Is MCU accredited?

Miami Christian University, operated by the Christ Life Center (Miami, FL), is authorized to operate and grant degrees by the Florida Department of Education's Commission for Independent Education, (850) 245-3200, under Florida Statute 1005.06(1)(f). Its purpose is to prepare students for religious vocations as ministers, professionals, or laypersons in the category of theology. MCU is exempt from licensure and the jurisdiction or purview of the commission pursuant to F.S. 1005.06(1)(f); as a state-authorized (rather than regionally-accredited) theological institution, MCU accepts no governmental grants or financial aid.

The studies offered by Miami Christian University are not in competition with the secular field of training or employment. MCU was established to train men and women of God and equip them with the tools necessary to be mature, productive, and functioning parts of the local Body of Christ.

Students who wish to take liberal arts courses in order to transfer course credits to accredited institutions may enroll in the "CLEP" courses offered by our affiliated institution, InstantCert Academy. To enroll in these accredited liberal arts courses, click here.

How much will it cost me to get my degree at MCU?

Tuition is $90 per credit hour for both undergraduate and graduate courses. Most courses are 3 credit hour courses. To determine the full cost of your program, multiply the number of credits needed to complete your degree by $90. A minimum of 1/3 of coursework credits for any degree or certificate from Miami Christian University must be earned from MCU in order to receive that degree or certificate from the University.

* Certificate of Old Testament Studies (30 credits) = $2,700
* Certificate of New Testament Studies (30 credits) = $2,700
* Certificate in Pastoral Ministry (33 credits) = $2,970
* Associate of Arts in Theology - AA degree (60 credits) = $5,400
* Bachelor of Arts in Theology - BA degree (120 credits) = $10,800
* Master of Arts in Theology - MA degree (100-page Thesis - 24 credits) = $2,160
* Doctor of Philosophy in Theology - Ph.D. degree (250-page Dissertation - 36 credits) = $3,240

How do the courses work? How are exams taken?

MCU Internet courses consist mostly of directed independent study, where the student simply takes courses without traveling to a physical classroom. Most of our courses involve you, the provided study guide, and a Bible with some other basic resources -- such as a Bible Dictionary and Bible Handbook. We include the Theophilus Bible software program with each theology course that will give you much of what you need, although we also recommend several Bible software programs and theological library CD-ROMs that can be purchased in our online store. Completed assignments and tests are emailed in and graded by an MCU instructor.

Our graduate programs are modeled after the European university model of "research degrees" which are entirely research-based, rather than course-based. The MA and the Ph.D. degrees are awarded on the basis of substantial original research: the MA has a prerequisite of a BA degree, and requires the student to write a 100-page thesis (24 credits) on a topic in theology agreed to by the student's Thesis Chair; and the Ph.D. has a prerequisite of an MA degree, and requires the student to write a 250-page dissertation (36 credits) on a topic in theology agreed to by the student's Dissertation Chair.

How long should I expect it to take me to complete each course?

Students are encouraged to complete each course within 3-5 weeks. The Bible is our textbook. The studies are time-intensive and cannot be completed quickly. The idea is not to just "get it over with" but to allow the text to speak to you and equip you for ministry.

Do I ever have to visit a physical campus?

No, you will never have to travel to a physical campus. All coursework and administrative tasks can be completed online.

How long will it take me to earn my degree?

The answer to this question varies from student to student. It depends on factors such as how many credits you transfer into your degree program and the pace of study you choose. Our courses are offered on an "open-ended" basis, so you can choose the pace that best meets your needs. For example, a student who successfully completes 2 courses every 8 weeks for a year can earn 36 credit hours in a year, but a student who takes the same courses over 16 weeks will earn 18 credit hours.

The Certificate of Old Testament Studies usually takes students approximately 6 months to 1 year to complete; the Certificate of New Testament Studies usually takes students approximately 6 months to 1 year to complete; and the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry usually takes students approximately 9 months to 1 year to complete.

The AA in Theology usually takes students approximately 1-3 years to complete; the BA in Theology usually takes students approximately 3-5 years to complete; the MA in Theology usually takes students approximately 2-4 years to complete; and the Ph.D. in Theology usually takes students approximately 3-6 years to complete.

What if something happens and I cannot finish my courses within the recommended time frame?

We understand that many students will have professional and personal obligations that impact their ability to complete courses. With MCU's "rolling registration" process, the Internet student may begin a course at any time throughout the year. There is no "minimum classroom experience" requirement for the Internet program, and a student can take as long as he or she desires to complete each course registered for.

How do I get my books and other course materials?

Most of our courses involve you, the provided study guide, and a Bible with some other basic resources -- such as a Bible Dictionary and Bible Handbook. We include the Theophilus Bible software program with each theology course that will give you much of what you need, although we also recommend several Bible software programs and theological library CD-ROMs that can be purchased in our online store.

