What exactly is distance education?
Distance education enables our students to pursue a Briercrest education without sitting in the traditional classroom. Our students typically use a variety of media (e.g., textbooks, video, audio, or internet), depending upon the course. Several instructors guide our CDE students through this learning process.
How is distance education different from on-campus studies?
In addition to the use of different learning tools, Briercrest's distance education enables a flexible class schedule. As a result, our students have the opportunity to perform their studies at their own pace, and to pursue a college or seminary education without needing to leave their home.
When is the distance education office open?
The distance education staff is available by phone, at 1-800-645-2275, Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST). Outside of these hours, please don't hesitate to leave a message by voice mail or email distance.education@briercrest.ca.
Are your courses accredited?
All of our courses are fully accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education, which was formerly the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges, at the college level and the Association of Theological Schools at the graduate level. Accreditation provides our students with assurance of the quality of our education and broad opportunities for transfer credit.
Are your courses transferable to other colleges and universities?
We have excellent transfer arrangements with other institutions! Our courses transfer to all ABHE accredited colleges and ATS accredited seminaries. We also have agreements with the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina, and SIAST. Our Credit Transfer Page offers more detailed information.
Getting started
How do I pick a course? Will someone help me?
Please feel free to call us at 1.800.667.5199 if you need assistance in the process of course selection, and we'd be more than happy to help you choose a course that fits your personal and professional goals.
How do I register for a course?
Register online. You will then be contacted by the Distance Education Office.
When can I register?
Any time. CDE registration is ongoing.
Do I need to fill out the program application form if I want to take only a couple of courses?
No. The program application form is only for students who want to enroll in a complete program of study.
Do I need to register for a program right away?
No. You are free to take courses on a course by course basis. However, we do encourage students who have taken more than two courses to consider a program of study.
How do I contact my instructor?
Our instructors are here to help with your coursework. You can connect with them through Canvas.
How long do I have to complete a course?
You currently have six months to complete a regular course. Your first assignment will be due within six weeks of registering for your class. Our semester-based online courses must be completed within the college semester.
Note: The due dates for assignments will differ with each course.
What about textbooks?
Most courses do require textbooks. You can to purchase your textbooks on Amazone via our Bookstore.
Do I have access to the library?
All of our students have access to our library both by phone and online.
Completing your Course
How do I submit course assignments?
All assignments are uploaded to Canvas. The exceptions would be a creative project that cannot be uploaded and would therefore need to be mailed.
Our educators firmly maintain that feedback is vital to any meaningful learning process. We encourage you to take advantage of direct discussion about your assignments and the course materials by contacting your instructor.
How do I receive my exams and where do I write them?
To write your exams, you must complete and submit the Exam Request form to our academic services office.Your proctor must work in a vocation that functions according to a code of conduct (i.e. a pastor, a teacher, a librarian, an accountant, etc.), and he/she cannot be a relative. We will send the exam to your qualified proctor, who will in turn send the exam back to Briercrest. Please give us two weeks notice before you wish to write your exam. Students who are on campus will write exams in our library.
Where can I find more resources for my course?
Our library has special procedures and policies designed to make doing research as easy as possible for our off-campus students. Access our catalogue. If you find something you would like, our library staff would be glad to send it out to you.
When is my course work due?
Typically your first assignment(s) is due six weeks after your course registration date. The rest of the course work must be completed within the given time frame (currently six months for a regular course and semester-based online courses must be completed within the given semester).
Finances
How much does a class cost?
Visit our Finances page for details.
Is there a payment plan?
Yes. Students can pay for courses over a four-month period. Visit our Finances page for further details.
Is there a grievance policy in place?
Briercrest College and Seminary has a grievance policy in place to allow students to process complaints (including sexual harassment) against the institution, its policies and procedures, or its associates. If the student has followed the due process laid out policy, and he/she feels that the final decision is unsatisfactory, he/she may appeal this decision to the Association for Biblical Higher Education by:
Mail:
Option A)
Association for Biblical Higher Education, at P.O. Box 780339, Orlando, FL, USA 32878-0339.
Option B)
The Association of Theological Schools, at 10 Summit Park Dr. Pittsburgh, PA, USA 15275-1103.
Or by Phone: (407) 207-0808.