Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) ought to help you understand the COS Online program a bit more:

What books are required?

Only one module, Tracing the Story of God in the Bible requires a textbook:  Alexander, T. Desmond, and others, eds. New Dictionary of Biblical Theology (NDBT). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000.

How much does a module cost?  

$110

Who may enroll for a module?  

Anyone who is proficient in English and wishes to prepare for ordination in the Church of the Nazarene is welcome to participate.  Students are expected to coordinate their online studies with their District Board of Ministerial Studies.

Where do I find the modules? 

The modules are resident in the NNU course management system (online.nnu.edu).  This requires a username and password which is given a student when enrolled in a module.

Are there any minimum computer system needs?

The following hardware and software are minimum specifications to work with the Blackboard application:

Platform: Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT,  ME, XP, Vista, 7; MacOS 9 or  MacOSX

Hardware: 64 MB of RAM, 1 G of free disk space

Software: Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat Reader (If you use a word processor other than Word, your assignments must be submitted as Rich Text Format [RTF] documents.)

Will the COS handle Mac?

Yes.  See above.

Must I complete a certain amount of work each week?

Yes. The modules have weekly schedules associated with each module. Students gain more from a module if they pace themselves by regularly scheduling times to access the module, preferable on a daily basis.  The modules are designed to be taken over a period of time to allow students to assimilate the concepts and skills presented.  Flexibility is an important aspect of the COS Online program.  Students have 24/7 access to their modules and can work on them at any time of day that suits their schedule.  However, students should plan to take advantage of the full time the module is offered.  They should access and participate often.   In order to pass, students must complete all assignments, demonstrating an understanding of the material and an ability to use it. 

How much time am I given to complete a module?

12 weeks, usually.  Exploring Christian Ministry is 6 weeks.

How much time must I do online per lesson?

This will differ with each individual but 2 hours per lesson should be sufficient.  The only online time you need is that to copy the assignment (highlight and copy) into your word processor and do the discussion questions.  You can do the reading and write the assignments offline.

How much time of offline work is estimated necessary to adequately complete a lesson?

4-8 hours per lesson should be sufficient.

Does the COS Online program meet the educational requirements for ordination in the Church of the Nazarene?

Yes

Can I get college credit for the COS Online modules?

The COS Online modules do not carry academic/college credit.  They are not designed to be upgraded for college credit.

Are the modules transferable to other Nazarene schools for credit?

Not to my knowledge.  However, it is best to contact the school for information concerning this.

What modules have been adapted for online presentation?

See Module Descriptions or Module Sequence page.

How many modules can I take at one time?         3

Can I get a refund if I do not complete a module?  

After a module begins refunds are not available.  Facilitators are paid according to the number of students taking a module and this is set by the end of the first week the module is active. 

What happens if I withdraw from a module?

If a student withdraws within the first half of the period the module is offered the student will receive a "W" on his/her transcript.  If a student withdraws after the mid-point of a module being offered the student receives an "F" on his/her transcript.  Once the modules begin, there is no tuition refund.

How does my Board of Ministerial Studies know my results?

Students receive an official grade report from the NNU Registrar's Office giving the student's results upon the completion of a module.  The report is sent 2 weeks after the completion of the module.  A student should photocopy the letter and provide the copy to their District Board of Ministerial Studies secretary.  Upon completion of several modules students may request a transcript of their NNU studies by completing the form found on the NNU website.  Click transcript.

Who do I contact for further information?

If you have questions about the COS Online program contact Rev. James Rotz at cos(at)nnu.edu or 208-467-8371.