FAQ

Open Christian University is a proud affiliate of Open Christian Ministries, a non-denominational Christian charitable organization dedicated to advancing market ministry. Unlike traditional denominations or specific churches, Open Christian Ministries operates as a unifying force, transcending denominational boundaries to serve the broader Christian community.

It's important to note that Open Christian Ministries is not a church or denomination in itself. Rather, it serves as a beacon of Christian unity, welcoming individuals from diverse denominational backgrounds to come together in service and ministry. As such, the courses offered by Open Christian University do not endorse any particular denominational philosophy but are firmly rooted in the timeless teachings of the Bible.

At Open Christian University, we hold steadfast to the truth of the Bible and do not subscribe to religious pluralism. While we respect the beliefs and decisions of others, we are not an ecumenical or interfaith institution and maintain a commitment to upholding the singular truth found in the Scriptures. We do not endorse any religious doctrine but instead uphold the literal and true teachings of the Bible as our guiding principle.

We invite you to explore our Belief Statement, which outlines our foundational principles and values. Our commitment to biblical teachings guides every aspect of our academic programs, ensuring that students receive a solid foundation in Christian faith and practice, grounded in the unwavering truth of God's Word.

At Open Christian University, we celebrate the rich tapestry of the Christian faith while upholding the absolute truth of the Bible. If you have any further questions or wish to learn more about our beliefs and values, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to serve and support you on your spiritual and educational journey.

Open Christian University (OCU) operates as a Nonprofit 501(c)(3) Tax Exempted Religious Corporation, established under the laws of the United States. Our institution is privileged to hold licensure for operation and degree-granting authority as a private postsecondary institution under religious exemption, in accordance with the provisions outlined in the California Education Code (CEC) Section 94874(e). This authorization is bestowed by the State of California through its esteemed Bureau for Private Post-Secondary Education (BPPE).

The granting of approval to operate signifies our unwavering commitment to compliance with the rigorous standards outlined in the BPPE Act of 2009, as well as the regulations set forth in the aforementioned section of the CEC. We are dedicated to upholding these standards as a testament to our commitment to academic excellence and integrity in all facets of our educational endeavors.

For further assurance and transparency, we encourage you to explore additional information regarding state-licensed institutions via the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website, where you can find comprehensive details regarding accredited institutions across the nation.

In addition to our operations within the United States, Open Christian University extends its reach across various other countries, with our presence continuing to expand over time. We are humbled to be incorporated in multiple countries and to have affiliated Bible colleges operating in diverse locations around the world.

Moreover, Open Christian University holds private accreditation from a multitude of esteemed religious, academic, and professional bodies, both nationally and internationally. We invite you to explore our accreditation page for detailed information regarding the various accrediting bodies that have recognized and endorsed our academic programs and institutional integrity.

At Open Christian University, our commitment to academic excellence, integrity, and global outreach is unwavering. We are honored to be entrusted with the privilege of equipping students for impactful ministry and service, both locally and around the world. If you have any further inquiries regarding our licensure, accreditation, or global operations, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to serve and support you on your educational journey with humility and dedication.

At Open Christian University, we offer a diverse range of programs designed to honor our sacred mission of supporting the local church for effective end-time harvesting and equipping marketplace ministers for their divine life missions. Our programs are meticulously crafted to integrate Christian faith into every aspect of study, reflecting our commitment to serving the Lord's work in both church and marketplace settings.

You can explore the list of programs offered within each school, each one carefully curated to align with our mission and values. These mission-oriented programs are a testament to our dedication to preparing students to serve faithfully in their respective callings, whether within the church community or in the secular world.

While our focus remains rooted in Christian principles, we recognize that Christians are called to diverse vocations and professions. Therefore, we collaborate with secular universities when necessary, valuing their insights and contributions to enrich our programs and better equip our students for their unique callings.

To apply for our programs, we invite you to navigate to the respective school pages and follow the application instructions provided. Our application process is designed to be straightforward and accessible, ensuring that prospective students can embark on their academic journey with ease and confidence.

At Open Christian University, it is our privilege to partner with individuals who are called to serve in various capacities, whether within the church or the marketplace. If you have any questions or require assistance throughout the application process, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated admissions team. We are here to support you as you discern and pursue God's calling in your life.

Students are encouraged to begin with "The Marketplace ministry", whether studying toward a bachelor or master program. Internet students are not bound to any order and may pursue courses at discretion. However, to receive credit toward academic awards, all course requirements must be met. See the University Prospectus. 

