CSBI). These articles were designed and agreed upon by a collaboration of evangelical scholars at the International Council of Biblical Inerrancy (ICBI). For us, the logic is simple: If God cannot err, and the Bible is the Word of God, then the Bible cannot err.
Developing Minds & Hearts
VIU programs address the whole person, which includes the mind and the heart. A well-rounded education that addresses the mind will also include character transformation, unless we desire to produce "Ivory Tower" Christian leaders. We desire our graduates to think logically and Christianly, following the pattern Jesus set for us in Scripture to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves. This is why we incorporate Christian service and chapel services into our programs; it affords and opportunity to humbly work out what is learned.

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
The College & Seminary (VCS) is a school within Veritas International University. VCS offers four degree programs with majors in Christian Studies, Theological Studies, biblical Studies & Christian Thought, Pastoral/Biblical Studies ranging from undergraduate to postgraduate level learning. These programs are ideal for those seeking training for teaching in  theological and biblical studies, ministry, and for para-church ministry.
VIU School of Apologetics
The School of Apologetics (SA) offers four graduate and postgraduate degrees in apologetics, philosophy, and philosophy of religion. The programs are designed to educate students in methods and defense of the Christian worldview from a classical/evidential perspective, rooted in the inerrancy of the Bible, and articulated with a classical philosophy of religion. The VIU faculty of scholars have collectively authored hundreds of books on various subjects including apologetics, philosophy, biblical studies, archaeology, theology, and more. These programs are ideal for those seeking training in teaching, para-church apologetic ministry, and discernment ministries.
VIU School of Archaeology
The School of Archaeology (VSA) offers two programs (MA/PhD) in the field of archaeology & biblical history. Along with fieldwork opportunities, these programs study the organic, cause-and-effect relationships between biblical and ancient Near Eastern history discernable from archaeological, anthropological, and comparative literary inquiry, with the purpose of developing competent, biblically-grounded and Christ-centered archaeologists.

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 StudentsThe Comprehensive Guide to ApologeticsThe 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
Professor of Islamic Studies
Director, MA in Polemics and Apologetics to Islam
 

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 HermeneuticsThe 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:

Get Involved

Experience a supportive and engaging environment where you can connect with fellow students, participate in various activities, and attend the Garden Chapel.