LUO Inquiry Day 0 - Grad version

W H AT

M ATTER S

TO Y O U? BEC AUSE IT M AT T ER S TO US

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY GRADUATE PROGRAMS

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WH AT M AT TER S TO YO U M AT T ER S TO US Y O U ’RE T H I NK ING ABO U T FURT HERI NG Y O UR ED U C ATION ONLINE. Whether you want to pursue a master's or doctoral degree, advancing your education can prepare you for more career opportunities, and it can give you a sense of accomplishment.

But you know a degree can do even more than that.

You want to use your degree to make life better for others.

Right now, you may be thinking about your patients, your students, your clients, your congregation, or your family.

They’re why this degree matters to you.

We do what we do because you matter to us. As a Christian university, we’re committed to helping you every step of the way so you can earn your degree — and do what matters to you.

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TA BLE of C ON T EN TS 5-6 7-8 9-10 11-12 13-14 15-16 17-18 19-20 21-22 23-24 25-26 27-34

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Graduate Degree Programs Financial Resources Transfer Credit Military Benefits First Responder Discount LU College Experience Academic Resources Career Center Accreditation Your First Week Getting Started Appendices

Staffed with representatives from Financial Aid, Residential and Online Admissions, and other supporting teams, the Hancock Welcome Center is your first stop for everything you need to know and the place to 1 schedule a guided campus tour.

Y O UR F U T U RE S TARTS HERE You have plans, and a graduate or doctoral degree can help you accomplish them.

Whether you want to lead educators, address the boardroom, or shape the future of healthcare, at Liberty, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to contribute to your field and become the kind of leader who inspires others. Choose from over 275 graduate degree programs in these and other career fields.

APOLOGETICS

A

B

M

BUSINESS

D

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

A

A

5

B

A

B

COMMUNIC ATION

M

D

B

EDUC ATION

COUNSELING

M

D

M

D

Associate

B

Bachelor's

M

A

Master's

M

B

D

M

Doctoral

D

GENER AL STUDIES

A

B

GOVERNMENT

M

D

B

M

INFORMATION S YSTEMS

A

B

A

M

A

D

B

M

M

B

M

SPORT MANAGEMENT

RELIGION

A

B

D

B

M

B

M

MUSIC & WOR SHIP

PS YCHOLOGY

NUR SING

B

D

L AW

M

HISTORY

B

M

D

PUBLIC POLIC Y

M

D

VISUAL ARTS

B

M

6

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DOCTORAL

-

DOCTORALBACHELOR

-

DESIGNMUSICGOVERNMENTRELIGIONAVIATIONBUSINESSASSOCIATE

PSYCHOLOGYGRAPHIC

YO U WANT TO GE T THE M O ST FOR YO UR MONE Y And we want to protect your investment.

T HAT ’S WH Y W E’ VE FR OZEN O UR T UITION R ATES for the past four years — and counting.

AND T H AT ’S WHY WE OFFER :

Interest-free Payment Plans

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Tuition Discount to Full-time Students

First Responder and Corporate Affiliate Discounts

A School of Divinity Block Rate

For more information, please see Appendix C on page 29.

degrees.

our

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DOCTORAL

-

DOCTORALBACHELOR

-

DESIGNMUSICGOVERNMENTRELIGIONAVIATIONBUSINESSASSOCIATE

PSYCHOLOGYGRAPHIC

“I have been able to attend college online while working full time and apply things I've learned in class to my work life.

LUO allows me to still have a life with my family while furthering my education. I am blessed to be able to attend a Christian university.”

D’Juana P., Ed.D., Community Care & Counseling, current student

Thousands of free books and electronic resources are available to you online through the Jerry Falwell Library, our on-campus library and study hub.

Enrolling full time saves you money.

*Some exclusions apply

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29.

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YOU

Y O UR E X P E R IE NC E CO UNTS You’ve worked hard to get where you are. Make that work count toward your degree.

Your military service, on-the-job training, and certificates and licensures are more than life experience — they’re accomplishments that can help you earn your degree faster.

Transfer in up to 50% of a master's degree* *Some exceptions apply.

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Earn credit through exams such as Institutional Challenge Exam (ICE)

Transform your professional experience into college credit

For more information, please see Appendix B on page 28.

29.

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YOU

O UR E X P E R IE NC E CO UNTS, TO O Liberty University has been paving the way in distance education since the mid-1980s. Online education programs have been growing in popularity, but we've been here since the beginning.

