Vision International University

Vision International University
Motto "The Whole Word to the Whole World"
Type Private
Established 1990
President Stan E. DeKoven
Academic staff
 approx. 30 (full and part time)
Location Ramona, California, CA, USA
Website http://www.vision.edu/institutions/viu

Vision International University is an interdenominational and non-sectarian institution in Ramona, California offering academic degree programs designed to prepare men and women for professional service in Christian ministry. The university offers distance education and online learning programs.

The institution traces its roots to Vision International College (alternatively known as "Vision Christian College"), which was founded in 1974 in Launceston, Tasmania by Australian theologian and author Ken Chant.[1] Together with Vision International College, Vision Internet Bible College, and several other Christian educational institutions, Vision International University is a member institution of the Vision International Education Network.[2]

Academics

Vision International University offers ministry training and theological education to students from a wide variety of faith backgrounds. Vision International College began in Australia in 1974 as a Pentecostal-Charismatic institution without specific denominational affiliation. Vision cooperates with many Christian denominations and ministerial fellowships to provide a "primarily biblical education to both students preparing for vocational ministry and those who seek a stronger theological foundation for the ministerial context in which they find themselves".[3] Vision welcomes students from any denominational background.

The curriculum of Vision attempts to maintain academic rigor from a non-dogmatic perspective, allowing students to study a wide variety of theological issues and to formulate their own beliefs in an academic context. Vision maintains a strong emphasis on church planting, community service, and Christian character development.[3]

The university offers a bachelor's degree completion program and a small selection of focused master's and doctoral degree programs.[4]

Accreditation

Vision International's College in Australia is accredited by the New South Wales Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board (VETAB), which is part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Vision International College's government accreditation is recognized throughout the British Commonwealth.

Since 1990, Vision International University in the United States has maintained authorization to grant degrees by religious exemption in the State of California. In 2005, Vision International University submitted its application for State Approval by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE) to be recognized as a degree-granting institution. In April 2007, Vision International University received approval to operate from the BPPVE.[5]

Vision International has affiliate status with the Association for Biblical Higher Education (a US Department of Education Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognized accrediting agency), which describes it as a "credible institution" that is "presently lacking either readiness or inclination to seek ABHE accreditation."[6]

Notable alumni

Meadowlark Lemon, former member of the Harlem Globetrotters, holds a Doctor of Divinity degree from Vision International University.[7]

Shelley Lubben, former adult actress, holds a bachelor's degree in theological studies from Vision International University.[8]

See also

References

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