Certificates
Thirty credits in Biblical Studies, Pastoral Ministry, Christian Leadership, Evangelism and Missions, or Biblical Counseling.
Accredited by Transworld Accrediting Commission International
Learn God's Word.Serve His Church.
Theological education that is affordable, accessible and practical. Every course sends you out with study notes and a finished lesson you can teach — because the aim is not just to inform you, but to multiply teachers.
- Tuition from
- $40 / credit
- Associate degree
- 60 credits
- Programs
- Certificate → Master's
- Study
- In-person · Virtual · Flex
- Every course
- Ends in a lesson
Pastors: ask about how you can earn your degree at no cost by hosting classes at your church. Contact the registrar's office to learn more.
Who TBI is for
A school for people already serving
TBI is an interdenominational, non-profit ministry concerned with building the body of Christ by serving it. The curriculum focuses on relationship with God and with people, on discipleship, and on the working parts of ministry.
It is designed to equip Christian leaders — Bible teachers, pastors, evangelists, missionaries, auxiliary and department heads — to fulfill their positions and their callings. Courses can also be taken by laypersons for ministry preparation and spiritual enrichment.
TBI teaches that ministry is about meeting people’s needs, and that all Christians are called to it. Students are encouraged to discover, develop and use their gifts, so their churches function as healthy bodies and make a greater impact on their communities.
Degree programs
Associate, Bachelor, Master and Doctor of Theology degrees in four programs of study.
Single courses
No degree commitment. Take one course, pay for that course, and see how it goes.
Trained to teach others
Every course is graded on work you can reuse — study notes and a lesson outline ready to deliver.
Why students choose TBI
Five convictions that shape every course
Primacy of the Bible
A biblical curriculum that grounds students in accurate doctrine, with academic quality that stays relevant to their world, their service and their daily living.
Passion for servanthood
Learning to serve Christ, His Church and the world with excellence and a humble attitude, so that leadership recognizes the worth of every individual before God.
Priority of the Church
Serving through the local church community, acknowledging that the church is God's instrument for reaching the world with the Gospel.
Pursuit of a biblical worldview
Recognizing the authority of Scripture as the source of truth that governs believers living as light in a dark world.
Practice of integrity
Fostering a climate of righteousness and accountability in every relationship the school touches.
How you are taught
Every course leaves you with something you can teach
Every course is built around a single aim: leaving with something you can teach. It is not incidental. It is built into how every course is graded.
You do not just sit an exam and move on. You leave each course holding a set of study notes and a finished lesson you can deliver on Sunday. The written work is evaluated, not the teaching event — but the point is that you now have something to give away.
25% of a two-credit course
Book notes
Read at least 70 pages of an assigned book and record ten insights — quotes, illustrations, historical background, a fresh way of outlining a concept — each with its page number.
This is not a book report. You are not judging whether the book was good. You are building a condensed store of material you will still be drawing on years from now.
25% of a two-credit course
Teaching outline
Write a complete outline for a 20-minute lesson: a title, a half-page introduction written word for word, two or three main points each with an explanation, an illustration and an application, and a written-out conclusion.
Students are encouraged to build an outline they can actually use — Sunday school, a Bible study with friends, nursing home ministry. Whether you teach it is up to you.
50% of a two-credit course
Exam
Exam questions come from the course materials and are given to you in advance to use as a study guide. Essay answers run 175 to 200 words; shorter answers take two or three sentences.
Three-credit courses weight the exam more heavily at 70%, with book notes and the outline or paper at 15% each.
The goal is not only to complete an assignment, but also to multiply teaching opportunities.
TBI Catalog and Student Handbook
RR
A word from the president
True success is not just about what you do for a living, but how you live while you make a living.
Studying at Transformational Bible Institute is one of the most important decisions you will make. The intellectual, spiritual and practical values of a TBI education prepare you to be a good neighbor, a loyal friend, a devoted spouse, a committed church member, a loving parent, an exceptional employee, a responsible citizen and — of greatest importance — a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.
We prepare the whole person, for all of life. Nothing less.
Pastor, Word of Reconciliation Church · Author, Words of Grace
Getting started
Four steps to your first class
Applications are accepted before the first class of each term. If you attended TBI previously and have been away a term or more, simply reapply.
Submit your application
A high school diploma or GED is required.
Send your transcripts
College credit you have already earned may transfer.
Pick your format and register
In-person, virtual or flex-path. Pay tuition and fees online.
Begin
Meet your instructor, or open the materials in your inbox.
Student success
Soar, run, walk, or press on steadfast: every student at the Institute finishes on a roadmap of their own.
The Institute names a pace for every circumstance and holds every student to one of them. A plan is set at the start of study, progress is measured against it each term, and a finish date is kept in view from the first day to the last.
A student already enrolled sets a pace and tracks it from the student portal. An applicant may read about tuition, scholarships and the shared core before applying.
What students say
Voices from our graduates and students
“I appreciate TBI for being a blessing to me in sharing the wisdom and knowledge of the Word of God since attending classes there. Because of this, I have a zeal to share the word of God with others that they may experience the love, salvation, and compassion of Jesus Christ. I have learned so much, and want to learn even more.”
— M. Holloman, student
“For me, college was never affordable, accessible, or practical until I became a student at TBI; where it is affordable and offers scholarships. It is accessible because it offers classes both virtually and in the classroom. The most valuable lesson I learned is to ‘let the Bible say what the Bible says’. I just recently received my Bachelor of Biblical Studies Degree at age 80 from TBI.”
— A. Sawyer, Bachelor of Biblical Studies
“Being a student of TBI has been such a rewarding experience! Our instructors are more than equipped and qualified. They make it their mission that we grasp what is being taught to equip us as followers of Christ, and to do the work of ambassadors as well. The fellowship experience is phenomenal! We all strive together in making sure everyone in class is knowledgeable in the doctrines of Christ and His great work.”
— S. Matthews-Wilson, student
Accreditation
Fully accredited, and honest about what that means
TBI is fully accredited by the Transworld Accrediting Commission International, an accrediting agency for non-traditional Christian schools, Bible colleges and theological seminaries.
Degree programs of study offered by Transformational Bible Institute have been declared by the appropriate state authority exempt from the requirements for licensure, under provisions of North Carolina General Statutes Section (G.S.) 116-15 (d) for exemption from licensure with respect to religious education. Exemption from licensure is not based upon assessment of program quality under established licensing standards.