Frequently Asked Questions

1. What degree may I earn?  
  The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Ministry is a 63-credit-hour degree that may be earned completely online (see the listing of courses on the curriculum page).
2. Are the online courses accredited?
  All FWBBC coursework is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097: Telephone number 404-679-4501) and the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education.
3. May I transfer previously earned college credit to count toward the A.S. in Ministry at FWBBC?
Yes. College credit that applies to this program and earned at other accredited institutions may be transferred in accordance with FWBBC transfer of credit policies
4. How difficult is the program?
The online program has been set up with academic rigor equivalent to that of the traditional classroom. The A.S. in ministry is a full-fledged college degree, equivalent to FWBBC's on-campus degrees.
5. How much time will I spend on a class?  
  A student can expect to engage in coursework approximately 15-20 hours per week. This includes online and offline activities related to successful completion of a course.
6. How is this different from correspondence courses?  
  The correspondence format leaves a student to work with little faculty interaction and no peer interaction. The online program features student to faculty and student to student interaction throughout the entire course. A significant factor of evaluation is the student's response to the instructor's questions and his responses to analysis posted by others about the same question. Each week is set up with a structured format for submission of assignments.
7. Does a student have access to on-campus student services?  
  Yes. Online students are provided access to the same student services that an on-campus student would be provided, including library services, student advisement, etc.
8. Is financial aid available for the online program?  
  Yes. Qualifying students in the online program are eligible to receive financial aid. To receive financial aid, students must complete and submit a FAFSA form.
9. What type of computer do I need to take online classes?  
  The suggested technology requirements are: Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft Vista, Pintium 766 MHz processor, 256 MB RAM, 16 Bid wound-card, Broadband (DSL or Cable Modem) Super VGA (800x600) or higher resolution, Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0, Outlook Express 6.0, Windows Media Player 7.0, Microsoft Office Professional, Acrobat Reader 7.0 - (If you have an Apple computer, it is possible to engage using this platform.)
10. How long do the courses last?  
  New courses are set up to begin every 7 weeks. A 3-hour course will last for 6 weeks, a 2-hour course will last for 4 weeks, and a 1-hour course will last for 2 weeks.
11. What is the delivery format?  
  Content material for the course will be delivered through audio lectures by FWBBC professors, as well as textbook and supplemental reading. Students will interact with the concepts and skills through online discussions as well as formal and informal assessments including, but not limited to tests, quizzes, and papers.
12. How much does a course cost?  
  Tuition for courses is the same as on-campus courses. However, online students are eligible for several adult learner scholarships that reduce tuition costs significantly.
13. Are books included?  
  No. Books are not included in the cost of tuition. Students are responsible to acquire their own textbooks. Textbooks for courses will be listed on the website, and students may contact Randall House to purchase their books.
14. When can I sign up for a class?  
  You may sign up for a class at any time. All you need to do is complete an application for admission found on the front page of this website. Once you have been accepted as a student, an online advisor will contact you to set up your course schedule.
15. What are the pre-requisites?  
  Since the courses for the A.S. degree are typically Freshman and Sophomore level courses, there are no specific pre-requisites for the courses in the curriculum. The Online Orientation courses is a pre-requisite to taking any courses in the online program. It is offered every 6 weeks, and is designed to be taken prior to the start of a 6 week course session. The cost for the Online Orientation is $100 ($75 Audit fee and $25 Technology fee.)
16. Can I enroll in another class at the same time as in the introductory course?  
  No. The introductory orientation course is designed to help the student get his/her computer set up to efficiently operate in the online environment. Additionally, this course will provide valuable exercises to help get acquainted with the online format. It has been proven that this course helps reduce the anxiety of taking an online course because the student is not trying to acquire course content material and familiarize herself with the software and formats required of the online environment simultaneously.
17. Are all classes taught each semester?  
  At this time, not all classes are taught each semester. As the program continues to grow, and the demand increases, we anticipate increasing the frequency of course offerings. However, we will make courses available so that a student can complete the degree requirements in a timely fashion.