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ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM
ONLINE ADULT DEGREE PROGRAM
186 - ONLINE LEARNING DEPARTMENT 187 - ONLINE STUDENT SUCCESS 189 - ONLINE STUDENT ADMISSIONS INFO. 194 - ONLINE STUDENT FINANCIAL INFO. 220 - ONLINE ACADEMIC POLICIES 219 - ONLINE DEGREE INFORMATION 225 - COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 235 - ONLINE ACADEMIC CALENDAR
The Online Learning Department provides non-residential adult learners with access to the same mission, doctrinal commitments, core values, learning goals, student learning outcomes, academic standards, and accreditation that have made Ozark Christian College a focused Bible college for over 75 years, but with a different approach and intended student population.
In 2012, the college initiated a strategic plan to create a fully online degree program for adult students. The Association for Biblical Higher Education approved the initiative early in 2015, and the first degree was launched in August 2015. Classes are now offered in 8-week modules with five modules per year. Courses are designed to incorporate diverse learning styles around three major divisions of the week. Early in the week, Monday-Wednesday, students are expected to engage course materials primarily through reading and watching video lectures. Thursday-Friday, students interact with their peers and submit reflection assignments and quizzes. Over the weekend, Saturday-Sunday, students integrate new learning into synthesis-type assignments and unit exams.
ONLINE LEARNING DEPARTMENT
MISSION The mission of the Online Learning Department is to promote innovative teaching and learning experiences within the Ozark Christian College community.
VISION We differentiate ourselves by fostering a culture of self-development, providing quick and accurate responses to clients, and stewarding our resources.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY We research, deploy, maintain, and support reliable electronic teaching and learning resources and assets for the OCC community.
OFFICE PERSONNEL Shawn Lindsay Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation 417.626.1278 lindsay.shawn@occ.edu
Chris White Online Course Development Director 417.680.5627 white.chris@occ.edu Jeff Phillips Educational Technology Manager 417.626.1293 phillips.jeff@occ.edu
Jason Donato Assistant Director of Online Learning 417.626.1217 donato.jason@occ.edu
ONLINE STUDENT SUCCESS
STUDENT LIFE Attending college completely online is a unique experience for adult students. Many of the blessings associated with increased flexibility and the elimination of physical presence (no relocating, school is open 24/7, no shuffling schedules to be in class at a specific place/time, etc.) create new challenges. Specifically, there is an increased need for self-imposed boundaries on time and space that must be negotiated with family, work, and ministry responsibilities. College cannot merely be added to one’s plate. Students must make room for it.
Online students are required to interact within courses in a variety of ways. Many students extend this interaction outside the classroom via social media. Likewise, interaction with online teachers is encouraged.
While there is a physical separation between the student and the teacher, much learning and mentoring can take place when students feel greater freedom to ask questions and where teachers are focused on responding to students rather than preparing for lectures. Throughout each semester, the Online Learning Department publishes a student newsletter to communicate important dates, program changes, significant events, and resources.
Upon acceptance into the online program, new students will receive an OCC email address, access to a student portal (for online billing, financial aid, and informational purposes), access to the Canvas learning management system, and a brief orientation to online studies. While it takes a campus to meet all the educational and personal needs of online students, the Online Learning Office (onlinelearning@occ.edu) is available to assist students with their concerns. Students are encouraged to ask questions early and often.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES
Library The Seth Wilson Library has over 29,000 square feet on two floors. Named for OCC’s first academic dean, Seth Wilson, the library collection exceeds 100,000 items, including books and audio-visual materials. Additionally, the library houses a special archives section, the Seth Wilson Bible Collection. Library access is 24/7 via phone (417.680.1302), email (library@occ.edu), or online (occ.edu/library) to renew items, place holds on requested materials, or ask questions. Online students can take advantage of EBSCOHost and MOBIUS for research needs. These resources provide access to electronic materials and delivery of physical books from OCC to an associated library that may be near the student.
During the school year, the library is open seven days a week and provides research assistance during regular hours. Electronic resources such as the Christian Periodical Index, Academic Search Premier, ATLA Religion Database, and over 450,000 e-books assist patrons in finding electronic periodicals or access to full-text articles. In cooperation with the MOBIUS consortium, over 250,000 electronic resources are housed in the library’s OverDrive collection (mobius.overdrive.com).
