FAQs

Where is your campus located?

Our campus is located just north of Nashville in the historic Old Hickory community. Find our address and contact info here.

What degrees/programs do you offer?

The Institute offers three undergraduate degrees:

Associate in Biblical Foundations
Bachelor of Biblical Studies
Bachelor of Community Development

Both bachelor degrees include international mission experiences (estimated 20+ weeks spent serving abroad) and a student’s choice of one of 24 occupational focuses.

We also offer two master degrees:

Master of Biblical Leadership
Master of Missiological Entrpreneurialism

All our degrees are available on campus in Nashville or online.

How long does it take to graduate from the Institute?

The Associates program can be completed in two years if a student is full-time.

The undergraduate degrees can be completed in four years at a full-time pace. Many students choose to double major, extending graduation to five or six years (one degree in six years is deemed normal by colleges and the US government). Most graduate students complete their degree at a part-time pace.

What kind of jobs do your graduates obtain?

Due to the diverse nature of our educational programming our graduates have gone on to work as Bible teachers, elementary and high school teachers, accountants, plumbers, electricians, contractors, photographers, videographers, farmers, studio engineers, worship leaders, event coordinators, midwives, labor doulas, athletic program directors, accountants, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, network technicians, journalists, designers, business managers, youth ministers, worship leaders, counselors, and development workers abroad. Hear it from them.

What denomination are you affiliated with?

Our students come from churches of many Protestant denominations and Catholicism. Our priority is on teaching God’s Word and find that in doing so, we find unity. Our statement of faith can be found here.

Do you accept applicants who don’t want to be missionaries?

Absolutely. We understand that quality biblical education is an excellent foundation for a large host of occupations. However, the God’s heart for the nations is an undeniable Scriptural truth. Your fellow students and faculty will spend time in the third world regularly and, because of that, third world situations are are common subject matter. As a result of this, you will likely develop a greater understanding of global issues during your time with us, regardless of whether or not you engage in missions or not.

Are you accredited?

The Institute for GOD is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation (5850 T. G. Lee Blvd., Ste. 130, Orlando, FL 32822, 407.207.0808) to grant certificates and degrees at the Associate, Baccalaureate and Master’s level. The United States Department of Education recognizes ABHE as an institutional “gatekeeper.” Schools accredited by ABHE are thus recognized as accredited by the USDE.

The Institute for Global Outreach Developments Int’l is also authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

We are also members of the North American Coalition for Christian College Admissions Professionals.

How long have you been a college?

The Institute for G.O.D. launched in the Fall of 2004 as a program of Global Outreach Developments International. You can read the full story on our development and history here.

Can I transfer credits from another college?

The Institute will accept up to 35 undergraduate credits from another educational institution at the discretion of the registrar. Transferred credits must be of similar subject matter and quality as the Institute credits they are replacing in order to be considered for transfer.

Am I required to live on campus if I live close by?

The holistic nature of the education you’ll receive at the Institute anticipates proximity and shared space. For this reason we require all single students younger than 25 years old to live on campus. Naturally, certain situations may lend themselves to special circumstances. You can reach out to administration with your situation if that’s you.

Can I apply for student loans to cover tuition cost?

The Institute does not currently accept student loans but we do have several scholarships available. Our goal is to that no student would graduate our institution with debt, and so far, we have a 100% success rate.

See our scholarships

I don’t think I can afford your tuition, can I still come to the Institute?

We believe anyone willing to work can successfully navigate the financial requirements of the Institute. That may mean taking a smaller class load during certain semesters, working extra in the summers, or sacrificing personal conveniences like a daily Starbucks.

Remember that all traditional on-campus Institute students are guaranteed a campus work experience through Professional Development (ProDev) program. This scholarship program gives students flexible work experience while reducing their overall bill and helping them pay the rest. Feel free to reach out to us for more information!

Do you offer student visas?

Unfortunately we do not offer student visas at this time. International students are welcome to join us online, or on-campus if they secure a visa on their own.