FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are some frequently asked questions about the Harvest Bible Institute and Theological Seminary. These are official answers to common questions. Please note that, nothing said verbally can supplant these policies. If you have any questions, please email us at admissions@hbits.org and we would be happy to discuss anything with you.
Q. Who can enroll in the Harvest Baptist Institute and Theological Seminary (HBITS)?
A. Anyone who has a high school diploma or GED or above.
Q. What denomination is HBITS?
A. We are unashamedly Baptist. However, we have students of many denominations. We do not descriminate on any previous religion, religious affiliation, or other denominational schools.
Q. Does HBITS give refunds if I change my mind after starting a course of study?
A. HBITS does NOT GIVE REFUNDS FOR ANY REASON. At HBITS, we apply discounts and scholarships to make going to seminary here very cheap, as such, we simply CANNOT and DO NOT give refunds of any amount, for any reason. By enrolling in HBITS, you agree to this and agree to never dispute, deny or otherwise hinder a payment agreement once entered into. We process payments in 3 ways: By Credit Card, By recurring subscription through PayPal, and by Money Order. You agree that by enrolling, our payment agreement supercedes any payment agreement with your payment institution, should a problem ever arise. If you ever have questions about a payment, email us at admissions@hbits.org and our staff will be happy to assist.
Q. Which Bible does HBITS use?
A. We use the King James Version because we believe that this version to be the perfectly preserved words of God for the Enlgish speaking world.
Q. What can I do if I am not Baptist, but I want to learn the Word of God?
A. We accept any student regardless of belief, however we teach the KJV and ask our students to answer tests according to what the professor taught and then add any personal beliefs or disagreements if desired.
Q. Does HBITS have a website that people can browse?
A. Yes, the web address is www.hbits.org
Q. Does HBITS have a brochure or catalog that can be mailed to prospective students?
A. Yes, you may email the seminary for a copy of our catalog. Send a request to : admin@hbits.org
Q. Do we have a bookstore?
A. Yes. The HBITS bookstore online, and you can consult either your course's syllabus or your program overview once you enroll for information on where to find the bookstore online, books you will need to acquire, and total cost.
Q. Are the courses at HBITS online?
A. The courses at HBITS can be taken via distance learning.
Q. Where can I view the doctrinal statement or statement of faith/beliefs of HBITS?
A. You can view that information at www.hbits.org/faith
Q. Do you offer Financial Aid to students?
A. We are currently in the process of working with governmental authorities to determine if we may be a candidate to accept FAFSA. However, currently (as of 9/2022) we offer partial scholarships, deep discounts on tuition for ministerial experience, military discounts, discounts for enrolling with spouses, discounts for paying tuition in full and finally interest free affordable payment plans for all students.
Q. Do you plan to seek regional (governmental) accreditation?
A. We are currently in the process of seeking regional accreditation with a few accrediting agencies. We have found in the past that the lack of formal or governmental accreditation has in no way hindered our students, most of which are ministerial students engaged in pastoral or other para-church related ministries. If you have questions, or would like to suggest anything regarding accreditation, please don't hesitate to email us at admin@hbits.org.
Q. How many students does HBITS have enrolled?
A. The number varies each month, but we currently have over 300 students enrolled nationwide and more than 100 internationally.
Q. Does HBITS have a campus?
A. HBITS is a distance learning theological seminary focused on providing great distance learning formatted courses so the man or woman of God can continue to serve in the field while bolstering their education. We are however discussing implementation of a campus model as well. Once a decision is made on this front, students will be notified via email so they can choose whether they wish to continue via distance learning or come to our future campus(es).
Q. Is a student required to attend any courses or seminars on campus?
A. No. However, graduation is held annually at a church of our choosing. If a student seeks to walk with their class, they will need to plan to be there. Information on each year's graduation place, time and date, as well as graduation fee cost, etc. will be available in the GRADUATION FORM you can get simlpy by emailing admissions@hbits.org.
Q. Who are the professors at HBITS?
A. We have several adjunct professors that create courses for HBITS from all over the nation. All of which are properly credentialed, degreed, and contribute in meaningful ways. All of our adjunct faculty is available and contact information available for you to reach out to if you have any questions, as well as our staff in addition to that. Never hesitate to reach out to us or your instructors should any questions or concerns arise.
Q. Do we ever seek professors for new courses at HBITS?
A. We are always open to new courses that might become part of our curriculum. We do have very strict rules about accepting new courses and teachers at our institution and if you are interested and believe you may be qualified, contact us at admin@hbits.org. We would love to hear from you.
Q. How do I know if I would be eligible to teach a course at HBITS?
A. You need to email the seminary at admin@hbits.org to discuss your qualifications, and talk about proposed courses, submission goals and deadlines, theology, etc.
ENROLLMENT QUESTIONS
Q. How can I get started?
A. 1). Fill out an online application (evaluation) you can do this at: www.hbits.org/admissions
Q. If I fill out an evaluation (application) online, how do I know if you received it?
A. Typically, we will respond to any inquiry within 48 hours. (Two business days) Though rest assured, we receive each form filled out from our admissions que.
Q. What do I do after I fill out the application?
A. If you fill out the information online you will be promptly contacted (no more then 2 business days) to help you understand the enrollment process, process any student scholarships, discounts, etc. you may be qualified for, and setup the finalization of your enrollment process.
Q. How much do I have to pay to get started?
A. The minimum down payment for MOST programs is $150.00. However, this varies by degree program. Contact the admissions team at admissions@hbits.org for more information.
