Saint Mary's Christian University
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Home/Common Questions

Common Questions

The questions applicants ask most often, answered directly. Anything not covered here may be put to the Admissions Office.

How long does a program take to complete?
Indicative durations are four years for the Bachelor of Arts and one year for the TESOL Certificate. There are no fixed terms, so the actual duration depends on the hours a student is able to commit. Students using the accelerated format frequently complete more quickly; students studying alongside full-time employment take longer. Neither is penalized.
How is tuition arranged?
Tuition is charged by credit hour and includes all course materials, academic support, library access and certification. Payment plans are available without interest, and scholarships are offered to applicants in service professions and to international applicants. Tuition and financial aid.
What qualifications do I need to apply?
Transcripts from previous study where any exists, a statement of purpose and two references. No standardized test score is required. Applicants without formal prior qualifications are welcome to apply; relevant professional experience is taken into account. How to apply.
Will my previous study count toward a program?
It may. Up to ninety of the one hundred and twenty credits required for the degree may be transferred, with a minimum of thirty completed here. Qualifications from outside the United States are converted before assessment, and an evaluation is normally returned within two weeks. Credit transfer.
What support is available if I find a topic difficult?
Academic support is available at any hour. A point may be explained in different terms as many times as required, and the lesson does not proceed until the material has been understood. Support is informed by the student's own lesson history rather than beginning afresh at each request.
May I change study format after enrolling?
Yes, at any point and including within a lesson. Progress is retained across the change, as are assessment choices, which may equally be revised as a program proceeds. Study formats.
Is the teaching suitable for neurodivergent students?
The programs were designed with such students in mind. Three formats, adjustable pacing and display settings, eight assessment methods and unlimited academic support are provided as standard, with no diagnosis or disclosure required. Neurodivergent students.
Do international students need a visa?
No. Teaching is entirely online, so there is no student visa, no relocation and no travel. Tuition is charged at the same rate in every country. Applicants should, however, confirm whether a qualification from an institution with our status will be recognized in their own country. International applicants.
Do I have to be a Christian to study here?
No. The University was founded as a Christian institution and teaches within that tradition, but students of all faiths and of none are admitted on the same terms. No statement of faith is required for admission or for progression, and no part of any assessment turns on a student's religious convictions.
What equipment do I need?
A modern browser and a connection sufficient for streaming audio and video. A microphone is useful for spoken questions and oral assessment but is not required, as every spoken feature has a written alternative. There is no application to install. The digital campus.

For a question not answered here, contact the Admissions Office