Distance Learning
LIVE Courses
Each Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer quarter we offer specific classes that run for 12 weeks and meet with a Live instructor and cohort. Many of these classes have the option to meet in-person or online. These classes can be taken for college credit leading to a degree (AA, BA, or MA), the Certificate program, or for personal enrichment as an audited class (see the Academics page for more info). These classes have a set schedule each week and homework is due weekly.
Distance Courses
Many of the courses in the catalog can be taken by Distance. Distance learning is completely online and at your own pace and schedule within the 12-week time frame. Enrollment is ongoing for these classes. These courses have the best of our recorded lectures.
Students taking online distance education courses can begin at any time but the course must be completed within the same 12-week period (just like a Live course). Communication with the professor will be substantive and frequent. Each week an email exchange will take place between the teacher and the student, reviewing assignments, and discussing biblical concepts, while preparing for the final exam. Students will also engage with other distance education students taking the same class through various discussion board exchanges set up by the professor.
The tuition cost, fees, credit hours, and course assignments are the same as for students taking classes Live. For distance learning, the student logs in to Populi and views the course online. Most courses include course notes or a manual to eliminate unnecessary note-taking. The class can be viewed through any type of device; however, your computer screen presents the best image. After registering and paying for an online Distance Learning course, the lecture, course work, exams, and Course Notebook are accessed through Populi web-portal.
The online format is convenient and adaptable to a busy work and family schedule. For students who enjoy studying independently, this program allows you to engage in-class lectures at any time through your computer or device. It’s possible to earn your degree without ever visiting the college in person.
For more information regarding specific details of taking an online course, see the “Frequently Asked Questions” below.
Learn
Distance Learning faqs
Which courses are offered through Distance Learning?
Many courses are available for distance learning. You can see the listing and register for these courses in Populi (go to My Profile->Registration then choose the Distance Term). The list of courses will show up. You can also click on the course to see more information about who lectures the course. Click the green plus next to the class you want to add. Then click the SAVE button. You will receive an automated email confirming your registration for the course. In several days your bill will show up in the Populi portal.
How do I register for a distance class?
All NCBC registration is done online through a learning management system called Populi. You will first need a username and password before being able to register. If you do not have a Populi account then please apply to NCBC. After an application is received you will be sent a username for Populi and you can set your password.
You can see the listing and register for these courses in Populi (go to My Profile->Registration then choose the Distance Term). The list of courses will show up. You can also click on the course to see more information about who lectures the course. Click the green plus next to the class you want to add. Then click the SAVE button. You will receive an automated email confirming your registration for the course. In several days your bill will show up in the Populi portal.
What courses do you recommend that I start taking?
We recommend you apply for either the graduate or undergraduate program first. If you are a graduate student we typically recommend Spiritual Formation as a first course. For undergraduates choosing to begin with an Old or New Testament class tends to work well for students. There are some other great options like the Spirit of God or Christian Mental Health 1. If you need any academic advisement or help registering, feel free to reach out to the Registrar@ncbc.net
What is the cost of taking a distance class?
- Distance Learning Courses cost the exact same as our Live courses.
- More information can be found on the Affording NCBC page.
How many distance classes do I need to graduate with either an AA or BA degree?
It all depends upon how many classes you have already taken at other colleges that would be transferred into our program. There is a residence requirement with a minimum number of classes that must be taken at NCBC before graduation. Click here to see the degree page for more core required classes.
How long does it take to complete a distance class?
The student has 12 weeks to complete a course, which is the same amount of time students take when completing a live class.
What is the cost of taking a distance class?
- Distance Learning Courses cost the exact same as our live zoom or in-person courses.
- More information can be found on the Affording NCBC page.
When I do start my class, do I first have to contact the teacher for specific instructions?
YES! Assignments are to be done according to the format presented by the faculty member. We have seen students quickly do all the assignments and then send them back to the teacher only to find out that they were not done correctly and had to be redone! Upon starting your course materials, be sure to FIRST contact your teacher. All of the instructor information is in Populi and every class has comment fields and dashboards that will also email your instructor.
Can I take more than one class at a time?
We highly recommend that students take one class at a time. The enrollment is ongoing. Some students take the whole 12 weeks and others complete a course in as little as 2 weeks. A full-time student should be completing a course about every 3 weeks.
When can I start?
You can start at any time and have 12 weeks to complete your course.
How do I watch or listen to the lesson?
