GENERAL

THE MISSION

The mission of California International Theological Seminary (CITS) is to provide a Christian education at the baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate levels in biblical studies, theology, and selected applied and professional fields.  In seeking to train pastors, the focus is to lead them toward excellence in their role of equipping God’s people for works of Christian service.

Through the baccalaureate program, lay persons who desire a more intense level of personal study and discipleship are practically equipped for their roles within the local church.

California International Theological Seminary is to be a Seminary in the full traditional meaning of the term with the individual maturing in their experiential understanding of the substance of Christ’s character and image while developing their cognitive and effective potential.  It is to be a Seminary where understanding and knowledge are generated and disseminated together with essential principles for their practical application in a contemporary world.

California International Theological Seminary seeks to impart to each student a high level of competency in their ability to study and present the Word of God to others.  It is our goal to produce individuals who are able to bring enlightened solutions to the problems that are faced by both the church and the secular world.

The faculty seeks to guide each student along a sure pathway of discovery, resulting in a clearer understanding of their personal abilities, giftedness, and compatible fields of ministry.  Through training covering a range of methodologies, California International Theological Seminary works to equip students with a practical understanding of the local church and ways in which they are able to effectively carry out its mission of evangelism, discipleship, and ministry involvement.

HISTORY

The vision to establish a seminary for the training of Christian ministers and lay persons was birthed in the heart of Dr. Philip S. Huang, Founder and Chancellor of Christ International Theological Seminary.

Christ International Theological Seminary has been renamed California International Theological Seminary.

From its beginning, California ­International Theological Seminary has sought to fill an existing void in the field of theological education by addressing the needs of students who required a less traditional approach to the securing of quality instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as the flexibility afforded by both night courses and short-term seminar classes.

The missionary outreach of California International Theological Seminary progressively broadened as programs designed to meet the needs of the Chinese community were added.  The majority of the students who have ­attended the seminary are serving as pastors and church workers throughout Southern California.

CITS STANDARDS

The Board of Trustees and members of the faculty of California International Theological Seminary recognize the value of maintaining certain high behavioral standards that contribute to the atmosphere on campus.  In addition to providing a Christian ­testimony to our community, these standards assist in fostering a sense of fellowship among students.

California International Theological Seminary is for sincere Christians who are sensitive to the many biblical principles for Christian living.  Although regulations are not the basis for our standing in Christ, nor necessarily a consequence of it, they can strengthen the testimony and life of the individual.  To this end, California International Theological Seminary expects its staff, faculty, and students to refrain from the use of alcoholic beverages, drugs, tobacco, and from gambling.  Students of California International Theological Seminary are expected to abstain from all morally degrading social elements wherever they are found, and to exhibit tangible evidence of their maturing knowledge of Christ and the exercise of discerning judgment.

Students are expected to avoid contention, strife, and arguments with all other persons, whether they be a student, staff member, or member of the faculty.

The Seminary reserves the right to dismiss a student who, in its judgment, does not conform either to the stated regulations governing student conduct or to the expressed principles, policies and programs of California International Theological Seminary.  These standards apply to the student while he is enrolled in any of the CITS special programs, including summer seminars.

ACCREDITATION

California International Theological Seminary has received the institutional accreditation by the BPPE. Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 2535 Capital Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95833 and the Transworld Accrediting Commission, located in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, for non-traditional Christian Schools, Bible Colleges and Theological Seminaries.

Due to California International Theological Seminary’s objective to educate the students in the areas of Christian character, spirituality, and practical ministry, the seminary has not applied to other major accrediting agencies that hold to a different philosophy of education.

While continuing to pursue our goal of academic excellence, our commitment for the future is to cooperate with other institutions of similar philosophy in the establishment of an ­accrediting agency that gives credence to the belief that personal acquisition of the substance of Christ is of equal importance to becoming competent in one’s chosen field of study.

DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

Inasmuch as the seminary is interdenominational and yet theologically conservative, the Articles of Incorporation contain a doctrinal statement that is given below.

The Bible, consisting of all the books of the Old and New Testaments, is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice.  The Bible is verbally inspired by God and is the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule for faith and conduct (II Timothy 3:15-17, I Thessalonians 2:13, and II Peter 1:21).

The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent “IAM,” the Creator of heaven and earth, and the Redeemer of mankind.  He has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 43:10-11, Matthew 28:19, and Luke 3:22).

The terms “Trinity” and “Persons,” as related to the Godhead, while not found in the Scriptures, are words in harmony with Scripture, whereby we may convey to others our immediate understanding of the doctrine of Christ respecting the Being of God, as distinguished from “gods many and lords many.”  We therefore may speak with propriety of the Lord our God, who is One Lord, as a Trinity or as one Being of three Persons, and still be absolutely scriptural (Matthew 28:19, II Corinthians 13:14, and John 14:16-17).

Christ taught a distinction of Persons in the Godhead which He expressed in specific terms of relationship, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but that this distinction relationship, as to mode, is inscrutable and incomprehensible, because it is unexplained (Luke 1:35, I Corinthians 1:24, Matthew 11:25-27 and 28:19, II Corinthians 13:14, and I John 1:3-4).

Accordingly, therefore, there is that in the Son which constitutes Him the Son and not the Father; and, there is that in the Holy Spirit which constitutes Him the Holy Spirit and not either the Father or the Son.  Wherefore the ­Father is the Begetter, the Son is the Begotten, and the Holy Spirit is the One proceeding from the Father and the Son.  Therefore, because these three Persons in the Godhead are in a state of unity, there is but one Lord God Almighty and His name is one (John 1:18, 15:26, and 17:11, 21; and Zechariah 14:9).

The Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit are never identical as to Person; nor confused as to relation; nor divided in respect to the Godhead; nor opposed as to relation.  The Son is in the Father and the Father is in the Son as to relationship.  The Son is with the Father and the Father is with the Son, as to fellowship.  The Father is not from the Son, but the Son is from the Father, as to authority.  The Holy Spirit is from the Father and the Son proceeding as to nature, relationship, cooperation and authority.  Hence none of the Persons in the Godhead exists or works separately or independently of the others (John 5:17, 37; John 8:17, 18).

The appellation, “Lord Jesus Christ,” is a proper name.  It is never applied in the New Testament either to the Father or to the Holy Spirit.  It therefore belongs exclusively to the Son of God (Romans 1:1-3, 7; II John 3).

The Lord Jesus Christ, as to His divine and eternal nature, is the proper and only Begotten of the Father; but, as to His human nature, He is the proper Son of Man.  He is, therefore, acknowledged to be both God and man; who because He is God and man, is “Immanuel” – God with us (Matthew 1:23; I John 4:2, 10, 14; and Revelation 1:13, 17).

Since the name “Immanuel” embraces both God and man in the one Person, our Lord Jesus Christ, it follows that the title Son of God describes His proper deity, and the title Son of Man, His proper humanity.  Therefore, the title Son of God, belongs to the order of time (Matthew 1:21-23; II John 3; I John 3:8; and, Hebrews 7:3 and 1:1-13).

It is a transgression of the Doctrine of Christ to say that Jesus Christ derived the title “Son of God” from the fact of the incarnation, or because of His relation to the economy of redemption.  Therefore, to deny that the Father is a real and eternal Father, and that the Son is a real and eternal Son, is a denial of the distinction and relationship to the Being of God; it is a denial of the Father and the Son; and, a displacement of the truth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh (II John 9; John 1:1, 2, 14, 29, 49; I John 2:22, 23; and 4:1-5; and Hebrews 12:2).

The Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, having by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high, with angels and principalities and powers having been made subject to Him.  Having been made both Lord and Christ, He sent the Holy Spirit that we, in the name of Jesus, might bow our knees and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father until the end, when the Son shall become subject to the Father, that God may be all in all (Hebrews 1:3; I Peter 3:22; Acts 2:32-36; Romans 14:11; I Corinthians 15:24-28).

Since the Father has delivered all judgment unto the Son, it is not only the express duty of all in heaven and on earth to bow the knee, but it is an unspeakable joy in the Holy Spirit to ascribe unto the Son all of the attributes of Deity, and to give Him all honor and glory contained in all the names and titles of the Godhead (except those which express relationship); and, thus to honor the Son even as we honor the Father (John 5:22, 23; I Peter 1:8; Revelation 5:6-14; Philippians 2:8-9; and Revelation 7:9-10 and 4:8-11).

The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God.  The Scriptures declare:

  His virgin birth

     (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31, 35).

  His sinless life

     (Hebrews 7:26; I Peter 2:22).

  His miracles

     (Acts 2:22 and 10:38).

  His substitutionary work on the Cross

  (I Corinthians 15:3; II Corinthians 5:21).

  His bodily resurrection from the dead

  (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; I Corinthians 15:4).

  His exaltation to the right hand of God

  (Acts 1:9, 11 and 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3).

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Man was created good and upright; for God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”  However, man by voluntary transgression fell and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death, which is separation from God (Genesis 1:26, 27, 2:17, and 3:6; Romans 5:12-19).

Man’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

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The Ordinances of the Church are:

Baptism in Water

The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded in the Scriptures.  All who repent and believe on Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized.  Thus they declare to the world that they have died with Christ, and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47-48; and Romans 6:4).

Holy Communion

The Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements – bread and the fruit of the vine – is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (II Peter 1:4); a memorial of His suffering and death (I Corinthians 11:26); a prophesy of His second coming (I Corinthians 11:26); and, is enjoined on all believers “till He come!”

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All believers are entitled to, and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the “promise of the Father,” the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ.  This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian church.  By it comes the endowment of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts, and their uses in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4, 8; I Corinthians 12:1-31).  This experience is distinct from, and subsequent to the experience of the new birth (Acts 8:12-17, 10:44-46, 11:14-16, and 15:7-9).

With the baptism of the Holy Spirit comes such experiences as an overflowing fullness of the Spirit (John 7:37-39; and Acts 4:8); a deepened reverence for God (Acts 2:43; and Hebrews 12:28); an intensified consecration to God and dedication to His work (Acts 2:42); and a more active love for Christ, for His Word, and for the lost (Mark 16:20).  This experience:

a.  Enables them to evangelize in the power of the Spirit with accompanying supernatural signs (Mark 16:15-20; Acts 4:29-31; and Hebrews 2:3-4).

b.  Adds a dimension to a worshipful relationship with God (I Corinthians 2:10-16 and chapters 12, 13, and 14).

c.  Enables them to respond to the full working of the Holy Spirit in expression of fruit, gifts, and ministries, as in New Testament times, for the edifying of the Body of Christ (Galatians 5:22-26; I Corinthians 14:12; Ephesians 4:11-12; I Corinthians 12:28; and ­Colossians 1:29).

Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God (Romans 12:1-2;
I Thessalonians 5:23; and Hebrews 13:12).  The Scriptures teach a life of “holiness without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).  By the power of the Holy Spirit we are able to obey the command:  “Be ye holy, for I am holy” (I Peter 1:15, 16).

Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his identification with Christ in His death and resurrection; by faith reckoning daily upon the fact of that union; and by offering every faculty continually to the dominion of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:1-11, 13; 8:1, 2, 13; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12, 13; and I Peter 1:5).

The Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit with divine appointments for the fulfillment of the great commission.  Each believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn, which are written in heaven (Ephesians 1:22, 23 and 2:22; and Hebrews 12:23).

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Since God’s purpose concerning man is to seek and to save that which is lost, to be worshipped by man, and to build a body of believers in the image of His Son, the priority reason-for-being of California International Theological Seminary, as part of the Church is:

a.  To be an agency of God for evangelizing the world (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20; and Mark 16:15-16).

b.  To be a corporate body in which men may worship God (I Corinthians 12:13).

c.  To be a channel of God’s purpose to build a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Ephesians 4:11-16; I Corinthians 12:28 and 14:12).

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A divinely called and scripturally ordained ministry has been provided by our Lord for the threefold purpose of leading the Church in:  (1) the evangelization of the world (Mark 16:15-20); (2) the worship of God (John 4:23, 24); and, (3) the building of a body of saints being perfected in the image of His Son (Ephesians 4:11-16).

Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel.  Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the Atonement, and is a privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-16).

The resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord is the imminent and blessed hope of the Church (I Thessalonians 4:16; Romans 8:23; Titus 2:13; I Corinthians 15:51-52).

The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope; followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on the earth for one thousand years (Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7, 19:11-14, and 20:1-6).  This millennial return will bring the salvation of national Israel (Ezekiel 37:21; Zephaniah 3:19, 20; Romans 11:26, 27); and, the establishment of universal peace (Isaiah 11:6-9; Psalm 72:3-8; and Micah 4:3-4).

There will be a final judgment in which the wicked dead will be raised and judged according to their works.  Whoever is not found in the Book of Life, together with the devil and his angels, the beast and the false prophet, will be consigned to everlasting punishment in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43-48; Revelation 19:20, 20:11-15, and 21:8).  We look for a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21 and 22).

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CITS OBJECTIVES

California International Theological Seminary seeks to instruct Christian men and women in order to produce graduates who are:

1.  Earnest Christians personally equipped with the substance of Christ for service to the Christian community and society at large.

2.  Knowledgeable in the Word of God and in biblical studies.

3.  Competent in their field of study.

With particular reference to the graduate programs, the intention of the Seminary is to seek to produce a graduate who is:

1.  Sufficiently mature in their intellectual and experiential understanding of Christ’s character and ­image to impact the spiritual, psychological, and cultural dimensions of a contemporary world.

2.  Highly competent in their ability to study and present the Word of God.

The intention of the Seminary in its undergraduate program is to produce graduates who are:

1.  Broadly educated for service in all Christian working fields, including Sunday school teachers, members of church staff, and in leadership positions for the various outreach ministries;

     a.  One who knows how to use the reasoning process:  (1) who can use the processes of investigation and research; (2) who can reason logically; (3) who recognizes that in addition to reason and experience, one must exercise faith.

     b.  One who is knowledgeable of biblically-based values and beliefs to the degree that it mediates their behavior.

     c.  One who is able to communicate and defend biblically-based ideas on the basis of evidence.

     d.  One who understands and appreciates ethnic and cultural differences.

2.  Competent in their major.

     a.  One who is prepared for graduate study in those programs where graduate degrees are offered.

     b.  One who is prepared to enter directly into a vocation or profession in Christian ministries.

3.  One who is able to make a distinctive contribution to mankind through their vocation, church, and personal witness within the community.

     a.  One who is committed to maintaining biblically-based high moral standards.

     b.  One who is prepared to fulfill Christ’s commission to make disciples of all nations.

     c.  One who is able to express personal knowledge of the Bible and their relationship to Christ with others; and, one who demonstrates the love of Christ toward others.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

California International Theological Seminary subscribes to a policy of equal education and employment opportunity for all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or age.  Academic admission is granted without regard to race, color, national origin, or age to all applicants who meet CITS requirements.  We comply with Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972; it does not discriminate on the basis of sex in admission, treatment of students, or employment.  CITS complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.  It complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974 and does not discriminate on the basis of handicap in academic admission, access to, treatment of, or employment in its programs.

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FINANCIAL INFORMATION

California International Theological Seminary seeks to provide a quality education for all of its students at the most reasonable cost possible.  As a private, non-profit seminary, CITS receives no support from taxes or public funds.  The tuition charges for each quarter unit taken by the student do not cover the costs for providing a quality education.  The gifts made by alumni, individual supporters, interested churches, and occasionally for-profit corporations, subsidize every student who attends California International Theological Seminary.

The Seminary reserves the right to change all student charges, change its programs of study, or modify its services should curriculum revisions, ­economic conditions or national emergency make it necessary to do so.

APPLICATION FEES

An application fee of $40 must ­accompany each application for admission.  This fee is non-refundable.  Applications for the spring quarter which are received after January 1, or for the fall quarter received after ­August 1 must be accompanied by an additional $10 fee.

GENERAL FEES

In addition to tuition, the following fees are charged only as applicable to the individual student:

  * Enrollment Deposit $ 50.00

     Registration Fee   30.00

     Change of Schedule 10.00

     Transcript Fee (for each

     copy after the first) 5.00

  * Upon notice of acceptance, an enrollment deposit is required.  This amount is applicable toward the total expenses during the student’s last quarter of enrollment, but is forfeited if the applicant fails to report for the quarter for which the application was made.

SPECIAL FEES

UNDERGRADUATE

There are special fees to cover services that are required on an individual student basis:

     Library Fee       $ 10.00

     Graduation Fee    50.00

     Transfer Unit (per unit)      15.00

  * Life Experience (per unit)   20.00

  * Testing Units       20.00

SPECIAL FEES

GRADUATE

     Library Fee       $ 10.00

     Graduation Fee–Masters    100.00

     Graduation Fee–Doctoral   150.00

     Transfer Unit (per unit)      15.00

  * Life Experience (per unit)   20.00

  * Testing Units       20.00

     Reading Fee       200.00

     Master’s Level

       Advisory Fee   100.00

     Doctoral Level Dissertation

       or Project Advisory Fee    200.00

     Continuation Fee

          (per year)      200.00

     (for Doctoral Candidates who have finished course work, but not their  dissertation).

