Almadinah International Islamic University of North America
Explore our comprehensive FAQ about Almadinah University of Islamic Leadership in the USA.
About AMIIUNA
Discover the essence of Al-Madinah International Islamic University of North America (AMIIUNA), a leading institution for Islamic studies in the USA, dedicated to providing comprehensive education and fostering a deep understanding of Islamic principles.
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Is the AMIIUNA accredited?
When asking if the Seminary is accredited it is important to note we are talking only about the degree-granting function of our Seminary. Ordinations are done by our Summit Theism Mission and there is never a question whether an ordination is "accredited" or "unaccredited" because there is no such thing as accrediting a Mosque. Churches have complete freedom to give minister, rabbi or other clergy credentials as they see fit. The question of accrediting only applies to degrees.
Our university does grant religious degrees and does so legally without accreditation because we are exempt from accreditation (See next question for details). Although we have accreditation from Islamic council of Accreditation. A non CHEA accreditation body. In U.S.A accreditation of higher education institutions is pure voluntary process. Higher education institutions need a state licensure to start, from which our institution is exempted by Arizona state law.
Furthermore, as many other religious degree-granting institutions have chosen to do, we wish to maintain our independence from state interference and regulation. Many seminaries choose not to take part in the accreditation system even though we would qualify easily. Due to the Separation of Church and State, churches and seminaries are entitled to remain independent -- in all things being set apart.
Do you have the Authority to legally grant degrees?
Yes. Almadinah International Islamic University Of North America is permitted to operate in the state of Arizona, pursuant to Title 32 A.R.S. § 32-3022(E) and A.R.S. § 32-3001 as a post-secondary religious degree granting institution. Its parent organization Summit Theism Mission is a 501(c)3 IRS tax exempt religious organization. Arizona prides itself on its religious liberty laws enshrined in the Arizona state constitution and statutes. "Religious liberty is our first freedom guaranteed by the United States Constitution."
The University follows all the laws of our state for the granting of religious degrees and comes under Arizona's religious liberty-friendly statutes allowing non-profit organizations with IRS 501(c)3 status to grant religious degrees as part of a clergy training program. The University's religious degrees are thus exempt from accreditation, conferring well-deserved credentials to people working in spirituality and religion.
What is your refund policy?
We want you to be happy with your credentials from the University. So here is our official Refund Policy: Send your certificate and wallet-card credentials back to us with a written request for refund. The STM Board of Directors will consider your refund request and depending on the length of time since your payment, we'll issue either a full refund or a partial one. Please understand that after 40 days, most organizations will not refund you at all, but we will consider refunds requested in good faith and following the above instructions.
Tuition for the University's degree programs is non-refundable once the course materials have been sent out, or the diploma has been physically issued to the graduate. No one has ever asked for a degree tuition refund, but if you need a refund, please contact us. We want you to be happy with your degree.
Transcript fees are non-refundable once the transcript has been made and mailed out.
You are not alone: Unlike some distance-learning institutions, we have a highly capable staff available to answer any questions that arise as you work your way through the course material. In addition, each master’s and doctoral student is assigned a thesis and/or dissertation advisor to help you write the best research paper you are capable of, to motivate you, to keep you up-to-date with the latest student tools, to address any concerns you may have, and to help you navigate the system.
In addition, university is a non-profit 501c3, which means we aren’t in it for the money. Our goal is to provide affordable education in advanced holistic, new thought, as well as transpersonal, transcendent, and theocentric metaphysical forms of spirituality to anyone interested in pursuing a higher education degree in religion while learning higher spiritual truths.
Do I have to attend a campus?
All our programs are distance learning, which you complete from the comfort of your home. You have the flexibility and freedom to structure your studies according to your life commitments and circumstances. You can choose to study with downloadable electronic materials (no extra fee) or hard-copy materials (additional fee).
Where are your classrooms located?
We are a distance-learning university. You can take your courses at home or anywhere
Do I have the legal right to use my degree?
Graduates have the full legal right to use degree titles awarded in conjunction with the ministerial status conferred, as long as they maintain a good standing with the Summit Theism Mission.
