An online course is either a twelve week intensive or a 15 week (normal semester length) course.  The twelve week intensive will cover the equivalent content of a fifteen-week onsite course.

HJI online courses are offered on the platform CANVAS. To get the best performance for your desktop, laptop, mobile device, and/or tablet please review the following resources:

Which browsers does Canvas support?

• Supported browsers and required components.
• How to update your desktop browser and modify browser privacy settings.

Will Canvas work on my mobile device?

• Learn about which mobile browsers to use and applications available for mobile devices.
• Access Instructure’s Mobile App Guides.

What are the basic computer specifications for Canvas?

• Recommended screen size, operating systems, computer and Internet speed.

If you are good at time-management, comfortable with expressing your ideas/thoughts in writing, and enjoy using technology, an online course may be good for you. You need to have time and commitment to study the course material and to maintain learning for the entire period the course is in session.

No. You can register as a Non-Degree (non-matriculated) student, see also next question.

Yes. You can take any course as a Non-Degree (non-matriculated) student. You learn the same course contents and do the same assignments as Master Degree (matriculated) students. You can take the course by submitting a Non-Degree application. You can take up to 12 credits as a Non-Degree student. To take more courses then you will need to apply for a degree program.

Yes, you can complete the Master of Arts in Religious Studies fully online. Our remaining degree programs still require physical presence at our campus. However, you can take some courses online and apply them to those programs. For details, contact online@hji.edu

This depends in when you took a course the last time. If it is more than one year ago, you need to reapply. If in doubt, send us an email.

Click on the “Apply Now!” tab on this page and follow the instructions there. You will be given a link to fill out a complete application. At that stage you can choose between Non-Degree or one of our degree programs.

There is an application fee of $30 for the Master and Doctoral Degrees. The Non-Degree Application fee is waived.

All payments can be done by credit card through Populi.  Your credit card issuer will convert your home currency to US Dollars for a fee.  If you do not want to pay by credit card, you can purchase an international money order or send a check in US Dollars.  At this moment we cannot accept payments in any other currency.

These are two different processes for two different purposes. The application gives us your name, address, and other vital information we need for legal reasons.  The registration is where you tell us which specific course(s) you are planning to take.

After you submit your application you will receive an email from us with further instructions. Expect emails regarding Online Orientation, email address, access to Populi (our Student Information System).  Details for registration are covered in the Online Orientation.

Within 3 days for a Non-Degree application.  Usually 7-10 days after submitting your Master Degree application after all necessary documents have been received.  Minimum requirements for consideration for admission to a Master Degree are the completed application, at least one recommendation letter, and proof of an undergraduate degree. For any question send an email to s.boyd@hji.edu

A visa is not needed to enroll in the online courses, unless you are also taking courses on campus.  In that case several other regulations apply to you. Check with our staff who are trained in visa issues.

The program prepares students for church lay leadership; peace-building and social service ministries in churches, faith communities and non-profits; work in interfaith ministries; management positions in churches and non-profit organizations; teaching religion in an academic setting and for those who wish to pursue further graduate work in religion.

HJI charges $565 per credit. A 3-credit online course costs $1620.  Financial Aid offers 30% and 50% scholarships. An additional registration and technology fee of $15 per credit is applied.