Distance Learning - the classroom without boundaries - is the most rapidly expanding means of bringing an education to people who are unable to attend classes in a regular classroom environment. Shepherds wants to provide the student with high quality classes that help them meet their personal development and professional ministry goals. We envision our distance learning classes becoming an integral part of the partnerships developing with schools and seminaries in Eastern Europe, Africa and India. Also, we have frequent inquiries from missionaries, many of whom have started master's degree work but are unable to continue where they are located. Many of the traditional components of classroom education have their counterparts in DVD courses.

Shepherds began digitally videotaping classes in 2005. Our delivery format is by DVD and is supplemented by email.  Courses now available include:

OT 501 - Old Testament Studies I

OT 502 - Old Testament Studies II

NT 607 - Theology of Luke

TH 501 - Systematic Theology I

TH 602 - Apologetics

HT 501 - Historical Theology I

Shepherds' DVD courses have the same content and receive instruction from the same faculty and with the same challenging assignments as those taken in the traditional classroom format. DVD courses also receive the same number of credit hours and follow the same cost structure as classroom courses. Some coursework is required on Shepherds' campus, or an acceptable campus for transfer credit, in order to receive a degree.

Instructions are sent with each DVD, or online, that the student can view at his own pace, according to a schedule set by the professor. Assignments are submitted online or by email. Exams are structured either online or monitored by a local pastor. Quizzes, exams and papers are graded as normally done in the classroom.

A student wishing to take distance learning classes must apply for admission to Shepherds just as any student is required to do. Forms can be obtained online or from the Registrar’s office. The admission requirements for entry into each of our degree programs are in the Admissions section of this catalog. Courses are still considered to take place on a full semester basis, but timing can be adjusted with the professor to accommodate the student’s work situation. These courses can also be taken for audit.