Heritage Seminary offers a number of graduate distance learning courses produced by the Institute of Theological Studies (ITS) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Well-known evangelical teachers from around the world have developed these high-quality course packs.

The Courses

Each course pack contains a syllabus, several audio-cassette or DVD lectures, and a student study guide. Textbooks are not included in the course materials; however, many are available in the Heritage Library and extended loan periods are available upon request for distance learning students.

Students who register for an ITS distance learning course through Heritage are provided with the contact information for the professor who has agreed to oversee the student for the duration of the course. The professor is available to answer questions, mark assignments, and administer the exam(s) for the course.

Tuition

Payment in full is due at the time of registration. The tuition fee per credit hour for an ITS distance learning course is the same as the comprehensive fee per credit hour for onsite courses at Heritage Seminary. These amounts are published in the Heritage Seminary fee schedule every year.

Duration of Course

Courses will be offered at a single starting point in Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer semesters (usually, within two weeks of the semester’s start). Students must complete the course by the end of the semester in which they begin. In the event of a student graduating in the Winter semester, all requirements must be completed and submitted no later than two weeks before graduation.

In the event of extenuating circumstances, the students may have the course extended for one month by paying an additional fee. Failure to complete a course in the allotted time will result in a final grade of “F.”

Within the limitations stated above, the following courses in a student’s program may be completed through the corresponding ITS course(s):

Biblical Studies:

The Pentateuch
The Book of Psalms
The Book of Proverbs
The Post-Exilic Prophets
The Book of Isaiah
The Christian and Old Testament Theology
The Gospels/Life of Christ
The Gospel of Luke
The Acts of the Apostles
The Pastoral Epistles
The Book of Hebrews

Language Studies:

Basics of Biblical Greek (6 credit hrs)

Theological Studies:

Christian Ethics (Moral Theology)
Contemporary Theology I
Contemporary Theology II
Doctrines of Man and Sin
Doctrine of the Trinity
Exploring Approaches to Apologetics

Intercultural Studies:

Introduction to World Missions
The History of Missions
Urban Mission and Ministry
Missionary Encounter with World Religions
Theologies of Liberation
Introduction to Muslim Evangelism

Historical Studies:

Church History to the Reformation (Church History I)
Church History Since the Reformation (Church History II)
The Ancient Church
Reformation Church History
History of Christianity in America
The Radical Reformation
History of the Charismatic Movement

Church Ministry:

Church Leadership and Administration
Interpersonal Communication and Conflict
Management
Advanced Leadership and Administration
Adult Ministries in the Church
Effective Administrative Leadership
Evangelism in the Local Church
Role of Women in Ministry

Spiritual Formation:

Spiritual Formation
The Christian Life: An Evangelical Spiritual Theology

Correspondence Courses offered by Heritage Professors: 

Revelation - Dr. William Webb
Principles and Practice of Chaplaincy - Dr. Kelvin Mutter
(Chaplaincy students may take this instead of Pastoral Leadership Foundations)
Integration of Psychology and Theology - Dr. Kelvin Mutter

Other courses may be available upon request. For further information such as course descriptions, requirements, and registration, please contact the Distance Education department by mail, phone, or email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Limitations

The following distance learning course limitations are presently in effect for students attempting to complete a Certificate or a Masters degree at Heritage Seminary.
1. Certificate of Theological Studies students and Master of Theological Studies students may complete up to three courses by distance learning.
2. Master of Divinity students may complete up to five distance learning courses toward their degree. Generally, this will apply to students taking all or the majority of their courses at Heritage.
3. All students must complete Biblical Introduction and Hermeneutics before enrolling in a Bible distance learning course for credit.

Registering for a Distance Learning Course

Students intending to take a distance learning course as part of a Heritage Seminary degree program are advised to seek approval in advance from their faculty advisor. To do this, please complete a “Permission to Take a Distance Learning Course” form (available at the Registrar’s Office).
Students must register for distance learning courses through the Registrar’s Office at Heritage. Payment in full is due at the time of registration. The courses will be available at Heritage for pickup or for delivery approximately two weeks from the time of registration.