Some books and articles are available through MOBIUS (a consortium of over 75 libraries in Missouri, Oklahoma, Iowa, Colorado, and Texas) and interlibrary loans to students and personnel. MOBIUS libraries provide access to over 30 million titles. The library also offers audio-visual equipment to checkout for school assignments, projects, or ministry needs or to rent for other purposes.
Academic Resource Commons (ARC) The mission of the Academic Resource Commons (ARC) is to help students succeed academically by providing resources, instruction, and peer-tutoring on academic skills, writing, and research; facilitating learning accommodations; and offering test proctoring services for Ozark Christian College students. Online students can make appointments to work with tutors in an online session, and all tutoring is free.
Online Resource Commons Within Canvas, every online course provides students with a list of helpful links to various campus and online resources in the areas of Spiritual Formation, Career Services, Community, Academic Support, and FAQs.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES Several special on-campus events throughout the year provide online students an opportunity for additional training for themselves and their church members. More information is available on the college’s website at occ.edu/events. • Getaway in September invites students (grades 6-8) to campus for meaningful worship, engaging speakers, workshops, games, food, and fun. This overnight event gives middle school students a chance to experience OCC. • The Event in November welcomes hundreds of high school students (grades 9-12) to visit our campus for worship, speakers, and more. • Preaching-Teaching Convention in February features strong Bible preaching, excellent workshops, inspiring music, alumni reunions, and Christian fellowship. • Women’s Event in April welcomes women from the Four State Area for encouragement and fellowship.
ONLINE STUDENT ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
ENROLLMENT PLANNING When you decide you want to become a student at Ozark Christian College, you may have questions regarding admission requirements and procedures as well as financial considerations including tuition, fees, and financial aid. We hope the material in the following pages will help answer your questions. Should you need more information, contact us at 417.626.1277 or onlinelearning@occ.edu.
REQUIREMENTS FOR A STUDENT TO BE FULLY ACCEPTED FOR ENROLLMENT 1. Submit the appropriate online application at occ.edu/apply (No application fee required.) 2. Submit a high school transcript (public, private, or homeschool).* 3. Request official transcripts from any university, college, or institution of higher education previously attended (for transfer students or students who completed college credit while in high school), Advanced Placement (AP), and/or CLEP classes. 4. Return the completed, notarized Verification of Student Identity Form with copy of valid photo ID.
* This requirement would only apply to non-transfer students.
Only students who have been fully accepted may enroll and participate in classes. Admissions personnel will do everything possible to assist prospective students in completing their files and moving them to full acceptance status. When all necessary application materials have been received and approved by the Admissions Office, you will be notified by email. Please do not consider yourself accepted and admitted to Ozark Christian College until you receive such notification from Ozark Christian College.
Ozark Christian College admits students who meet the admission requirements regardless of race, color, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the college. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.
There are occasions when transfer students may be delayed in obtaining final college transcripts because classes are still “in progress.” Such a student may be considered for conditional acceptance if all other admission requirements are met. “Conditional acceptance” means that Ozark Christian College has made the determination that the student is academically admissible based on the student’s
available academic record(s) and all other required admissions documents. Once the final college transcripts and/or Transfer Applicant Evaluations (TAE) are received, the status of “conditional acceptance” will be changed to “accepted,” making the student eligible to enroll for classes and to receive both institutional and federal financial aid.
No student will be permitted to enter any online course for credit after Wednesday of the first week of class. An appointed advisor will counsel and register online students.
ADMISSION OF FIRST-TIME (FRESHMAN) STUDENTS First-time (freshman) students are defined as students who are enrolling in college for the first-time following graduation from high school. (These students may transfer in college credit or AP/CLEP credits earned while in high school.) The application procedure is described above.
ADMISSION OF TRANSFER STUDENTS Students who have earned 12+ college hours at another college or university after graduation from high school will be exempt from submitting an official high school transcript. All official transcripts from and schools/ colleges/universities must be mailed directly or sent electronically to OCC and they must be official, authentic, signed, and affixed with the school seal.