Login to Populi. Go to “My Courses” tab. Click on the course you are taking (ex. NT 201: Life of Christ). On the left menu go to “Lessons.” Click on Lesson 1 to view the first week’s lecture video. All lectures and assignments are already loaded into Populi.
What about taking notes from the lectures?
Good news! NCBC provides you with a complete Course Notebook which is a virtual copy of your teacher’s lecture. Everything you need to know is found in the Course Notebook. When taking your course online, the Course Notebook can be downloaded from Populi.
Login to Populi. Go to “My Courses” tab. Click on the course you are taking (ex. NT 201: Life of Christ). On the left menu go to “Files.” You should see the course notes manual (ex. Life of Christ Course Notebook).
Who do I send my course work to for grading purposes?
Each of your assignments are to be emailed or uploaded in Populi depending on the instructions for the course. The instructor will correct your assignment and email you feedback. When doing your assignment, IT IS MANDITORY THAT YOU DO NOT READ AHEAD OR WATCH/LISTEN TO THE UPCOMING LESSON! All of the answers to your homework assignments are contained in the upcoming lesson; to read ahead would cancel any true learning experience for you and is not allowed!
STates authorization
State authorization For Online students
As of 2025, California is the only state not part of NC-SARA. Therefore, NCBC has to ensure it has the authority to operate online education in each of the 50 states individually. The U.S. Department of Education allows each state to decide how it will authorize distance education in its state. Out-of-state universities must follow guidelines laid out by each state. NCBC is a religious institution that is nationally accredited by TRACS and operates under the authorization of BPPE in California. (Read about how other CA universities approach this issue.)
50 states
– Alabama
– Alaska
+ Arizona
+ Arkansas
+California
+ Colorado
– Connecticut
– Delaware
+ Florida
– Georgia
+ Hawaii
+ Idaho
– Illinois
+ Indiana
– Iowa
– Kansas
– Kentucky
+ Louisiana
– Maine
– Maryland
– Massachusetts
– Michigan
– Minnesota
– Mississippi
+ Missouri
– Montana
– Nebraska
– Nevada
– New Hampshire
– New Jersey
– New Mexico
– New York
+ North Carolina
– North Dakota
– Ohio
– Oklahoma
– Oregon
– Pennsylvania
– Rhode Island
– South Carolina
+ South Dakota
+ Tennessee
+ Texas
– Utah
+ Vermont
– Virginia
+Washington
+ West Virginia
+ Wisconsin
– Wyoming
– D.C.
– U.S. Virgin Islands
– Puerto Rico
authorized To off Distance education
– request AL to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request AK to be added (info@ncbc.net)
+ Exempt per Regulations
+ Institutional Authorization (religious)
+ Institutional Authorization (BPPE)
+ Exempt per Regulations (religious)
– request CT to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request DE to be added (info@ncbc.net)
+ Exempt per Regulations
– request GA to be added (info@ncbc.net)
+ Exempt per Regulations
+ Exempt per Regulations
– request IL to be added (info@ncbc.net)
+ Exempt per Regulations (religious)
– request IA to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request KS to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request KY to be added (info@ncbc.net)
+ Exempt per Regulations
– request ME to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request MD to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request MA to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request MI to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request MN to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request MS to be added (info@ncbc.net)
+ Exempt per Regulations (religious)
– request MT to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request NE to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request NV to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request NH to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request NJ to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request NM to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request NY to be added (info@ncbc.net)
+ Institutional Authorization (religious)
– request ND to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request OH to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request OK to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request OR to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request PA to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request RI to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request SC to be added (info@ncbc.net)
+ Exempt per Regulation
+ Exempt per Regulation
+ Exempt per Regulation
– request UT to be added (info@ncbc.net)
+ Exempt per Regulation
– request VI to be added (info@ncbc.net)
+ Exempt per Regulation
+ Exempt per Regulation
+ Exempt per Regulation (religious)
– request WY to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request DC to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request VI to be added (info@ncbc.net)
– request PR to be added (info@ncbc.net)
Complaint process
Each State’s Complaint Information for Students
All states’ complaint service is listed here but that does not mean this University operates in that state. Students should know their state’s complaint process if the University does not satisfactorily handle an issue. States will accept complaints even if an institution is not registered or regulated.