At Liberty, you'll benefit from over 30 years of innovating for the distance learner — and more than a decade of meeting the needs of the online student. You can be confident that we've taken the time to learn what's important to you.

As an accredited Christian university with a 7,000+ acre campus in Lynchburg, Va., Liberty offers you an education that is both academically challenging and rooted in a biblical worldview.

We’re now ranked in the top 1% of online schools and universities for affordability, accessibility, and academic quality by BestColleges.com.

That’s the difference experience makes.

 LUOnline.com/ExperiencePlus

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YO U SE RV E US — LET US SE RV E YO U We’re grateful for our nation’s men and women in uniform — and for everyone in the military community who understands that service never stops.

As a "thank-you” for your commitment, we offer the following benefits to current service members, veterans, and military spouses:

Military graduate tuition rate — $275 per credit hour*

College credit for military training

Scholarships

GI Bill® and Post-9/11 GI Bill® certification

Military Tuition Assistance

Tech fee waiver for current service members

(active service members only)

Military Affairs Office 11

*Some exclusions apply

Named No. 1 “Best for Vets: Colleges 2019”

by Military Times

FE AT URED DEGREE P R O GR A M S We offer a variety of degrees to help you apply the skills you learned in the military to civilian life, such as: M.B.A. – American Legal Studies M.Div. – Military Chaplaincy M.S. – Cybersecurity Ed.D. – Community Care & Counseling: Traumatology

“We in the military understand what personal sacrifice is.

The valor, the character, the selflessness, the commitment we all give to our country is what you bring to the education process. Military members all around the globe are taking their God-given character and applying it to their education — and we are so proud of you.”

Dr. Steven Keith, director of the Liberty University Center for Chaplaincy, addressing attendees at our annual Military Graduate Recognition Ceremony For more information, please see Appendix D on page 31.

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THANK YO U,

F IR ST RE SP ONDE R S Serving your community is no easy task. No matter the crisis — fire, flood, or break-in — you’re the first on the scene.

As a “thank you” for everything you do, we offer first responders a 25% tuition discount.

As you work hard to respond to the needs of those around you, we work hard to make sure that your education is affordable and flexible.

DEGREES for FIR S T RESP ONDER S We offer many degree programs that can build upon skills you use every day, such as:

M.A. in Executive Leadership

M.P.A. in Disaster Management

Ph.D. in Criminal Justice

Ph.D. in Public Policy

“Having Liberty University on my résumé pushed me to the top of a list of almost 2,000 people that applied for the job that I now hold. If it were not for Liberty University, my career in law enforcement would not have advanced as quickly as it has.”

Daniel Wright, Liberty University Alumnus

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If you’re a first responder who is also a current service member, veteran, or military spouse, you can combine the 25% tuition discount with your discounted military tuition rates.*

 *Visit LUOnline.com/ERP for eligibility requirements.

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IS YO UR COLLEGE

E XPERI E NCE Whether you complete courses on our Lynchburg campus or from your living room in Seattle, you’re part of our community, and we want you to feel connected to campus.

Join us on our beautiful Central Virginia campus to network with classmates and professors during intensive courses.

Cheer on the Liberty Flames through livestreamed games.

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Worship with us during Convocation in person or through livestream.

Visit us during Homecoming, Commencement, and other special events on campus.



To watch these events and more, visit LUOnline.com/OnDemand.

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YO U ’LL B E CH A L L E N G ED , BU T WE 'RE HERE TO HELP AND ENCO UR AGE Y O U You’ll have an entire team and resources to support you every step of the way.

At Liberty, your professors and support staff are available and ready to help you with any questions or concerns — we believe in you and want to see you excel academically, spiritually, and professionally.

H AV E Q UESTIONS AB O UT T H E A D MIS SION P R O CES S, FI N ANCIAL AID, OR REGIS T R AT ION?

Reach out to: |  (800) 424-9596 • • • •

Admissions Counselors Academic Advisors Financial Aid Registrar

• Student Accounts • Military Affairs Office

N EED H ELP W IT H BL ACK BO ARD OR YO U R ELEC T R ONIC LE ARNING RES O UR CES ?

Reach out to: • IT HelpDesk |  (866) 447-2869

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N EED TO OLS FOR RESE AR CH OR H ELP W RIT I NG ?

Reach out to:

• Jerry Falwell Library |  (434) 582-2220 • Online Writing Center |  onlinewriting@liberty.edu

LO OKI N G FOR HELP WIT H YO UR RÉSUMÉ OR NET W ORKI NG?

Reach out to: • Career Center |  (434) 592-4109

C ON CER N ED T H AT YO U R ED U C AT ION M AY FACE CERTA IN OBS TACLES ?

