Distance Learning

 

Veritas International University offers interactive distance education courses through a internet-based 7-week modular format. However, all doctoral and biblical language courses are 15-weeks in length. This delivery option allows all students to access their course lectures from any location, as long as a computer and internet connection are available.

VIU courses follow an academic calendar with spring, summer and fall terms, and therefore, courses may be taken twice a semester or once each summer during a 7-week term. A typical graduate course includes pre-recorded streaming video (or in some rare cases audio) lectures completed over a 7-week period. For example, a course which began on September 24 will be completed by October 9. Courses may be taken in any sequence unless there are stated prerequisites. 

All VIU programs are open to foreign and U.S. citizens without a residency requirement in order to graduate. 

The major benefits of the interactive external studies format are regular, meaningful professor-to-student interaction, student-to-student interaction, and classroom-like structure that encourages the development of thriving community of online learners. VIU courses typically include the following elements:

  • Set Enrollment Periods: Enrollment periods will precede each of the two 7-week semester terms in fall and spring, and prior to the 7-week summer module (see semester schedule).
  • Semester Course Schedule: Distance learning courses are offered in two 7-week terms per semester and one 7-week module per summer. Students can choose courses from a pre-planned semester schedule.
  • Discussion Boards: Distance learning courses have discussion incorporated into the course to allow students to encourage each other and work through key concepts together.
  • The discussion boards occur regularly in order to encourage community, creativity, substantive interaction with the instructor, and academic growth for each student.
  • Classroom Structure, Course Assignments and Grading: Each course will be fully completed within the 7-week time period. The professors will provide a weekly schedule of assignments and reading to guide students in the learning process. In addition, professors will be grading your weekly work and providing timely feedback on assignments throughout the course.
  • Exam/quiz Proctor Form: Occasionally, your professor will require you to take a quiz or an exam. In order to complete exams you will first need to submit a proctor form, which identifies a qualified individual (e.g. professor, pastor, counselor, librarian, teacher, educational administrator, or an individual employed by a professional learning center), who is not a family member to ensure accountability and administer and return your exam/ quiz to VIU for grading.

Each course includes materials (data):

  • A course syllabus, which contains course objections and requirements, and course instructions that offer special guidance
  • Course materials: electronic handouts, PowerPoint slides, etc. that are provided by the professors
  • Streaming video (or audio in rare occasions) lectures, taught by VIU professors

*All students are responsible for obtaining any textbooks required for their courses.

Levels of Study

Undergraduate. The undergraduate (BA in Christian Studies) include streaming video lectures, as well as other course materials provided at the discretion of the professor. 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. Each semester will contain two 7-week periods in which to enroll and earn credit, which are designated as Fall 1 and 2, or Spring 1 and 2. After the first 7-week period is complete an enrollment period follows.

Graduate. Graduate level distance learning courses include pre-recorded streaming video lectures, as well as regular discussion board interaction with peers and instructor. Students may enroll 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. Doctoral courses include streaming video lectures as well as regular discussion board interaction with peers and instructor. Unlike the undergraduate and graduate level distance courses, all Doctor of Ministry distance courses are 15-weeks in length. PhD are 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.

When a required course is not offered during the semester, and the course is needed to complete your degree, it may be completed through an arranged course upon request to the Registrar’s Office. It is our commitment to students that they will be able to finish their degree in a timely manner. If a certain course is needed to complete their degree that is not offered in a pre-scheduled module, we will work with you to facilitate your need. However, if the course is offered in a module, students are required to enroll in the course as a first choice.

Technology Requirements for Distance Learning 

Students must have access to a working computer with the following minimum requirements:
Broadband internet connection of at least 1mbps or more (recommended)
Speakers or operable headphone jack in order to listen to audio
Monitor with minimum of 800×600 resolution (1028×780 or higher recommended)
Word processing program (i.e. MS Word, Notepad, Wordpad, Pages, etc.)
Available battery life of three or more hours, or connection to power in order to view each lecture

Tuition and Fees 

VIU’s tuition is among the most affordable in the country. Each distance course will be assessed a $30 technology fee.

Beginning Your Courses 

A new student seeking to begin taking VIU classes must complete the following:

  • Complete and submit the Application for Admission to Veritas International University. The application may be downloaded from the University website at www.ves.edu.
  • Once you receive your admission acceptance notification, you may register for courses by either registering online, contacting the Registrar with your course selections (505.407.4307), or by emailing your registration form as an attachment. The registration form may be downloaded from the VIU website at www.ves.edu.

Tuition and fees may be paid in full online at the time of registration. If payments are made by check mail to:

Veritas International University
ATTN: Distance Learning
7600 Jefferson St. NE, Suite 24
Albuquerque, NM 87109

Time Allowed to Complete the Distance Degree and Certificate Programs 

Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies (BACS) – 8 years from first enrollment.

Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) – 5 years from first enrollment.

Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics (MACA) – 6 years from first enrollment.

Master of Arts in Polemics & Apologetics to Islam (MAPI) – 6 years to complete from first enrollment.

Master of Arts in Archeology & Biblical History (MAABH) – 6 years to complete from first enrollment.

Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MABS) – 6 years from first enrollment.

Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies (MDiv) – 9 years from first enrollment.

Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies (MDiv) – 9 years from first enrollment.

Doctor of Ministry in Apologetics (DMin) – 5 years from first enrollment.

Doctor of Ministry (with concentrations) (DMin) – 5 years to complete from first enrollment.

Doctor of Philosophy in Archaeology & Biblical History ( PhD) – 8 years from first enrollment (5 years for coursework, 3 years for dissertation)

The same time schedules apply to the respective certificate programs.

Individual distance courses must be completed on or prior to the course due date at the end of the term (7 weeks). If you need a 60-day extension, you may request one in writing prior to the course expiration date for a $50 fee. A second and final 60-day extension may be granted for an additional $50 fee. There are no extensions to this timeframe except in circumstances including death of an immediate family member, a move, or loss of a job.

Textbooks 

VIU students are responsible for obtaining their own textbooks for each course. VIU does not sell textbooks.

Special Circumstances for Distance Courses 

While VIU courses are all online, in the circumstance of the MA/PhD in Archaeology requires fieldwork that cannot be accomplished through distance learning. Fieldwork will be arranged by the professor.