Who are you accredited by?
The Summit Theism Mission which engages in private postsecondary, distance-learning religious education and is the parent body of the AMIIUNA, has the full legal right to award diplomas and degrees to its graduates. The degrees are awarded in regard to professional ministerial work performed in relation to teachings, directly or indirectly associated with the information appearing within the ministry modules.
What does the Bachelor’s Degree Program consist of?
The Bachelor’s Degree is awarded through the University and includes the Ordained Minister’s Program. This segment consists of 18 modules with a pass/fail grading system and a dissertation of 10,000 words. Along with obtaining your bachelor’s degree through the University, you also earn your Ordained Minister Certificate and Practitioner’s Diploma.
What does the Master’s Degree Program consist of?
The Master is awarded through the University. This segment requires the submission of a thesis with a minimum of 15,000 words with the passing or failing grade. Your topic must relate to at least one of the subjects covered in either the bachelor’s or master’s degree modules. You should submit your open-book bachelor’s exams before starting the master’s program.
What does the Doctoral Degree Program consist of?
The doctoral degree program requires the submission of a dissertation with a minimum of words to a maximum of 25,000 words. The topic must be in alignment with your selected doctoral degree specialty. Your doctoral degree can be earned through either the University of Metaphysics or the University of Sedona. You should pass both the bachelor’s and master’s programs before embarking on the doctoral program.
What Study Materials will I receive for the Doctoral Degree Program?
You will receive all study materials as electronic downloads and have the option to receive a hard copy by mail for an additional fee. All study modules:
– Have large, easy-to-read fonts.
– Have a table of contents and headlines for quicker reference and review.
– Use highlighted boxes emphasizing key ideas in each section.
How do I receive my study materials?
All students receive them at no extra charge as downloadable PDF files. However, you may also receive hard copies for an additional charge to have them shipped by U.S. Postal Mail.
For students residing in the United States who want to receive the study materials in hard-copy format, there is an additional shipping and handling charge of $200.
For students residing outside of the United States who want to receive the study materials in hard-copy format, there is an additional shipping and handling charge of $250.
Will I receive all my study materials at one time?
You will receive all your study materials in one email or shipment if you elect to have them mailed to you.
Will I have to take tests and quizzes like any other university?
Yes, you will need to demonstrate proficiency in the subject matter you have selected to study. Should you not meet our proficiency levels, you are allowed to take our open-book exams as many times as necessary to reach proficiency.
In addition to open-book exams, the master’s course requires you to write a thesis, which is graded on a pass/fail system with the opportunity to rewrite portions of your paper if you don’t pass the first time around.
Although obtaining a Master or doctorate degree doesn’t require exams, you will need to submit a dissertation. Grading is on a pass/fail system with the opportunity to rewrite portions of your paper if you don’t pass the first time around.
How do I submit my coursework?
We recommend submitting all works electronically. Although you may submit your exams by postal mail, your thesis and dissertation must be submitted electronically, so we can run them through our plagiarism checker.
Do I need to purchase additional study books?
No. Everything you need to complete the bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctoral degree is contained within your study materials, except for any research materials you choose for your thesis and doctoral dissertation.
Does the University offer guidance for thesis and dissertation composition?
Yes, we have many wonderful tools to help students write their research papers. They include:
– Thesis/dissertation webinars that cover the entire process of writing a research paper.
– IMM Virtual Writing Assistant and Thesis/Dissertation Tip Page in the Online Center, offering information on writing a statement of purpose, paraphrasing, easy ways to do in-text citations, how to avoid accidental plagiarism, proofreading tips, how to avoid commonly made mistakes, and much more.
– Preformatted thesis and dissertation templates.
– Thesis and dissertation handbooks with complete guidelines for writing your paper.
– Sample theses and dissertations in the Online Center.
– Extensive recommended reading list categorized by subject, which includes links for obtaining free and discounted books.
– Access to an assigned thesis or dissertation advise.
Do I have to complete the doctoral program within a specific time frame?
