Frequently Asked Questions

Individualized Distance Learning

The following information is intended to assist you in fully realizing the benefits of taking IDL courses available to you as a student in the School of Theology, School of Intercultural Studies, School of Psychology* or as a Limited Enrollment or Certificate Student. 

*Currently, psychology courses are not offered through IDL, but you may take courses that fit into your theology component of your SOP program.  Fuller Online offers one psychology course and we encourage you to check back with us for future courses. 

Questions 

1. Why is Individualized Distance Learning (IDL) a great opportunity for me?
2. How does the IDL program work?
3. When can I register for an IDL class?
4. How do I register for IDL courses? 
5. Can I receive academic credit as an IDL student?
6. What if I am not sure about choosing a degree program at this time?
7. Are there any noncredit options available?
8. How many IDL courses may I take?
9. Is Fuller Theological Seminary accredited?
10. How long do I have to complete an IDL course?
11. What if I need assistance during a course?
12. How much does an IDL course cost?.
13. What payment options exist for the IDL student?
14. What is your digital version? 
15. What happens if something happens to keep me from finishing on time?16.What if I decide to drop an IDL class? When can I drop, and how much refund do I get? 
17.If I drop an IDL class, or fail an IDL class, can I take the same class again? 
18. Can I take an IDL class pass/fail? 

Questions with Answers 

1. Why is Individualized Distance Learning (IDL) a great opportunity for me? 

If you have the self-discipline and motivation to complete graduate-level home study courses — either in a small group or individually — get ready for some life-changing, ministry-enhancing results! In our nontraditional IDL program, you will be able to: 

  • Study part-time at home while maintaining your full-time job 
  • Fulfill prerequisites for entrance into graduate degree programs 
  • Get a head start on your seminary training before enrolling on campus 
  • Resolve scheduling conflicts 
  • Supplement course offerings through FTS or another graduate school 
  • Enrich your ministry through continuing education 
  • Take advantage of vacation time for concentrated study 
  • Continue your education while serving overseas and shorten furlough study time 
  • Complete final credits required for your graduate degree 
  • Earn credit toward a six-course Certificate 

2. How does the IDL program work? 

IDL allows you to study when and wherever you might currently be located! Each Individualized Distance Learning course utilizes audio lectures in an MP3 format, accompanied by a course syllabus, study guide, outlines and other helpful resources in PDF format. These basic materials are supplemented by textbooks (which you can purchase separately through the Fuller Bookstore).   

When you register for an IDL course you will receive an email, in your Fuller email account, that gives further instructions how to access your course content.  At registration you will be enrolled in a Moodle course that contains course documents, PDF resources, and course lectures. 

Therefore, you will need to be sure you regularly access your Fuller email account and have your login for Moodle (same as your Portico and email login info). 

As an IDL student, you can complete the courses on your own, or you may join forces with your spouse or several friends, forming a study group. Group interaction can result in valuable discussion and enhance the growth and learning process. 

3. When can I register for an IDL class? 

Once admitted to Fuller, you may register for IDL classes at the appropriate time for a student of your status (login to Portico and click Registration to find this information). You should register as soon as possible in order to have the maximum amount of time to complete the work for the class. You may register for an IDL course up to the end of the second week of the term. 

So, meet with your family, church staff, and/or mission board and map out a strategy for starting the enriching adventure that awaits you through IDL! 

4. How do I register for an IDL class? 

Admitted Fuller students may enroll in an IDL course via the Portico registration system, as they would any Fuller course. As certain programs have limitations on the number of IDL's allowed, students should check with their advisors before registering in Portico for an IDL course.  

Prospective Fuller students, your first step is to get admitted as either a degree or non-degree student (see admissions information above). Once admitted, you will be given access to the Portico system, where you will find your priority registration time. 

5. Can I receive academic credit as an IDL student?(Admissions info for degree students) 

Yes. Students who wish to receive academic credit must be formally admitted into Fuller Theological Seminary. The basic prerequisite for admission to Fuller Seminary is a baccalaureate (B.A. or B.S.) degree from an accredited college or university. All degree applicants must submit a fee with the admission packet. If you would like to receive an admissions packet, contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-A-FULLER (1-800-238-5537), or e-mail them at admissions@fuller.edu . 

Access admissions materials online: Applying to Fuller 

6. What if I am not sure about choosing a degree program at this time? (Admissions info for non-degree and certificate students) 

If you wish to study at the graduate-level, but have not decided whether or not you’ll earn a particular degree, you may wish to first apply using a non-degree admissions application and begin earning academic credit on a limited enrollment basis. Those entering as certificate students will also fall under this category of admissions. All non-degree applicants must submit an application fee with the admissions packet. Students accepted under the non-degree/limited enrollment status may take up to six Fuller Theological Seminary courses. 