State-Specific Disclosures:
- Arkansas: Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board Certification does not constitute an endorsement of any institution, course, or degree program. Such certification merely indicates that certain minimum standards have been met under the rules and regulations of institutional certification as defined in Arkansas Code §6-61-301.
- “NCBC has received a Letter of Exemption from Certification issued by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education to offer church-related programs/courses and grant church-related degrees.”
- Minnesota: TBD
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PUERTO RICO
Puerto Rico Departamento de Estado
Consejo de Educacion Superior de Puerto Rico/
Puerto Rico Council on Higher Ed.
PO BOX 9023271
San Juan, PR 00902-3271
Phone: 787-722-2121
WASHINGTON D.C.
Office of the State Superintendent of Education
Higher Education Licensure Commission
1050 First St. NE
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-724-7860
AMERICAN SAMOA
American Samoa Office of Protection & Advocacy
Attn: Dr. Peter Tinitali
Executive Office Building
Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
Phone: 684-699-2441
GUAM
Guam Office of Attorney General
287 W O’Brien Dr.
Hagatna, Guam 96910
Phone: 671-475-3324
NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS
State Higher Education Agency, Northern Marianas College
POB 501250
Saipan MP 96950-1250
Northern Mariana Islands Alternate Contact:
Northern Mariana Islands Office of the Attorney General
Juan A Sablan Memorial Bldg.
Capital Hill
Caller Box 10007, Saipan, MP 96950
Phone: 670-234-5498
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands
Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs
Golden Rock Shopping Center,
3000 Estate Golden Rock, Suite 9, St. Croix, VI 00820
Phone: 340-713-2754
ALABAMA
Alabama Community College System
Attn: Division of Academic and Student Affairs
PO Box 302130
Montgomery, AL 36130-2130
Phone: 334-293-4500
ALASKA
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education
PO Box 110505,
Juneau, Alaska 99811-0505
Phone: 907-465-6741
ARIZONA
Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education
1740 W. Adams St., Suite 3008
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-542-5709
ARKANSAS
Arkansas Division of Higher Education
423 Main St., Suite 400
Little Rock, AR 72201-3818
Phone: 501-371-2000
CALIFORNIA
California Department of Consumer Affairs
Consumer Information Center
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N-112
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: 833-942-1120
COLORADO
Colorado Department of Higher Education
Commission on Higher Education
1600 Broadway, Suite 2200
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-862-3001
CONNECTICUT
Connecticut Office of Higher Education
Emily Bjornberg
Senior Consultant
Academic Affairs
450 Columbus Blvd, Suite 707
Hartford, CT 06103
Emily.Bjornberg@ct.gov
www.ohe.ct.gov
860-947-1824 (office)
DELAWARE
Delaware Department of Education
The Townsend Building
401 Federal St., Suite 2
Dover, DE 19901-3639
Phone: 302-735-4000
FLORIDA
Florida Department of Education
Commission for Independent Education
325 W. Gaines St., Suite 1414
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400
Phone: 850-245-0505
GEORGIA
Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission
https://gnpec.georgia.gov/student-resources/complaints-against-institution
2082 E. Exchange Pl., Suite 220
Tucker, GA 30084
Phone: 770-414-3300
HAWAII
Business Registration Division of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
PO Box 40
Honolulu, HI 96810
Phone: 808-586-2727
IDAHO
Idaho State Board of Education
State Authorization Program Manager
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0037
Phone: 208-332-1587
ILLINOIS
Illinois Board of Higher Education
1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333
Springfield, IL 62701-1377
Phone: 217-782-2551
INDIANA
Board for Proprietary Education Indiana Commission for Higher Education
101 W. Ohio St., Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-464-4400
IOWA
Iowa College Student Aid Commission
475 SW Fifth St., Suite D
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 877-272-4456
KANSAS
The Kansas Board of Regents
1000 SW Jackson St., Suite 520
Topeka, KS 66612-4240
Phone: 785-430-4240
KENTUCKY
Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
100 Airport Rd.
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-573-1555
LOUISIANA
State of Louisiana Board of Regents
1201 N. Third St., Suite 6-200
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: 225-342-4253
Louisiana Alternate Contact:
Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection Section
P.O. Box 94005
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9005
Phone: 225-326-6464 or 800-351-4889
MAINE
Maine Department of Education
23 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0023
Phone: 207-624-6600
MARYLAND
Maryland Higher Education Commission
6 N. Liberty St., 10th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-3301
Maryland Alternate Contact:
Maryland Office of the Attorney General
200 St. Paul Place
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410-576-6300 or 888-743-0023
MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
One Ashburton Place, Suite 1401
Boston, MA 02108-1696
Phone: 617-994-6950
MICHIGAN
Michigan Department of Education
PO Box 30008
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 517-373-9235
MINNESOTA
Minnesota Office of Higher Education
1450 Energy Park Dr., Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: 651-259-3975 or 800-657-3866
MISSISSIPPI
Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation
3825 Ridgewood Rd.
Jackson, MS 39211
Phone: 601-432-6372
MISSOURI
Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development
301 W. High St.
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: 573-751-2361
MONTANA
Montana University System
Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education
560 N. Park Ave.
PO Box 203201
Helena, MT 59620-3201
Phone: 406-449-9124
NEBRASKA
Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education
ATTN: Complaints
PO Box 95005
Lincoln, NE 68509-5005
Phone: 402-471-2847
NEVADA
Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education
2800 E. St. Louis Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89104
Phone: 702-486-7330
NEW HAMPSHIRE
New Hampshire Department of Education
101 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301-3494
Phone: 603-271-3494
NEW JERSEY
New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education
ATTN: Complaints
P.O. Box 542
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0542
Phone: 609-292-4310
NEW MEXICO
New Mexico Higher Education Department
2044 Galisteo St., Suite 4
Santa Fe, NM 87505-2100
Phone: 505-476-8400
NEW YORK
New York State Education Department
Office of College and University Evaluation
89 Washington Avenue
EBA Room 960
Albany, New York 12234
Phone: 518-486-3633
NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina Post-Secondary Education Complaints
910 Raleigh Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Phone: 919-962-4558
North Carolina Alternate Contact:
North Carolina Department of Justice
Consumer Protection Division
Attorney General’s Office
Mail Service Center 9001
Raleigh, NC 27699-9001
Phone: 877-566-7226 or 919-716-6000
NORTH DAKOTA
North Dakota University System
Core Technology Services
2000 44th St. SW, Suite 301
Fargo, ND 58103
OHIO
Ohio Department of Higher Education
25 South Front Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-728-3095
OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
655 Research Pkwy, Suite 200
Oklahoma City, OK 73104-3603
Phone: 405-225-9100 or 405-225-9142
OREGON
Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission
3225 25th Street SE
Salem, Oregon 97302
Phone: 503-947-2448
PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Office of Chief Counsel
333 Market Street, 9th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333
Phone: 717-783-6788
RHODE ISLAND
Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Education Commission
560 Jefferson Blvd.
Warwick, RI 02886-1304
Phone: 401-736-1100
SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education
1122 Lady Street Suite 300
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-737-3918
SOUTH DAKOTA
South Dakota Board of Regents
306 East Capitol Ave Suite 200
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: 605-773-3455
TENNESSEE
Tennessee Higher Education Commission & Student Assistance Corporation
Parkway Towers, Suite 1900
404 James Robertson Pkwy
Nashville, TN 37243-0830
Phone: 615-741-5293 or 615-253-8857
TEXAS
Texas Workforce Commission
Career Schools and Colleges-Rm 226-T
101 East 15th Street
Austin, TX 78778-0001
Phone: 512-936-3100
Texas Alternate Contact #1:
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Office of General Counsel
P.O. Box 12788
Austin, TX 78711-2788
Phone: 512-427-6101
Texas Alternate Contact #2:
Texas Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 12548
Austin, TX 78711-2548
UTAH
Utah System of Higher Education State Board of Regents
60 South 400 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84101-1284
Phone: 801-321-7200 or 1-800-418-8757
VERMONT
Vermont Agency of Education
219 North Main St., Suite 402
Barre, VT 05641
Phone: 802-479-1030
Vermont Alternate Contact:
Vermont Attorney General’s Office
109 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05609-1001
Phone: 802-828-3171
VIRGINIA
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
James Monroe Building
101 N. 14th St., 10th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-225-2600
WASHINGTON
Washington Student Achievement Council
917 Lakeridge Way SW
Olympia, WA 98502
Phone: 360-753-7625
WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
1018 Kanawha Boulevard East, Suite 700
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: 304-558-2101
WISCONSIN
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Educational Approval Program
P.O. Box 8366
Madison, WI 53708-8366
Phone: 608-266-1996
WYOMING
Wyoming Department of Education
122 W. 25th St., Suite E200
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: 307-777-7675
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