The distance-learning program is designed for those who do not live in the immediate vicinity of the main campus in Orange County. The program offers interactive distance education courses through a internet-based 7-week modular format. This delivery option will benefit distance students who would like to access their course lectures from any location, as long as a computer and intranet connection are available.
The distance-learning program follows 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. For more information about distance learning visit the “Distance Learning” menu on this site.
All admission requirements are the same as other VIU resident programs as well as degree program course requirements. The distance-learning program is open to foreign and U.S. citizens without a residency requirement in order to graduate. Distance students may attend residential courses upon further approval from VIU Admissions Department. International students must comply with all government requirements if they wish to attend residential courses.
After being admitted to VIU, distance students may complete their chosen major without attending on-campus courses. 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. Distance learning 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 weekly 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 distance education 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
*Distance students are responsible for obtaining any textbooks required for their courses.
Levels of Study
Undergraduate. The undergraduate (BA in Christian Studies) may be completed entirely by distance learning without residency requirement, though undergraduate students are welcome to enroll in on-campus graduate courses (though students would receive an undergraduate syllabus). 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 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. Some doctoral courses may be completed at a distance as well, 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.
When distance-learning courses are 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 fulfilling their courses through pre-recorded streaming video 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
Distance learning graduate tuition is among the most affordable in the country and is identical to on-campus credit courses. In addition, each distance course will be assessed a $30 technology fee.
Beginning Your Distance Courses
A new student seeking to begin taking classes through distance learning 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. Admission to the distance program does not constitute admission to the residence program.
- 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 must be paid in full 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 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 extraordinary circumstances.
Textbooks
Distance-learning students are responsible for obtaining their own textbooks for each course. VIU does not sell textbooks.
Resident Students Taking Distance Courses
Resident students may complete courses for their degree program leading to graduation. Though students admitted to a VIU program may complete distance-learning courses, though we strongly encourage local students to complete their program through resident courses. The MA/PhD in Archaeology requires fieldwork that cannot be accomplished through distance learning.
Distance Audit Students