FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

School for Evangelism and Discipleship

The School for Evangelism and Discipleship has courses available in over 130 languages. The GU USA office services students who are studying in English, Spanish and French.

SED does not award college credit equivalents. Instead, SED courses can provide students with Continuing Education Units (CEU). Students officially enrolled with the Global University International Office may login to their student account to print a subject list. They may also obtain a paper copy signed by the registrar by emailing requests to registrar@globaluniversity.edu for further instructions.

If individual study is not your preference, the School for Evangelism and Discipleship courses and programs are well suited for use in study groups where students may study the material together with the help of a local facilitator. Studying in a group provides immediate contextual application of concepts, as well as group discussion, motivation, accountability, and affirmation. A study group can provide students with helpful resources and testing instruments for content mastery. To learn more about establishing a study group, visit the study group page on this website. You may also email us at studygroups@globaluniversity.edu or call us at 1-800-443-1083.

There is no cost to become a GU-approved study group. The costs come from purchase of course materials and students’ enrollments in the courses.

Berean School of the Bible

Yes, it is possible. Schools are evaluated based on various criteria, such as accreditation, faculty qualifications, academic assessment policies and procedures (how learning is measured), and reputation. Courses are evaluated based on their equivalent content with the Berean School of the Bible courses. An evaluation of your transcript can be done by requesting a Program Evaluation.

The initial enrollment period for each Berean School of the Bible course is 6 months. One 6-month extension is available per course. This 6-month extension is from the original expiration date, not from the date the fee is paid. If the course is not complete within one year from the original enrollment date, the student will need to pay the re-enrollment fee in order to be able to complete the course. See Tuition and Fees list.

Students who started but did not complete their Berean studies before 2005 may request a Program Evaluation. A program evaluation will determine how many courses can be applied to the original program requirements and what courses are needed to finish a level of study. In some cases, a student may be advised to follow the current program requirements and may not be allowed to finish an older program.

Students who have completed Berean School of the Bible (BSB) courses may receive up to 28 credits of advanced standing toward a Global University AA, Diploma, BA, or Second BA degree. BSB courses must have a minimum score of 70%. Advanced standing may be applied toward required courses or electives. For more information, click here

While no courses on the Berean School of the Bible level are required prior to enrollment in additional courses, we do have recommendations to help in your course progress. Our recommended course sequence for each level of study is indicated in the Enrollment/order form. The order in which the courses are listed is the one we recommend for students.

In order to best serve all of our students, we grade Service Learning Requirement (SLR) reports and finals in the order they are received. This is seldom completed on the same day they arrive. Students can be assured that Global University makes every effort to complete student grading as quickly as possible. If working with the credentialing process, we strongly recommend that you send in your final materials no less than six weeks before your transcripts are needed by your district office.  Students are encouraged to complete final exams and submit SLR reports online. This will significantly expedite the grading process.

The first time an exam is failed there is a retake fee of $25.00 that must be paid before the exam is sent out. If the exam is failed a second time, you must re-enroll before taking it again and pay a re-enrollment fee of $55.00. A schedule of fees is available online.

Instructions for requesting a transcript can be found here: Transcript Request 

    • There is a charge for each official transcript requested.

1.When you receive your final grade report for your last course there are three ways for you to submit a BSB graduation request. You may:

    1. Eligible students will receive an invitation along with a sign-up form to Global University’s annual commencement ceremony.
    1. Note: Students enrolled through a National Office need to submit their graduation request to their local enrollment office.

 

All courses and application fees are prepaid.

You may pay

  • by calling 1-800-443-1083 option 4 and speaking to the next available representative to use a credit card (VISA, MasterCard, or Discover). Office phone hours are between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm Central Time, Monday through Friday.
  • by  mailing a check or money order including student ID and purpose on the check to Global University, 1211 S Glenstone Avenue, Springfield
  • online directly through the student portal.
  •  

Fees should be prepaid by phone, fax or mail.  There is no online option to pay for these fees.

You may send an email to berean@globaluniversity.edu or call 1-800-443-1083 option 4 and speak with the next available student representative.

