Frequently Asked Questions about Distance Education
Is the Distance Education program accredited?
Shasta Bible College and Graduate School is a member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), having been awarded Reaffirmation II of its accredited status as a Category III institution by the TRACS Accreditation Commission on November 6, 2012. This status is effective for a period of 10 years. TRACS is recognized by the United States Department of Education, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE).
How much time will I spend on coursework?
In a three credit hour course, you should expect to spend an average of 6-9 hours per week on your course work. Depending on your speed of reading and the number of particular assignments for course, you will be online approximately 2-3 hours a week. This time may be decreased if you download documents and read them offline and may be increased if you participate extensively in additional discussion board conversations.
Do I have to be online at any specific time?
Generally you do not need to be online at any specific time. The class pages are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so you can access them at any time. Class discussions are open for a couple days to a week so you are able to participate during a time that is convenient for you. You will have a chance to communicate with the other students and the instructor mostly through e-mails and the Bulletin Board on the class page.
Are the Distance Education professors on campus?
Professors for the DE program at SBC&GS are both on campus and adjunct. While most live in the Redding area, we have faculty members from all over the United States who graciously give of their time and expertise in teaching courses. Most faculty members are also full time ministers, administrators, editors, or otherwise involved in a ministry so offer real world experience and insight into present and future ministry for our students.
How do I get textbooks?
You will need to purchase your textbooks before your course begins. A textbook list is posted on our home page 30 days before the start of a semester. You should be able to find your textbooks at a local or online bookstore. The required textbooks are also on the course syllabus listed in Populi on the course page under the Textbook link.
How do I start?
Students who are interested in enrolling in one of our programs need to first apply and be accepted. You can apply here or call and speak with someone in our Admissions Office, 1-800-800-4722.
Do I need a special application for Distance Education?
No. There are six different applications to choose from, Undergraduate (for those who have completed high school or hold a GED), Graduate (for those who already hold an earned four year degree), International (for those who are not citizens of the US and wish to live here on campus), Non-Degree (for those who are taking course to transfer to another institution), ACSI (for those taking courses towards ACSI Certification/Recertification), or Readmission (for those who have already attended SBC&GS and wish to return).
Can I transfer credits from another institution?
Yes, as long as the institution is accredited or SBC&GS is able to verify the units You may send in copies of your transcripts for evaluation. All transfers are at the discretion of the Dean of Admissions and will not be officially transferred until formally accepted. At the undergraduate level, 32 units must be taken from SBC&GS to fulfill the required units and be granted a degree. At the graduate level, only 6 units may be transferred toward a degree.
What kinds of courses will generally transfer?
Only college level courses with a letter grade of "C" or higher are transferable. AP and CLEP units are also transferable. Life experience, CEU credits, or Pass/Fail courses are not. All transfers are at the discretion of the Dean of Admissions.
Shasta Bible College and Graduate School is a member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), having been awarded Reaffirmation II of its accredited status as a Category III institution by the TRACS Accreditation Commission on November 6, 2012. This status is effective for a period of 10 years. TRACS is recognized by the United States Department of Education, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE).
How much time will I spend on coursework?
In a three credit hour course, you should expect to spend an average of 6-9 hours per week on your course work. Depending on your speed of reading and the number of particular assignments for course, you will be online approximately 2-3 hours a week. This time may be decreased if you download documents and read them offline and may be increased if you participate extensively in additional discussion board conversations.
Do I have to be online at any specific time?
Generally you do not need to be online at any specific time. The class pages are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so you can access them at any time. Class discussions are open for a couple days to a week so you are able to participate during a time that is convenient for you. You will have a chance to communicate with the other students and the instructor mostly through e-mails and the Bulletin Board on the class page.
Are the Distance Education professors on campus?
Professors for the DE program at SBC&GS are both on campus and adjunct. While most live in the Redding area, we have faculty members from all over the United States who graciously give of their time and expertise in teaching courses. Most faculty members are also full time ministers, administrators, editors, or otherwise involved in a ministry so offer real world experience and insight into present and future ministry for our students.
How do I get textbooks?
You will need to purchase your textbooks before your course begins. A textbook list is posted on our home page 30 days before the start of a semester. You should be able to find your textbooks at a local or online bookstore. The required textbooks are also on the course syllabus listed in Populi on the course page under the Textbook link.
How do I start?
Students who are interested in enrolling in one of our programs need to first apply and be accepted. You can apply here or call and speak with someone in our Admissions Office, 1-800-800-4722.
Do I need a special application for Distance Education?
No. There are six different applications to choose from, Undergraduate (for those who have completed high school or hold a GED), Graduate (for those who already hold an earned four year degree), International (for those who are not citizens of the US and wish to live here on campus), Non-Degree (for those who are taking course to transfer to another institution), ACSI (for those taking courses towards ACSI Certification/Recertification), or Readmission (for those who have already attended SBC&GS and wish to return).
Can I transfer credits from another institution?
Yes, as long as the institution is accredited or SBC&GS is able to verify the units You may send in copies of your transcripts for evaluation. All transfers are at the discretion of the Dean of Admissions and will not be officially transferred until formally accepted. At the undergraduate level, 32 units must be taken from SBC&GS to fulfill the required units and be granted a degree. At the graduate level, only 6 units may be transferred toward a degree.
What kinds of courses will generally transfer?
Only college level courses with a letter grade of "C" or higher are transferable. AP and CLEP units are also transferable. Life experience, CEU credits, or Pass/Fail courses are not. All transfers are at the discretion of the Dean of Admissions.
