In recent years, distance learning has grown in popularity.  What was once considered to be a very small area of post secondary education is now considered, by many, the only way they can reach their educational goals and hold down a full time job at the same time.  Today everyone from recent high school graduates, mothers to be, and grandparents have the opportunity to work from home on their own schedule.  It is an advancement that caused the number of college graduates rise in recent years.  Christian distance learning is one of the newest forms of distance learning. 

What Is Christian Distance Learning

Christian distance learning in its simplest form is taking educational courses online via your computer with a university or college with a religious or Christian affiliation.  Many schools, these days, offer some long distance learning classes but these offer a program that is centered on Christian values and morals.  Christian distance learning providers often offer the same degree programs as other distance learning providers

When most people hear the term Christian distance learning they picture tight laced schools where the main course of study revolved around God or Christian theology.  There are certainly programs that focus on theology and Christianity, but they are not the only types of courses offered by the school.  As a basis of learning, students who take Christian distance learning classes must also complete the fundamental courses that are required at all post secondary institutions. 

Degree Programs Offered

Christian distance learning programs differ greatly depending on the individual institution providing the education.  Many offer programs such as education and business, as well as history, English, math, economics, and science.  Degree programs are designed for students wishing to obtain Associates, Bachelors, or Masters Degree in their preferred fields.  Some choose to complete courses at a local university before moving to a Christian long distance learning program, but that is not always the case; in fact, many of today’s online learners have never set foot inside a traditional classroom.

Other distance learning degree programs are designed for counselors and offer certifications rather than full degrees.  These certification programs can be completed in a fraction of the time it takes to complete a bachelors or masters degree program.  Students taking part in certification programs are able to skip many of the elective and prerequisite courses.  Those taking advantage of the Christian distance learning program for certification in counseling or conflict resolution will also have a much lower cost of attendance than their classmates who are enrolled for a full degree program. 

Accreditation

Before settling on a Christian distance learning program, it is important to check out the schools accreditation.  Accreditation is based on what outside sources in the educational community believe constitutes a school that provides sound education, excellent teaching, and potential for students to succeed in the workplace.  Most colleges and Christian distance learning providers are accredited, though not all have the same accreditations.  Universities offering long distance Christian degree programs are most often accredited by The Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS), Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) or the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). 

Though accreditation with these agencies is not mandatory for Christian distance learning programs it is highly recommended.  In addition to the accreditation boards for Christian distance learning providers there are six major regional accreditation boards.  These include Middle States Commission on the Higher Education, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. 

Cost of Attendance

As with traditional post secondary educational programs, the cost of attending a Christian long distance learning program will vary depending on many factors.  From one school to the next prices may be anywhere from a few hundreds of dollars to several thousand dollars different.  In most cases those taking associates programs will pay less than students working towards bachelors or masters degrees, but that is not always the case.  Price may also vary depending on the number of courses being taken at any time as well as the length of the course.  When contacting a Christian distance learning school inquire about cost as wells as any financial aid that you may qualify for. 

Reason’s for Choosing Christian Distance Learning

There are several reasons a person might choose to attend Christian distance learning program over a traditional brick and mortar university.  For many a distance learning program provides freedom they cannot find in the traditional classroom.  Distance learning allows students to attend class anytime of the day or night from the comfort of home.  They do not have to worry about arranging a babysitter or planning their work schedule around a college course. 

Another reason many people choose distance learning is the smaller class size.  In the distance learning classroom the ratio of students to teacher is often smaller than 20:1, whereas in a lecture class at many schools, there are more than 100 students.  In a smaller classroom setting it is easier to be heard by the teacher and the teacher is more likely to know you by name. 

Of course, the final reason many people choose a Christian distance learning program is cost.  Attending a four year institution can be costly even with financial aid and while distance learning can be just as expensive upon first glance it is actually cheaper in most cases.  When attending a distance learning program students do not have to worry about room and board costs, meal plans, or fuel to travel back and forth from home to school.  When it comes to textbooks distance learning programs are often cheaper.  Most schools that offer distance learning have online versions of their textbooks which are provided at a much lower cost than traditional textbooks.  

No matter what reason you have for taking classes via a distance learning program the degree you receive will be just as useful as a degree earned at a traditional university. 

For information about accredited schools offering Christian Distance learning opportunities visit Baker’s Guide at: http://www.bakersguide.com/.