FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Is Covenant International University and Seminary part of Covenant University in Lagos, Nigeria
A: No: Covenant International University and Seminary is a free-standing Theological school of Kingdom Life International Ministries (USA). It was established in 2010 as a Certificate to graduate professional school of theology and non theological studies in the interest of advancing and extending the theological curricula and educating ministers and non ministers of the church to serve in the expanding western frontier of the new nation.
Q: Is COVENANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY AND SEMINARY accredited?
A: Yes, COVENANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY AND SEMINARY has received accreditation through World-Wide Accrediting Commission Christian Educational Institutions and holds the highest level of accreditation with Full Accredited Member Status.
Covenant International University and Seminary has received exempt status from the Department of Higher Education of the State of Texas (chapter 132 of the Texas Education Code through Texas Workforce Commission).
Non-Discrimination Policy: Covenant International University and Seminary does not refuse admission to any applicant on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex. We guarantee the rights and privileges and the availability of all programs and activities to all students of the University
Q: What is CIUS’s Admission Criteria?
A: CIUS recruits and admits individuals on the basis of our institutional criteria and their qualifications with each individual’s specific abilities. It’s selection criteria is aimed at admitting a student body that represents a diversity of gifts and talents, academic backgrounds, scholastic and personal experiences, and professional aspirations; as well as age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, race and ethnicity. There is no requirement for applicants for First Degree programs to have majored in or to have done concentrated work in religion or religious studies, although broad training in the liberal arts is expected.
Q:- DO I need to have a call to ordained ministry to come to seminary
A: The Christian Church has traditionally believed that people entering ordained ministry should be called by God. A call can take many forms. For some it is a single life changing experience like the apostle Paul’s . Others experience Gods call gradually, a steady nudging that ministry is right for them. However others, recognizing Gods call is a difficult process of stops and starts of experimentation and questioning. Some come to seminary to test the waters to see if their sense of calling is confirmed by the experience of living in the community, working with faculty who are both pastors and teachers and focusing on ministry full time
But remember the word of the lord that say, many are called but few are chosen for the purpose and plan of God our lord Jesus Christ.
Q:- Does CIUS have a particular denominational affiliation?
A: No At CIUS we believe and affirmed the biblical doctrine of the greatest theologian ever lives. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is our chief cornerstone elect of God with His personal identity “Love” (God is Love 1 john 4: 8). And according to Apostle Paul in 1 Cor 1: 10. Now I plead with you brethren by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you all speak the same thing and there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. At CIUS, we believe there is one body, and one Spirit, just as it is written: Eph 4: 3 – 6.. “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, there is one body, and one Spirit you were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all. May the grace of the lord be with you all Amen.
Q: How many professors are on the faculty?
A: At Covenant International University and Seminary, scholarship and spiritual formation go hand-in-hand. CIUS’s forty-four faculty members and twelve adjunct professors are scholars, church leaders, Prophets, Pastors and dedicated teachers.
Q:- What sets CIUS apart from other seminaries?
A: Each University will have particular strengths. The primary mission of COVENANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY AND SEMINARY is to educate students who are gifted for ministry for service in the church and other ministry settings. As a multidenominational school COVENANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY AND SEMINARY trains students from many different backgrounds and this is reflected in the curriculum and online classroom discussion. COVENANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY AND SEMINARY is also committed to engaging education from a high view of Scripture and to exegeting the Bible in its original languages. The College of Ministries and Ordinations program at COVENANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY AND SEMINARY provides an in-depth ministry training experience for ministry students.
Q:- If I do have diverse denominational background, will I fit in?
A: Yes of course. All men are created equal but with different cultural background, different theological upbringing. However, our satellite campuses are of multicultural background where the true love of God enriches our daily lives and allow us to accommodate all denominations but with precepts upon precepts line upon line as written without prejudice or perverting or water down the word of God.
Q: What do graduates of the Seminary do after graduation?
A: Graduates can serve the church throughout the nation. They are pastors, educators, chaplains, counselors, church executives, and leaders of nonprofit organizations:-
Q: Can I afford seminary tuition at CIUS
A: We realize that it can be daunting to consider having to pay for three or four years of seminary knowing that pastors often do not have large salaries. However, our tuition and fees at CIUS are at the lowest flat rate compare to many seminary universities and with prayer to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate provider, we believe everyone shall be Bless by Him and He will always provide for all our needs according to riches of His glory by Christ Jesus.
Q: What countries do Covenant International University and Seminary students come from?
