T.H.B.I. DIPLOMA & DEGREE PROGRAMS

DEGREES OFFERED

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 a total of over 20 different certificates, which is comparable to many schools much larger than us. We continually work on developing more all the time. Presently we offer:

5 Diplomas
2 Associates
4 Bachelors
4 Masters
5 Earned Doctors Degrees
2 Honorary Dr. Degrees

When you take one of our study courses, you may choose an alternative degree name that may be appropriate for the level of recommended study for that course.

To see what specific degrees are offered at this time, please click here.

PROGRESSION OF DEGREES

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. The True Hope Bible Institute offers all five levels: Diploma, Associate, Bachelor, Master, and Doctor:

DIPLOMA -- (40 credits) this is the first level, similar to a Christian Worker’s Certificate. Some schools have just a “Certificate” where we have a Diploma.
ASSOCIATE -- (usually 60-64 credits, but we require 90) the Associate Degree of Christian Studies is the first level of “degree” a student may earn and truly represents only his/her beginning efforts.
BACHELOR -- (120-128 credits minimum) conferred for the equivalency of four years of full-time study in most secular schools.
MASTER -- (Bachelor Degree plus an additional 60 credits minimum) these represent the equivalent of one year of study beyond the Bachelor, but lower than the Doctorate, indicating that you have “mastered a subject.”
DOCTOR -- (Master’s degree plus an additional 60 credits minimum) this educational title is awarded for the completion of advanced study and is the highest degree there is. It is the ultimate in the educational world, and has been a title of respect for learned persons since Biblical times, Luke 6:46. It is traditionally held that it takes a doctor to confer a Doctor’s degree upon someone else.

It is important to note 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”, and “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.

PROGRESSIVE REQUIREMENTS OF HIGHER DEGREES:

In keeping with the THBI objective of accomplishing edification, that is, comprehending spiritual principles in such a way that he/she is able to correctly apply those principles in life AND to impart that understanding into others (teach); the higher the degree pursued, the greater the demand to show that understanding will be placed on that student.

V Remember: We are not merely trying to make it possible for you to “cram for the exam” but to gain understanding for living in fellowship with God (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) personally and exemplary.

THUS as the student progresses into their degree studies, especially progressing into graduate and doctoral degrees, the course work and exams will necessarily go beyond the simpler expectations of Bachelor or lower degrees.

Students for a Masters or Doctoral degree will be faced with test questions that require answers that illustrate their understanding, answers that are explanatory or essay in addition to the simple True/False or multiple-choice that you can find by reviewing study guides.

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.

BIBLICAL DEGREES

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

All True Hope Bible Institute degrees are religious in nature rather than secularly academic. Because these are Biblical fields of study overlap they are sometimes thought of inter-exchangeable. Therefore, the following is not an exhaustive list but the foundation or basic representation of degree titles that are offered.

AREAS OF STUDY

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.
Since our courses are rather general, we may accommodate our students by granting their preference to receive their diploma, associate, bachelor, masters, or doctor’s degree in Biblical subjects, Christian Education, Divinity, Ministry, or Theology, etc. because as stated above, these terms blend and overlapped in most creeds, books, and schools.

NOTE: Since our courses are "Bible specific", we do 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 considerations 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.

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.