Reach out to: • Student Advocate Office |  LUOstudentadvocate@liberty.edu • Office of Disability Accommodation Support |  LUOodas@liberty.edu

WAN T TO C ONNEC T WIT H YO UR P EER S F OR SUP P ORT OR SHARE A P R AYER REQ UES T ?

Reach out to: • Online Student Life |  onlinestudentlife@liberty.edu |  (434) 582-2410 • Support Groups • Campus Pastors • Student Counseling Services 18

E ARN A DEGREE THAT

M A K ES A D IFFERE N C E IN YO UR C AREER

Your degree is more than just an accomplishment — it can be the key to unlocking new opportunities.

An advanced degree could help you get to where you want to be in your career.

With your choice of more than 275 graduate degree programs offered online, you can find the program that aligns with your career goals.

P REPA RE FOR YO UR NE X T S T EPS W IT H T H E C AREER CEN T ER Our vision for you extends past graduation — we want to see you thrive in your chosen profession. That's why you’ll have access to the same career center our residential students use.

SERV ICES and RES O UR CES OFFERED

• Résumé critiquing • Portfolio resources and tips • Interview preparation • Liberty.JoinHandshake.com

“I can tell you that the students who have come out of this school and have worked for our company are the very best that we’ve had anywhere. It’s an amazing school, and the world is yours. We need you, our country needs you. You are the guiding light. We need good people, and you’re it.”

Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and founder of the Hendrick Automotive Group 19

"I love teaching at Liberty because I get to share two of my greatest passions with students. First, my love for the Lord — He has been my shelter in storms, my encourager through trials, and my strength in every day.

Second, I love helping the wounded find healing, so teaching students essential counseling skills for the mental health profession is an honor.”

Jeanne Brooks, Ph.D., School of Behavioral Sciences

Employers aren't just looking for skilled workers — they want employees with integrity.

At Liberty, you won’t just master the skills needed to excel in your field; you can stand out among other applicants as a capable and trustworthy professional.



Visit Liberty.edu/CareerCenter today.

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YO U WANT TO BE CONFI D E N T IN Y O UR DEGREE Liberty is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and many of our programs are also recognized by professional and field-specific accrediting bodies.

Our accreditation means that you’ll receive a quality education, and your degree will be respected by employers in your field.

SACSCOC

Learn more about what makes our degrees stand out at Liberty.edu/Accreditation.

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“A spiritual care class is included in our nursing curriculum because self-care is an elemental aspect of being a provider.

If we do not care for ourselves, we will not be effective in caring for others — we will burn out.”

Sharon Kopis, EdD, MS, RN, FNP-C, CNE, School of Nursing

“What I find is that companies large and small, public and private, are all yearning for ethics and integrity and morals, in particular in the cybersecurity field. They expect that — they demand that — of their cybersecurity professionals. To them I say, ‘Who better than Christians to secure these networks?’”

Dr. Allen Harper, author of "Gray Hat Hacking" and Executive Director of the Center for Cyber Excellence 22

A CADEM IC C ALEND AR Liberty offers three online terms to accommodate busy schedules: fall, spring, and summer. In addition, each fall and spring semester has one semester-long term (A) but is also broken down into eightweek sub-terms (B, C, and D) — so you can schedule your classes around your life.

Each academic year will follow the schedule below.

FALL

A B

SPRING

A

Aug.-Dec.

D Dec.

Aug.Oct.

B

Oct.-

C

Jan.-May

Jan.March

C

Sept.Nov.

D May

March-

Feb.April

SUMMER

A B

MayJuly

May-Aug.

D Aug.

July-

You want a program that fits into your schedule.

8 start dates per year | 8-week sub-terms

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For up-to-date information, please visit LUOnline.com/AcademicCalendar.

Y O UR F IR S T WEEK Wondering what life as a student will look like? Here's a snapshot of what you can expect your first week.

Use this timeline as a guide to prepare for your first courses: Wednesday-Sunday before classes begin: Access your course syllabus and content in Blackboard and get ready for classes to start!

Monday: Classes begin.

Wednesday: Your first assignment is due! Be sure to complete the Course Requirements Checklist (CRC) for each course to confirm your attendance.

Thursday: Plan ahead to make the rest of your sub-term smooth and successful!

Blackboard is the digital platform you'll use to access and submit assignments, interact with your classmates, and connect with your professor. Consider it your online classroom. There you'll find:



•

Course Syllabus

•

Course Content

•

Class Discussion Boards

•

Digital Learning Resources

Visit Liberty.edu/Online/Tutorials today.

