FAQs
If you don’t find an answer to your question please use our Contact page to get in touch with us.
Application
I think I want to pursue a graduate degree at Northland. What is my first step?
The first step in working towards a degree at Northland starts with the actual application. You need to apply online at our Northland International Assist site. Once you do that, you’ll need to request references be sent to Northland and then have official copies of your college transcripts sent to the office of the Registrar.
After those items are completed, your files will be reviewed, and then you will be contacted regarding an acceptance decision. If you are accepted, we will help you create your Northland technology account and show you how to register for courses.
How many credits can I transfer into my degree at Northland?
For all of our graduate degrees you can transfer up to 12 credits from recognized schools. In order for a course to transfer, you need to have earned at least a B- in the course. The best way to find out if your credits will transfer to Northland is to have your transcripts sent to our Registrar’s Office.
Where do I go to fill out my reference forms?
You can find the reference form on this page here.
Academics
What is the situation with Northland and accreditation?
For a full statement on accreditation see our accreditation web page.
Will courses I take at Northland transfer to other schools?
While Northland cannot guarantee that other schools will accept their credits, our students have had wonderful success in transferring course work and credits to other seminaries and graduate schools. The best way to know for sure is to check with the other institution you are considering in the future.
Do I need a Master of Divinity degree to enter the Doctor of Ministry program?
The short answer on this is no, you do not need a MDiv to enter into our DMin program. However, having an MDiv would work to your advantage on several different levels. For more information on the requirements for admittance to the DMin program, see the program page.
How can I complete the language requirement for the DMin if I haven’t had Greek before?
The language courses are considered deficiencies, therefore, you will not receive credit toward your degree by taking them. The Northland Graduate School periodically offers Greek Grammar online and, if taken, will satisfy the language requirement. For upcoming courses, check our courses page.
How can I view the upcoming course schedule and obtain course syllabi?
Our complete schedule is available on our courses page. If you find the course you are interested in you can click on the plus symbol next to the course. Once you do that, a pop-out will come out and if the syllabus is available, you’ll see a button to download it. If there is no button, the syllabus is not available yet.
How can I figure out what textbooks are required for my course(s)?
We maintain our textbook list using an Amazon storefront. You can check out the textbook page for details.
Online Course Questions
Can I earn an entire degree online?
Yes you can! Right now we currently offer four degrees that can be earned completely online. The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (exposition emphasis), Master of Arts in Cross-Cultural Studies, Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling, and Master of Ministry degrees can all be earned completely online. In addition to these degrees, up to half of the courses required in the Doctor of Ministry can be taken online; however, the degree cannot be earned totally online.
What type of Internet connection will I need for online courses?
For all of our online courses, the student must have a minimum speed of 1.5 mbps. Without a minimum speed of 1.5 mbps, streaming video and audio lectures will become very frustrating. If you have further questions about internet requirements, feel free to contact the Graduate School Offices.
Church Assistantship
What if I’m married?
This program works best for the single student. If married, the spouse will probably need to work. We have a couple of situations where the pastor has requested a married couple. In those situations, there is a position at the church for the wife to work.
What if I’m female?
This program would work very well in some churches for a young lady. Most churches need a church secretary, which is the front line of ministry when it comes to counseling.
How long will it take to earn a master’s degree?
The degrees require thirty-six credit hours. The student is allowed to take up to twenty credit hours per year. It could be done in two years.
Does the student have to be a graduate from Northland?
If the students are not Northland grads, they may be considered for the program if they are applying to serve in their own home church at the request of their pastor. Graduates from other colleges should attend Northland Graduate School on campus for one year and then apply for the CA program.
How do I become a CA?
(1) Contact Northland Graduate School for information on the academic programs and the CA program. (2) Apply to become a student at Northland Graduate School. (3) Apply to become a CA. (4) Review the available CA positions. (5) Interview with the pastor.
How do I apply to have a CA in my church?
(1) Contact Northland Graduate School for information on the academic programs and the CA program. (2) Apply to be a church assistant ministry. (3) Request the graduate student of your choice or review the available students who have applied for the CA program. (4) Interview the graduate student.
How flexible is the scheduling?
The pastor, based on the church calendar, sets the schedule for the CA. The courses are offered in eight-week blocks. The student will probably register for one or two courses at a time. During the eight-week block, there are weekly assignments due by Saturday at 11:55 p.m CST. The teachers are empowered to flex within the eight-week block to help the student fulfill the requirements. It is also possible for the student to work ahead on assignments.
Will the student have to be on Northland’s campus during the year?
We suggest the student comes to in-service and either Heart Conference or Missions Conference, but these are suggestions, not requirements.
Will the student have difficulty with the online education?
Northland Online will assign an online student assistant to assist the student with any issues.
Will the pastor or student be required to submit reports during the year?
There are no written reports. The Graduate School will stay in touch with the pastor and the student to follow the progress and the quality of the program.
Is there academic credit for the CA program itself?
No, all academic credit is earned through the online classes.
What if there is a problem?
The church and its processes are the first line in any disciplinary matter. Northland will follow and will assist in any difficulty.
What if I want the CA for a second year?
This decision will be made by both the ministry and the student. The one-year commitment allows for flexibility on both the church and student.