* There is a $150.00 non-refundable deposit for application for each category of non-traditional unit.  However, the deposit is applied toward the total cost when the final units are issued.

PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS

All tuition and fees for all students are to be paid in full on or before the first day of each quarter.  Those students who are unable to pay the total amount of these costs may request consideration for the deferred tuition payment plan.  A student is not considered registered, and may not attend classes, until either the tuition is paid or the student is approved for one of the optional plans.  All financial accounts must be paid in full before transcripts, diplomas, or degrees may be released.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

The cost of tuition may be paid in one of the following ways:

Plan 1.   Payment for each quarter in full on or before the day of fall, winter, or spring registration.

Plan 2.   A down-payment at the time of registration with payment of any remaining balance by the first payment due date (October 10 – fall; January 6 – winter; April 5 – spring).  No finance charges are assessed.

Plan 3.   A down-payment equal to one-third of the cost of tuition at the time of registration and the remaining balance as follows:

One-third – First day of fourth week.

One-third – First day of eighth week.

An interest payment of 1.5% per month on the unpaid balance is added.  A five (5) day grace period is allowed from the date that payment is due.  Students remaining delinquent after the grace period are subject to immediate dismissal.

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

It is the desire of California International Theological Seminary to provide financial assistance to needy students within the limits of its resources.  This is especially the case for those who, without such aid, would not be able to attend.

The office of student financial services offers counseling and assistance in ascertaining the most suitable form of financial aid for each student.

California International Theological Seminary does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color or national and ethnic origin in administration of its scholarship or loan programs.

FINANCE CHARGES

One and one-half percent of the unpaid balance shown on each monthly statement will be added to the account as a finance charge.

A student’s transcripts or diploma may be withheld if the student has an outstanding financial obligation to the seminary.

All student payments forwarded for credit to an individual’s account should be clearly designated with the student’s name and should be addressed as follows:

California International
Theological Seminary

119 North Curtis Avenue

Alhambra, CA  91801

A student is not registered and cannot attend classes until satisfactory ­financial arrangements have been made with the office of student financial services.

REFUNDS

Inasmuch as faculty arrangements and other financial commitments are made by California International Theological Seminary for the entire academic year in advance, the following refund policy has been adopted in order to distribute the loss equitably when a student finds it necessary to withdraw from the seminary:

  Withdrawal within first week         80%

  Withdrawal within second week     60%

  Withdrawal within third week        40%

  Withdrawal within fourth week      20%

  Withdrawal after fourth week         None

Refunds are computed from the beginning of the quarter, based upon the total tuition which has been paid by the student for the quarter classes in which the student is enrolled.  There are no refunds for application or registration fees.  No refunds are made for deferred payment fees.

All refunds must be requested by properly completing and submitting a departure card or class drop form.  In all cases the official withdrawal date determines the amount of the refund.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

SATISFACTORY PROGRESS

Full-Time Graduate Students

California International Theological Seminary defines satisfactory academic progress for the full-time graduate student as a student who completes twelve or more units per quarter or thirty-six or more units per academic year while maintaining the minimum cumulative grade point average specified by the graduate program requirements in which the student is enrolled.  Students progressing at the minimum full-time rate must complete the graduate degree requirements within the ­period of time required.  For example, participation in a degree program requiring 120 units progressing at twelve units would have ten quarters to complete the program.  Repeated courses which have been previously passed are not counted toward minimum satisfactory academic progress requirements.

Full-Time Undergraduate Students

California International Theological Seminary defines satisfactory academic progress for the full-time undergraduate student as an individual who completes twelve or more units per quarter or thirty-six or more units per academic year while maintaining a ­cumulative grade point average of 2.0.  The student must complete the undergraduate degree requirements within the time required when progressing at the minimum full-time rate.  For example, an undergraduate student in a degree program requiring 180 units progressing at twelve units would have fifteen quarters to complete the program.  Repeated courses which have been previously passed are not counted toward minimum satisfactory academic progress requirements.

Part-Time Students

California International Theological Seminary defines satisfactory academic progress for the part-time student as a student who completes six or more units per quarter and maintains a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 for the undergraduate and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for the graduate student.  Undergraduate students must complete the degree requirements within a maximum of three years beyond that of a full-time student.

ACADEMIC PROBATION

Any student, graduate or undergraduate, who does not maintain the minimum grade point average as outlined in the Statement of Satisfactory Progress will be placed on academic probation.  In the event that the student does not meet minimum cumulative grade point average requirements for two consecutive quarters while on academic probation, the appropriate faculty committee will consider the student for academic dismissal.  Graduate students carrying six quarter units or more who receive less than a 3.0 current grade point average will be considered for dismissal.  Any undergraduate student taking six quarter units or more who receives less than a 2.0 current grade point average will be considered for academic dismissal.

APPEALS

All student appeals must be submitted in writing to the records office and include an explanation of why an exception should be granted.  The explanation must include information stating why the minimum academic requirements were not met.  Appeals must be received within three weeks following notification that the student is on academic probation or has failed to meet probationary requirements.

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ADMISSION & REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

APPLICATION INFORMATION

California International Theological Seminary maintains an admission policy that is selective, and only those who are most likely to profit from the distinctively Christian emphasis and the educational program are admitted.

