Frequently Asked Questions
Answered by
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions submitted by those
interested in the Online Academy of Biblical Studies. If you have
additional questions which are not found in this list, please feel free
to contact me at: tlbright@oabs.org
We encourage each prospective student
to remember that all times given for OABS classes are in the Central
Time Zone, each Saturday. The first hour class begins at 9:00 AM and the
last hour class ends at 5:00 PM. Any person enrolling in OABS, and
living in a different time zone, must be willing to make the sacrifice
necessary to be in class at the appointed time.
1. "What are the tuition costs?"
There are no tuition costs. We have a dedicated staff of Instructors
that donate their time and talents for the promotion of the Gospel of
Christ. Our staff is comprised of men who believe in the verbal
inspiration of the Bible and who will uphold and teach the "once
delivered" faith of Jesus Christ (Jude 3). Thus, we are able to
give a quality education in the Bible and Bible related subjects without
charging any tuition fees. Operating expenses are funded from free will
contributions from churches and individuals. This fund is overseen by
the elders of the Phillips Street Church of Christ.
2. "Is the Online Academy of Biblical Studies Accredited?"
No, the Online Academy of Biblical Studies is not accredited. The reason
for this is simple: We have specific goals and a definite purpose. We do
not believe such accrediting agencies (state or national) understand our
goals. This being the case, we choose not to be under any such agency.
3. "What does a student receive upon completion of the four year
course?"
Upon completion of our curriculum, every graduate will receive a
diploma. More than this, each person completing the courses will have
the satisfaction of knowing they have received an education in the Bible
and Bible related subjects that is second to none.
4. "Can a person take "accelerated courses," thus
finishing faster than in four years?"
This is not a part of the purview of OABS. Our school is structured on a
live and interactive classroom situation. Although any person can go
tour Website and view the classes within just a few hours after they are
actually taught (which we classify as "auditing" the course),
OABS does not give credit for this.
5. "Are there any required books for class?"
Most of our Instructors require books for their course. We have some
that require only the Bible.
6. "Where can we obtain the books?"
Christian
Family Bookstore is the
recommended source for OABS books.
For book orders or book
order status, please visit their web page at: tuckersbooks.com
or contact them by e-mail at: tyro@mindspring.com
7. "How long is the school year?"
Our school year is made up of two semesters, each semester lasts
eighteen weeks. We begin the Fall semester on the first Saturday in
August and end in the middle of December. The Spring semester begins the first
Saturday in January (unless that Saturday is a part of the New Year's
weekend). There are two Saturdays designated as breaks each semester. If a person takes every
course we offer, they will finish in four years.
8. "I have to work every Saturday. Can I enroll?"
Our curriculum is structured for each student to be in class every
Saturday. We realize some of our students have to work some Saturdays.
We do give excused absences on these occasions. However, if one works
every Saturday as a scheduled workday, that person will not be able to
enroll in OABS.
9. "Since I do not have Internet access at home, can I take the
courses using a 'Public Access computer?' "
This is not permitted. We do not allow our software to be placed on any
computer classified as a "Public Access Computer," or a
computer that you might use at your work (owned by someone other than
you).
10. "What about absences due to sickness, death, etc?"
We allow excused absences when a person is sick or has sickness in
their family which requires the students' care. However, just deciding
not to be in class so one can go with their family to the lake, to the
mall, to the movie, etc. is not an excused absence. When a student
receives three unexcused absences in any course in any one semester,
they are automatically dropped from that specific course for that
semester.
11.
"Must I take every class every Saturday?"
OABS does not require our students to take every course offered every
semester. Many of our students work at least forty hours every week.
They would not have time to do all of the outside work required by our
Instructors. We encourage our students to take only the number of hours
of study they can effectively handle.
Tom L. Bright
Director, Online Academy of Biblical Studies
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