Frequently Asked Questions

The specific format of the courses may vary, designed for part-time students who continue working full-time or pastors in their ministry contexts. Coursework typically requires 10 to 15 hours per week, including reading, participation in discussion boards, writing assignments, and other smaller tasks. Some courses require weekly video calls, while others might have 2-3 Zoom calls per term.

The school year consists of four 10-week terms: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer, with a 3-week break between terms.

For Master’s and Diploma programs, students need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum B- or 2.7 GPA. A personal faith statement demonstrating graduate-level writing ability is also required. For the Advanced Diploma, a theological Master’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum B- average (2.7 GPA) is necessary. Doctoral applicants must have an MDiv or 72 graduate-level credits equivalent with at least a B+ average (3.3 GPA) and have completed an Advanced Diploma (18 doctoral-level credits) with a B+ average (3.3 GPA).

Carey offers graduate diploma programs, master’s degrees, a doctoral diploma and a Doctor of Ministry program. Diploma programs include Christian Ministry, Spiritual Formation, and Biblical Studies. Master’s degrees include a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry, Christian Ministry, Spiritual Formation, and a Master of Divinity. The doctoral programs include the Doctor of Ministry and Advanced Diploma Program.

The completion time varies based on the degree. Diploma programs require 24 credits and allow students to finish in two years. Master’s degrees, on the other hand, consist of 48 credits and can be completed in four years, except for the Master of Divinity, which is 72 credits and takes six years. The Advanced Diploma program is 18 credits long. It takes about two years to complete, while the Doctor of Ministry program typically takes a third year.

Thanks to generous donors, Carey offers students their first foundational courses entirely free for master’s level programs. For diploma programs, six classes are covered. For master’s degrees, eight courses (half of the degree) are provided tuition-free. The paid-for courses include Old Testament 1 & 2, New Testament 1 & 2, Church History 1 & 2, and Christian Thought 1 & 2.

Yes, Carey offers students various financial aid and scholarship opportunities, some based on merit and others on need. Accepted students can apply for financial aid or find more information on the Carey website.

Carey students can access two digital libraries, Digital Theological Library (DTL2) and EBSCO, enabling effective research without a theological library nearby.

Carey offers Mandarin, Cantonese, and English courses, but English is the required language for all classes and degrees. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency by scoring 6.5 on the IELTS test, a minimum of 110 on Duolingo English, or achieving minimum total scores of 90 for Masters and 100 for Doctoral applicants in TOEFL.

No, Carey does not qualify for any immigration-related visas or permits as a fully online school.