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DID YO U K NO W ?

•

Students who enroll full time are more likely to finish their degree.

•

Full-time students are eligible for a special discount.

•

Your FAFSA isn't required for admission, but if you are using financial aid, the sooner you start it, the better!

•

If you need help choosing your courses, look through your Degree Completion Plan (DCP) or give us a call — we're happy to help!

A RE Y O U RE ADY TO GET S TARTED ?  Visit

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LUOnline.com/AdmissionProcess

For more information, please see Appendix E on page 33.

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AP PENDIX A : UPD ATED T UITION For the 2018-19 school year, we've lowered our tuition for the following programs: M.A.T./M.Ed. Pricing:

Choose from a variety of licensure and endorsement options, such as: Master of Arts in Teaching (Initial Licensure)

• • • •

Elementary Education Middle Grades Secondary Education Special Education

Master of Education (Advanced Licensure)

• • •

Administration & Supervision Reading Specialist Math Specialist

Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (add-on endorsement)

• •

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Early Childhood Education Gifted Education

D.Min. Pricing

Choose from a variety of specializations, such as: • • • • •

Biblical Studies Chaplaincy Church Revitalization Discipleship Evangelism and Church Planting

• • •

Ministry Leadership Pastoral Counseling Worship

AP PENDIX B : E XPERIENCE PLUS Credit by Examination | LUOnline.com/CreditByExam ICE (Institutional Challenge Exam): Make the most of what you already know through our ICE program, which offers tests in a variety of subjects. Save money and earn up to 3 credits per exam.

Portfolio | LUOnline.com/ExperiencePlus We recognize that adult learners have valuable experience gained outside the traditional classroom. The Experience Plus program allows students to get college credit in a variety of fields by submitting samples of their work and demonstrating their knowledge of a particular field. Our Experience Plus coordinator will work with you to answer questions you have about the application and review process.

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AP PENDIX C : FINANCIAL AID Financial Aid Options: •

FAFSA - Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the myStudentAid app or online at FAFSA.gov using Liberty's school code, 010392. If you plan to use federal grants or loans, a verified FAFSA must be on file before Liberty will send a financial aid award letter detailing your estimated aid.

•

Grants | Liberty.edu/Grants • TEACH (The Federal Teacher Education Assistance for

College and Higher Education) Grant •

•

•

•

•

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VTAG (Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant) Visit Liberty.edu/ VTAG for more information.

Loans | Liberty.edu/Loans • Federal Direct Loans •

Federal Graduate PLUS Loans (credit-based loan available for graduate students)

•

Private Loans

Scholarships | Liberty.edu/Scholarships Canadian Student Initiative

Liberty Advantage

First Responder Discount

Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (SBCV)

Heroes Fund Scholarship

Word of Life Employees

International Mission Board (IMB)

West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists (WVCSB)

Corporate Tuition Assistance | LUOnline.com/CorpTA • Standard • Deferred Contact your employer for other potential opportunities.

Military Benefits (See Appendix D for more information about military benefits.)

Payment Plan Options | Liberty.edu/PayPlans

To help make paying for college easier, we offer you the option of a monthly, interest-free payment plan to pay any remaining balance on your student account: •

At Financial Check-In (FCI), you will have the option to select a payment plan.

•

There will be a $45 payment plan processing fee per semester.

•

Monthly payments are automatically drafted from the bank account or credit/debit card provided during FCI.

Fall Payment Plan Options Start Month

Plan Options*

May

Option of 1-5 Monthly Payments

June

Option of 1-5 Monthly Payments

July

Option of 1-4 Monthly Payments

August

Option of 1-3 Monthly Payments

September

Option of 1-2 Monthly Payments

October

1 Payment in Full *Your account must be paid in full by the end of October.

Spring Payment Plan Options Start Month

Plan Options*

September

Option of 1-5 Monthly Payments

October

Option of 1-5 Monthly Payments

November

Option of 1-4 Monthly Payments

December

Option of 1-3 Monthly Payments

January

Option of 1-2 Monthly Payments

February

1 Payment in Full *Your account must be paid in full by the end of February.

Summer Payment Plan Options Start Month

Plan Options*

February

Option of 1-3 Monthly Payments

March

Option of 1-3 Monthly Payments

April

Option of 1-2 Monthly Payments

May

1 Payment in Full

June

1 Payment in Full *Your account must be paid in full by the end of June.

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AP PENDIX D : MILITARY BENEFITS | LUOnline.com/Military Tuition Price: •

Qualified online military and veteran students and military spouses receive discounted tuition.

