Vision International College and Seminary
ISOM has partnered with Vision International College & Seminary (VICS) to provide students with a comprehensive pathway in theological education—from certificate programs to ministry diplomas. Please note that ISOM students enroll in VICS, a religious exempt school founded in Louisiana that offers ministry diplomas and degrees; VICS is not accredited by any government-approved accrediting agency.
For students wishing to earn an accredited degree, credit transfer is available between VICS and Vision International University (VIU). Vision International University, based in Ramona, California, is accredited by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC). ASIC is recognized by UKVI in the UK, is a member of the CHEA International Quality Group (CIQG), is listed in its International Directory, is a member of the British Quality Foundation (BQF), and is an institutional member of the European Distance and E-Learning Network (EDEN).
Students who complete the three-year Diploma program at VICS may gain admission into VIU’s accredited bachelor’s degree completion program. This academic pathway is offered as part of the Vision International Training and Education Network (VIETEN), a consortium dedicated to distance education.
History
Vision International University (VIU) is an American interdenominational Christian seminary based in Ramona, California, offering accredited, distance education degree programs for ministry. VIU traces its roots to Vision International College (VIC), which was founded in 1974 in Launceston, Tasmania by renowned Australian theologian Ken Chant. Originally established as a local church Bible college focused on vocational ministry training and community service, VIC laid the foundation for the ministry education that would later evolve into VIU.
For ISOM students, the journey begins at Vision International College & Seminary (VICS)—a separate, non-accredited institution offering ministry diplomas and certificate programs. Upon successful completion of the three-year diploma program at VICS, students have the opportunity to transfer credits to VIU’s accredited bachelor’s degree completion program, creating a clear pathway from foundational ministry training to an accredited academic degree.
Understanding AQF Levels
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) establishes 10 levels of education across Australia. For the pathways discussed on this page, three specific levels are particularly relevant:
Level 5 – Diploma
A Diploma is a Level 5 qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Typically awarded by vocational education and training (VET) providers or universities, a Diploma usually requires 1 to 2 years of full-time study. Graduates at this level gain specialised knowledge and skills suited for skilled or paraprofessional work, and the qualification also serves as a strong foundation for further learning. When accepted for credit towards a bachelor’s degree, a Diploma is generally considered equivalent to the first year of university study.
Level 6 – Advanced Diploma
At ISOM, students pursue a Level 6 Advanced Diploma—a qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) that typically requires 1.5 to 2 years of full-time study. This qualification is designed to provide advanced vocational training and practical skills for the workplace. Although Level 6 also includes the option of an Associate Degree, which is generally more academically focused and takes 2 years to complete, ISOM exclusively offers the Advanced Diploma pathway. The Advanced Diploma is generally considered equivalent to the second year of a bachelor’s degree, serving as a solid foundation for further professional development or academic progression.
Level 8 – Graduate Diploma
A Graduate Diploma is a Level 8 qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). It is typically pursued after completing a bachelor’s degree (or when one is deemed to have equivalent knowledge). Graduate Diplomas can be undertaken in a field different from that of the original degree—for example, a Graduate Diploma of Education is often required for becoming a school teacher in many Australian states. Alternatively, they may be coursework-only qualifications designed to provide further specialization within one’s existing field of study.
Understanding How Qualifications Are Issued
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) sets the standards for educational qualifications in Australia, but the awarding of these qualifications is the responsibility of authorised education and training organisations. These include:
Registered Training Organisations (RTOs):
Authorized by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), RTOs issue AQF qualifications within the vocational education and training (VET) sector.
Higher Education Providers:
Both non-self-accrediting and self-accrediting institutions are authorized by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) to issue AQF qualifications in higher education.
State and Territory Statutory Bodies:
These bodies are responsible for issuing senior secondary certificates of education in their respective regions.
It’s important to note that while historical institutions like Vision International College (VIC) played a foundational role in ministry education, ISOM students follow a pathway through Vision International College & Seminary (VICS). VICS provides vocational ministry training and diplomas; however, it is not independently accredited. For those seeking an accredited degree, credits earned at VICS can be transferred to Vision International University (VIU), an institution that meets rigorous accreditation standards.
Accreditation and Recognition Considerations
Although Vision International College & Seminary (VICS) provides high-quality ministry training, please note that VICS itself is not independently accredited by a recognized accrediting body. However, ISOM students have the opportunity to enhance their credentials by completing additional coursework. These extra courses can transfer to Vision International University (VIU), which is accredited by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC). The following subsections explain how these credentials can be used on your resume and the factors that affect recognition of unaccredited or foreign qualifications in the US.
Listing Credentials on a Resume
For ISOM students, there is an option to enhance your resume by completing three additional courses (approximately $1,000 in total) after graduating from VICS. These courses offer transferable credits that may lead to a credential through Vision International University (VIU). While VIU is accredited by ASIC—an accreditation recognized internationally—this form of accreditation differs from the specialized religious accreditations commonly used in the US.
Rules on Unaccredited Degree Programs in the US
In some states, it’s illegal to use a degree from a non-accredited school unless otherwise allowed by a state licensing agency, according to the U.S. Department of Education. You can start by reviewing any information you can find about accredited and non-accredited degrees in your state.
US Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
In the US, there is no single authority that governs the recognition of foreign certificates, diplomas, or degrees. Instead, recognition depends on several factors:
- The admitting institution: Universities or colleges that evaluate foreign credits for further study.
- The hiring employer: Which assesses foreign qualifications based on industry standards.
- State or territorial licensing boards: That evaluate qualifications for regulated professions.
Understanding these factors is crucial if you plan to use credentials earned abroad, as international recognition can vary widely.