Transfer students need to be aware of the following circumstances:
• Transfer students whose cumulative grade point average at the last college attended is below 1.670 will be accepted on academic warning. • Transfer students who have outstanding bills at another college and/or are ineligible to continue/return to their previous college will not be accepted at Ozark Christian College
ADMISSION OF RETURNING STUDENTS An undergraduate degree-seeking student who previously attended OCC but has not been enrolled at OCC for one or two consecutive semesters (fall and/ or spring) is eligible to return by completing the Reactivation Application at occ.edu/apply. If there are no holds on the student’s account that need to be resolved, the student will be eligible to register for classes once registration opens. Students seeking readmittance after academic or disciplinary suspension, see page 221 for additional requirements.
NOTE: The student must submit official transcript(s) from any institution(s) attended during the student’s absence from OCC, even if the student does not anticipate any transfer of credit. Official transcripts must be mailed or sent electronically directly to the Registrar’s Office by the records office of the issuing institution(s). OCC does not accept transcripts transmitted by fax.
ADMISSION OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Ozark Christian College is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students. In addition to the admissions requirements for transfer students, and if English is not the official language of the applicant’s country of origin, he/she must present evidence that he/she has sufficient knowledge of the English language to pursue a full course of studies at Ozark Christian College.
1. If English is not the student’s first language, they must take an English proficiency test. They have two options: We recommend the Duolingo Test of English (minimum score required is 100). It’s available on demand, and it’s only $49. Click here to learn more. The other option would be the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum score required is 79 on the internet-based test. Please have the score sent to OCC. Our TOEFL registration number is 6542. 2. Foreign transcripts will need to be submitted to a Credential Evaluation Company, prices range between $150-$180 for the Evaluation alone (translation and verification fees might apply). OCC currently works with SpanTran, go to occ.edu/admissions under the International Students tab to guarantee you will receive the discount and the right kind of evaluation we require. Admissions of International Students into the online degree will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis based on country of origin. Contact the Online Learning Admissions Counselor at onlinelearning@occ.edu for more details.
ADMISSION OF NON-DEGREE SEEKING STUDENTS A student who is taking classes for personal improvement, to get a degree from another institution, or taking a course for audit is considered “non-degree seeking.” Non-degree seeking students will be accepted when the following requirements are met: 1. Short Form Application submitted (contact admissions@occ.edu and they will send you the PDF application) 2. Financial Agreement signed Non-degree seeking students are limited to 6 credit hours or less a semester (if they are taking classes for credit), up to a total of 30 credit hours. Once a student reaches 30 hours, they will need to have met the full acceptance requirement for admission to continue taking classes for credit. Due to government requirements, “non-degree seeking students” are not eligible for federal financial aid assistance, nor will they be considered for institutional scholarships until all admissions requirements have been met
OUR COMMITMENT Ozark Christian College is committed to full compliance with all laws regarding equal opportunity for students with disabilities. Students, the faculty, and the Academics Office all play a role in ensuring that reasonable and appropriate accommodations are provided in a timely and effective manner. The following is an outline of the process followed at OCC when a student requests services or accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
REQUESTING ACCOMMODATION • It is only through a student’s voluntary disclosure of disability and request for accommodation that OCC can support disability needs. • Students with disabilities who wish to receive accommodations or services must disclose the disability and make a personal request to the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation. The student communicates with the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation, submits required disability documentation, and formally requests services, including accommodations, a minimum of eight (8) weeks before the start of a semester. Depending on the nature of the disability, more time may be necessary to satisfy the reasonable accommodation. • A disclosure of disability or request for an accommodation made to a faculty or staff member other than the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation will not be treated as a request for an accommodation. • Any requests for services or accommodation should be made prior to the start of a semester to allow time to review requests and documentation and make proper arrangements. Accommodation arrangements may be compromised or denied if a request is not made in a timely manner.
For the complete Students with Disabilities policy, see occ.edu/disabilityservices.
ADMISSION OF THOSE HAVING CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST THEM OR HAVING A PRISON RECORD All previous requirements apply. In addition, those with criminal charges against them cannot be admitted until those charges are fully cleared. Those who have a prison record must have been released from prison (not out on bail) for at least one year in order to demonstrate recovery, during which time they must have been actively involved in their church directly under the oversight of the elders and the minister(s) of that church.