•

The tuition rate for graduate online military students and military spouses is $275 per credit hour. This tuition rate applies to all graduate certificate and master's programs, as well as Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), military Rawlings School of Divinity (Ed.D.), and Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) programs.

*Some exclusions apply

Waived Technology Fee | Liberty.edu/MilBenefits: •

The $199 technology fee is waived each semester for current Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard service members.

Scholarships | Liberty.edu/MilitaryScholarships: •

Liberty University is dedicated to serving our military and veteran students. To show appreciation, we offer several scholarship opportunities.

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•

Heroes Fund Scholarship

•

Virginia Army National Guard Scholarship

•

Yellow Ribbon Scholarship

Tuition Assistance | Liberty.edu/MilitaryTA

•

Tuition Assistance (TA) is a government benefit offered to current service members of all branches of the Armed Forces to assist with the cost of tuition. Some Department of Defense employees and military spouses may also be eligible to receive a form of TA. We have a knowledgeable team available to help you with your TA funding.

GI Bill®* | Liberty.edu/GIBill •

Liberty University is authorized by the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs to certify students who qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill® (Active Duty/Selected Reserves) and the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program as well as those who qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and Vocational Rehabilitation.

•

If you are unsure of your eligibility or entitlement, please contact the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs at (888) 442-4551.

Ch. 30: Montgomery GI Bill® — Active Duty

Ch. 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill®

Ch. 1606: Montgomery GI Bill® — Selected Reserves

Ch. 31: VA Vocational Rehabilitation

Ch. 35: Dependents' Education Assistance *GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at Benefits.VA.gov/GIBill.

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AP PENDIX E : ONLINE ADMISSION P R O CES S | LUOnline.com/AdmissionProcess Step 1 - Submit your application to Liberty University.

•

Apply to the program that meets your future career goals.

•

Submit your application online at Apply.Liberty.edu or call (800) 424-9596 to speak with an admissions counselor.

•

You may fax your application to (888) 301-3577, email your application to LUOverify@liberty.edu, or mail it to the address below:

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification 1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Step 2 - Submit your transcripts from any prior colleges/ universities.

•

Once you have applied to a program, you will need to submit your transcripts for an admission decision.

•

You can fill out and submit the Transcript Request Form, and we will determine if we can request your official transcripts for you.

•

Please keep in mind that transcript requirements differ depending on degree level:

•

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•

Additional admission documents may be required by your specific program.

•

Graduate Certificate Programs — You will need your official transcripts on file for an admission decision.

•

Master's Degrees — You can receive an admission decision on unofficial transcripts; however, official transcripts will be required within 60 days after admission.

Please note: Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes when a transcript request form is also submitted.

•

Postgraduate & Doctoral Degrees — You must have your official transcripts on file for an admission decision.

You may fax, email, or mail your unofficial transcripts.

Step 3 - Start the Financial Aid process.

•

To be considered for federal grants and loans, you must have a verified FAFSA on file. Complete your FAFSA at FAFSA.gov or download the "myStudentAid" app and complete your application from your mobile device.

•

Once you've submitted your FAFSA, it can take 3-5 business days for processing by the U.S. Department of Education.

•

Apply for additional financial aid (grants, scholarships, and external aid).

•

See Appendix C for additional details about financial aid.

Step 4 - Enroll in your first courses.

•

Once your financial aid plan is in order, you are ready to enroll in your first class(es).

•

To get started: • Log into myLU.Liberty.edu and select "New Course

Registration" under the "My Access" section.

•

•

Once there, follow the prompts to register for courses.

•

Consult your DCP and course guides to identify the best courses to start with.

If you would like assistance in registering for your first set of courses, simply call us at (800) 424-9596.

*GoArmyEd students will register for their first courses on the GoArmyEd portal found at Liberty.edu/GoArmyEd.

Step 5 - Complete Financial Check-In (FCI) and start your courses.

•

Once you have registered for classes, visit Liberty.edu/FCI to complete FCI.

•

Keep in mind: • FCI must be completed to confirm your enrollment and payment

method, whether you are using financial aid or another payment option.

•

The sooner you complete FCI, the more payment plan options will be available.

•

Your professor will contact you the week before your classes begin with details to help you prepare for success.

•

Log into Blackboard and be sure to complete your Course Requirements Checklist on the start date of your courses.

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Training Champions for Christ since 1971

APPLY TODAY LUOnline.com/Apply (800) 424-9596

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