What Should I Look for in an Online Christian Degree?

You want more than just an education. You want a degree from an institution that reflects your beliefs, passion, and vision for the future. But unlike some of your peers, that vision isn’t just about self. You want to build a career and a life that has a positive impact within your family, in your community, and out to the broader world. That’s why before you enroll in an online Christian university, you should ask yourself some questions about the institution:

Does the University Have Rich Christian Roots?

There are more than 150 Christian colleges throughout the U.S. Some have been around for a few decades. Others are well over a century old, founded on strong Christian principles. Those survivors have stood the test of time because they have been able to hold onto their principles while adapting to the needs of the modern Christian student.

Is the Institution Accredited?

Accreditation is a must for any online degree program you choose. But did you know that regional accreditation is often regarded more highly than national accreditation? That’s because the standards for nationally accredited schools are not considered as rigorous as those at regionally accredited institutions. Credits from nationally accredited colleges may not transfer to other schools.

Does the University Have the Programs You Need?

Even an accredited Christian university with a long history can’t meet your needs if it doesn’t offer the major you hope to pursue. If the school does have the right discipline, make sure the specific program covers what you’ll need to learn. Whether you want a business marketing degree or one in social services, compare the curriculum against other universities. Also compare the school’s online programs to its on-campus programs. Are they of equal caliber?

Will the University Fulfill Your Spiritual Growth?

It has the accredited online degree programs that you seek, but will the university also help you reach your full academic, personal, and spiritual potential? You’ve chosen to pursue a degree to advance your professional life, but you want more than a job or even a career. You want to stay true to your guiding principles and make a difference in the lives of others.

Who Are the Professors at the Online School?

There’s no guarantee that you’ll love every teacher you have. However, you’ll want to determine whether online programs are taught by the same people who teach on campus. Do they have the same knowledge and qualifications? Are they as committed to the subject matter they teach? Some institutions rely heavily on adjunct professors. While there isn’t anything inherently wrong with adjuncts, when a school chooses to hire temporary help instead of full-time staff, you may want to look more closely at an individual’s credentials.

What Is the University’s Online Experience?

Just about every college in the country went online when the pandemic hit in the spring of 2020. But not all of them did it well. In fact, many didn’t have the experience, knowledge, or technology to offer students the kind of quality education they had signed up for. Look for schools that have been doing online—and doing it well—for a long time. If they’re new to the format, consider an alternative

Will You Receive Academic Support?

Especially in an online program, it’s important that you have easy access to your professors. When you have questions, you want answers in a timely manner, during and after class. Find out if there is opportunity to get on-campus support for your online classes. And see if the school has a student success department to provide academic support and tutoring. Wherever you choose to attend online college, you should feel that you and your success in and out of the virtual classroom is the university’s top priority.

At Limestone University, we offer online programs that provide you with the same quality education that you’d receive on campus. And we’ve been doing it for 25 years. Founded in 1845, Limestone has a rich Christian history and we are welcoming to all. We’re proud of the diversity of our student body and the success of our alumni. Consider Limestone for your online Christian degree. Give us a call today at 864.489.7151.