Online Learning
The School of Divinity offers an innovative approach to earning a fully-accredited master's or doctoral degree without relocation. Students may pursue their degree through a combination of online¹ and modular² courses which provides a highly interactive educational experience with a distinguished faculty, student colleagues and minimal residency requirements.
How it Works
Our online courses are based on a sophisticated curriculum that leverages broadly available online technologies to deliver a premium, high-quality educational experience.
Blackboard™ is the online platform utilized by the School of Divinity. It provides a unique, online learning community that is both powerful and user-friendly. Blackboard™ incorporates articles, presentations, streaming audio and video and at the same time, facilitates student interaction with professors and classmates through a discussion board that functions as a virtual classroom. Take a tour of Blackboard™.
Computer Standards
Although the technology that makes our distant programs possible is highly advanced, the recommended equipment to access your courses is fairly basic. Students enrolled in online courses are expected to have familiarity with computers and basic internet and email functions. Learn more about the recommended computer hardware and software for online courses.
Online Advantage
While distance courses are as rigorous as courses taught on campus, they provide a convenient format for students who wish to maintain their current residence and/or place of employment. Many students find that their coursework also has an immediate application and benefit to the churches they attend as well as to the ministries they are involved in.
Another advantage is that courses are structured to provide some flexibility in class participation since students are not required to participate online at designated times. For those who travel frequently, a computer and internet access will provide you continuous participation in your course from anywhere in the world!
Community: Enhancing the Education Experience
Far from "distant," students enrolled in our online programs are engaged in significant interaction with their classmates as together they discuss theological issues, work on case studies, reflect upon how to apply what they are learning in their own ministry contexts and pray for each other.
For those courses taken in the modular format, the brief time on campus provides an opportunity to build relationships with faculty, staff and other students which further enhances the sense of community online. Since some on-campus students also attend modular courses, there is the added benefit of forming friendships with them as well.
1. Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs offer modular format only (with select elective courses available online.)
2. Each modular course requires a residency of one-week in Virginia Beach, Va. during the semester, with the balance of the course completed online.