Enrollment Period
The CBUS distance learning program is a traditional semester based enrollment, with most programs opening in either Fall or Winter/Spring. The Summer semester is available depending on faculty and student body needs. Each semester is four months long.
CBUS also requires that students be continuously enrolled if pursuing a degree. Re-admission and possibly new degree requirements are required for those students not continuously enrolled.
Students may enroll in individual courses (following course sequence) and are exempt from continuous enrollment if not in a degree program.
Degree Time Limits
The time limit for degree completion for the four-year bachelor's degree is eight years; the two-year associate's degree limit is four years; the one-year certificate limit is three years; and the two-year master's degree limit is six years. There are no time limits for those not enrolled in a degree program.
A student would need to complete an average of three classes (9 hours) every semester to complete the bachelor's degree in 7+ years, thus meeting the 8-year degree time limits. CBUS is looking to admit students who can devote at least half time to their academic pursuits. Refer to the Financial Information section for financial incentives to full-time (12 hour) completion of degree programs.
Transfer credit will accelerate the completion and/or reduce the average hours needed each semester.
Extraordinary circumstances that prevent this time limit occurrence would be considered on an individual basis.
Academic Load
A full-time load of approximately 32 semester hours per year (16 semester hours per module) is needed to complete the Bachelor’s degree in four years. This full-time load includes the transferable general education courses. If the general education is completed and transferred, the full-time load would be approximately 12 hours per semester module for 4 years. The maximum load is 20 semester hours. A student should reserve on average 9 hours per week for the completion of each 3 semester hour class.
Christian Service
Participation in Christian service is required of all students while enrolled at CBUS. CBUS has at its core the purpose of developing the students’ heart, mind, and soul in glorifying God. There is tremendous flexibility in what defines an approved Christian service and a minimal time commitment of two hours weekly. For each semester of enrollment, a verification letter of participation will be provided with student enrollment.
Modules, Sequence, and Course Numbering
The courses are labeled with a department lettering system and a numbering system reflecting the academic level of the course. For example, BI 101 stands for a Bible course for the introductory, lower division. TH 302 is an upper division theology course. PH 504 is a philosophy course for the master’s program.
CBUS offers a modular approach to biblical studies where courses are clustered by topic for maximum integration and learning. Each module contains a combination of year level courses; for example, in module 5, year 3, the course MIN 101 will be less academically demanding than TH 401 even though they are clustered together.
Each course within the module is designed to be taken sequentially or together so students build upon prior learning.
Dropping a Course
Refer to the Financial Information section for the refund policy related to dropping a course. Academically, there are different stages to dropping a course. If a student withdraws before one month expires, no withdrawal entry will appear on the official transcript. Withdrawal after one month requires a “W” for withdrawal on the official transcript. If the student doesn’t complete the course and doesn’t withdraw, a “UF” for an unofficial failure will be posted on the transcript. A “UF” is academically equivalent to an “F.”
Adding a Course
Courses must be determined before the start of each semester (Fall/Winter/Summer), and some can be added within the first four weeks of the open semester at the professor's discretion. Course sequence must be followed.
Academic Advising
Academic advising is available by contacting CBUS. Upon admission and transcript evaluation, the student will be provided with specific degree requirements. The degree requirements are detailed in the catalog and would only change based on individual transfer credit. Nevertheless, the catalog is not a legal document. To minimize surprises, the CBUS staff provides internal monitoring of students’ progress with each semester cycle of completion.
Computer Required
All CBUS courses will be downloadable in MP3/WMA format from the CBUS secure online campus website. CDs are available upon request at the student's expense. However, we strongly recommend all students to invest in a computer that meets the following minimum requirements.
The cost of duplicating and shipping CDs for one to two modules is equivalent to the cost of a new computer.
Minimum Computer Requirements
The minimum computer requirements listed below will provide minimum access to all of CBUS procedures. For the best performance, students should consider meeting the computer recommendations of the University and Seminary.
PC
· Intel Pentium or equivalent
· Windows 2000 or XP
· 256 MB RAM
· 10 GB hard drive space
· 800 x 600 256-color display
· Sound capability
-56K modem (students are responsible for their own internet access)
-Internet access
-JavaScript and cookies must be enabled for all browsers.
-Internet Explorer: 5.5 or later
All other browser versions are not supported at this time, though it is possible that some features may work. However, due to constant browser changes, and the overwhelming majority support for Internet Explorer, it is the decision of this school to make preference toward Internet Explorer
Course Work Procedures
CBUS courses are packaged with the information on all requirements for successful completion of that course. The information includes the course syllabus and class notes which detail assignments, textbooks, research and written reports, examinations, and any other requirements.
California Biblical University and Seminary makes every effort to utilize the best available textbooks for each course offered; however, this does not mean that CBUS endorses the entire content of each given text.
Completed work is to be forwarded to your instructor for evaluation and critique. The evaluation of coursework is usually completed within ten working days. A maximum of fifteen working days is normal for evaluation and return of your completed assignment or examination.
Library and Research Methods
CBUS coursework is packaged with audio and/or video lectures, reading and reporting requirements. However, to be successful in distance learning, students need to have access to library facilities for academic research and writing. We encourage all students to contact and follow the policies of use with their local academic library.
Additionally, CBUS highly recommends that each student subscribe to the Questia electronic library. In so doing, students will receive a CBUS discount and gain access to over 50,000 books and 400,000 journal, magazine, and newspaper articles.
Users can access Questia 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from any computer with an internet connection and web browser; no special software is needed and no Questia title is ever unavailable. Users can highlight, bookmark, make notes in the publications, and save their markups in their personal workspace. Questia is a tremendous time saver.
On-Campus Courses
At this time, California Biblical University and Seminary offers only a limited schedule of on-campus classes for those who are in Southern California. Our on-campus program features an evening class during the week, as well as special intensive weekend seminars. As the university grows, more on-campus classes may be added. At this time, CBUS does not offer on-campus housing, and students wishing to attend on-campus classes must provide their own lodgings.
Ministry Internship
The purpose of a ministry internship is to provide real-life experiences that integrate with classroom studies to better equip the student for future ministry. The emphasis of internship is structured, supervised learning experiences. In this learning experience, the student may function as an intern, professional, or volunteer in a church, mission, social agency, business or other appropriate environment.
Ministry internship should not be confused with Christian service. Internship must be both quantitative and qualitative, monitored and verifiable. All internships must be pre-approved by the faculty advisor.