Statement of Policy - Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to altering or misusing documents; impersonating, misrepresenting, or knowingly providing false information as to one’s identity; or providing false information regarding professional history or accomplishments.
Procedure - Staff, faculty, or students who believe that a student has not adhered to the Academic Honesty Policy will bring the matter to the attention of the Academics Office. In cases where the authenticity of documents submitted by a student is in question, an investigation will be conducted by the Executive Vice President of Academics, Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation, Registrar’s Office, and/or Admissions Office. Should the documents submitted by a student be determined to be fraudulent (such as identification documents, a transcript, diploma, certification, references, etc.), the student will be notified via their official school email and written notice to the student’s last known address by the office that conducted the investigation of the violation and the proposed disciplinary action. If the student acknowledges responsibility, they will enter into an agreement regarding an appropriate sanction.
In response to violations of the Academic Honesty Policy, Ozark Christian College reserves the right to take any or all the following actions as appropriate to the violation: • Bar the student from enrolling in the college or registering for courses. • Suspend or dismiss the student. If the student is dismissed, the college reserves the right to revoke all credits. If the student has withdrawn or graduated, any credits and/or degrees and certificates/ diplomas previously awarded may be revoked and the student will be asked to return the certificate or diploma. • Suspend or terminate all college services previously available to the student. • Retain all tuition and fees paid by the student. • Withhold course grade(s) and/or examination score(s) and official Ozark Christian College transcripts. • Permanently annotate a student’s record to reflect action(s) taken by the college in response to the student’s violation of the Academic Honesty Policy. • Notify educational institutions, licensing or certification boards, employers, or others who have previously received a transcript or similar certification of any action taken by the college. • Prohibit re-enrollment in Ozark Christian College except by appeal. • Take other actions as appropriate.
If a student does not acknowledge responsibility or disputes the accusation of the violation of academic dishonesty, the student and appropriate administrator will enter into the formal process described in the Student Conduct Process which may include a hearing before the Conduct Committee. Upon completion of the informal or formal process, students have the right to appeal the decision through the OCC Grievance Policy. The Academics and Registrar’s Office maintain records of all student violations of the Academic Honesty Policy.
Petition for Reinstatement - A student who has been denied services or has been dismissed because of a violation of the Academic Honesty Policy may petition for reinstatement no sooner than two years from the date of the final decision. The petition must be in writing, must present a rationale for reinstatement, and should be addressed to the Executive Vice President of Academics, Ozark Christian College, 1111 North Main Street, Joplin, MO 64801. Students who are subsequently reinstated will be governed by the academic policies in effect at the time of reinstatement. Certificates or degrees previously revoked will not necessarily be reinstated.
INTRODUCTION TO OCC ONLINE Students accepted for admission are given access to a preparatory (non-credit) course. This introduction serves two purposes. First, it orients adult students to the history and ethos of OCC. Second, it provides guidance on the Turabian style sheet, a refresher about study skills, and some self-guided inventories to assist adult students in knowing if they are ready and able to be successful in a fastpaced learning environment. New students will also have the opportunity to meet other new students and begin participating in the online student community..
EXAMINATIONS All online degree-seeking students will take the Bible Knowledge Examination twice during their program. They will take it during DO 2701 Introduction to Bible and Theology and as a graduation requirement during their final semester. This exam is an assessment of the college’s effectiveness in educating students in biblical subjects. It is not used for any other purposes.
Additional surveys may be periodically administered to assess online student retention, success, and satisfaction.
ONLINE STUDENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION
COUNTING THE COST AT OZARK CHRISTIAN COLLEGE Ozark Christian College wants every prospective student to be given the opportunity to receive a Bible college education. To that end, OCC works with the student in financial planning and will assist in securing financial aid.
Ozark provides a quality and affordable Bible college education with competitive scholarships and grants, making it possible to graduate with no debt or less debt than the national average. Thanks to the generous partnership of many friends of the college, OCC students pay only a part of the total cost of their education. The charges listed on the following pages are in effect for the 2021-2022 school year.
