Academics

IOPT offers academic excellence and gospel conviction for life and vocation in a secular age.

Degree Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Business

The Bachelor of Arts in Business at the Institute of Public Theology (IOPT) prepares students to think strategically, lead ethically, and operate effectively in today’s complex marketplace. Rooted in a Christian conservative worldview, the program combines rigorous business training with a strong biblical foundation, equipping graduates to pursue excellence in entrepreneurship, management, and leadership—without compromising their faith.

Bachelor of Arts in Classical Christian Education

The BA in Classical Christian Education at the Institute of Public Theology is designed to prepare students to teach and lead with excellence in the field of Christian education, grounded in a robust biblical worldview and the classical tradition. This program integrates rigorous academic training with theological depth, equipping graduates to shape the hearts and minds of students for the glory of God.

Bachelor of Arts in Public Theology

With a focus on the humanities, theology, and biblical languages, a Bachelor of Arts in Public Theology from IOPT will provide a strong foundation for anyone seeking to apply biblical truth in today’s culture. This degree is open to all serious Christians who have completed high school or a commensurate course of study or qualification.

Bachelor of Arts in Public Theology to Master of Divinity 6 Year Program

This hybrid program takes the BA in Public Theology and allows a student to transfer into the residential MDiv at Founders Seminary. The final two years will require residency in Cape Coral, FL. If the student decides to not complete the final two years of residency they will be awarded a BA in Public Theology.

Certificate Programs

Certificate in Public Theology

IOPT’s inaugural program for pastors and Christian leaders will challenge and equip students with studies through the breadth and depth of Scripture and practical application to today’s most pressing cultural and theological issues. This certificate is open to all serious Christians who desire to wield the Sword of the Spirit effectively in the world.

Certificate in Classical Christian Education

This 17-course certificate program provides a comprehensive foundation for teaching in Classical Christian Schools. Covering essential disciplines—including Latin, history, logic, rhetoric, literature, philosophy, and pedagogy—it equips educators with the knowledge and tools to form students in truth, goodness, and beauty. 

Jump Start Program

The Jump Start program at IOPT is open to high school juniors and seniors who want to “jump start” their Bachelor of Arts degree at IOPT while still completing their high school studies. This program provides an introductory grounding in a biblical worldview and encourages further study following high school graduation.

Academic Calendar

2025-2026 Academic Calendar & Course Schedules

Fall 2025
January 25
New Student Application for Fall 2025 Opens
January 25
Last Week of May
New Student Application for Fall 2025 Deadline
Last Week of May
First Week of August
New Student Orientation
First Week of August
Second Week of August
Semester Begins
Second Week of August
End of the Third Week of August
Add/Drop
End of the Third Week of August
First Week of October
Spring/Winter Registration
First Week of October
Friday before Thanksgiving
Finals
Friday before Thanksgiving
Grades Due First Week of December
Semester Ends
Grades Due First Week of December
First/Second Week of December
Winterim
First/Second Week of December
Third Week of December to the First Week of January
Winter Break
Third Week of December to the First Week of January
Last Week of June
Fall Registration Period Closes
Last Week of June
First Week of August
Fall Late Registration Closes
First Week of August
Spring 2026
First Week of June
New Student Application for Spring 2026 Opens
First Week of June
Last Week of October
New Student Application for Spring 2026 Deadline
Last Week of October
First Week of January
New Student Orientation
First Week of January
Second Week of January
Semester Begins
Second Week of January
End of the Third Week of January
Add/Drop
End of the Third Week of January
Last Week of January (No Classes)
Founders Conference
Last Week of January (No Classes)
Second Week of March
Fall/Summer Registration
Second Week of March
Easter
Spring Break
Easter
Second Week of May
Final Exams
Second Week of May
End of Second Week of May
Graduation
End of Second Week of May
First Two Weeks of June
Summer Terms
First Two Weeks of June
First Week of December
Spring Registration Period Closes
First Week of December
Second Week of January
Spring Late Registration Closes
Second Week of January

See the course requirements for completing the MDiv degree.

Four-year path toward completing your degree.

Application deadlines, class schedules, and holidays.

MENTORSHIP COMMITMENT
Since the Institute of Public Theology is a remote education organization it allows for some unique and often neglected spiritual benefits.

While many traditional bachelor programs require their young people to leave home and their local church and relocate for a few years (therefore interrupting important spiritual guidance), remote training with IOPT allows the student to learn from a distance.

Remote education for a bachelor’s degree allows students to remain deeply rooted in their local church, where they can grow spiritually under the mentorship of their pastors and elders. By staying in their church community, students are continually exposed to real-life discipleship, accountability, and opportunities to serve within the body of Christ. This integration of theological education and practical ministry fosters a holistic spiritual formation that prepares them to live out their faith in tangible ways.

Remaining in their local church also ensures that students are not removed from the relationships and responsibilities that God has already placed in their lives. They can immediately apply what they are learning to their ministry context, developing a deeper understanding of how biblical truths shape the life of the church and its mission. Furthermore, being part of a supportive community during their studies helps students remain grounded in their faith, avoiding the spiritual isolation that can sometimes accompany relocation for education.

In this way, remote education becomes a means to not only gain academic knowledge but also to grow in spiritual maturity through the continued engagement with their church family.

Course Options
Flexible Online and Modular Course Options

All our online courses are available in either the Fall or Spring semesters. However, some courses are first offered in a modular format before becoming available online. Students are encouraged to enroll in these modular courses for an in-person experience—engaging with local faculty, visiting the campus, worshiping at Grace Baptist Church, and accelerating their education.

Upcoming Modular Course Offerings
June 23-27, 2025
Mathematics and Theology
Dr. David Ruth
June 23-27, 2025
September 15-19
Art and Theology
Dr. Jim Scott Orrick
September 15-19
Courses
How are classes taken?

Most classes at IOPT follow a traditional 15-week semester schedule during the fall and spring terms. Courses are primarily offered in this format to provide structure and depth.However, we also occasionally offer on-campus intensive courses for interested students, allowing for concentrated study in a shorter time frame.

Standards
Academic Standards & Accreditation

The Institute of Public Theology is committed to the highest standards of theological education. While we are not currently accredited, we uphold a rigorous academic curriculum designed to equip students for faithful ministry. We are actively working toward accreditation but will never compromise our mission in pursuit of it. Our priority remains the integrity of our teaching, the faithfulness of our doctrine, and the preparation of students for gospel ministry.

Additionally, we have transfer agreements with other like-minded institutions—both accredited and non-accredited—and will work with the registrars of qualified schools to assist prospective students and graduates. If you have questions about credit transfer or academic partnerships, we encourage you to reach out to our admissions office.

Contact us if you have any questions