Welcome! We are delighted you are considering VIU for your education. As a graduate, I have a vested interest in the continued success of our fine university. I am so blessed and proud to have been on staff for many years and now serve as the academic dean. VIU is listed among the top 10 graduate schools in the nation for apologetics. In addition to our faculty of scholars, our programs are flexible, affordable, and a wonderful learning opportunity to equip you in your current and future ministry. If you sense God’s call on your life, we hope you will give VIU serious consideration. Please let us know how we can best assist you.
~ Dr. Frank Correa, Academic Dean
Veritas International University academic programs are open to mature Christian men and women who are academically and spiritually qualified. Spiritual qualifications are demonstrated through pastoral and general references included in the student’s admission packet as well as their signed agreement with the VIU Doctrinal Statement. The program involves research and study in specified fields pertaining to Bible, Christian studies, theology, archaeology, apologetics, philosophy, and pastoral studies, which requires the student’s time and diligence in order to complete (2 Tim. 2:15).
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
The resident program requirements are primarily fulfilled at our Orange County (CA) campus, though there are a limited number of courses offered at our satellite teaching site (Albuquerque). All 2 and 3-unit residential courses are primarily taught through module format which are intensive one-week courses that meet in the evening. and all day Saturday. Class sessions are Monday through Friday from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, and Saturday from 9:30am – 4:30pm.
Up to four (4) module course will be offered during the fall and spring semesters, two additional modules will be offered during the winter and summer breaks. After the one-week residential portion of the module is complete, students have 14 additional weeks to complete all assignments outside the classroom. During this time students will conduct research and testing through substantive and regular interaction with the professor through the POPULI learning management system. All assignments are outlined in the course syllabus. By the end of your course all assignments must be postmarked and submitted to your professor for grading through POPULI.
Distance Learning Program (Non-Resident)
VIU offers interactive distance learning courses through an online 7-week format (DMin program is 15-weeks). 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 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. 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. 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 which are 7-weeks in length, all Doctor of Ministry distance courses are 15-weeks in length due to the practical nature of the program. 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 of Credit
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. For PhD students, at least 50% of the program must be completed at VIU to be eligible for graduation.