YIEP's Story
In 2002, Rabbi Pesach Lerner set out to find a fully accredited university that would work with Yeshiva and Seminary students to help them earn a degree in the field of their choice and view their Yeshiva and Seminary experience as a valuable educational experience which could be built upon. After scouring the country, Rabbi Lerner chanced upon Bellevue University in Omaha, Nebraska a pioneer in the then unheard of “online learning” and a paragon of academic excellence. He found the staff there to be unbiassed, supportive, and professional. They were eager to work with the YIEP students from the beginning and a nearly two decade relationship ensued between the Orthodox Jewish world, and their unlikely new partners from Omaha, Nebraska. Since then, this relationship has flourished and borne fruit and YIEP has graduated close to 1,000 students in the various disciplines that Bellevue offers. These graduates have gone on the become real leaders in their community thanks to some of the incredibly innovative courses that Bellevue offers such as Dr. Steve Linenberger’s MA in Educational Leadership, and the coveted CACREP accredited MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
In 2022, Rabbi Lerner has taken on a large new staff with the hopes of continuing to grow this program in the Orthodox world. The program has branched out to the English-speaking communities in Israel, England, South Africa, and others. With COVID shaking our academic world, online learning is more popular that ever, and YIEP together with Bellevue University looks forward to helping students reach their academic goals and be ready to enter the work force fully trained from the ground up and with the impressive credentials to match their academic achievements.
Click on Steve to see what the Mishpacha magazine is saying about him
WHY YIEP Cohorts?
- Fully accredited and recognized practical degree
- CACREP accredited * program
- YIEP has been with Bellevue for almost 20 years which means that you as a student can reap the benefits of our trusted partnership
- Online classes that work around your schedule allow you to work in any environment while maintaining your current job, studying Torah, or raising a family
- Programs qualify for government grants and loans
- Excellent professors such as Dr. Steve Linenberger whose care and concern for each student are readily apparent
- No assignments due on Shabbos or Jewish holidays
- Vacations for all Yomim Tovim
- In our featured cohort programs, all students are Orthodox
- YIEP staff are available to answer your questions, guide you through the program, and take you all the way to your graduation day
BACHELORS DEGREE
- Requires only 45 credits of online courses, of a 127 credit degree
- 15 core secular credits such as English and Math which can be through RIJS, Davar, or CLEP
- Up to 67 credits can be accepted in transfer from post high school Judaic experience, knowledge, and education **
- If you already have a BA, and this is your second BA, you may only need 36 credits to complete the 2nd BA
MASTERS DEGREE
- A secular or rabbinic bachelor’s degree can be accepted as your undergraduate degree requirement. Need help finishing up your Yeshiva degree? We can help! Contact us.
- Bellevue's prestige will work to your advantage with degree programs such as a Business Administration – MBA and a Clinical Mental Health Counseling – MS
- Online classes that work around your schedule allow you to work in your home environment, while working, studying Torah, or raising a family
- Up to 6 credits accepted in transfer from post bachelor's experience and education **
- Need help finishing up your Yeshiva degree? We can help. Contact us.
**Acceptance of transfer credits is always subject to official transfer credit evaluation by Bellevue University
*The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited though the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Bellevue University
Bellevue University offers students more ways to earn their degree through innovative learning – online or on campus with traditional or accelerated degree programs.
Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 60,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 80 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).
Here you will discover or rediscover the joy of learning in the company of others like you – people who are serious about accomplishment – and led by dedicated faculty who have real–world experience.
At Bellevue University the Emphasis is on Active Learning
Take a closer look at Bellevue University and you’ll soon recognize our commitment to the life and career success of our students.
Bellevue University’s supportive learning environment emphasizes principles of active learning that expose students to both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Our respected faculty brings real world experience to the classroom. Traditional teacher–to–learner lectures are replaced with active involvement in the learning, using applied workplace projects, library and database research, interaction with teachers and other students, and multimedia resources.
Bellevue University is proud to be an innovator for students earning their bachelor’s degree or master’s degree by offering traditional or accelerated degree programs, with the option to learn online or face-to-face.
Accreditation
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC or the Commission).
Status: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Contact Information: The Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-1413
; ; FAX:
Email: info@hlcommission.org
Specialized Accreditation
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited though the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The standards of CACREP are considered to be markers of high quality counselor education. CACREP accreditation provides recognition that the content and quality of the program has been evaluated and meets standards set by the profession.
Status: In good standing.
Bellevue University's Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission
To deliver career-focused, cost-effective education, with unmatched care and respect for our learners.
Our Vision
To boldly adapt to a rapidly changing world to ensure our learners have the skills and support they need to make an impact in the global workforce.
Our Values
The values embedded in the beliefs and actions of its people demonstrate the University’s commitments:
- We keep our promises (Integrity)
- We listen intently and embrace everyone and their ideas (Empathy)
- We are willing to go farther and act fearlessly to help our learners achieve their goals (Courage)
- We move with urgency and don’t wait for others to take action (Innovation)
- We step up and work together to create a better world (Collaboration)