Program Partners: This program is offered as a partnership between Northwest University and International Hope Center.
Northwest University (NU) (https://www.northwestu.edu/) will provide the academic portion of this program. Northwest University is a regionally accredited, Christian institution awarding Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. They have been preparing students to lead in their careers since 1934. Their traditional undergraduate experience includes over 70 majors and programs. Their online degree programs provide the flexibility of classes that can be accessed anytime, anywhere.
International Hope Center (IHC) will provide ministry training and spiritual mentorship. IHC is part of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. It is based in Hamtramck, Michigan, in the heart of Detroit. Although Hamtramck comprises only 2.3 square miles, over 23 languages are spoken within its borders. The majority of its population are Middle Easterners and South Asians. It houses over seven mosques, a Hindu Temple, Buddhist Gardens and Eastern and Western churches. IHC is reaching out to its community through ESL classes, after-school tutoring, social and humanitarian outreaches, church planting and community development.
The program is for individuals who want a solid academic education that is accredited along with practical hands-on ministry opportunities and spiritual discipleship. Participants may include
Recent High School Graduates who want all the benefits of a gap year without losing a year of academic credits. These students may decide to transfer their credits to another school to complete their education or continue to pursue a degree through Northwest University (NU)
Transfer students wanting to complete an AA degree or one of over 70 on-line majors.
Career-Age Students wanting to complete a degree without having to leave their jobs.
What participants can expect from this program:
Academic credit and solid Biblical teaching. Students will take classes online through NU. NU is accredited at the highest levels possible. Their online programs have the same accreditation as their on- campus degrees. Students working toward a degree from NU will receive the same diploma as their on- campus students.
Ministry Opportunities: Students will be exposed to a wide range of ministry opportunities as well as the opportunity to concentrate one of six ministry tracts; ESL (with an opportunity to earn a TESOL certificate), Church Life and Ministry, Cross-Cultural Engagement, Business as Missions or Urban and Social outreach.
Spiritual Development: Our program will include times of group prayer, mentoring by mature believers, chapels and involvement in local places of worship.
Exposure to the World: Students will be exposed to individuals from multiple cultures. Additionally, students will have the options to spend a whole semester overseas in Europe, North Africa, and Israel or join a short-term mission team each year.
Costs and Finances
Federal Aid and Grants: Students are eligible to apply for federal loans and grants for tuition and program fees. Study abroad costs, housing and meals are not eligible for federal aid.
Classes for first-year students: Jesus the Messiah, Identity & Vocation, Composition I, General Psychology, Composition II, Christian Thought, New Testament, Old Testament, Internship
Academic Calendar
Semester 1: August 28th through December 13th, Semester 2: January 13th through May 8th
Study Abroad (optional)
Study abroad students will spend the entire second semester overseas while continuing their online classes. The students will live in Spain, North Africa, and Israel. At least part of their time will be living in the homes of local residents.