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Alumni Interview
Michael G - graduate 2009
Is the online environment for every person?
No, it is not. If you are not self motivated and your family is not supportive of you taking classes at home, then you should probably avoid online programs. However, having said that it was the best way for me to continue working and go to school at the same time.
Do my credits transfer?
The easy answer is it depends on the institution you are transferring into. I had no problems with my stuff but I did my homework. I made plenty of phone calls and maxed my options.
Does my employer recognize my Arizona Bible College and Seminary degree?
Mine does and I am currently an Assistant Pastor and my denomination accepted my credentials. My advice is to make sure you know what your church is looking for. The Arizona Bible College and Seminary degree may not fit inside your church’s denomination requirements. I know that my classmate, James, went on to be the Assistant and Outreach Pastor at Christian Community Church (Disciples of Christ) in Marana, AZ. and they only had him take a few of their denomination's classes before making him a Disciples of Christ pastor. As for my other classmates, William is now a Chaplain in an Arizona hospital and Gannon is the Senior Pastor at his own church, Cornerstone City Church in Tucson, AZ. I think it is like any job, you will probably not get hired right out of school in a senior position but if you are willing to start as a youth group pastor or as an assistant pastor and work your way up to senior pastor, you will succeed.
How was Arizona Bible College and Seminary financial aid and academic advisory?
Pretty good! Signing up for financial aid was easy and my monthly payments for my tuition were something that was really affordable. I did have a glitch in my finances once and they worked with me so that I could get caught up. My advice is stay on top of things. My advisor was good and, although I didn't speak with her too often, when I did she was very helpful.
How did you schedule work and college?
Scheduling is everything. Before you ever begin a class you have to create your own schedule. Children, spouses and work all make big impact on your schedule. Some classes require extra studying - such as writing and giving sermons. I like what one of my instructors said to the class, "On the first day of class you will always have an A. It is your job to keep it!"
Any advice for a new student?
Well, I was a new student when I started and it was a bit intimidating at first but like anything new, college gets easier as you go on. The first week was the most difficult. I'd say...ask questions. If you don't understand an instruction or a comment, you should ask. If students can make it through the first semester, they've got it made. College is a true learning experience. There will be hard times, good times, sad times and fun times but it was a great experience for me. I hope my answers helped!
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