At Open Christian University, we understand that each student's journey is unique and may unfold at its own pace. Therefore, we offer fully self-paced studies, allowing students the freedom to progress through course material at a pace that suits their individual needs and circumstances.

Once enrolled in a course, students are empowered to set their own study schedules, ensuring flexibility and accommodation of personal commitments. While there is no strict time limit for completing course material, we encourage students to strive for steady progress and completion within a reasonable timeframe.

On average, students complete approximately one course per month. However, we recognize that life's demands may vary, and each student's circumstances may differ. Therefore, we extend the understanding that progress may fluctuate and encourage students to engage with their studies consistently, striving for steady advancement toward their academic goals.

To maintain active enrollment and engagement, we recommend that students aim to complete each course within a twelve-month period. Beyond this timeframe, students may be considered inactive for a particular course. However, we are committed to supporting our students throughout their academic journey and are here to provide guidance and assistance as needed.

At Open Christian University, our priority is to empower students to thrive academically while honoring their individual circumstances and commitments. If you have any questions or require further clarification regarding our self-paced study model, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to support you every step of the way, with humility and dedication to your success.

If you are an existing or a new student and you are having difficulties logging in to your account, please email us at: info@openchristian.education

As a humble provider of Christian education, Open Christian University operates on a tuition-free model, guided by our unwavering commitment to accessibility and affordability in service to the Lord's work. Our students are only asked to contribute a modest registration fee of $25, alongside a nominal administrative fee aimed at sustaining the institution's operations.

The specific administrative fee varies depending on the degree program chosen by the student, and detailed information can be found on our dedicated page. We understand the importance of flexibility in financial matters, and therefore, the administrative fee can be paid at the student's convenience, including through installment payments, allowing individuals to honor their commitments as the Lord leads them.

At Open Christian University, our commitment to providing accessible Christian education is steadfast, and we remain dedicated to supporting our students on their educational journeys.

To facilitate your payment process, we kindly direct you to our secure payment page, where you will find various convenient options for making your payment. This page offers multiple payment methods, including PayPal and wire transfer, ensuring flexibility and ease of transaction.

For any inquiries or assistance related to financial matters, we encourage you to reach out to our dedicated finance team at finance@openchristian.education. Our team is committed to providing prompt and helpful support, guiding you through any questions or concerns you may have regarding your payments.

At Open Christian University, we strive to make the payment process as seamless and accessible as possible, allowing you to focus your energies on your educational journey with peace of mind. If you require any further assistance or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to serve you with humility and dedication.

At Open Christian University, we understand the significance of receiving your degree, marking the culmination of your academic journey and equipping you for your future endeavors in service and ministry. Upon fulfilling all the requirements of your degree program, you will be granted your well-deserved degree.

For the convenience of our students, we offer two options for receiving your degree. Digital diplomas are promptly delivered via email to ensure swift access to your academic achievement. Alternatively, for those desiring printed documents, physical diplomas are sent by post to the address provided during registration, with shipping costs covered by the student, unless otherwise specified.

Our University holds three graduation dates each year, occurring on April 30, August 31, and December 31. To participate in these ceremonies, all degree requirements must be fulfilled at least two weeks prior to the chosen graduation date. Following graduation, digital diplomas are promptly dispatched via email to graduates, or to their designated sponsor email for incarcerated graduates, at no additional cost.

Physical diplomas are also mailed within two to three weeks after the graduation date, provided that graduates have paid their graduation fee and confirmed their correct details and mailing address. This ensures that your hard-earned diploma reaches you in a timely manner, serving as a tangible reminder of your academic achievement and preparation for impactful service in accordance with God's calling.

At Open Christian University, it is our privilege to walk alongside you in your academic journey, and we celebrate your commitment to learning and growth. If you have any further inquiries or require assistance regarding the receipt of your degree, please feel free to reach out to our Registrar’s Office. We are here to assist you every step of the way, in humble service and support.

As a transnational university, Open Christian University (OCU) extends its educational reach across borders, embracing students from diverse nations and cultures. However, it's important to clarify that while our academic programs transcend geographical boundaries, the degrees awarded by OCU are issued exclusively by our head office located in the United States, where the university is registered and officially operates.

Regrettably, this means that degrees conferred by Open Christian University do not bear the specific accreditation or endorsement of individual countries outside of the United States. We understand that this may present challenges for some individuals seeking recognition of their degrees within their own country.

While we aspire to serve students globally, we are committed to upholding the integrity and standards of our academic programs in accordance with the regulations and requirements of our operating jurisdiction. As such, our degrees reflect the accreditation and recognition afforded by the United States educational system.

