True Hope Bible Institute

NOTICE: A minimum passing grade of 70% must be attained on each course test. Grades are NOT averaged, so to fail one test will require the re-taking of that test in order to earn your degree.

DEFINITIONS OF DEGREES
All of these degrees are religious in nature and not only overlap, but are sometimes thought of interchangeable. Therefore, the following is not an exhaustive list but the foundation or basic representation of degree titles that are offered.

BIBLICAL SUBJECTS -- the study of major Scriptural themes and the main topics of the Sacred Scriptures. Courses dealing with various doctrines of the Word of God; that which is devoted to the fundamental beliefs of the Holy Bible.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION -- general instructions in Christianity and the study of the doctrines of Christ. Training in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the development of Christian Character.
DIVINITY-- the study of the one and only Deity. Having to do with the supreme, infinite and eternal qualities of the Almighty; pertaining to the Divine Godhead or Holy Trinity. That which is inspired by God.
MINISTRY-- pertaining to the work of the Lord and service for God. This is training in the performance of office of clergy; rendering help to people and caring for the saints. Degrees may be titled “Christian Ministry”; “Pastoral Ministry”; etc.
THEOLOGY-- the study of God and the expounding of Christology; Courses dealing with the relationship between God and the universe and man; the cultivation of the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity.

In the secular field there is a lot of difference between a lawyer, a butcher, a banker, and a dentist.
But in the religious field what is the difference between Divinity, Theology, Ministry, Pastoral Counseling, etc.? Actually, they overlap, for the Bible is the main textbook for them all.

We offer 25 different certificates, which is comparable to many schools much larger than us. We continually work on developing more all the time. Presently we offer:

NOTE: Since our courses are "Bible specific", we will not offer degrees above the level of Associates in specialized fields of ministry such as Biblical Counseling. Counseling requires the advanced studies in technique and legal concerns which are subjects that T.H.B.I. does not teach. There are several good resources for Biblical Counseling Training available and if you are called into this field we will be glad to assist you in connecting with an excellent organization for Biblical Counseling training.

A degree is an academic title conferred by an institution of higher learning showing that a person has satisfactorily completed a particular field of study. The certificate is the actual document itself.

Degrees are progressive. One level is built on the preceding one, each level representing a higher work effort, and the equivalent of another year of study.

It is also important to understand that in order to qualify for advanced degrees, the student MUST have earned a Bachelors Degree in a Biblical discipline! If you wish to enroll in one of our Masters Degrees but you have a secular Bachelors Degree (such as engineering, mathmatics, science, etc.) - - you will not be qualified for study in our Masters Degree program. Why? Because a secular field of study simply does not prepare you for the advanced Biblical or Ministry studies. Just as having a Bachelors Degree in Theology would not properly prepare a student for a secular Masters Degree in Mathematics!

The True Hope Bible Institute offers all five levels: Diploma, Associate, Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral as set forth below:

It is important remember that the degrees offered by True Hope Bible Institute are not the same as those you would earn at a secular, academic or liberal arts school.

True Hope Bible Institute courses are strictly Christian and Bible specific studies that do not include “academic” curriculum such as “English”, “Science”, “Mathematics” etc.

It is because of this that our students are able to earn our degrees in a shorter time frame than a typical secular college.

Therefore, although our degrees may be recognized by Christian Churches they may not necessarily be recognized or accepted in secular professional settings.