Earning your Bachelor of Arts in Educational Anthropology and Christian Studies from St. Mary's is straightforward and flexible. Whether you are a working professional, a parent balancing family responsibilities, or a recent school leaver, our process is designed to meet you where you are and guide you to graduation. Here is exactly how it works, from your first click to your diploma.
8 Steps to Your Degree
Apply
Your journey begins with a simple online application that takes about 15 minutes to complete. There are no standardized test scores required -- no SAT, no GRE, no entrance exam. We believe your potential is better demonstrated through your personal statement, your academic history, and your references than through a single test score. Upload your transcripts from any previous institution, write a statement of purpose explaining why you want to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Anthropology and Christian Studies, and provide two references from people who can speak to your character and readiness for university study.
St. Mary's operates on rolling admissions, which means there are no fixed application deadlines for most of the year. You can apply whenever you are ready, and our admissions team reviews applications as they arrive. This means you will not wait months for a decision window -- you can start the process today and potentially begin your studies within weeks.
Enrollment & Onboarding
Accepted students typically receive their decision within two weeks of submitting a complete application. Your acceptance package includes immediate access to our digital onboarding program, which walks you through every aspect of the St. Mary's learning platform. You will meet your assigned academic advisor -- a real person who will guide you throughout your entire degree -- and together you will map out your first semester based on your goals, your schedule, and any transfer credits you bring.
During onboarding, you will set up your learning profile, which helps our AI systems understand your preferences from day one. You will complete a brief technology requirements check to ensure your device and internet connection are ready, and you will take an optional learning style assessment that helps us recommend your ideal starting configuration. The entire onboarding process is designed to be completed in a single sitting, so you can move from acceptance to ready-to-learn in a matter of hours, not weeks.
Choose Your Learning Mode
When you open your first lesson, a learning mode modal presents three research-backed options. Read mode delivers lesson content as rich, formatted text with an optional Accelerated (RSVP) reader for speed and focus. Interactive Video mode presents the same content through guided slideshows with audio narration and AI-powered comprehension checkpoints between sections. Listen mode delivers the full lesson as a podcast with a synchronized scrolling transcript, perfect for commuters, runners, and anyone who learns best through audio.
The critical point is this: you are never locked into a single mode. You can switch freely between modes at any time -- even mid-lesson. Start a lesson in Listen mode during your morning commute, switch to Read mode at your desk during lunch, and finish in Interactive Video mode in the evening. Each mode covers the same academic content and leads to the same assessments. The only difference is how the content reaches you. Try all three and discover what works for your life.
Choose Your Assessment Pathway
St. Mary's offers seven distinct assessment methods, and your academic advisor will help you understand which ones align best with your strengths and goals. Traditional multiple-choice quizzes test factual recall. AI conversational assessments engage you in a Socratic dialogue that probes deeper understanding. Essay assignments develop your academic writing. Oral examinations let you demonstrate mastery through structured conversation. Portfolio reviews assess cumulative work over a module. Practical assignments connect theory to real-world application. And the capstone dissertation develops original research skills.
Our AI system will recommend an assessment pathway based on your learning profile and early performance, but you always have the final choice. Some students thrive with written assessments; others demonstrate their understanding far more effectively through conversation or practical work. We believe that how you prove your knowledge should not be a barrier to proving it. You can also adjust your assessment preferences as you progress through the program -- what works for you in your first module may evolve by your tenth.
Start Module 1
Your academic journey begins with foundation modules that establish the core knowledge every educator needs. From your very first lesson, the AI tutor is active and available -- ask it questions, request clarification, or engage in deeper discussion about any concept. Comprehension checkpoints are woven into every lesson, ensuring you genuinely understand the material rather than simply scrolling through it. You will encounter your first formal assessment within weeks, not months, giving you early feedback on your progress and confidence in the system.
Each module consists of a series of lessons organized into a logical progression. Lessons are broken into focused parts -- typically 10 to 20 minutes each -- so you can make meaningful progress even in short study sessions. The AI tutor tracks your understanding across parts and lessons, building a picture of your strengths and areas for growth that informs its guidance throughout your degree. By the end of Module 1, you will have a clear understanding of how St. Mary's works, a growing relationship with your AI tutor, and your first credits on the board.
