IJS-Frequently Asked Questions

The Institute of Jewish Studies FAQs

When does enrollment for classes begin?
Can I take only one or two courses at a time?
How much time do online classes take?
How long are the online courses and distance learning education classes?
Can I take any class I want?
How much do online classes cost?
Will I need to buy course materials?
Are online classes self-paced or are there due dates?
Can I start online and/or distance learning anytime?
Will I need to be online at specific times?
As an online student, will I be interacting with others?
Can I audit an online course?
Is IJS accredited?
Are there scholarships available?
What technology do I need for online distance learning education?
Is online education right for me?

When does enrollment for classes begin?
Enrollment for classes begins two weeks before the scheduled session begins. This is when you can pay and sign up for courses.

Can I take only one or two courses at a time?
Yes. Most IJS students are taking one course per session or semester. The majority of our students have full-time jobs and families.

How much time do online classes take?
Students should plan on 30 to 45 minutes of online time at least five days a week as well as the time necessary to complete required reading. Total time required to complete coursework varies according to the individual, but the average time commitment for the courses would be five to seven hours a week.

How long are the online courses and distance learning education classes?
All online education classes run in consecutive six-week sessions.

Does it matter what courses I take?
We want you to be able take the courses that are most relative to your interests, life, and ministry. If they are offered in a session, you can take it. We have not made any course prerequisites to another course.

How much do online classes cost?
Each course is $180 USD. This includes all required reading material you need for the six-week course. The reading is provided online as PDF (Portable Document Format) on the course Web site.

Will I need to buy course materials?
All reading material is provided online. It will be available each week for viewing and printing during the six-week course.

Are online classes self-paced or are there due dates?
Classes have due dates for assignments to help you pace yourself.

Can I start online and/or distance learning anytime?
Class sessions begin four times each year: August, October, January, and March. You can start at the beginning of any session.

Will I need to be online at specific times?
No. You can do your coursework at any time. Many assignments will be due by midnight on the due date, but there are no “real-time” requirements.

As an online student, will I be interacting with others?
Yes. Online courses are heavily interactive. You will be communicating with your facilitator and participating in discussion with your classmates. This is an exciting opportunity to build relationships with classmates from around the country and the world.

Can I audit an online course?
Not at this time. The majority of the learning takes place while answering the weekly discussion questions and interacting with your classmates.

Is IJS accredited?
No. We have built our courses at an accredited level but at this time we are not recognized by an accreditation agency. Our goal in taking IJS online is to bring a quality biblical education from a unique Jewish perspective.

Are there scholarships available?
At this time we do not have scholarships available. We have tried to keep the course fees comparable to other schools at our level. All reading material is online and is included in the $180 USD course fee.

What technology do I need for online distance learning education?
We have software and hardware requirements available on our web site. Simply click here to go to the Software and Hardware Requirements page.

Is online education right for me?
If you answer yes to the majority of the following questions then you are a good candidate for online education.

1. I am fairly comfortable using a computer and the Internet.
2. I have access to a computer with an Internet connection.
3. I am self-motivated and can set my own goals.
4. I am conscientious of my time and can plan ahead.
5. I like interacting with those who are different from me.
6. I am comfortable expressing myself in writing.
7. I enjoy reading and researching new things.
8. I can devote approximately five to seven hours a week to online education.
9. I enjoy critical thinking and healthy debate.
10. My family and/or friends are a good support system for me.