Requests to withdraw from a Program or course should be submitted online or directed to Customer Service:
E-mail: customerservice@globaluniversity.edu
Please see page 14 of the Berean Catalog for Cancellation and refund policy.

Upon submission of a Berean School of the Bible application, a student may enroll in a course(s) by:

  1. Enrolling through the Online Store
  2. Calling 1-800-443-1083 option 4 and speaking with a U.S. Student Services Representative
  3. Submitting an order form
Undergraduate School of Bible and Theology

Global University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA). The NCA/HLC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Global University is listed in Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education, the official guide to institutions of higher learning accredited by agencies that are recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Global University is certified to operate in the state of Missouri (USA) by the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education.

Visit our accreditation and authorization page for more information.

The Global University independent-study text (IST) or study guides are available in both print and PDF version. Even if you order a course in printed format, you will also have access to the IST or study guide online if available. Printed course materials are shipped to you. The PDF version can be downloaded from our website.

The Global University independent-study text (IST) or study guide is your teacher. The course introduction found in the front of each course IST or study guide serves as your syllabus. It will walk you through what is required for your course and how to study. You will also receive a Student Packet for each course along with your IST or study guide. The Student Packet includes two helpful tools. The Checklist of Study Methods and the Student Planner and Record will help you know how to study a lesson, review for a unit progress evaluation on a group of lessons, and prepare for the final examination that covers all of the lessons. If you do not usually study as recommended, you will need to adapt your study methods to achieve the highest success in the course.

No. However, students may visit the Global University campus if they desire to use the library facilities. One of the primary benefits of distance education is that you can study in the convenience of your home at your own pace. Assisted electronic research is available through our online Library by going to http://library.globaluniversity.edu/ .

You can calculate the cost of tuition by multiplying the cost of one undergraduate credit by the number of credits required for a particular degree. For example, in 2019 the tuition cost for a B.A. degree is 120 credits multiplied by $147 US which is $17,640. This tuition cost does not include course materials or other student fees. The undergraduate tuition and fees schedule lists other student fees and the undergraduate course order form lists the cost of tuition and materials for each course.

The amount of time it takes to complete a degree varies. If you study full-time and complete 32 credits per year, a 120 credit B.A. degree will take four years to complete. Transfer of credit that may be awarded for coursework you completed at other institutions will decrease the time needed for you to complete a degree program.

When you are within 18 credits of graduating you may request a Graduation Check by sending an email to degreeaudit@globaluniversity.edu. When all of your courses are complete, you may submit the Undergraduate Graduation Application form along with the appropriate payment. Your diploma will be mailed shortly after your graduation application has been processed. Eligible students will receive an invitation along with a sign-up form to Global University’s annual commencement ceremony. Note: Students enrolled through a National Office need to contact their local enrollment office for graduation instructions.

Global University allows qualified students the opportunity to receive advanced placement through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). For example, some individuals may have attained a profound knowledge of the Bible or have mastered a particular aspect of ministry without attending a Bible college or a theological seminary.
If you believe that your knowledge in a specific subject area is similar to the content of a Global University course (or courses) as described in the catalog or the course outline and/or objectives, and if this prior learning experience can be thoroughly documented, then you may submit an “Prior Learning Portfolio.”
The cost for experiential credit is a one-time non-refundable fee equivalent to one credit of tuition for the evaluation of portfolio(s) and one-half tuition per credit awarded. Evaluation of your portfolio does not guarantee credit will be granted. Before applying for prior learning credit please contact the Admissions and Records department.
Additional information can be found at Credit for Prior Learning.

Students who wish to transfer credit into Global University or who feel they qualify for advanced placement in their study programs may request advanced placement when they apply for an academic program of study. The options for obtaining advanced placement include:

1. Presenting official transcripts from other academic institutions
2. Credit for experienced-based learning
3. College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

High School students

High school students under the age of 18 must submit parental consent as well as their current high school transcript. Students must receive a grade of 73% or higher on their first GU course to enroll in subsequent courses. Students may study for dual credit or concurrent/dual enrollment defined below.

Dual credit

Dual credit allows college courses taken at Global University to count towards high school credit. Students must submit written permission from their high school acknowledging they will accept GU courses for dual credit (included in U-18 application).