While no discrimination with reference to racial or national background is practiced in the admission policies, California International Theological Seminary maintains a strong Christian commitment within the evangelical tradition and requires that an applicant be an evangelical believer as a condition of acceptance.

Application forms may be requested from the dean of admissions by students interested in attending California International Theological Seminary.  If a pre-admission conference is desired, it is advisable to phone or write in advance for an appointment.  Applications should be submitted as early as possible since admission is on a selective basis.

When the application forms and all transcripts of previous academic training have been filed, accompanied by one photograph and an application fee of $40, an admission decision will be made.  Official notification of the decision will be sent by mail to the applicant.  Applications must be filed at least one month before new student orientation for the quarter when entrance is planned, in order to avoid an increased application fee of $50 instead of $40.

ENROLLMENT DEPOSIT

Applicants who are granted acceptance are required to remit an enrollment deposit of $50 which is retained in a special account, credited to the student until the final quarter of enrollment.

This enrollment deposit is retained as a continuing pre-registration deposit to ensure the enrolled student a place in the student body.  Students currently enrolled who pre-register for the fall quarter and fail to notify the records office before July 31 that they will not be enrolling, or fail to appear for registration in the fall, will forfeit the deposit.  Likewise, students currently enrolled who pre-register for the winter or spring quarters and fail to notify the records office before November 30 for winter and January 31 for spring, respectively, that they will not be enrolling, or fail to appear for registration in the winter or the spring will forfeit the deposit.

RE-ADMISSION

A student who has attended California International Theological Seminary and has dropped out for one quarter or more will be required to file an application for re-admission and pay a fee of $10.  Students enrolled for any quarter, but who fail to pre-register for the following quarter will be charged a $25 re-application fee should they choose to return for that quarter.

REGISTRATION

Students are to register during the scheduled registration days for each quarter.  Late registration will continue for one week from the date classes begin.  There is a registration fee of $30  for each quarter.  Students receive credit for only those courses in which they are officially enrolled in the office of admissions and records.  Registration is mandatory for students in all phases including those who have finished all requirements except the dissertation.

CHANGE OF REGISTRATION

A student who finds it necessary to add or drop a class must submit a Change of Registration form to the office of admissions and records.  Failure to fulfill this requirement when dropping a class will result in the student receiving a “UW” in the subject.  A charge is made for each class change transaction.

Students may add classes during the first two weeks of a normal twelve week quarter schedule.  After that date classes cannot be added without the approval of the office of records.  Courses may be dropped during the first three weeks of a quarter without penalty.  If a course is dropped during the first three weeks of classes, it will not be recorded on the student’s permanent record.  Courses dropped between the fourth and sixth week of classes will have a grade of “W” recorded.  See policy for refunds on a previous page for additional information.

PRE-REGISTRATION

Pre-registration for the fall quarter is held during the month of May; during the month of September for the winter quarter; and, in December for the spring quarter.  Returning students are required to pre-register if they plan to return to school the next quarter.  Failure to pre-register will result in the student having to file an application for re-admission and paying a fee.

NAME CHANGES

Student name change requests which become necessary as a result of marriage or court order must be submitted in writing and must be accompanied by a copy of the legal action which changes the individual’s name.

NUMBERING OF COURSES

Courses numbered 100 to 299 are lower division.  Courses numbered 300 to 499 are upper division.  Courses numbered 500 and above are graduate level.

ACADEMIC LOAD

The minimum full-time load for both undergraduate and graduate levels is 12 units per quarter.  Those carrying less than the full-time load are considered part-time students.

Graduate students are normally permitted to carry a maximum of 18 units per quarter.

A unit of credit is considered to consist of one class hour (50 minutes) a week for a quarter.

Full-time enrollment is required for students receiving financial aid of any kind, students receiving social security benefits, and veterans receiving full benefits.  When dropping classes, students must remember that they are required to maintain a load of twelve (12) units per quarter in order to remain classified as full-time students.

ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to regularly attend all classes since regular attendance contributes to growth in Christian character and encourages academic excellence.

Specific attendance requirements and the final authority for satisfactory attendance standards rests with the individual faculty member conducting the class.

The office of records furnishes ­faculty members with attendance roll forms for each course.  Forms are ­returned to the records office at quarter end.

AUDITORS

Students desiring to increase their knowledge by taking courses on a non-credit basis, may do so by registering as an auditor.  ­Auditors must receive permission from the instructor of the course to be audited.  A course that is taken for audit cannot be taken for credit at a later date.  Students wishing to audit courses must pursue normal application and registration procedures.

GRADING SYSTEM

Quality of course work is graded on the following scale, with a system of grade points used to determine a student’s general grade-point average or standing:

Grade  Quality Grade Points

     A Highest Passing 4.0

     A-                        3.7

     B+                       3.3

     B       Good         3.0

     B-                        2.7

     C+                       2.3

     C     Average       2.0

     C-                        1.7

     D+                       1.3

     D Lowest Passing 1.0

     D-                        0.7

     F       Failure        0.0

The grade point average of a student is obtained by dividing the total number of units attempted at California International Theological Seminary into the total number of grade points obtained.  The calculation starts anew for returning students who are entering the graduate level programs.

A “W” indicates an official withdrawal from a class and does not affect the grade point average.

A “UW” indicates an unofficial withdrawal.  Students who register for courses and fail to attend are given the grade of “UW” which influences the grade point average the same as an “F”.

An “I” indicates an incomplete grade where students are unable to finish the course due to extenuating circumstances.  The incomplete grade may remain on the student’s record for only one quarter.  If the student does not complete the course work after one quarter, the grade will be changed to an “F”.

A student will be permitted to repeat a course in which either a “D” or an “F” grade was earned.  Courses in which grades of either a “C” or “B” were earned may only be repeated with the approval of the academic dean.