The college teaches students wise principles for personal money management. OCC encourages students to keep their lives as free as possible from the burden of debt (Rom 13:8; 2 Thess 3:7-15). The college is also committed to not wasting its resources—sacrificially provided by God’s people. Therefore, tuition and fees are due and payable according to the payment policy. Financial arrangements are businesslike, and the college insists that students keep all accounts paid up-todate.
COLLEGE COSTS The following list itemizes the fee schedule, which is in effect for the 2021-22 school year. Tuition and other fees are subject to change without notice.
One-time fees Application fee (or Reactivation) Approximately $5.00
(paid directly to a local Notary Public) Free Verification of Student ID Fee
Graduation fee
(regardless of ceremony participation) $50.00
Late Graduation Application fee $20.00
Tuition and Registration Fees Per Semester Tuition and Student fees (per credit hour) $430.00 Books (estimate per module) $100.00 Change of Course fee $10.00
(to switch courses within first four days of class)
Special Course Fees* Practices in Spiritual Formation Principles of Interpretation
*Most courses do not have additional fees.
$37.00 $310.00
At this time, online degree-seeking students are eligible for the Online Admissions scholarship and Federal Student Aid programs, including Pell Grants, student loans, Veterans Education Benefits, and Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits.
ONLINE COURSE REFUND POLICY Date of withdrawal will be determined by the date the official drop request was completed. Tuition refunds are based on the official withdrawal date and are determined as follows for online students:
Week 1: Monday-Sunday 100% Refund Week 2: Monday-Sunday 75% Refund
Week 3: Monday-Sunday 50% Refund Drop/add and late fees will not be refunded Refunds will be credited to the student’s account. A disbursement will be made to the student when the account has a credit balance. For students receiving Federal Student Aid (FSA) who withdraw before completing the enrollment period for which they were charged, federal regulations require that a school calculate a Return of Title IV Funds using the formula set by the Department of Education. RETURN OF TITLE IV FUNDS The law specifies how your school must determine the amount of FSA program assistance that you earn if you withdraw before completing at least 60% of the semester. The amount of assistance that you have earned is determined on a prorated basis. For example, a student who is enrolled in only one module and withdraws at the end of the second week of the module will have “earned” approximately 25% of their aid (completed two weeks of an 8-week module). The remaining 75% must be repaid. If you received (or your school received on your behalf) less assistance than the amount that you earned, you will be eligible to receive those additional funds. A student who is enrolled in two modules and withdraws at the end of the second week of Module 1 will have “earned” approximately 13% of their aid (completed two weeks of a 16-week semester). The remaining 87% must be repaid. If you received (or your school received on your behalf) less assistance than the amount that you earned, you will be eligible to receive those additional funds. If you received excess funds that must be returned, your school must return a portion of the excess equal to the lesser of: • The amount of Title IV funds that the student does not earn, or • Your institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage of your funds
If there are FSA funds to be returned by the school, they must be returned in the following order until the return amount is exhausted.
1. Unsubsidized Direct Stafford loans
2. Subsidized Direct Stafford loans
3. Direct PLUS loans
4. Federal Pell grants
5. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
If your school is not required to return all the excess funds, you must return the remaining amount. Any loan funds that you must return, you repay in accordance with the terms of the promissory note. That is, you make scheduled payments to the holder of the loan over a period of time.
If you are responsible for returning grant funds, you do not have to return the full amount. Regulations limit the amount a student must repay to the amount by which the overpayment amount exceeds 50% of the total grant funds disbursed or could have been disbursed.
Any amount that you do have to return is a grant overpayment, and you must make arrangements with the Department of Education to return the funds. Eligibility for additional aid is dependent upon the student repaying the grant(s) in full or abiding by a repayment plan.
If a student does not officially withdraw and fails to earn a passing grade in at least one enrolled course during the semester, the Student Financial Services Office will verify if the failing grades were earned or were the result of non-attendance. If non-attendance is determined, the “unearned” calculation will be applied based on the last date of a documented academically related activity or the mid-point of the semester.
For more information on withdrawal procedures, see Withdrawal from College on page 208.