Progress Through 24 Modules
The Bachelor of Arts in Educational Anthropology and Christian Studies program comprises 24 modules organized into four tiers: Foundation, Methods, Specialization, and Advanced. Foundation modules establish educational theory, theology, and research literacy. Methods modules develop practical teaching skills and pedagogical approaches. Specialization modules allow you to focus on areas that align with your career goals -- whether that is curriculum design, educational technology, special education, or leadership. Advanced modules bring everything together through applied projects and original research.
Progression is self-paced, meaning you move through modules as quickly or slowly as your life permits. There are no fixed lecture schedules, no mandatory synchronous sessions, and no penalties for taking a week off when life demands it. The AI tracks your progress and adjusts the difficulty of comprehension checkpoints based on your demonstrated mastery. Students who grasp concepts quickly move through efficiently; those who need more time with certain topics receive additional support without shame or stigma. The goal is mastery, and the timeline is yours.
Earn Credits & Track Your GPA
St. Mary's uses the standard United States credit hour system. Each module carries a defined number of credits, and you need 120 credits to graduate. Your student dashboard shows your live GPA at all times, calculated using a standard 4.0 scale with credit-weighted averaging. As you complete assessments, your results appear immediately -- quiz scores, AI checkpoint performance, essay grades, and oral examination evaluations all feed into a transparent, real-time academic record.
The GPA system accounts for the different assessment types you choose. Whether you demonstrate mastery through a traditional quiz or an AI conversational assessment, the scoring is calibrated to ensure fairness across methods. Your dashboard breaks down your performance by assessment type, by module, and by semester, giving you full visibility into your academic standing at all times. If you have transfer credits from a previous institution, those appear on your record as well, and your advisor will help you understand how they factor into your overall progress toward the degree.
Graduate
Upon completing all 120 credits, including your capstone research project, you are eligible for graduation. The capstone is a substantial piece of original research or applied educational work that demonstrates your ability to integrate theory, methodology, and practical insight. Your academic advisor and faculty mentor guide you through the capstone process, from topic selection through final defense.
At graduation, you receive a verifiable digital credential that can be shared with employers, licensing bodies, and graduate programs. You join the St. Mary's alumni network -- a global community of educators united by faith and a commitment to excellence. Many graduates go on to pursue master's degrees, enter teaching positions, move into educational leadership, or leverage their degree to advance in their current careers. Your degree from St. Mary's is the beginning of a lifelong connection to a community of purpose-driven educators.
What You Need to Know
Technology Requirements
Our platform is designed to be accessible with minimal technology. You do not need expensive equipment or specialized software.
- Modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)
- Reliable internet connection (5+ Mbps recommended)
- Microphone for voice features (built-in laptop mic works)
- No special software installation needed
- Mobile-friendly for studying on the go
Time Commitment
Your pace is entirely up to you. St. Mary's is designed for flexibility, not rigid schedules.
- Full-time: approximately 3-4 years to complete
- Part-time: take as long as you need
- No maximum time limit for degree completion
- Study any time of day -- no fixed lecture schedule
- Pause and resume as life demands
Support Available
You are never alone on your journey. Multiple layers of support are available throughout your degree.
- Dedicated academic advisor (real person, real guidance)
- AI tutor available 24/7 for academic questions
- Technical support for platform issues
- Pastoral care and spiritual mentorship
- Career services and graduate school guidance
Quick Answers
Do I need a visa?
No. St. Mary's is a fully online institution. You study from your own country using your own internet connection. No student visa, no relocation, no travel required.
Can I transfer credits?
Yes. St. Mary's accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions worldwide. Up to 90 credits can transfer toward the 120-credit degree, potentially saving you years of study.
When can I start?
St. Mary's has three enrollment periods -- Fall (September), Spring (January), and Summer (May). Rolling admissions means you can apply any time and start at the next available intake.
How much does it cost?
Tuition is $250 per credit hour, making the full 120-credit degree $30,000. Transfer credits reduce this total. Payment plans and scholarships are available.
Start Your Journey Today
The application takes 15 minutes. Rolling admissions means no waiting. Your future in education starts with a single step.
Apply Now