The grades processor in the office of records must be notified when a course is repeated.  When a course is repeated where the student received a “D” or “F” grade, the better grade is the only one used in computing the cumulative grade point average.  The units are counted only once.  When the student is repeating a course and has received a grade of “C” or “B” the first time, both the first and second grades are included in the cumulative grade point calculation.

Grade reports will be issued to students from the office of admissions and records on a quarterly basis.

GRADE CHANGES

Grade changes are only allowable for recording or computational errors and must be corrected by no later than the last day of classes of the next full term quarter.

It is the student’s responsibility to bring any error in grades to the attention of the instructor within the quarter following the quarter in which the original grade was issued.

Once approved, a change of grade notice will be sent to records and entry made on the student’s transcripts.

WITHDRAWALS

A student who officially withdraws from the seminary during a quarter will receive a grade of “W” in all courses, providing that the withdrawal takes place within the first six weeks of class.  Otherwise, a grade of “UW” or “F” will be given.  A course which is dropped by a student doing passing work results in a grade of “WP”.  A course dropped while one is not doing passing work results in a grade of “WF”.

A student withdrawing may be granted honorable dismissal provided that they have met all of their financial obligations to the seminary; have secured a withdrawal form from the office of admissions and records; and, have completed all forms necessary for withdrawal while in good standing.

A student who does not complete the proper forms for withdrawal is considered to be an “unofficial withdrawal” and, as such, is not entitled to receive a refund of a portion of tuition fees; and, will receive a grade of “UW” in each course.

Transcripts will be sent to other schools upon request providing that all financial obligations to the seminary are fulfilled.

INCOMPLETE GRADES

A student who is unable to complete course work due to extenuating circumstances may receive a grade of “I” for each course which cannot be completed.  The incomplete grade may remain on the student’s record for no more than one quarter.  If the student does not complete the course work after one quarter, a grade of “F” will be given for courses which have not been completed.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Transfer students are required to present the same application forms and transcripts as those applying for freshman status.  The office of records has the final authority for the release of transfer credits into California International Theological Seminary.  The student transcript from the last school attended must bear the statement of honorable dismissal.

Transfer students with less than 30 semester units or 48 quarter units of regular college or university work must qualify for admission on the basis of both their high school and college record.  A minimum grade average of “C” (2.0) is required on all work attempted at the college level for undergraduate transfers.

Students transferring with more than 30 semester or 48 quarter units will be considered on the basis of their college grades (high school graduation transcript is still required for admission).

A minimum grade average of “B” (3.0) is required for all work attempted at the graduate level for students desiring to transfer into either masters or doctoral level programs.  Transcripts must be transmitted to the office of records by no later than one month prior to the start of the quarter in which the student plans to attend.

Transfer students who have attended institutions which are not accredited may be given the opportunity to validate credits through the College Level Examination Program or through consultation.  Provisional credit may be granted for non-accredited liberal arts course work in accordance with the policies of the state colleges or universities of the state in which the institution transferring credit is located.  Validation of provisional credit is obtained only when the transferring student maintains a cumulative gradepoint average of “C” or better at the undergraduate level, and “B” or better at the graduate level following enrollment at California International Theological Seminary.

TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS

The office of records will release a student’s transcript record only upon receiving a written authorization from the student.  One transcript of the student’s record is furnished free.  A  $5 charge is made for each additional official transcript.

A student or alumnus may request a transcript in person or by mail.  Telephone requests will not be accepted.  To make a request in person, the student or alumnus must fill out a transcript request form and pay the $5 fee at the office of records.

Mailed requests for transcripts should include the student’s name; date of birth; social security number; last quarter attended at California International Theological Seminary; the name and address of where the transcript is to be sent; and, a $5 fee for each copy of the transcript to be sent.  Transcripts will be released only after all financial obligations to the seminary have been paid.

All requests for a transcript must bear the signature of the individual whose permanent record is involved.  The request will not be honored if the name is printed or typed, or if it appears that it has been altered in any fashion.

This policy is in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Buckley Amendment).

INTENT TO GRADUATE

Students who have satisfactorily completed the necessary course work for baccalaureate or graduate level degrees and who intend to graduate must file an “intent to graduate” form with the office of records a minimum of six weeks prior to graduation.  Following review of records, a graduation confirmation notice will be sent to the student.

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DEGREES OFFERED

Undergraduate

California International Theological Seminary offers courses leading to the following degree:

The Bachelor of Theology (Th.B.) — The degree is designed for those seeking the highest theological degrees available.  The course work prepares the student for progression to Master of Theology and Doctor of Theology degrees at the graduate level.

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The pre-seminary student should check the program course work to determine that all of the requirements for entrance into graduate level studies are met.  Course work counseling is available to assist the student to properly plan the desired academic load and content.

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DEGREES OFFERED

Graduate

California International Theological Seminary offers courses leading to the following graduate degrees:

Master of Divinity (M.Div.) — The Master of Divinity degree is for the professional minister.  It is designed to provide a high degree of competency in biblical knowledge, refinement of research skills, and personal professional development.  The degree prepares one for increased effectiveness in professional pastoral ministry and further study at the doctoral level.  The M.Div. degree is considered the minimum educational credential for teaching biblical and theological subjects at accredited Seminaries and Bible Schools.

Master of Arts (M.A.) — The Master of Arts degree is designed to provide the student with a high degree of competency in specific areas of church ministry.  Quality graduate level training is provided in order to enhance the effectiveness of participating ministers.

Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) — The Doctor of Ministry degree offered by California International Theological Seminary is the highest professional degree for ordained persons in the church or related ministries.  The primary emphasis is on the practice of ministry rather than on teaching or research.