A: Covenant International University and Seminary’s students come from churches and schools in countries all over the globe. We welcome students from Brazil, Canada, China, Ivory Coast, Congo, Dominican Republic, Germany, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Korea, Malaysia, Sierra Leone, Mexico, Philippines, Liberia, Scotland, Nigeria, Taiwan, and Virgin Islands, etc.
Q:-What educational background do your professors have?
A:- All Most of our professors are with PhD degrees and some have Masters holders. All of our professors are well Diverse in their degrees and well qualified and most of them studied both in U.S.A, U.K, and African countries alike.
Q:- What degrees does CIUS offer?
A:- Ranging from Associate Degree to PhD degrees.
Q:- Can I specialize my degree to my area of interest?
A:- Yes! All of our programs have elective space that allows you to tailor your degree. Several of our programs include cognates, or specializations that allow you to graduate with an area of emphasis on your degree. For example, Master of Divinity students can specialize in Adult Ministries, Pastoral Ministries, Women’s Students. Intercultural Ministries Counseling and Chaplaincy. We also offer specializations within the M.A. Counseling and M.A Christian Formation degrees.
For more information, please see the home page for our various degree programs that matches your desires for the calling of God as being called and chosen of God
Q: Where is CIUS located?
A:- Our head quarter office is located Houston, Texas. Other international campuses are at Freetown, Sierra Leone West Africa (Opening summer 2015) and Lagos Nigeria west Africa (Opening Summer 2016)
Q:-How do I apply?
A:- Each degree program at CIUS has different requirements for application. For more information about Application Process, see our Website home page for various degree programs and applications.
Q:- I am an international student. What must I do to apply to CIUS?
A:- International students are welcome to apply online world wide. Your application must be accompanied by official transcripts furnished directly to the School from each of the institutions from which you matriculated with the equivalent of a B.A (for First Degree programs and the M.Div for Advanced Degree programs. International applicants whose first language is not English or who matriculated from an institution where the primary language of instruction was not English, doesn’t have to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as a part of their application to any of the degree programs at CIUS. CIUS does not require TOEFL. Keep in mind however that the University or Seminary will not assist students in obtaining a visa if they are seeking admission to the Non-Degree program based in America.
Q: What degree programs are offered at the Seminary?
A: The University and Seminary offers lots of degree both Theological and Non Theological programs: (Master of Divinity, Master of Divinity/Master of Arts, Master of Arts (in Christian Education or Youth Ministry), Master of Arts in Theological Studies Master of Theology, and Doctor of Philosophy; Non Theological program (see the Website)
Q: How do prospective students apply to the University?
A: Prospective students who are interested in applying to the University and Seminary should complete an application by visiting www.covenant-university.com and clicking on the apply now tab. A nonrefundable fee of $50 is required for applications submitted online.
Q: Do I have to request college transcripts?
A: Yes, we need transcripts from any higher learning institutions you have attended. Please have final, official transcripts sent to:
University Admissions Department
CIUS-Enrollment Office
P.O.BOX 740619
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77274
Q: How can I help?
A: Thank you for asking! Firstly, pray for Covenant International University and Seminary and the other seminaries of the church each time you pray. Secondly, look for women and men who have the ability to and interest in serving as public ministers as a vocation and assist them with discerning whether God is calling them to seminary. Thirdly, tell the story of Covenant International University and Seminary to your brothers and sisters in Christ. And lastly, if God is moving you to support the work of CIUS, please give generously to this University. Contact us at appcius@gmail.com for more information about financially partnering with the university or Give on-line.
Q: How can I get more information about supporting CIUS?
A: E-mail us: appcius@gmail.com or call (832) 742-4010 or toll-free (844) 754-9041. The University’s development staff stands ready to answer your questions and assist you with any aspect of giving to CIUS.
Q: Who should write my recommendations?
A: Consider seeking recommendations from people that know you well: people who can speak to your discernment process and decision to attend university, as well as your achievements, and your ministerial, intellectual and academic vocational aspirations. If at all possible, please submit at least one (1) reference written by a former professor; however, your recommendations can also be written by your pastor, or employment supervisor.
Q: Do the recommendations have to be written on the form that comes with the application?
No: The recommendation may certainly be written on the recommender’s letterhead. The most important thing is that your referee answers the questions thoroughly.
Q: Can I defer admission?
A: If you have been admitted to CIUS, you may defer admission for one (1) year provided that you notify us in writing and pay a $250 non-refundable tuition deposit by the deadline.