We recognize the importance of international recognition for our students and their aspirations for professional advancement and service within their home countries. Therefore, we encourage individuals to research and understand the recognition policies and requirements of their respective countries regarding degrees earned from foreign institutions.

At Open Christian University, we remain dedicated to providing high-quality Christian education that prepares students for impactful ministry and service, both locally and globally. If you have any further inquiries or require assistance regarding degree recognition, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to support you on your educational journey with humility and dedication.

At Open Christian University, we deeply value the academic journey of our students and seek to ensure that their efforts are recognized and honored. Our institution is committed to maintaining high academic standards while upholding Christian principles and values.

Regarding the acceptance of credits and degrees from Open Christian University, it's important to understand that acceptance varies depending on the institution or organization in question. While many universities and employers recognize and accept degrees and credits earned from reputable institutions like ours, it ultimately depends on their specific policies and criteria.

We encourage our students to inquire directly with the institutions or organizations they intend to transfer credits to or seek employment with to determine their acceptance policies regarding degrees and credits from Open Christian University. We are committed to providing support and guidance throughout this process, ensuring that our students are equipped to pursue their academic and professional goals with confidence and integrity.

At Open Christian University, our aim is to empower individuals for effective ministry and service, and we remain dedicated to supporting our students in their academic and professional endeavors. Should you have any further questions or require assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help in any way we can.

At Open Christian University, we have carefully crafted an online study and examination system designed to facilitate a seamless and enriching learning experience for our students. Our E-campus utilizes an integrated Learning Management System (LMS) to host our comprehensive range of courses, providing students with a centralized platform for their academic pursuits.

Upon admission to our esteemed institution, students are granted exclusive access to their personalized E-campus accounts, where they can access course materials and resources using their unique login credentials. Our flexible approach allows students to choose between studying online directly through our platform or downloading course materials for offline study, accommodating various learning preferences and needs.

When it comes to assessment, we employ a diverse range of evaluation methods to ensure that our students not only gain knowledge but also develop critical skills and achieve the desired learning outcomes. Our dedicated faculty members have the freedom to design or modify coursework assignments according to their pedagogical expertise and the unique needs of each course.

While many of our courses feature traditional end-of-module assessment, our faculty members also utilize a variety of assessment approaches to enhance students' experience. These may include multiple-choice questions, open-ended questions, journal article writing, practical activities conducted outside the university setting, online events, or interactive discussions and talks led by experts in the field.

At Open Christian University, our commitment to academic excellence extends to the design and implementation of our online study and examination systems. We strive to provide a dynamic and engaging learning environment that equips our students with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual insights needed for impactful ministry and service.

If you have any questions or require further information regarding our online study and examination systems, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to support you on your educational journey with humility and dedication to your success.

Please allow maximum two weeks for grades to appear. Very often the professor assigned to your class may read and evaluate your work within a shorter period of time, but please wait two weeks before inquiring. 

Please email us to: info@openchristian.education

At Open Christian University, we deeply value each applicant and strive to make admissions decisions that are fair, thorough, and guided by our commitment to academic excellence and integrity.

Once you have submitted your application, it undergoes a thoughtful review by a dedicated university admissions officer. This individual carefully considers your qualifications, background, and the specific eligibility criteria outlined for your chosen program. Based on this evaluation, the admissions officer will determine your admission status.

If you meet the admission requirements for your program of interest, the admissions officer will proceed to process your admissions letter, welcoming you to the university community with open arms. However, if additional information or documentation is needed to support your application, or if it is determined that you do not meet the eligibility criteria, the admissions officer will communicate this to you promptly and transparently.

Should you wish to appeal the decision of the admissions officer, we understand and respect your desire for further consideration. In such cases, we kindly ask that you address your appeal to the Academic Registrar by sending an email to registrar@openchristian.education. Your appeal will be diligently reviewed by the Office of the Registrar, who will conduct a thorough assessment of your case.

Please note that while we strive to ensure fairness and transparency in our admissions processes, the decision of the Academic Registrar is considered final. We are committed to upholding the integrity of our admissions standards and must adhere to the finality of this decision. Therefore, no further appeals beyond the decision of the Academic Registrar will be permitted.

At Open Christian University, we are here to support you throughout your academic journey, from the admissions process to graduation and beyond. If you have any questions or require assistance with your appeal, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to serve you with humility and compassion, guided by our shared commitment to academic excellence and Christian values.