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REQUIREMENTS FOR BACCALAU­REATE DEGREES

All baccalaureate degrees require as a prerequisite a high school diploma or GED equivalent for admission into the program.  For specific degree requirements see major headings below.  In addition to the required units:

1.  Writing competency is a requirement of graduation for all students, including all incoming transfer students.

2.  A minimum of fifty-four (54) quarter units must be taken at California International Theological Seminary, including at least twenty-seven (27) units (upper division level) in the major field.  Credit by examination may not be used to fulfill the minimum residence requirement of fifty-four quarter units.

3.  All external (correspondence) course work must be completed and an official transcript received by the office of admissions before the senior year.

4.  A “C” average, or a 2.0 grade point average is required on all work taken at the baccalaureate level at California International Theological Seminary.

The core requirements are as ­follows:

Bachelor of Theology (Th.B.)

The student must complete 192 quarter units of undergraduate 100-400 level courses.

Core Requirements:

  Character Formation 12 units

  Bible Survey            9 units

  Systematic Theology 9 units

  Ministry (Required) 15 units

  Christian Spirituality 9 units

  Bible Research         3 units

  Ministry Electives  45 units

  Bible/Theology Electives         90 units

          TOTAL         192 units

A 50-page senior research paper is required in addition to the course work.  An academic advisor will be appointed during the student’s senior year.

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REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATE DEGREES

All applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Bible or Theology, a Bachelor of Ministry degree, or its academic equivalent in order to enter the Masters degree program.  Students with either baccalaureate or theological deficiencies may be admitted into the program on a provisional basis, but will be required to complete up to 30 quarter units of undergraduate study at California International Theological Seminary.  In addition to the required units:

1.  The applicant must have a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.  Students not meeting this requirement will be placed on probation if accepted into the program.  Graduate students transferring units from unaccredited colleges will be granted provisional acceptance into the program, except that a waiver of this requirement may be made if their grade point average is 3.0 or higher.

2.  Students who have not taken Greek may take beginning Greek at California International Theological Seminary with credit being granted toward graduation.

MASTER’S LEVEL DEGREES

California International Theological Seminary offers the Master of Arts and Master of Divinity degrees.

Admission Standards

The student must present an acceptable baccalaureate degree.  Each should be a graduate from a recognized and/or regionally accredited college with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

All applicants must submit a written statement outlining their vocational objectives and how the degree might relate to those objectives.

The core requirements for each of the degrees are as follows:

Master of Arts (M.A.)

The student must complete 68 quarter units of graduate study, 2 years  beyond the Bachelor’s degree.

Core Requirements:

  Character Formation 10 units

  Ministry (Required) 10 units

  Bible & Theology   12 units

  Christian Spirituality 6 units

  Areas of Concentration         24 units

  Field Ministry Project    3 units

  Thesis Seminar         3 units

          TOTAL           68 units

Field Ministry Project

During the Field Ministry Project, an academic advisor will be assigned to the student.  The project must include study and participation in an approved area of ministry.  The studentmust personally participate, research, analyze, implement or improve the area of ministry.  The student is required to prepare a report consisting of a minimum of 75 pages reporting on the student’s findings.

The student may wish to take an oral examination in lieu of the written report.  The oral examination will be given in early January and late May prior to graduation.  The examination panel will consist of three professors selected by the Academic Advisory Committee.  There will be an oral ­examination fee.  Upon successful completion of the oral examination, the student will receive a certificate.

Areas of Concentration

Church Leadership and Administration

Evangelism and Christian Formation

Pastoral and Counseling Ministry

Christian Formation and Spirituality

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The Master of Divinity is a professional minister’s degree.  It is designed to give a high degree of competency in Biblical knowledge, research, and the communication of God’s Word.  The student must complete a minimum of 102 units of graduate study, 3 years beyond the Bachelor’s degree or 1 year beyond the M.A. degree.

Admission Standards

The student must present an acceptable Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor or Master of Ministry or Divinity degree.  They must have maintained at least a 3.0 average in their Ministry or Divinity program and have completed at least eight semester hours of Greek and twelve semester hours of Hebrew, four of which may be Aramaic. 

Applicants who are deficient in the biblical languages may take the prerequisites at California International Theological Seminary while taking other M.Div. courses, but such deficiencies must be made up before more than 18 units in other subjects may be taken. 

Divinity degrees presented from non-accredited seminaries and theological schools are individually evaluated.  Deficiencies discerned in such cases may be made up by course work at California International Theological Seminary or other accredited institutions.

Students must also have the personal qualifications necessary for a minister of Christ, including promise of future usefulness.  They must be spiritually qualified by providing evidence of a born-again experience and a consistent Christian manner of life.

Graduates of other seminaries must file a full application with the office of admissions and records.  All applicants are required to submit a statement of one or two double-spaced typewritten pages explaining their career goals and personal objectives in seeking M.Div. training.

Core Requirements:

  Character Formation 12 units

  Ministry (Required) 15 units

  Christian Spirituality 12 units

  Bible & Theology   60 units

  Thesis Seminar         3 units

          TOTAL         102 units

Thesis

The student will be assigned an academic advisor during the thesis seminar portion of study.  The student will be required to prepare a 75-page thesis covering Old and New Testament Theology.  The thesis must be submitted by early January or late May prior to graduation.  Upon completion and acceptance of the thesis, the student will receive a certificate.

Areas of Concentration

Old Testament Theology

New Testament Theology

DOCTORAL LEVEL DEGREES

California International Theological Seminary offers the Doctor of Ministry degree.

Admission Standards

Students making application for admission into the Doctoral program must hold an approved Master’s degree.  Students not meeting the theological standards set for entrance may be required to complete up to a maximum of 24 quarter units of additional study at California International Theological Seminary.

