Online Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Studies Similar to MCIBS???

Online Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Studies Similar to MCIBS
I am looking for the following:

1. Completely online/distance
2. Unaccredited
3. Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Studies
4. Strong emphasis on writing, rather than online test taking
5. Something similar to Mt. Carmel Institute of Biblical Studies
6. Very affordable
7. NOT KJVOnly

MCIBS http://www.mountcarmelibs.org/

 

I don't know what NOT KJVOnly means but here are two programs (how is free for affordable?):
http://www.amesbible.org/
http://www.amesbible.org/AccreditedProgram2.html

and

http://www.nationsu.org/site/

 

Not King James Only, meaning they only use and allow the King James version.

I am about to finish a Bachelor in Religious Studies degree from NationsUniversity. I am looking for a Bachelor in Biblical Studies program.

$2,600 for the degree I am looking for from Ames Bible/Ames University. The free courses will not transfer to the university unless you pay, then you have to pay $200 per course to finish at Ames University.

 

How did you like Nations U? I am thinking of a MRS from them.

 

Mac Lynn, the chancellor, is a great guy; he is super nice and helpful.

The coursework is good, but I think it could be a lot better. A lot of reading and then taking online quizzes. Many of the questions are word for word from the coursework. I prefer more thinking, explaining, writing, and arguing for/against positions, etc.

After I complete the BRS, I am going to study with TGSAT. It is all writing based, which is what I am looking for. I get more out of writing. http://trinitytheology.org/

 

Have you looked at Golden State (www.goldenstate.edu? They are unaccredited, affordable, and they offer a Bachelor of Theology. I know you were looking for a Biblical Studies degree, but 45 of the hours that make up this degree are from Biblical Studies. If you like thinking, arguing, proving a point, theology with a heavy dose of Biblical Studies might be what you are looking for anyway. They are 100% online and have no tests. Your grades are earned entirely from essays and projects.

Pug

 

Why are you specifically looking for an unaccredited program? For that matter, why are you looking for a degree program at all?

If you are just going to be studying for personal interest, then you will find more options if you widen your search to include non-degree and non-credit opportunities.

And you wouldn't have to worry about degree credibility and utility either. The only real consideration then would be the value of the content.

 

I am not interested in spending a bunch of time on this discussion. I understand my academic goals, academic budget, and career goals. Thanks.

 

I know this is not exactly what you asked for, but depending on your ultimate needs/goals, the following may be options:

Liberty University's Willmington School of the Bible. They offer a 60-hour certificate program at $90 per hour. It is regionally accredited through SACS as a diploma program, but 48 of the 60 hours will transfer to Liberty's BA program. That would result is a huge savings. If you're just looking for a heavy concentration of Biblical Studies and don't necessarily need the BA, Willmington may do the trick for you. I don't know if they are more test or writing driven.

Global University. They are nationally accredited through the DETC and are in candidacy for regional accreditation. They offer a BA in Bible & Theology that I think might interest you. While they do have a test, most of the grade is determined by essays and projects. I really enjoyed the course I took from this school, both in format and content. Tuition is $99 per hour.

Berean School of the Bible. They are the continuing education branch of Global University. They offer a 17 course Diploma in Bible & Doctrine at a budget friendly $40 per course. Even better is that these courses DO transfer into the BA program at Global for no extra cost. HUGE savings.


Pug

 

Are you positive the Berean credits will transfer to Global? I have looked into both programs, and I do not remember seeing that. It wouldn't make sense on their end if you could take a course for $40 and transfer it into a program where the course costs $300.

 

University of London

If you don't find a perfect fit elsewhere, perhaps consider the University of London. It's not exactly what you describe, but such a good deal I included the link to their fees page. The program is 10 modules (large courses). After the first four, you get the Diploma, after all ten, the Bachelor of Divinity. The diploma appears to be a little over a thousand Pounds, the BD a little over 2400. The exchange rate is not bad right now.

Their program is exam-based, but there are no multiple-choie online quizzes. They use proctored essay exams, frequently with "set texts", which would seem to fit your strengths if you prefer writing papers. Also, since you have some background already from other courses, you can sit those exams right away while the information is still fresh.

They aren't accredited, but are Royally chartered. Best of luck!

http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/prospective_students/undergraduate/heythrop/divinity/fees.shtml

 

Oh, and by the way...

Yes, it is 100% distance learning. Those exams are taken at one of several testing centers, one of which is probably close. I think they now partner with Sylvan?

 

Have you considered TRACS accredited Piedmont Baptist College's online BA in Bible?

http://www.pbc.edu/ps/ps_ad_spurgeon_degrees.aspx

 

"6. Very affordable"

I wouldn't consider over $300 per credit hour to be affordable.

 

The University of London is "accredited" by Royal Charter in the UK which serves basically the same purpose as the US regional accreditors. In countries other than the US it is standard practice for the government, either federal or provincial or state or territorial, to grant a post-secondary institution the authority to grant degrees.

 

I looked into FAQ a little closer. Yes, the Berean credits are accepted into Global, but not at the rate I initially thought. The following is taken from the website FAQ:

"Can courses taken on the Berean School of the Bible level transfer into the degree program?

Yes. This depends on the particular degree program and the number of electives available. Only courses for which you have earned a “B” or better will apply, and they can count for one undergraduate elective credit depending on the credit available in the elective sections. "

So they will transfer into the degree program, but only as elective credit. I do know for sure that Liberty's Willmington School of the Bble credits will transfer into its normal degree program.

Pug

 

I see what you mean. $315 per credit hour for a non-RA college is pretty high.

Tom

 

That makes sense and seems fair. Thanks for your work. Grace to you.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, though.

 

South African Theological Seminary is accredited and the degree is a BTh. It may or may not fit your needs.

I agree with BillDayson; you might be best served by studying independently.