Summit Bible College ~ ~ ~ ~ 661-328-1151

To enroll (click here)

Non-discriminatory Policy:

Summit Bible College accepts students of any race, color, age, sex, nationality,
or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally
accorded or made available to the students of the college.  It does not
discriminate against any of the groups mentioned above in its administration
of educational or admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, or
any other school functions.

For information on financial aid or assistance, click here.

Most students are taking our classes by Distance Learning. They vary in experience, nationality, age, race and gender. They range from active ministers of congregations to those who are newly “born again”. Many are involved in “help” ministries such as church outreaches, youth ministries, evangelistic endeavors, or counseling centers. Some are those who are seeking God for their calling, too. See the Testimonials page for examples of some of our students. (Click here)

Extension Campuses are available to pastors or ministry leaders in communities outside Bakersfield, California. There is an information packet on Extension Campuses that can be requested separately from this catalog. Click here for more information.

The Internet College is run separately from the SBC Residence College although the policies and procedures are similar. . Distance Learning students are not active participants of in-house classes. The student does the work in their home.

The student studies their prescribed courses (usually there is one book per course by one of the authors listed above), study work is "short answer" questions and each course has an activity or final. Undergraduate Distance Learning students are allowed to take 3 courses at a time per quarter. Graduate students take 2 courses at a time. If the student shows academic proficiency with this load of work, they may be permited to take additional courses per quarter. Classes begin in a specific quarter, and should be completed within the same quarter in which that were originally taken; however, there is no time limit. Classes started in one quarter and graded late in a following quarter have a late charge of $10 per course. First quarter students are given a "grace" period of an extra two weeks for completion of their first quarter classes. Students who begin late in the middle of a quarter can take an extra quarter without penalty for grading. Payment plans must be completed in the specified time limit or an additional penalties of $10 will be due with each payment that is made up late. See the Miscellaneous fees section of the tuition page (Click here to see more details).

The college does not issue a degree before a minimum of 6 months attendance.

All in-house classes are given on a 10-week quarterly basis with an extra week added for finals. Each lower division class is worth 3 units. Upper Division classes are worth 4 units, Master's courses are worth 5 units each, and Doctorate courses are 6 units each. The Master's thesis is given 10 units upon completion and the Doctorate dissertation is given 12 units.

Our programs for each level are issued as a package. The total package prices vary depending on the level you are seeking to attain, and your past college and ministry experience. We recognized life experience in ministry and transfer credits from recogized colleges. (Please see our price list for details and fees: click here.)

Our program of study covers these areas of ministry: Pastoral, Counseling, Missions/Evangelism and Worship Leadership. The student decides which emphasis they would like and upon the award of a degree, the student may have their degree labeled as such: "Bachelor of Theology with an emphasis in Counseling", etc.

To qualify for an Upper degree status, there must be an Associates of Biblical Studies degree or the equivalent in credits of lower division classes. We credit classes from other established colleges whether they are Christian or not, and ministry experience (see below). In order for a student to qualify for a Master's designation the student must have a Bachelor's degree from a recognized college; and to be accepted for Doctorate candidacy the student must have a Master's degree. The college does issue Honorary Doctorates for recognized exemplary achievement in Christian leadership, however, there must be a commitment to be full paying member of our Minister's fellowship for at least two years. (Click here to see details).

Grades are as follows: A=Excellent, B=Above Average, C=Meets Requirements, D=Below requirements but passing, and F=Did not meet sufficient requirements to pass, no credit. NG=No grade was given, possible partial credit. WD=Withdrawal without credit. Inc=Incomplete, no credit.

Credits may be counted from other registered colleges. As an example, we may credit up to 50% of the course load for a Bachelor's degree by crediting classes toward the Lower Division courses; or, we may place a student in a concurrent program, if we judge that it is applicable. We have 3 such programs: Associates / Bachelor, Bachelor / Master and Master / Doctoral. Students who enter into a concurrent program are credited with two degrees upon completion of the 'upper' degree and must adhere strickly to the program. Students who do not want to do a concurrent program would revert back to the lower of the two degrees. See the college catalog for information and fees on these programs.

We also are able to credit General Ed courses providing they are in areas that pertain to basic education or areas that would be essential in ministry. These courses must be evaluated and pre-approved by the Dean before they are credited. Some typical courses of this nature are: English, Math, Accounting, Psychology, Counseling, Sociology, Speech and the like.

Ministry Credits
We credit for ministry experience, when applicable. The student must send in verification of ministry experiences on our form which is available for downloading at this website or as you apply online, also at this website. Students who desire ministry experience must concientiously complete the ministry experience form in all of its parts, including:
Dates (From/To) / Name of Group / What the student did in this ministry / Hrs per week and Total Hours. A final total at the bottom of the sheet and a Pastor or ministry leader's signature signed and dated at the bottom. See form at: Click here

Note on Placement
Summit reserves the right to place students as it sees appropriate. Program placement is not guaranteed or left up to the students' discretion. Placement is based on a variety of factors, including ministry experience, maturity, leadership, college competency, knowledge of core material and more.

Students earning 9 units or more per quarter, with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher are recognized as being on the “Dean’s List”. Students having an Incomplete in any course, or having debts owed to the college, are not eligible for this honor, until the debts are clear and the incompletes made up.

Although we know that no one is perfect (except Jesus), and that we are all creatures of a fallen state in our flesh, we expect a good report on the behavioral conduct of our students. Due to the fact that we are a Christian College, we ask that our students set an example that is consistent with our Lord’s desire as it is outlined in scriptures. The following pledge is a requirement to those seeking participation in our college.

To uphold the ideals of Christ, as an example, which includes a godly lifestyle.
1 Corinthians 9.14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

To remain steadfast in prayer.
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

To participate in a consistent work ethic in the Word of God.
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

To show a willingness to fellowship with other committed Christians.
Hebrews 10.24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.

To try to keep the teachings of Jesus in all that I do, with a meekness of spirit.
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

To have a willingness to help those who are striving to know Him and His Word. Matthew 25.40 Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

To have a true desire to prepare myself so that I can truly benefit from my classes.
2 Timothy 2.15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

(Signature of student on application secures agreement with the above pledge.)

Summit Bible College admits students of any race, color, age, sex, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded, or made available to, the students of the college.

It does not discriminate against any of the groups mentioned above in its administration of educational or admissions policies, scholarship & loan programs or any other school functions.