All students in the Doctoral program must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average.

Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)

The Doctor of Ministry degree requires 120 units beyond the Bachelor’s degree.

Admission Standards

Admission to the Doctor of Ministry program will be granted on a very selective and individual basis, with the following basic requirements applying to all applications:

1.  An M.Div. or M.A. degree from an accredited seminary with a grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

2.  Applicants must have a knowledge of the original languages of Scripture.  This may be attested by evidence of prior satisfactory completion of courses in the languages or through examination.

3.  Proficiency in at least one ministerial skill as verified by professional ministerial experience.  A minimum of two years of full-time “in ministry” experience after the student has received the M.Div. or M.A. degree is needed to demonstrate this proficiency.  The student must be engaged in professional ministry throughout the duration of the program.

4.  Completion of such diagnostic and/or theological tests that the Graduate Committee determines necessary.

5.  Written recommendations from the following:  a clergy colleague; a denominational official or other recognized Christian leader; a lay person in the congregation; an agency or board served by the applicant; a former professor in the field of practical theology; and, if married, a letter of support from the applicant’s spouse.

6.  A personal statement of approximately 10 typewritten pages (double-spaced) detailing ministerial experience, strengths, weaknesses, and the candidate’s personal objectives for the Doctor of Ministry program.

7.  A personal interview with the Graduate Committee may be required.

Fulfillment of the above basic requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission into the program
because individual cases and circumstances, such as available openings in the program, may dictate other factors to be considered.  A high standard of performance, especially in practice of ministry, will be the governing criteria.

Core Requirements:

  Old Testament        18 units

  New Testament      18 units

  Theology                18 units

  Evangelism               9 units

  Character Formation 12 units

  Christian Spirituality 9 units

  Personal/Counseling

     Ministry                 9 units

  Church Leadership 12 units

  Church Worship      3 units

  Specialized Ministry 3 units

  Dissertation Seminar 3 units

  Dissertation              6 units

          TOTAL         120 units

Doctoral Dissertation

A minimum 150-page dissertation in a specific area of church ministry is required for completion of the Doctor of Ministry degree.  A detailed explanation of the dissertation requirements can be obtained through the Office of Academic Affairs.

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WHY HAVE A NON-TRADITIONAL DEGREE?

     The following is an excerpt from an article written by the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare.

In 1978, the results of the first large survey on the value of non-traditional degrees were published by the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare.  This survey of thousands of students with degrees from both accredited and unaccredited schools was designed to answer the following questions:

1.  Do holders of non-traditional degrees have any particular problems in getting better jobs, or in gaining admission to traditional graduate schools?

2.  Are holders of non-traditional degrees happy with their degrees?

3.  Is there any significant difference between holders of accredited, and unaccredited non-traditional degrees?

NON-TRADITIONAL DEGREES AND JOBS.  In a survey of top personnel officers at 81 large corporations, the overwhelming majority felt that, yes, education was important, and that a non-traditional degree was just as useful as one from a traditional school with a “strong reputation.”  As the report said, these findings “run counter to popular beliefs” ­­— yet the “survey data strongly suggests that employers ... as a group are not overly concerned with institutional reputation and that external degree holders should not find themselves denied opportunities in employment settings because of the nature of their degrees.”

NON-TRADITIONAL DEGREES AND HIGHER EDUCATION.  Two of the crucial issues studied here were the importance of accreditation, and how well prepared non-traditional degree holders were to undertake higher degree programs.  Approximately one-fifth of people who earned a non-traditional bachelor’s degree decided to go to a higher (master or doctoral) degree.  Of these, 97 percent were admitted by the traditional graduate school of their choice.  Out of every 100 successful applicants, only three reported some problems because of lack of accreditation of their degree.  Another three percent reported some problems because of having a non-traditional transcript, or because of having gotten credit for life experience.  But 94% experienced no problems in graduate school admission because of having a non-traditional and/or unaccredited degree.

In the matter of how well the non-traditional degree prepared students for further work in their field, here are the students’ own evaluations.

Compared with the traditional degree, the non-traditional degree was:

                                         BETTER SAME WORSE

          Subject Content          44%     49%      7%

          Study Skills                48%     43%      9%

          Overall Performance  57%     42%      1%

In other words, 99% of the holders of non-traditional degrees felt that their degree was as good as, or better than a traditional degree.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION.  From this extensive survey, it seems apparent that an unaccredited non-traditional degree is a useful and valuable commodity, whether for employment, job advancement, or further educational pursuits.  When surveyed, an average of two years after completing their non-traditional degree, more than three-fourths of the people had gotten a better job, or a significant promotion or pay raise in their old job.

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SEMINARY FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATION

                   Dr. Philip S. Huang, Chancellor

                   Dr. William Chen

                   Dr. Christopher Chui

                   Dr. David Depew

                   Dr. Pat Depew

                   Dr. William V. Durbin

                   Dr. Gary D. Goldberg

                   Dr. Andrew Golden

                   Dr. Thomas Harvick

                   Dr. Tian Tzer Ho

                   Dr. Timothy Huang

                   Dr. Paul Iwata

                   Dr. Spring H. Iwata

                   Dr. Curtis W. Ringness

                   Dr. Hong Sit

                   Dr. Charles R. Taylor

                   Dr. Chung-Shen Tsugawa

                   Dr. William Young

                   Dr. Jonathan Yu

                   Dr. Paul Zhuang

                   Dr. Steven Liu

                   Rev. Luke Chih

                   Other Visiting Professors

                   Administrator

                   Librarian

                   David Butler

                   Registrar

                   Lily Lin

                   Director of Development

                   Mia Lee

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