WHAT IS AN EXTERNAL STUDIES PROGRAM?

An External Studies Program is an avenue through which ministers, missionaries, or lay-people may earn a degree or gain personal enrichment through external courses.

Although the External Programs afford convenience, they are note short cut. The programs utilize the same curricula and courses as taken by resident students. There is therefore no differentiation made in the value of credits, awards, certificates, or degrees earned by resident or external students.

Every Degree Program we offer can be completed through External Studies!

Each External Program can be custom designed for the student, taking the following factors into account: previous education, ministerial experience, life credit and learning, and educational goals.

Previous college credits can be transferred into degree programs. Assessment of lifetime learning can also be credited. All degree seeking students are assigned an

Academic Advisor who will help evaluate these factors. Call today for a personal evaluation!    

Generally courses consist of approximately (6) topics

Resident professors are available to answer questions and render assistance via telephone. At the completion of each course, mail in your module. You will then receive your course evaluation & grade: Complete your exam, mail it, and you will receive your final grade by mail shortly thereafter. Your next course will also be shipped immediately. Graduate courses generally consist of a structured directed study program, which also comes in the form of a beautifully bound workbook. (Textbooks, workbooks, and reference materials are extra in graduate programs.) Assignments and projects are completed under the supervision of a Mentor, who is available to render assistance and guidance via telephone.

WAY AN EXTERNAL STUDIES PROGRAM?

There is a desire today within the body of Christ, among ministers, missionaries, and lay-people alike, to obtain a quality Christian education. Ministers and missionaries usually desire an accredited degree, both as preparation for ministry as well as recognition within the ecclesiastical community. Lay-people also, particularly those who feel a call to future ministry, desire the quality preparation afforded in an accredited degree. Still many others are not interested in a degree, but do desire to enrich their lives and local church service by completing some form of formal education.

Unfortunately, most institutions that offer such credentials require relocation for full time resident studies. However, most ministers or missionaries cannot leave their ministry and relocate. Many lay-people also cannot leave their jobs and families, even in the evenings and weekends, to attend classes. Basically, most people are unable to attend a Bible College or Seminary for various reasons. Now they have an alternative!

This alternative is Saint Thomas Christian College and Theological Seminary's External Programs. These programs were designed to meet the needs of busy ministers, missionaries, and Christian workers alike, who wish to obtain a quality Christian education, but yet are unable to take the time or relocate for full time resident studies. These programs allow students to receive a quality Christian education by studying in the comfort of their own home, around their work, church, and family schedule! Because there are no time constraints of semesters or years, each student can enroll at any time, and complete studies at his own pace!