Welcome to Smith Christian University (Formerly New Mt. Sinai Christian University)

Frequent Asked Questions

How much will it cost to get started?
Is the Cost of materials included in my tuition?
What is the first thing I need to do? When can I get started?
Are there any on-campus requirements?
How do I complete the course assignments?
Can I transfer credits from other schools?
Where is the Main Campus?
Will my degree be accepted?
What information should be included in my portfolio?
What is "Lifetime Learning Assessment" and who is eligible?
How do I contact an Academic Advisor?
How is curriculum obtained?
I would prefer to complete my studies on an independent basis. Is that a possibility?
What are the employment opportunities in the area?
What is the cost of textbooks?
How can I pay for my tuition and fees?
Does Smith Christian University offer correspondence courses?
Do I have to use a certain type of Bible in my studies at Smith Christian University?
How are the courses completed?
How much time should it typically take to complete each course?

How much will it cost to get started?
This is one of the top questions we get, and we are well aware of how important finances are to our prospective students. You can check out the Tuition and Fees page to get the basic information in regards to cost. However, this does not reflect the tuition discounts (10-30%) that are normally going to be available. It also does not address the enormous amount of flexibility we have when working with an adult learner on a payment arrangement. We are interested in making every effort to make enrollment manageable. We can generally get a student enrolled with as little as a $150-$350 deposit and work out a monthly payment plan to fit their budget, starting at $90 a month. With so many options available, we advise speaking to an Enrollment Advisor to see what works best for you.
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Is the Cost of materials included in my tuition?
Audio lectures, course study guides (syllabi), and library resources are all available through the Smith Christian University Online Learning Center and are included in your tuition and fees. The textbooks are a separate cost and should be ordered via www.mbsdirect.net or by phone at 954-306-9039 (866-454-9475 International). Many students also use discount sellers such as christianbook.com and Amazon. The booklist, along with ISBN numbers, can be found in the study guide itself.
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What is the first thing I need to do? When can I get started?
If you have not done so already, you can begin by filling out the brief Free Academic Evaluation Form, or contacting an Admissions Counselor today. Our students are not restricted by a traditional enrollment/enrollment agreement schedule such as would be the case on a Semester or Quarter basis. With our distance and online learning options, you can enroll at ANY TIME during the year and your study is SELF-PACED so you move through your courses at whatever speed is comfortable for you. Call an admissions counselor today for information regarding our on-campus classes and regional seminars.
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Are there any on-campus requirements?
No. If desired, all courses can be done at home, at your own pace and on your own schedule.
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How do I complete the course assignments?
Generally speaking, our courses contain the same basic components as traditional classes; they are made up of audio lectures, a course syllabus, and textbook requirements. (book requirements vary from course to course) Our courses contain these same components but are provided for you outside of the traditional classroom setting. You have a program director or other faculty member who is responsible for the course but he/she is not responsible for daily guidance through the materials. Your assignment/objectives are clearly outlined in your study guide. These will be a variety of written assignments (essay questions, research projects, critical reflection papers, summaries, etc...) meant to challenge and strengthen you in many areas. The assignments are easily submitted through the SCU Online Learning Center (OLC) or even through the postal service if you prefer. Grades and critique are received in the same manner.
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Can I transfer credits from other schools?
Transfer credit from liberal arts or ministry-related institutions is allowed, but only to the extent that it does not detract from the valuable, life-changing education that students receive from SCU courses. For more information, see the SCU Course Catalog.
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Where is the Main Campus?
The SCU Main Campus is located in Sunrise, Florida.
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Will my degree be accepted?
Although our graduates do quite well in the job market and with acceptance by other schools, Smith Christian University Int'l makes no promises, representations, nor guarantees of employment or acceptability of transfer credits to any public or private educational institution. If you are seeking an SCU degree for specific licensing, employment or additional educational purposes, we advise you to first check with the association, governmental agency, employer, or specific educational institution to determine the acceptability. A degree is never worth more than the person who has the degree. Many students have graduated from schools where thousands of dollars were spent to obtain the education. Yet, after the student graduated they still had very little knowledge of God's word and had grown very little in their ministry skills. While they had an accredited degree to hang on the wall they went on to do very little in ministry because they did not have the skills that churches and schools look for when hiring someone, and that is ability, which can only come from credible teaching and training. Smith Christian University will continue to shy away from any kind of accreditation that might weaken our ability to train men and women to be effective servants of Christ in their church and place of ministry service. Few pastors are promoted to bigger churches simply because of the name of their institution. Churches want ministers who demonstrate that they truly have a real degree and education by what they are and how they perform their tasks. A degree from Smith Christian University will give you the credible degree that you need, but most importantly, you will engage in the studies that will sharpen your God-given talents to do great things for God. Your church and peers will accept your degree if they accept you. The degree does not make the person. The person makes the degree.
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What information should be included in my portfolio?
Specific requirements are listed in the enrollment packet. A portfolio should include previous education, employment, and ministry experience at a minimum.
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What is "Lifetime Learning Assessment" and who is eligible?
Lifetime Learning Assessment is a program that allows students to receive academic credit for experiential learning, conferences, missionary work, books authored, ministry as well as a variety of other experiences. Please contact an Academic Advisor for specific information about this type of assessment.
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How do I contact an Academic Advisor?
Academic Advisors are available to assist students throughout the educational process. Advisors may be contacted at the SCU administrative offices at: 1170 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, Florida 33313, by telephone at 954-306-9039, or by email at info@nmscuniversity.org.
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How is curriculum obtained?
SCU has a wide base of curriculum available to our students, tailored individually for each student's needs. Your academic advisor will establish an appropriate degree program as well as provide curriculum information for that program.
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I would prefer to complete my studies on an independent basis. Is that a possibility?
Absolutely. Many students find it difficult to integrate classroom time with their current career and ministerial responsibilities. SCU will gladly cater to these students, establishing a study program that suits both the student's needs and interests.
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What are the employment opportunities in the area?
The State of Florida Employment Guide is an excellent resource for employment. Their address is 5125 Adanson Street, Suite 500, Orlando, FL 32804, and their website is www.stateofflorida.com. The Employment Guide is also another excellent source for employment opportunities. Their phone number is (614) 367-1503, and their website is www.EmploymentGuide.com.
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What is the cost of textbooks?
Depending on a course load, book costs can range anywhere from $25 - $175, per semester. Many of the online courses include the required material at no extra cost.
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How can I pay for my tuition and fees?
SCU accepts cashier's check, money order, cash, American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa (debit or credit card).
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Does Smith Christian University offer correspondence courses?
The External Studies Program is available for all whose applications are approved.
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Do I have to use a certain type of Bible in my studies at Smith Christian University?
No. We only recommend that you use an accurate translation (King James, New International Version, or New American Standard) rather than a paraphrase or free translation like the Amplified Bible or the Living Bible.
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How are the courses completed?
SCU allows the student to take on campus courses, online, and correspondence. Smith Christian University uses a number of resources: textbooks with course methodologies, video and audiocassettes, etc. Each course assignment is written out and accompanies each textbook.
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How much time should it typically take to complete each course?
The average 3 credit hour course should take no longer than 8 weeks to complete. The only exceptions are the Bible Survey and Biblical Language courses; these take up to 12 weeks to finish. (Approximate guidelines - some of our students have completed courses in as little as 2 weeks).
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