FEDERAL STUDENT FINANCIAL AID Ozark Christian College receives no federal monies given directly to the college for use in general funds. However, students at OCC are eligible to apply for federal financial assistance. Students who are in default on a federal student loan or have a grant repayment outstanding will not be eligible for federal financial aid.
Federal aid will not be applied to a student’s account until enrollment eligibility and satisfactory academic progress (explained later in this section) have been verified.
FEDERAL PELL GRANTS Federal Pell Grant is an aid program designed to provide financial assistance to those undergraduates who have a demonstrated financial need (as determined from the FAFSA). These grants are intended to be the “floor plan” of financial assistance and may be combined with other aid programs to meet the full cost of education. Each student must fill out the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal and institutional grants, loans, or Federal Work Study programs. The FAFSA may be completed online at fafsa.ed.gov.
After processing the FAFSA, the Central Processing Service will email the student the Student Aid Report (SAR) and send an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) electronically to all colleges the student has selected on the FAFSA. The college will determine the amount of Pell for which the student is eligible and will notify the student of the amount. Students eligible for Pell will receive part of their eligible amount each semester based on their enrollment status. If students attend only one semester, they will receive only that semester’s portion of the Pell award.
FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT The Federal SEOG is an award to help students with extreme financial need pay for their college education. SEOG is a campus-based award, meaning each school receives an allocation of money and determines its own policy for awarding it within the confines of federal regulations. The FAFSA is the form that needs to be completed for SEOG.
STUDENT LOAN PROGRAMS Loans are to help students meet their financial need to obtain a college education after exploring all scholarships, grants, church assistance, and job possibilities. Borrowing is much easier than repayment. Borrow wisely. Dependent students are eligible for the subsidized and/or unsubsidized Stafford Loans and PLUS (Parents’ Loan for Undergraduate Students) Loans. Independent students are eligible for the subsidized and/or unsubsidized Stafford Loans and an unsubsidized Independent Loan. On subsidized loans, the interest is paid by the government while the student is in school.
On unsubsidized loans, the student is responsible for the interest and can choose to pay it immediately or defer the interest payments. Whether the loan is subsidized or unsubsidized depends on the financial need of the student combined with other scholarships or grants received and the college cost of attendance. Borrow wisely. Individuals that have loans in default are not eligible for federal jobs or programs, may have tax refunds withheld to pay for loan payments, may damage their credit ratings, may have wages garnished, etc.
VETERANS’ EDUCATION BENEFITS For those veterans who are eligible for VA Education Benefits, for proper application procedures, contact the Student Financial Aid Advisor at finaid@occ.edu.
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION BENEFITS Students who have a physical disability may qualify for vocational rehabilitation benefits. Questions concerning eligibility should be directed to the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in the student’s home state.
OZARK CHRISTIAN COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID Priority Admissions Scholarship Online students are eligible for a $500 Admissions Scholarship by completing the admissions requirements by the priority admissions deadline. For admissions requirements, see page 205.
Merit Scholarships Upon acceptance to the Online program at Ozark, new online students will be automatically awarded merit scholarships based on their cumulative college GPA (transfers) or final unweighted high school GPA (first-time freshmen). These merit scholarships are stackable with the Admissions Scholarship.
• Online Platinum Scholarship – $1,500 per year, resulting in $6,000 over the course of 4 years – Awarded automatically with a 3.5+ GPA
• Online Gold Scholarship – $1,000 per year, resulting in $4,000 over the course of 4 years – Awarded automatically with a 3.0-3.49 GPA
• Online Silver Scholarship – $500 per year, resulting in $2,000 over the course of 4 years – Awarded automatically with a 2.5-2.99 GPA
The full value of the scholarship(s) will be split equally between all five modules each year. The scholarship(s) will be applied during the modules enrolled, regardless of the number of hours, for up to four years. Students must maintain a cumulative Ozark GPA of 2.5 to renew their merit scholarship each academic year; if they fall below a 2.5 GPA, the scholarship can be renewed following the completion of the next academic year by reaching the 2.5 cumulative GPA.
Students that do not enroll in any coursework during a full academic year will be eligible for scholarship renewal for any future years.
SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS FOR FINANCIAL AID RECIPIENTS Federal regulations require that financial aid recipients make satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible for federal and some institutional assistance. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards, therefore, apply to students receiving financial assistance from such programs as: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work Study (FWS), Federal Stafford Loans, OCC Student Assistance Loans, and (for residential students) Institutional and Memorial (I&M) Grants.
The SAP Policy has two components: qualitative and quantitative. Satisfactory Academic Progress means meeting the requirements for both components as outlined below and being enrolled in an eligible program.
QUALITATIVE REQUIREMENTS: GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) Associate Degree Programs • A student with less than 33 credit hours must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 1.670. • A student with 33 or more credit hours must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.000.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs • A student with less than 60 credit hours must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 1.670. • A student with 60 or more credit hours must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.000.
QUANTITATIVE REQUIREMENTS: PACE OF COMPLETION • A student must have completed 67% of the credit hours attempted. For example, if after the third semester the student has attempted 46 credit hours and has completed only 30 credit hours, the quantitative pace of completion rate is 65%, and the student would be placed on warning even though the student may have had a cumulative GPA of 2.320. • A student must complete a program within an established time frame. Financial aid will be awarded according to the number of the program’s credit hours multiplied by 150%. If a student changes degree, only the hours that apply to that degree will be included in the calculation for this portion of SAP. For example, the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies degree requires 120 credit hours; therefore, the student could receive federal aid for up to 180 credit hours. • A student will lose eligibility for financial aid for all future semesters after the semester in which the maximum hours allowed are exceeded.
Students’ academic progress (both qualitative and quantitative) will be checked at the end of each semester. If a student does not maintain the above standards, the following will apply: 1. The student will be placed on FINANCIAL AID WARNING. Warning means the student will be eligible to receive financial aid, but it also means the student must complete the required percentage of hours with the required GPA by the end of the semester on warning. If not, the student will be placed on FINANCIAL AID SUSPENSION the following semester. 2. FINANCIAL AID SUSPENSION means that the student will not be able to receive any financial aid until the student again meets the required completion rate and GPA standards as outlined above. Appeal Procedure At the time a student is placed on financial aid suspension, the student may appeal the condition in writing to the Student Financial Services Director. Appeals must be based on unusual circumstances such as long-term illness, death or illness of a family member, etc. The Financial Aid Appeal Committee will review the student’s file, and the student will be notified of the decision. Letters of appeal must be submitted to the Student Financial Services Office by the date printed on the Suspension Notification Letter, along with any appropriate documentation.
Repeated Courses When a course is repeated, only the highest grade will be included in the GPA calculation. However, repeated hours are counted as attempted hours each time you take the course.
Federal regulation allows for the following in determining enrollment status for students that are retaking coursework:
• If a student retakes a previously failed course, the repeated course will be included in the student’s Title IV enrollment status and Title IV funds will be available to pay for the repeated course. • If a student retakes a previously passed course, one repetition of the repeated course will be included in the student’s Title IV enrollment status and Title IV funds will be available to pay for the repeated course.
WITHDRAWAL FROM COURSES Students withdrawing from a class in weeks 2 (beginning on Monday) through 5 (ending on Sunday) will be given a “W” (withdrawal), and the class will count only as hours attempted.
No courses can be dropped after five weeks of class.
TRANSFER STUDENTS Academic transcripts from all other colleges attended will be included when evaluating satisfactory academic progress. Transfer credits accepted by OCC will be included when calculating quantitative requirements but not in GPA calculation. The student will be placed on financial aid satisfactory progress or warning based upon the review. If a student’s progress is not satisfactory, the student will be notified.
A copy of this policy will be sent to each student’s OCC email once each semester. Furthermore, the policy is printed in the Financial Information sections of this catalog and the OCC website.
ONLINE ACADEMIC POLICIES
Many of OCC’s academic policies are applicable for the online program and its students. However, in some areas, there are nuanced differences and different student procedures. For clarity, all academic policies for online students are included in the following section.
GENERAL POLICIES
CREDIT (SEMESTER) HOUR DEFINITION A credit hour is defined as the following in keeping with the Carnegie Unit: “One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately 15 weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit…or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time.”
