Biola Distance Certificate in Apologetics: Review 3 of 3
This is part three of a three part series (part 1 here, part 2 here) of reviews of the content of Biola University’s Distance Learning Certificate Program in Apologetics. The goal of today’s post is to assess the overall program and the certificate quiz and process.
The quiz process
Turning in the assignments
Each module’s assignments are to be mailed back to Biola for grading. There is a $30 fee per module for processing and grading. You can either mail your check to them, or call them up and pay by credit card over the phone. I called Biola directly, got a person right away, they knew exactly what I needed to do, and it was quick and simple. (Wow. No robotic voice forwarding me into an electronic maze of voicemail.) If credit card info is given, it isn’t charged until the assignments are received and grading has begun. It’s a smooth process without any hassle.
The certificate and Masters credit
There is a Masters essay exam required for potential or current Master’s students. If you are doing only the certificate, these essays are not required. Two essays are to be completed based on a choice of six topics. The essays are to be 2 to 4 pages each. For Masters credit, 50 points are given for the certificate quiz, 10 points for reading the two textbooks, and 20 points each for the exams, for a total of 100 points. Further details are provided from Biola in their instruction sheets, but the process is pretty straight forward.
As a whole, the course can be highly recommended. This is the sort of content that all pastors and youth pastors should be equipped with, and then pass along to their congregations and youth groups through various means of teaching and equipping. Apologetics bloggers should seriously consider getting the certificate from Biola to ensure a basic and well-rounded grasp of the issues. Finally, anyone being training formally or informally in apologetics should go ahead and get the certificate and, if possible, apply their credits to their own studies.
Have you completed the certificate? If so, share your feedback on the program in the comments below.
Biola has given Apologetics 315 readers a discount. Normally the materials for one module are $95. But you can get them at THIS LINK for only $75. Follow the link then click on “Distance Certificate Program” on the left.
For more about Biola’s M.A. Program in Christian Apologetics, click here. Info on their Certificate Program can be found here.