Admissions materials may be accessed online: Applying to Fuller 

7. Are there any noncredit options available? 

Noncredit options are available through Fuller's iTunesU site. 

8. How many IDL or Fuller Online courses may I take? 

School of Intercultural Studies MA students in the MA in Global Leadership may take most of their program through Distributed learning, with a maximum of 4 courses via IDL. 

The MA in Intercultural Ministries and the MA in Intercultural Studies students may take up to one-half (up to a total of twelve courses overall =48 units)* of their degree requirements through the IDL or Fuller Online programs. 

School of Intercultural Studies  Th.M. students may also complete up to one-half, (up to a total of six courses overall =24 units)* of their degree requirements through the IDL program. 

Currently, the School of Theology will allow its degree-seeking students to take Distributed Learning (IDL or FOL) courses; however, limits may vary by SOT program.  We recommend that students discuss these options with their academic advisors. 

Keep in mind that courses taken through our other Distributed Learning program, Fuller Online (as well as any courses taken as Directed Studies), also will count toward the following overall limitations: 

*This assumes no transfer credit and/or that specific courses are available. See the Fuller catalog for more details. 

9. Is Fuller Theological Seminary accredited? 

Yes. Fuller Theological Seminary is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In addition, the degrees in the Schools of Theology and Intercultural Studies are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). 

10. How long do I have to complete an IDL course? 

The work for all IDL classes (whether taken inside or outside the United States) is due no later than the last day of the quarter for which you register. 

11. What if I need assistance during a course? 

The TA or professor’s email is given to each academic credit student when IDL materials are sent. The DL staff will help ensure that the appropriate teaching assistant, academic advisor, or professor addresses your questions.  The DL Office is here to assist and to come alongside you in your journey. 

12. How much does an IDL course cost? 

Each IDL course is charged at the current Fuller Seminary published tuition rate. The course material comes in digital format and facilitates the process of Distributed learning.  It includes helpful materials such as a course study guide and lectures in MP3 format. Many IDL courses also include a digital video introducing you to the course professor. Required textbooks are available for purchase via the Fuller bookstore, or from a vendor of your choosing, for an additional cost. 

13. What payment options exist for the IDL student? 

Students taking IDL courses are offered the same payment options as other Fuller students.  Fuller offers several methods of payment. 

Please Note:  All checks and money orders must be drawn on U.S. funds. All students paying by credit card must use either Visa or Mastercard only and provide expiration date as well as your proper billing address. Include your student ID (G#) number, course name, mailing address, and both home and work phones.

Additional Payment questions may be directed to Student Financial Services 

14. What is your digital version? 

All IDL courses are available in digital format. These courses are accessed through Fuller's Moodle site.  Once students register for an IDL course, an email will be sent to the student's Fuller email account giving instructions for accessing the IDL course content in Moodle. 

The Digital version has several advantages including portability and searchability.  As such, you can easily take the digital version of a class with you while you are 'on the go', or access the course from anywhere that you have Internet access! 

Second, the contents of the PDF documents are quickly searchable, so you can easily find a particular term or topic from the class without flipping through the physical binder. 

Both PDF and MP3 files are readable on all computers (Mac and PC), using standardized software.  If your computer does not have the appropriate software it is available for free download from various websites. A list of links will be provided with your course material.   

15. What if something happens to keep me from finishing on time?  

Just as in other classes, if you are unable to complete your work on time due to extenuating circumstances (as the seminary has defined them), you may request an Incomplete. Extenuating circumstances are major, unplanned, unanticipated, and unavoidable disruptions which make it impossible for you to complete a course within the quarter. See the online Student Handbook (on the Registrar’s Office website) for more information. Incompletes require the approval of the professor.  Forms for requesting an Incomplete are available from your academic advising office or the Registrar’s Office website. 

16.   What if I decide to drop an IDL class?
  When can I drop, and how much refund do I get?    

You can drop an IDL class through the end of the day (currently 5pm Pacific Time) Friday of the fifth week of the quarter for which the class is registered. The refund schedule is as follows:  

·        Through Friday of the second week of the quarter............ 100 percent 

·        Through Friday of the third week of the quarter................... 75 percent 

·        Through Friday of the fourth week of the quarter................. 50 percent 

·        Through Friday of the fifth week of the quarter..................... 25 percent 

Please keep in mind that this refund schedule applies no matter when you register for the class.  

17. If I drop an IDL class, or fail an IDL class, can I take the same class again?  

Yes, you can. There are now no restrictions concerning retaking an IDL class you have dropped or failed. However, you will need to contact the Distributed Learning Office to ensure that you have the most current materials and required reading and assignments.  

18. Can I take an IDL class Pass/Fail?   

 No, IDL classes can only be taken for a grade, not Pass/Fail.