Here are some questions and answers about Distance Learning at the ICS. Click on the questions below to jump to the answers. To register for a course, click here.
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Robbin Burry, Registrar
Institute for Christian Studies
229 College Street, 2nd floor
Toronto, ON M5T 1R4
416-979-2231 ext. 234
1-888-326-5347
For more detailed information, you may also consult the Junior Member Handbook at http://www.icscanada.edu/students/JM_Handbook_0607.pdf |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
| 1 | Why should I take a course from ICS rather than somewhere else? |
| 2 | Is distance learning right for me? |
| 3 | How long will it take? |
| 4 | How are the courses delivered? |
| 5 | Do I have the necessary computer equipment and skills? |
| 6 | How do I know what courses are available? |
| 7 | How do I register for a single course? |
| 8 | How much tuition will I pay? |
| 9 | In what programs can I earn credit for ICS courses? |
| 10 | How do I register for a program (MWS or MA)? |
| 11 | What is the difference between the MA and the MWS? |
| 12 | Can I transfer from the MWS to the MA? |
| 13 | What is the policy on withdrawals and refunds? |
| 14 | When will I receive my grade? |
| 15 | Will I receive a transcript? |
Frequently Given Answers |
| 1 | Why should I take a course from ICS rather than somewhere else?
The Institute for Christian Studies is a graduate school dedicated to addressing the spiritual foundations of learning. We seek to equip Christians around the world to be effective leaders in the academic arena and in other areas of society. ICS considers itself called to witness to Christ by letting the Gospel’s message of healing, renewal and restoration shape its pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. If you share this vision of Christian scholarship and professional preparation, then ICS has courses and programs to serve you. |
| 2 | Is distance learning right for me?
Only you can determine if distance learning is right for you. Convenience and flexibility are key reasons for enrolling in distance courses. Factors such as your job, location and family commitments can make it difficult for you to take on-campus courses, but in distance education you not only save travel time and costs but are able to schedule your study around your other responsibilities.
While convenience and flexibility are clear benefits, there are other significant educational advantages. For Master of Worldview Studies courses with an orientation to professional practice and social issues, remaining in your place of employment allows you to connect your studies directly to your daily life and responsibilities. Assignments in this program will usually have this focus, and you may negotiate with your instructor to tailor them more closely to your own circumstances. Further, distance programs provide greater space for reflection than on-campus courses, where an immediate response is often required and the conversation may move quickly to another topic.
The amount of time required to complete a distance course is comparable to that expected of an on-campus course. Other factors to consider are your learning style, motivation, time management, computer and Internet skills and access. Successful distance learners are self-disciplined, self-motivated, and do not require regular reminders from the instructor or classmates to meet deadlines. If you have ever successfully held a position where you had a degree of discretion as to when and how to accomplish tasks, you will be well prepared to study in distance mode. |
| 3 | How long will it take?
The Master of Worldview Studies requires the equivalent to two semesters of full-time study. Students in full-time employment normally take one course per semester and would then complete the program in four years. An expanding summer school program at ICS enables students to complete the course in a shorter period. Credit may also be gained for courses taken at other Christian colleges or other institutions. |
| 4 | How are the courses delivered?
Modes of delivery vary from course to course and instructor to instructor. The Education courses rely mainly on print-based delivery, while Worldview Foundations is conducted almost entirely on-line. You will usually have to purchase one or two books, but a large selection of readings will be provided in the package of course materials that will be mailed to you.
Most courses use a simple email “listserv” to promote asynchronous (i.e., without requiring everyone to be on line at the same time) discussion among participants. This requires no special software or competence beyond that of being able to compose a message and click “Send”. One or two telephone conferences are also scheduled for each course, the cost of which is included in your tuition. |
| 5 | Do I have the necessary computer equipment and skills?
If you currently use word processing software, are able to copy and paste text, e-mail an attached document, and search for information on the Internet, you have the skills necessary for participating in a distance course.
ICS is committed to making its programs internationally accessible and therefore does not employ software that requires high-end hardware or high-speed access. |
| 6 | How do I know what courses are available?
