Questions About the Degree Program

From time to time we are asked relevant questions about the degree programs offered by Sunset International Bible Institute. Here are some of the more frequently asked questions. Study our answers carefully and please feel free to ask us any additional questions you may have relative to any of our programs at Sunset.

Is Sunset an accredited school?

From time to time we are asked relevant questions about the degree programs offered by Sunset International Bible Institute. Here are some of the more frequently asked questions. Study our answers carefully and please feel free to ask us any additional questions you may have relative to any of our programs at Sunset.

Is Sunset an accredited school?

No. By our choice we are not seeking regional accreditation, which comes with requirements regarding curriculum, faculty and students which would change the nature of our program and dilute the strength of our Biblical training. Since our objective is to prepare students for ministry in the church and other Christian applications, we are more concerned with our values, our mission and with pleasing God. The value of our degree, can be seen in the quality of our curriculum, the qualifications of our faculty, and the knowledge, character and skills gained by our students. The fruit of almost five decades of training preachers, teachers and missionaries for effective Christian ministry speaks well of the quality of a Biblical degree from Sunset.

By what authority do you offer degrees?

We have been issued a letter of authorization to grant degrees by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, according to the provisions of the Texas Education Code, sub-chapter G, chapter 61, title 3, section 7.5 (g). This authorizes us to legally grant religious degrees under the laws of the State of Texas.

What can a person do with a degree from SIBI?

A degree is a tool which serves the student. A degree in biblical studies from Sunset is designed to prepare a person for one basic task: MINISTRY. A biblical studies degree represents a professional level of academic training in Bible and ministry related subjects. One who has earned this degree should be prepared for ministry in the church, para-church organizations, Christian schools, missionary endeavors, or any number of other ministry applications. Beyond all these ministry possibilities a graduate should experience personal spiritual growth and the satisfaction of completing a rigorous program of study resulting in a degree.

Why does a preacher, or any other Christian worker need a degree in biblical studies?

Great question! You may have noticed that more and more churches are becoming degree conscious in selecting men to serve in ministries. Likewise, the members of the communities served are increasingly expecting churches to provide men who have earned degrees. Many well prepared men are finding it more difficult to find employment with churches if they don’t have a degree. The degree has become an expedient tool for entrance into a number of foreign mission fields, where it is sometimes more difficult for missionaries to be accepted without proper academic credentials which may include a degree. A bachelor’s degree also makes it possible to continue one’s education on the master’s level. A wise servant of God will equip himself with every possible tool which may allow him to go through otherwise closed doors. A degree is one such tool.

Does the degree program change the emphasis of Sunset or its training program?

No. The content of the classes will be the same. However, as we have always done, we will seek to continually upgrade the quality of our training program. We are committed to maintain the highest standards in content and delivery.

Does Sunset offer enough hours to warrant a degree?

The degree programs offered by SIBI are accelerated, not abbreviated. The course work in the two-year intensive resident program requires enough contact hours, along with reading and research assignments, to award the appropriate semester hour credits toward a degree. This does not take into account the three to five hours spent outside of class every day studying and researching. This is why the students typically attend full-time and don’t pursue secular work while enrolled in the resident school.

Does a two year program qualify for a bachelor’s degree when most bachelor’s degrees require four years?

Great question. Most of our resident students complete the required hours of intensive Biblical studies in two years. However, there is an optional three year program for those who require more time. Whether those hours are completed in two years, three years or four years, they qualify one to receive a bachelor’s degree in Biblical studies.

How may Sunset graduates from previous years upgrade their certificates of graduation to the BBS degree?

Degree applications for Sunset graduates are available online or can be received by contacting the the Sunset Admissions Office. Most graduates from the past will only be required to complete a Ministry Portfolio and a distance learning course entitled, The Spiritual Life of the Minister.

If I am a graduate from another school of preaching or Bible Institute what must I do in order to qualify for the BBS from Sunset?

All prospective students must submit an application for admission which will include all transcripts and a resume of your ministry experiences. Upon review, the admission officer or academic office will inform you of your status relative to requirements for the BBS, which may include some continuing education course work.

May women enroll in SIBI and earn a degree?

Yes. From the beginning Sunset has provided study opportunities for women. Through the years numerous women have completed a curriculum of courses designed for them. Though we are not training women for the preaching and leadership roles which the Bible specifies for men, our program equips them well for the vital roles outlined in scripture for godly women.

Will other Sunset programs such as Satellite Schools, International Schools, Online studies and video or audio studies qualify for a degree?

Our goal is to create a system by which all approved studies completed in any Sunset program can be applied toward a degree. Those in certified Sunset programs who have completed a minimum of 60 hours may qualify for an Associate of Biblical Studies and those who have completed a minimum of 120 hours may qualify for a Bachelor of Biblical Studies. Students and graduates are advised to contact our admissions office for more information on your specific situation.

Will the BBS degree from SIBI be accepted for entrance to master’s degree programs?

We can make no claim relative to acceptance into the graduate program of another institute, college, seminary or university. A graduate from SIBI should do well in any graduate program in biblical studies or ministry. While there are documented cases of students from unaccredited schools being accepted to graduate programs in accredited schools, each institution has its own rules for acceptance. It must be noted that a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies does not qualify a person to enter a master’s program in a secular field of study. One can’t expect to automatically be admitted to a graduate degree program in psychology, biology or mathematics with a background only in biblical studies. Most graduate schools require a liberal arts degree with an approved major for acceptance into their graduate program.

Does SIBI offer a master’s degree?

Yes. The BBS from Sunset qualifies one to apply for entrance into the Master of Biblical Studies (MBS) degree program . Graduates from other schools of preaching and Bible institutes may qualify for entry to the Sunset master’s program by first completing the requirements to receive a bachelor’s degree from Sunset. The MBS from Sunset is achieved by a combination of one week short courses at the Sunset campus and distance learning courses completed in your ministry setting. A student in the MBS is not required to leave his ministry in order to earn his degree.

Will the degree program change any of the core values which have long characterized Sunset?

NO!! The letter of authority from the State of Texas does not require us to change our values, our mission, our doctrine nor our personnel. We are more committed than ever to the basics that have made Sunset a top quality ministry training school and a leading brotherhood influence in world evangelism. These qualities are far more important to us than degrees, academic credentials or accreditation. Our focus will always be on preparing Christians for ministry in the Lord’s church and world evangelism.

Do you have an adequate faculty to deliver your degree programs?

Yes. Sunset faculty members are faithful Christians who have years of experience in textual research and study, congregational ministry and foreign missions as well as in the classroom. All have sufficient experience and scholarship to have achieved a high level of mastery in their fields of teaching. While many faculty members have outstanding academic credentials, our emphasis is on their knowledge, competence and ministry experience. Since we are training people for ministry and missions, we seek faculty members who have “been there and done that.”

Does Sunset have an adequate library to support a degree program?

Yes. Our campus library in Lubbock has more than 16,000 religious volumes and is more than adequate to support both the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Distance learning students now have access online to the major libraries of the world.

What are the costs for the degree programs?

There is no tuition for the residential bachelor’s degree program, but there are some modest registration fees. There are tuition charges for online and other distance learning programs at both the bachelor’s or master’s level. Charges for Sunset degree programs in any format are far less than most quality biblical degree programs. In all programs students are responsible for the cost of books and associated fees. You may contact Sunset for the specific charges for the program you are interested in.