Concurrent/Dual Enrollment

Concurrent or dual enrollment allows a high school student to enroll in college-level courses while simultaneously enrolled in high school coursework. Credits earned at Global University may or may not be counted towards a student’s high school diploma.

More information on dual credit and concurrent/dual enrollment can be found on the Under-18 application form online at Undergraduate Studies application.

A Global University student is given six months from the day they enroll in/order a degree-level course to complete it. A student should be able to complete a course within four months. Using this information, it is up to the student to determine how many courses they can handle at a given time. Please note: A student can take no more than 18 credit hours at a given time.

A student should be able to complete a course within four months. A Global University student is given six months to complete a degree-level course.

Upon submission of application and acceptance into an undergraduate program, a student may enroll in a course(s) by:

    1. Enrolling through the Online Store
    2. Calling 1-800-443-1083 option 4 and speaking with a U.S. Student Services Representative
    3. Submitting an order form

Requests to withdraw from a Program or course should be submitted online or directed to Customer Service:
E-mail: customerservice@globaluniversity.edu
Please see page 16 of the Undergraduate Catalog for Cancellation and refund policy.

Students who have completed Berean School of the Bible (BSB) courses may receive up to 28 credits of advanced standing toward a Global University AA, Diploma, BA, or Second BA degree. BSB courses must have a minimum score of 70%. Advanced standing may be applied toward required courses or electives. 

Graduate School of Theology

Global University is accredited with The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. NCA/HLC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Global University is listed in Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education, the official guide to institutions of higher learning accredited by agencies that are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Global University is incorporated in the State of Missouri and is certified to operate by the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education. Visit our accreditation and authorization page for more information.

The registrar or dean at a college or university has the final word for whether or not degrees and transfer credits from outside institutions are accepted. Many colleges, universities, and seminaries have accepted Global University courses for transfer of credit, and its degrees as fulfillment of degree requirements for advanced studies.

Global University accepts transfer of credit from other institutions of higher learning with recognized accreditation in the following ways:

  • A maximum of 6 graduate-level credits into a Graduate Studies Certificate program
  • A maximum of 9 graduate-level credits into a Master of Arts program
  • A maximum of 54 graduate-level credits into a Master of Divinity program
  • A maximum of 9 graduate-level credits into a Doctor of Ministry program (credits must be doctoral level to transfer)

To qualify for transfer, credits must be earned from an accredited institution of higher learning, have a minimum grade of B- (or its equivalent, based on the approved grading system of the Graduate School of Theology), and be compatible in content to the GU degree or certificate program chosen by the student.

Transferred credit may not be substituted for Graduate Research and WritingResearch Methodology, or the Graduate Thesis without prior approval of the Dean.

No credit will be given for life experience in lieu of taking courses for graduate credit.

The time to complete a graduate degree or certificate will vary, depending on how much time a student devotes to studies. A full-time student can complete a master of divinity degree in three to four years, a master of arts degree in two to three years, or a graduate certificate in one year. The time required to complete a doctor of ministry degree will vary depending on previous credits earned by the student.

The maximum enrollment time for each individual course is six months, but a student who is serious about a degree will seldom take the full time allowed for a course. Students may also enroll in multiple courses simultaneously. The maximum time allowed to complete all course work and other requirements is ten years for a master of divinity degree, seven years for a master of arts degree, ten years for a doctor of ministry degree, and two years for a graduate studies certificate. Time is counted from the date of admission to the respective program.

Requests to withdraw from a Program or course should be submitted online or directed to Customer Service:
E-mail: customerservice@globaluniversity.edu
Please see page 17 of the Graduate Catalog for Cancellation and refund policy.

As of January 1, 2019, tuition is $276 per credit ($828 for a 3-credit course). Total tuition at this rate is:

$17,388 for a 63-credit doctor of ministry,

$21,528 for a 78-credit master of divinity degree,

$12,420 for a 45-credit master of arts degree, and

$4,968 for an 18-credit graduate studies certificate.

The cost of tuition for a doctor of ministry degree or a master of divinity degree will vary depending on previous graduate degree(s) and credits earned.

This tuition is for students enrolled through the International Office in Springfield, Missouri, USA. Graduate students studying through authorized graduate studies offices outside the USA should check with the respective office for cost of tuition, fees, and course materials. All prices are subject to change without notice.

