Academics
On behalf of the entire staff and students at Veritas International University, I welcome you to the journey of a lifetime—an education at VIU. At Veritas International University you will be exposed to the finest evangelical scholarship available, taking a Biblical and classical approach in all your studies. As a fully accredited university, with the largest Biblical Archaeology program in the United States—having been listed among the top 10 graduate schools in the nation for apologetics by The Best Schools—VIU provides a stellar learning experience for our students.
Whether you are full-time or part-time degree student, or yearn to continue your education through certificate programs, VIU is here to assist you to grow in God’s truth, beauty, and goodness. If you yearn to deepen your walk with Christ, being equipped to educate others, and engage with our culture, we invite you on an academic adventure with Veritas. Together we will share the good news by equipping Christians to uphold and proclaim the faith. Please let us know how we can support you in your educational mission.
~ Brian C. Nixon, D.Phil., D.Min. Chief Academic Officer (CAO)
Each program of study emphasizes an evangelical understanding of classical theology and biblical inerrancy in line with the Chicago Statements produced by the International Council of Biblical Inerrancy (ICBI).
Students will be admitted to a VIU degree/certificate program which offers a number of academic outcomes depending on your chosen course of study that may be completed in as little as two, three or four years of study. Each degree program offered at VIU concentrates on the evangelistic and apologetic nature of each major studied. Veritas approaches apologetics and theology from a classical perspective, bringing all truth discovered in special and general revelation to each topic studied. Ultimately, during the student’s time at VIU, he/she is expected to develop and strengthen a comprehensive biblical worldview that unites the head (mind) and heart (will) together under Christ and His word.
Resident Program
VIU classes are primarily online and may be completed from anywhere. While we do not currently offer a resident program, there are a limited number of courses offered at our VIU campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico. All courses offered at our VIU campus will also be accessible via streaming for students who are not in the area.
VIU does offer occasional in-person intensive module courses that will be listed on the annual course schedule or arranged individually with the professor. Attendance at intensive courses can be in-person or online. All assignments are outlined in the course syllabus. By the end of the course all assignments must be postmarked and submitted to the professor for grading.
Distance Education Program (Non-Resident)
VIU offers interactive distance learning courses through an online 7-week format. The non-resident distance education program consists of two 7-week modules per semester (Fall 1 and 2, and Spring 1 and 2) and one 7-week module per summer. The two terms held in fall or in spring are separated by a one-week enrollment period. Distance courses are fulfilled through the VIU online learning platform POPULI.
Undergraduate. The undergraduate (BA in Christian Studies) may be completed entirely by distance learning. In addition to coursework, the undergraduate distance program relies on substantive interaction and discussion opportunities with the instructor and peers as coursework is completed over a 7-week period. After each 7-week period is complete an enrollment period follows.
Graduate. Graduate level distance learning courses include pre-recorded streaming video lectures with the exact same lectures given in the residential courses, as well as weekly discussion board interaction with peers and instructor. Students may enroll in distance learning courses during set enrollment periods before each term begins. Like the undergraduate distance program, the graduate level distance program follows the two 7-week terms each fall (Fall 1 and 2) and two 7-week terms in spring (Spring 1 and 2) format.
Doctoral. All doctoral courses may be completed at a distance, particularly in the Doctor of Ministry (Apologetics) program. Unlike the undergraduate and graduate level distance courses, all Doctor of Ministry distance courses are 15-weeks in length. There are also some PhD courses that qualify as distance learning and will also be 15-weeks in length.
Arranged courses are also available to all students (on every level of study) who need certain courses not offered regularly. Contact the Registrar to arrange these special courses.
Transfer Credit and Prior Learning Experience
No more than 20% of graduate semester units or the equivalent in other units awarded by another institution may be transferred for credit toward a Master’s degree. The amount of credit awarded for prior experiential learning at the undergraduate level shall not be related to the amount charged the student for the assessment process. (A) Of the first 60 semester credits awarded a student in an undergraduate program, no more than 15 semester credits may be awarded for prior experiential learning. (B) Of the second 60 semester units (i.e., credits 61 to 120) awarded a student in an undergraduate program, no more than 15 semester credits may be awarded for prior experiential learning. In other words, 30 units maximum for prior experiential learning.