You have the option to take as long as you need, just as you have the option to accelerate your studies. You can opt to take a sabbatical at any time, just as you can opt to stop after finishing at a degree and continue on at a later time. It is entirely up to you. We just ask that you keep your International Ministry Affiliation with us current.
Are there additional fees?
You are only required to pay $80 (or $140 for two years) for the annual Ministry Affiliation with the Summit Theism Mission once you have completed the bachelor’s degree program and have become a minister.
What are your admission requirements?
Admission requirements are as follows:
– Students must have an interest in religion or spirituality and a genuine desire to help others.
– Students are to be 18 years of age. Note: We will consider students 16 years of age as long as they have parental permission, they can comprehend the study materials, and they have the ability to write a thesis and dissertation.
– Students must have a high school diploma or the equivalent, such as a GED; or, adequate adult work experience.
– English language comprehension is required.
– Anyone with a felony conviction will not be accepted into the program.
How do I enroll?
You can enroll through our website.
You also have the option to print off enrollment forms and either mail, fax, or email them to the University.
How long does it take to process my enrollment?
It usually takes 48 hours to process your enrollment; however, if you enroll during the weekend or on a U.S. holiday observed by the University, you will receive your enrollment confirmation on the next business day.
When do I begin my studies?
You can begin as soon as we process your enrollment forms, and you receive your study materials. It is all at your own pace.
Can I enroll for a doctoral degree from the onset, or do I have to earn one degree at a time?
Yes, you can enroll for the doctoral degree from the onset. In fact, you save money by enrolling that way instead of enrolling for one program at a time. However, you must satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree before your master’s will be awarded, and you must satisfy the requirements of the master’s degree before your doctoral degree will be awarded. So, in that sense, you will be earning one degree at a time.
Will I receive assistance with my studies if I have questions?
Yes, unlike some institutes, you will receive assistance throughout the program, as needed. Faculty and administrative staff members are available by email and telephone/WhatsApp.. You will also have access to your own Thesis/Dissertation Advisor to help you navigate writing and researching your thesis or dissertation.
Is help available for writing my thesis or dissertation?
Yes, we have many wonderful tools to help students write their research papers. They include:
– Thesis/dissertation webinars that cover the entire process of writing a research paper.
– IMM Virtual Writing Assistant and Thesis/Dissertation Tip Page in the Online Center, offering information on writing a statement of purpose, paraphrasing, easy ways to do in-text citations, how to avoid accidental plagiarism, proofreading tips, how to avoid commonly made mistakes, and much more.
– Preformatted thesis and dissertation templates.
– Thesis and dissertation handbooks with complete guidelines for writing your paper.
– Sample theses and dissertations in the Online Center.
– Extensive recommended reading list categorized by subject, which includes links for obtaining free and discounted books.
– Access to an assigned thesis or dissertation advisor.
We are always striving to make our metaphysical studies program a more informative and enjoyable experience whenever possible.
What is required to maintain a good standing with the International Metaphysical Ministry?
You are required to keep your annual affiliation with the Summit Theism Mission current and submit annual minister reports, if you have an active ministry, whether that ministry is expressed in counseling, coaching, wellness, or teaching.
How much is the annual affiliation with the International Metaphysical Ministry?
$60 (or $100 for two years).
Why do I have to pay an annual affiliation?
The Summit Theism Mission gives accreditation to the degree programs and gives you the legal right to use your degrees and titles. Your degree status is contingent upon maintaining a good standing with the STM.
Important Information Regarding Your IMM Affiliation
Do you offer a business course to help me learn the ropes?
Yes, you can earn a master’s in business administration, MBA. With specializing in religion courses
Who can attend Graduation?
All students who have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree are permitted to attend the formal (cap and gown) graduation ceremony; however, the convention is open to all students.
When is the next graduation?
Graduation ceremonies are held every three years in Arizona.
Do I have to attend an official graduation ceremony to receive my diplomas?
No, once your degrees are awarded, you will receive your diplomas in the mail. However, we encourage you to participate in the formal cap and gown graduation and convention so you can:
– Attend stimulating presentations.
– Meet our dedicated staff in person.
– Network with other students.
– Celebrating your great accomplishment in front of your peers.