Q. Can my spouse go to HBITS free?
A. A spouse can go for half price as long as they are in the same program, and enroll at the same time.
Q. Are there any discounts if the spouse is in a different program?
A. A spouse can enroll at HBITS for 2/3 (35% off) of the program's total cost and must enroll at the same time.
QUESTIONS AFTER ENROLLMENT
Q. How are my courses mailed and when will they arrive? (If using distance learning format?)
A. As of 2019, we no longer snail mail courses or catalogs. All grade reports, courses, classwork, and MOST (but not all) required reading materials can be accessed online through the seminary or other partner providers.
Q. How do I know which course to start with?
A. You may decide which course(s) to start with in your degree program.
Q. Do I take one course at the time and send it in for a grade?
A. We ask that you consider sending in your work as you complete it. This helps the seminary foster good and continuing conversations and relationships with our student body.
Q. How do I keep up with my progress?
A. HBITS uses an online grading system that will report your grades automatically. Each student will be given access to this system once all initial payments and enrollment processes are complete.
Q. Can I call and check on my grades?
A. We ask that you email grades@hbits.org and wait for a response. This usually takes 3-5 business days because of the size of our student body. Please note that each grade is posted to our online system as soon as it is processed, so please, be patient. If after 3-5 business days you have not seen an update, by all means please call us and let us know.
Q. What is the grading scale at HBITS?
A. Our grading scale is: (A) 90-100; (B) 80-89; (C) 70-79; (D) 60-69; (F) Below 60
We also use I for Incomplete to let you know that part of the test was either missing or done wrong.
Any grade above 70 is considered as passing, but a (D) is not transferable.
Q. Can I retake a test?
A. You can retake any test but there is a $100 charge for a retake, and the two grades will be averaged together.
Q. How can I get help on a test?
A. Our staff can usually answer your questions, but if not, we have access to each of our adjunct professors which can always help in each instance you have a question that needs tending to.
Q. Can I exempt courses that I have already taken?
A. HBITS is glad to work with you-we can exempt courses in some cases, or use replacement courses where applicable. This will require a transcript from previous schools.
Q. If I am not doing my courses, do I still have to pay?
A. Yes, you must make a payment each month regardless of whether you are doing coursework. (Unless you pay in full at enrollment, for which there is a discount. Check the program cataloge and payment information for more details)
Q. Is there a time limit on my coursework?
A. In most of our programs, there is no time limit on how long it takes. For some particular courses, capstone projects, etc, there is a time limit set by the instructor, but any hard deadlines that are needed you will be made aware of ahead of time.
Q. How will I know what I made on a test?
A. The grade department will post your grades to our grading system.
Q. What can I do if I want to change my program of study?
A. You will need to fill out a Change of Program form.
The change will cost $250 in order to change your degree courses. You will need to send the form in to us so that we can attach it to your file.
QUESTIONS FOR CURRENT AND FORMER STUDENTS
Q. Does HBITS have to have my transcript from previous schools before I can get started?
A. No, we enroll students based on an honor system of the information that we receive. However, will not issue a degree until your transcipt is received, and the credits are deemed transferrable. You may need to complete additional courses to complete your degree based on what appears in your transcript. This may incur an additional cost.
Q. As a student, how do I keep up with my progress?
A. When you enroll, our online system will list each course, coursework required, and grade you received on each course.
Q. After enrollment, how do I know when my payment is due?
A. All payments are due on the 1st of the month, and are considered late on the 10th. A 15.00 late fee applies to each payment listed. If you are enduring a financial hardship, contact us for a waive of fee form available by emailing grades@hbits.org.
Q. What kind of diploma (degree) will I receive?
A. Our degrees are printed by a private printer who prints professional 11x17 Seminary Degrees.
Q. How do I know when my degree will be ordered?
A. When you have finished all of your courses and received passing grades met your financial obligations, your degree can be ordered immediately if you are a distance learning student, or, if you intend to attend our physical graduation, there will be a pay by date that you must meet in order to ensure we receive your degree prior to graduation.
Q. How often does HBITS order degrees?
A. We order degrees once a month. We order degrees for distance learning students who are NOT attending physical graduation ceremonies on the 15th of the month. Usually, they take no more than 4 weeks to be received by the seminary, verified, then shipped to the students. If attending physical graduation, degrees are ordered 6 weeks prior to graduation date, and students' fees must be paid by then to ensure they can walk with their class.
Q. Does my degree come in a frame?
A. No. Frames are optional for students. HBITS frames are very well constructed, beautiful and embossed with our log. These frames cost $250.00 as of 9/2022. For most up to date information, contact the seminary advisory team at grades@hbits.org.
GRADUATION CEREMONY
Q. How often does HBITS have a graduation ceremony?
A. We have one graduation ceremony per year, typically in May, unless circumstances prevent it.
Q. Who can attend the graduation ceremony?
A. Anyone who has received a degree from HBITS and has never attended a ceremony for that degree.
Q. Can a person attend more than one graduation?
A. Absolutely! As long as you have completed a degree and have not been
to a previous ceremony for that degree. You can attend every time you
receive a new degree. You can also attend as a guest at every ceremony.
Q. How many people can I bring with me to graduation?
A. There is no limit. The auditorium holds close to 650 people.
Q. When will I receive an information packet concerning graduation?
A. All forms are available by simply sending an email to admin@hbits.org.
Q. Where and when can I order my graduation regalia?
A. Again, all graduation regalia can be ordered by sending an email to grades@hbits.org
Q. Is there a fee to attend graduation?
A. Yes, the fee is usually $225 (this could change based on the economy). This helps the seminary with staging such a large event. This fee is separate from the $250 minimum degree(diploma) fee.
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Q. At the onsite graduation in May am I required to buy
t-shirts, bumper stickers, etc?
A. No, you are NOT required. However we appreciate if you would purchase some of the T-shirts, bumper stickers, mugs, frames with HBITS school seal etc. to help show your pride and support the school.
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