I'd like to know how many of my previously earned credits will transfer into my program at MCU. Is this possible?

Yes, it is! A minimum of 1/3 of coursework credits for any degree or certificate from Miami Christian University must be earned from MCU in order to receive that degree or certificate from the University. We will accept up to 20 credits towards any certificate program, up to 40 credits towards an associate degree, up to 80 credits towards a bachelor's degree, up to 16 credits towards a master's degree and up to 24 credits towards a doctoral degree.

How do I get my previous education and training evaluated for credit?

Our Registrar's Office can provide a Preliminary Transfer Credit Review (PTCR) for prospective students and applicants. The Office can review:

* Academic Transcripts
* Military Transcripts
* Credit by Exam Score Reports
* Portfolio Assessment

Just let the Registrar's Office know that you'd like to request a PTCR. You'll then email in scanned copies of your academic transcripts, military transcripts, credit by exam score results, and portfolio assessments.

Once we receive all your documents, you should get the results of your PTCR in 3-5 business days. Feel free to contact the Registrar's Office if you have questions.

Will credits earned at MCU transfer to other schools?

Students desiring to transfer MCU credits to other colleges may contact that college to determine if that particular college will receive MCU credits. Our school is willing to make contact with the Dean's Office of any college to which one of our students is transferring in order to help facilitate that transfer. As Florida statutes note, transfer of credits from this institution to other institutions is at the discretion of the receiving institution.

Students who wish to take liberal arts courses in order to transfer course credits to accredited institutions may enroll in the "CLEP" courses offered by our affiliated institution, InstantCert Academy. To enroll in these accredited liberal arts courses, click here.

Can I take just a course or two at MCU, or do I have to be seeking a degree?

You do not have to be seeking a degree to take courses at Miami Christian University. We have many students who take just a course or two. Some enroll in courses for personal interest, and some for transfer into a degree program at another school. If you are planning to transfer credits earned at MCU into a degree program elsewhere, we recommend that you contact the Registrar's Office at that school prior to registration to make sure the MCU classes you choose will fit into your degree plan.

If you are taking courses for credit, you will need to officially apply for enrollment in the university. If you are taking courses merely for personal enrichment (auditing), you may simply submit the application fee, then register for the courses you wish to take.

How can I become a military chaplain?

The requirements listed here include the following, which are consistent across all U.S. military branches:

1) You must possess a baccalaureate degree of not less than 120 semester hours, which you may earn from MCU here if you do not already possess one.
2) You must possess a graduate degree in theological or religious studies, which you may earn from MCU here if you do not already possess one.
3) You must earn at least a total of 72 semester hours in graduate work in theological or religious studies. This would require you to also complete the 33-credit "Pastoral Ministry" certificate program plus the 3-credit "NT121: Ethics/Issues" course, in addition to completion of your 36-credit Ph.D. degree.
4) You must be a clergy person in your denomination or faith group, who must also provide you with an ecclesiastical endorsement. If you are not already an ordained clergy member in a faith group, you would have the opportunity to request ordination from the Christ Life Center, MCU's parent body, upon completion of the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry portion of your program and passage of the CLC Ordination Exam; click here for more information.

Click here for more information on the Army's chaplain's program. Click here for more information on the Navy's chaplaincy program. Click here for more information on the Air Force's chaplaincy program.

Do you offer scholarships? Do you accept Pell Grants and other federal student aid?

As a state-authorized (rather than regionally-accredited) theological institution, MCU accepts no governmental grants or financial aid. As is customary at theological institutions, MCU does not currently provide any scholarships. Instead, students partner with their local church to finance their studies. Most congregations are very willing, if they are able, to help pastors with their education, in that their studies benefit both the pastor and the congregation. As non-traditional students, MCU students are often ineligible for many traditional scholarships, such as those listed on websites dedicated to helping students find aid; however, seeking scholarships and aid through private businesses and organizations is a good alternative. In addition, we recommend that you visit Scholarship Experts today to start your scholarship search.

How do I get started?

Becoming a student at Miami Christian University involves these simple steps:

* Download and submit via email an Application for Admission to MCU. (Skip this step if you are simply auditing courses for personal enrichment.)
* Submit your Application Fee online.
* Register for your first courses in the degree or certificate program in which you are enrolling.

Follow this link for more details on the MCU admissions process.

Am I required to attend a Graduation Ceremony?

No. Students who do not wish to participate in a graduation ceremony may have their diploma and transcripts mailed to them. We usually conduct a graduation ceremony once a year, in May or June, in the Miami FL area. Students who graduate between June 30th of the previous year and March 31st of the current year would be able to attend the commencement ceremony along with family members.

Where is MCU located?

We are located everywhere there is internet access - your home, your office, the local coffee shop, libraries and even in remote military posts in Iraq.

Our professors work from around the world where many hold teaching positions at other universities, or are active professionals in ministry and the business world.

Have other questions? Contact us here.