The average list price for materials for a graduate course was about $145 in January 2019.

Yes, there are other fees in addition to tuition and course materials. See the list of fees .

Payment in full is required for tuition, materials, fees, and all services offered by Global University at the time of order. Payment must be in USA dollars and may be made by check, international money order, or by VISA, MasterCard, or Discover.

Global University has been approved for benefits, whereby a qualified veteran may be reimbursed by the Veterans Administration for tuition and fees.

Other financial assistance options can be viewed here.

For Master of Arts:

  • The ability to study and communicate in standard English at a graduate level of studies
  • Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution
  • GPA of 3.0 or its equivalent for the institution where the last degree was earned

For Master of Divinity:

  • The ability to study and communicate in standard English at a graduate level of studies
  • Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution
  • GPA of 3.0 or its equivalent for the institution where the last degree was earned

For Doctor of Ministry:

  • The ability to study and communicate in standard English at a graduate level of studies
  • An earned master’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.00 (no exceptions)
  • Verifiable ministerial credentials or evidence of active, consistent, effective ministry
  • A minimum of 3 years of active ministry experience
  • Commitment to remain active in ministry during studies for the doctor of ministry degree

Complete and submit a Graduate School of Theology Application Packet with all required components and the application fee to the Graduate School of Theology.

A student may enroll under special student status by completing and submitting the components of the Application Packet that are required for special student admission. In order for a student to be admitted to a degree or certificate program, application requirements must be met, the additional application fee paid, and approval granted for admission to the Graduate School of Theology as a program student.

A student who has been granted admission to the Graduate School of Theology may enroll in individual courses by one of the following methods:

  1. Order through the student portal.
  2. Order by phone by calling 1-800-443-1083 option 4 to speak with a U.S. Student Services Representative.
  3. Order by e-mail by completing the course order form and e-mailing it to gradenroll@globaluniversity.edu with payment information (or you may call with payment info).
  4. Order by fax by completing the course order form and faxing it to 417-862-0863.
  5. Order by mail by completing the course order form and mailing it to Global University with payment.

Students who enroll through any other authorized graduate studies office should follow submission instructions for the specific enrollment office.

Students who reside outside the USA should contact the authorized Global University Graduate Studies Office (GSO) in their country or neighboring country. If an authorized GSO is not available or accessible, the student may enroll through Global University’s International Graduate Studies Office in Springfield, Missouri, at $100 per credit tuition rates, plus other applicable fees at USA rates.

Students may enroll at any time for independent study. A mentor will be assigned for each course enrollment, and the student will be allowed a maximum of six months from the course enrollment date to complete the course and submit all required assignments.

Students who enroll for online study will adhere to the course schedule for the specific course and will normally be expected to complete at least one lesson per week, for a maximum of 15 lessons. Written unit assignments will be due within one week from the completion date of the last lesson of a unit. The final written assignment normally will be due within one month from the date of the last lesson.

The International Graduate Studies Office is located at Global University’s International Office in Springfield, Missouri, USA. Global University graduate students reside in more than 40 countries.

A student may complete requirements for all graduate degree and certificate programs by independent study or online without relocating.

Global University graduate courses are based on a research and writing model that requires a student to process information through critical analysis, cognitive ordering, and application in an integrated, effective, and confluent fashion through written unit and final assignments. Most courses have four or five unit assignments of six to eight pages per assignment, with a final assignment of twenty to twenty-five pages.

Requirements for some graduate biblical language courses include supervised unit and final examinations with objective and subjective components and a sight translation. Most other graduate courses do not require a supervised examination.

Unit and final assignments are submitted directly to the mentor who is assigned for a specific course. Although it is preferred that assignments be submitted electronically as e-mail attachments, assignments submitted by postal delivery or fax are acceptable if electronic submission is not feasible.

A student may request a Global University student picture identification card that can be used to gain access to many libraries worldwide.

Students enrolled in Global University have unrestricted access to many learning resources through Global University’s online library. The Services Support Fee that is paid with each undergraduate and graduate course enrollment gives password-restricted access to many additional online subscription resources.