ICS distance courses are listed in the Schedule of Classes at
http://www.icscanada.edu/students/courses_distance.shtml.
You can also check with the distance education admin assistant at 416-979-2331 ext 234 or 1-888-326-5347. |
| 7 | How do I register for a single course?
Step 1. Fill out the Single Course Online Registration Form available at
http://www.icscanada.edu/students/distance_registration.shtml
Step 2. Once your initial registration form is received, we will send you a triplicate paper form that will also act as your invoice.
Step 3. Send your registration form and payment to ICS in the prepaid envelope provided.
Step 4. In the week before the course is scheduled to commence, you will receive a package containing the Study guide and Reader.
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| 8 | How much tuition will I pay?
Our distance courses are $600 plus a registration fee of $25 and a program fee of $50. |
| 9 | In what programs can I earn credit for ICS courses?
As well as the ICS Masters programs, you can gain credit towards a range of other programs at various institutions and also toward professional certification requirements. You should always check with the organisation that hosts the program you are interested in, but most ICS distance courses are accredited for the Christian School Teachers Certificate (Ontario) and the Christian Academic Studies Certificate sponsored by the International Association for the Promotion of Christian Higher Education.
Dordt College will award credit for up to 50% of the courses required for its Master of Education for courses taken at ICS and other ARIHE colleges. On application, Calvin College will also grant credit toward its MEd. |
| 10 | How do I register for a program (MWS or MA)?
You need to make a formal application that will be considered in the first instance by the Admissions Committee and a prospective Advisor. The procedures are the same for distance students as for those studying on campus. The annual application deadline is Feb. 1st
The admission criteria for ICS's programs include competence and readiness to undertake advanced study. The official prerequisite for admission at the master's level is a four-year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent, preferably with an undergraduate concentration directly related to the applicant's intended field of study at ICS, and an overall average of B+.
For further details, see http://www.icscanada.edu/students/admissions.shtml |
| 11 | What is the difference between the MA and the MWS?
The Master of Worldview Studies is an accredited graduate program that focuses on significant professional and practical questions. The major concentration is in Education, and is designed to help teachers and administrators deepen their understanding of how to serve Jesus Christ in the school or other educational setting. As well as foundational courses (Worldview Foundations, Biblical Foundations) currently available in distance mode, courses in other areas are offered and more are planned.
The Master of Arts is an accredited program in interdisciplinary philosophy designed mainly, but not exclusively, for students seeking to pursue an academic career. It takes two years to complete full-time, and requires the candidate to write and defend a thesis of approximately 20,000 words. It is not currently possible to complete the whole program solely in distance mode. A background in philosophy is required. Please contact the Institute to arrange to speak with an Advisor about your particular circumstances. |
| 12 | Can I transfer from the MWS to the MA?
If at some point you decide you would like to pursue the Master of Arts program, you should complete an application and submit it to the Admissions Committee, which will also consult with your prospective Advisor. Biblical Foundations and Education courses are eligible for automatic credit into the MA program. Credit for other courses is determined on a case-by-case basis. |
| 13 | What is the policy on withdrawals and refunds?
You are subject to ICS withdrawal policies. All withdrawals must be processed through the Registrar’s office to assure proper handling of your ICS record. Improper withdrawal could affect your fees and grades.
If a student withdraws from a Distance Education course prior to despatch of a Study Guide and/or Reader, a full refund will be granted; if the Study Guide and Reader have already been mailed, the cost of materials and shipping (typically $60.00) will be deducted. If a student withdraws within four weeks of the start of the course, 70% of the applicable tuition fees will be refunded, less material and shipping costs. After the fourth week, no refund will be granted. |
| 14 | When will I receive my grade?
Grades are due for submission to the Registrar six weeks after your final paper is due. |
| 15 | Will I receive a transcript?
You will receive a formal transcript within two weeks of the submission of your grade. A copy of your transcript will also be sent to another educational institution and/or your place of employment if requested. |
