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Frequently asked Questions
Is American Institute of Holistic Theology (AIHT) accredited?
Since 1991, The American Institute of Holistic Theology has provided a quality education at a reasonable cost to those seeking an interfaith educational path. We are committed to academic excellence and believe the quality of our programs is evident. In order for AIHT to best continue its mission of spiritual and religious education, the school has chosen not to seek traditional accreditation, as doing so would require a substantial increase in tuition cost to our students as well as influence the focus of our interfaith curriculum.
AIHT is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. AIHT has been granted a religious education exemption by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education.
Why does AIHT have a religious exemption?
The religious exemption allows AIHT to continue its mission of providing
a non-secular spiritual and religious education.
Does AIHT offer ordination?
In 2010, AIHT will offer ordination to its graduates. The American
Interfaith Holistic Temple will be the ordination body. Our school
also refers its graduates to Metaphysical Universal Ministries: www.spirit-mum.org and Many Paths Ministry: www.manypathsministry.com for ordination.
What degree programs are
offered?
AIHT offers ministerial bachelor’s, master’s, and
doctoral level degrees in Holistic Theology. Please consult our
school catalog or
an admissions advisor for full information on degree-specific courses of study. These courses of study are: Holistic Theology,
Holistic Ministries, Holistic Health and Spiritual Care, Metaphysical
Spirituality, and Alternate Spiritual Traditions.
How long does it take to complete the degree program(s)?
Each AIHT degree program is self-paced, involving a minimum required enrollment time of six months per degree program, and a maximum enrollment time of five years per degree program.
How many credit
hours are there in each program?
Students complete 60 credit hours per program. Please see our catalog for
program summaries and course descriptions; prerequisite courses
may apply.
Are general education courses required?
AIHT’s ministerial bachelor’s curriculum does not require or include general education courses.
When may I enroll?
AIHT programs are completely self-paced and you may enroll at any
time. We are not on a traditional quarter or semester system.
Do you give tuition
credit for life and work experience?
Tuition discounts are given in recognition of an individual's life
or work experience within theology-related professional endeavors.
Do you have academic
credit for life and work experience?
We do not offer academic credit for life and work experience.
How much will my
tuition be?
You can find tuition prices in a current catalog or you may call
or e-mail an admissions advisor.
Your admissions advisor will ask you all the appropriate questions
to help determine your tuition.
Do you have financial
aid?
AIHT is not state or federally funded, therefore, no federal grants
or loans are applicable (such as Stafford and Pell). However,
payment plans are available to help students with their tuition.
AIHT offers tuition discounts for degrees held, work experience,
clergy membership, and senior citizen status .
Do you have payment
plans?
Yes. AIHT offers 6 payment options. They are:
Payment
in Full — You
can pay your tuition in full at the time of enrollment and
receive a tuition discount.
Finance Plan — This plan requires a minimum down
payment. The balance would be financed at 5% interest for
6, 9, 12, 18 or 24 months.
Interest Free Plans
- 90 day plan. Tuition divided
into three equal payments. First payment due upon enrollment;
second payment due in 60 days; and third payment due 90 days
from enrollment.
- 6 month cash plan. Pay half of tuition upon enrollment
and the balance in five monthly interest free payments.
- 6 month credit card plan. After down payment,
pay tuition in 5 equal monthly credit card payments.
- Extended
interest free plan. This plan requires a minimum down payment of 25%
of your total tuition. The balance will be financed interest free for
6, 9, 12,18 or 24 months.
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Does the tuition
cover everything?
Yes. The tuition includes all textbooks and course material needed
to complete your degree program and upon graduation, your transcript
and diploma are also included in the original tuition price. There
are no additional charges for anything. The only thing not included
is the postage to mail your exams to us for grading. **NOTE: International
students are responsible for overseas shipping costs in excess
of our standard costs. Please see our catalog for
this information.
Where are you located?
Birmingham, Alabama.
Do you have a campus?
Since AIHT is a complete distance learning program, we do not have
a traditional campus. Our administrative headquarters includes
space for our faculty, academic support personnel, student services,
shipping, on-line services, accounting dept., etc. There are absolutely
no residency or attendance requirements to complete your degree
program.
How does distance
education work?
Upon enrollment you will be sent materials necessary to complete
your program. You will read and study the texts (and supplementary
material, if applicable) and then complete course assignments,
which are questions designed to carry you through the text: either
chapter by chapter or section by section. These questions vary
in format. Questions may be multiple choice, fill in the blank,
true/false, or short essay questions.
Most courses have progress tests and a final exam.
The exams vary in format also. You must complete each test/exam
with a minimum grade of 80. If you do not make a passing grade,
you will have to retake the exam.
The masters program requires a thesis. The doctoral
program requires a dissertation.
There is an academic “Help Line” available
Monday - Friday from 8:30 to 4:30 (CST) to help you with any questions
or problems that you might be having. That number is 800-861-4793
ONLY. We also have an e-mail address you may contact for assistance
at staff@aiht.edu. Once
you have completed your course requirements you send the requirements
for the complete courses in for grading. Our academic staff will
grade it and return the results to you within four to six weeks.
Are the exams proctored?
Proctoring is not required by the school.
Are there any residency
requirements?
No. AIHT degree programs do not require residency.
Can you take the program
from anywhere/even if I’m overseas?
Yes, AIHT has students from all across the U.S. and in 22
countries.
What are the credentials
of your staff?
AIHT's staff consists of both on-site and adjunct professors. Their
vast range of experience includes completion of graduate, post-graduate
and ministerial studies, plus demonstrated professional mastery
as educators, authors and counselors/practitioners.
Will my employer
reimburse me for my tuition?
There are several employers that have reimbursed their employees
for course work taken at AIHT. Check with your employer to see if
they offer tuition reimbursement.
What are some associations
that graduates of AIHT can join?
AIHT students, graduates, faculty, and staff are eligible to apply for membership within numerous affinity organizations that may offer opportunities for professional networking, educational enrichment, community service projects, inspired camaraderie, and/or group benefits. AIHT is a member of the following organizations:
- A World Alliance of Interfaith Clergy: www.worldinterfaithclergy.org
- American Association of Christian Counselors: www.aacc.net
- American Association of Drugless Practitioners: www.aadp.net
- American
Holistic Health Association: www.ahha.org
- Association for Global New Thought: www.agnt.org
- Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc. (A.R.E.):
www.edgarcayce.com
- Buddhist Peace Fellowship: www.bpf.org
- Council of Interfaith Communities of the United States: www.ouni.org/cicus/
- Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS): www.noetic.org
- The Order of Universal Interfaith (OUnI): www.ouni.org
May I waive courses
I have already taken at another school?
Due to the uniqueness of the courses at AIHT transfer credit is not available. If you have questions please contact Admissions.
Can I enter at an
advanced level if I already have a degree?
If you already hold a degree from another school, you may be eligible
to enter at an advanced level. Transcripts are required for evaluation.
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