Note: Hour is determined as 50- or 60-minute class, lecture, or recitation in a 60-minute period. (Title 34, Part 600, Section 2 of the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations)
Course Workload Calculator Ozark Christian College utilizes a course workload calculator built on the Carnegie Unit of calculating credit hours. The workload calculation appears in all syllabi and assists faculty members in appropriately assigning reading, assignments, and other learning experiences that are appropriate to the credit hour and course level designation.
Distance Learning Courses Courses in which one or more technologies are used to exclusively deliver instruction to students who are separated from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the instructor. These courses are designed with an equivalent total workload of 38-45 hours/credit hour. Online courses follow an 8-week format and utilize a variety of learning strategies.
CLASSIFICATION Full-time students are those who are enrolled for at least twelve credit hours. Part-time students are those enrolled in less than twelve credit hours. Freshmen are those who have earned less than 30 credit hours. Sophomores are those who have earned 30-59 hours. Juniors are those who have earned 60-89 hours. Seniors are those who have earned at least 90 hours.
OCC STUDENT EMAIL ADDRESS All Ozark Christian College students must use the official email address provided by the college (lastname.firstname@my.occ.edu) to receive communication from the college. The OCC student email address may be forwarded to another email service (e.g., yahoo.com or hotmail.com).
ACADEMIC FREEDOM Ozark Christian College recognizes the freedom of expression and pursuit of truth as essential to the goals of collegiate education. All faculty and students are free to research and explore ideas appropriate to various disciplines and to express ideas and views without fear of reprisal. Within the boundaries of their commitment to the doctrinal statement, mission, and outcomes of Ozark Christian College, faculty members are given the right and responsibilities of academic freedom. Faculty and students have freedom of expression in the classroom but should avoid the classroom as a forum for personal agendas not relevant to the discipline or to the outcomes of the course.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY Due to the commitment of training men and women for Christian service and educational excellence, academic integrity is our natural expectation. Violations of academic integrity and their definitions are as follows: • Plagiarism: Submitting as part or all of one’s own work material that is copied or paraphrased from another source, including online sources, without the proper acknowledgment of the source. Examples include failing to cite a reference, failing to use quotation marks where appropriate, misrepresenting another’s work as your work, etc. • Cheating: Using unauthorized material or study aids for assistance on examinations or other academic work. Examples include looking at a peer’s exam, altering a graded exam, using notes without permission, etc. • Fabrication: Submitting altered or contrived information in any academic assignment. Examples include falsifying data, text material, or sources.
• Facilitating academic dishonesty: Helping another student violate this policy. Examples include allowing one’s work to be copied, working together on an assignment where collaboration is not allowed, doing work for another student.
Procedure If an online instructor suspects that a violation of Academic Integrity has occurred, the instructor may discuss the circumstances with the student via email using school email addresses, campus LMS, or by phone. If a student suspects another student has committed a violation of Academic Integrity, they may notify the appropriate online instructor or the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation.
If the online instructor concludes there is a violation, the instructor will notify the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation. The online instructor and student in consultation with the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation may agree to handle the issue through an informal process. If the student acknowledges responsibility, they will enter into an agreement with the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation and the online instructor regarding an appropriate sanction.
Descriptions of potential sanctions are provided below. • First Offense: In the first case of dishonesty, the instructor will normally give the student a zero for the assignment or test on which the student has been dishonest. Instructors are free to impose more severe penalties if such penalties are announced in the course syllabus. • Second Offense: A second violation of the integrity policy in the same course or in any other course will result in an F in the course and the student will be placed on disciplinary contract. • Third Offense: Any further violations of the integrity policy may result in suspension or dismissal from school.
If the student does not acknowledge responsibility or disputes the accusation of the violation of academic integrity, the student and faculty member will enter into the formal process described in the Student Conduct Process which may include a hearing before the Conduct Committee. Upon completion of the informal or formal process, students have the right to appeal the decision through the grievance policy outlined in the OCC Grievance Policy. The Academics Office maintains records of all student violations of Academic Integrity.
Petition for Reinstatement A student who has been denied services or has been dismissed because of a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy may petition for reinstatement no sooner than two years from the date of the final decision. The petition must be in writing, must present a rationale for reinstatement, and must be addressed to the Executive Vice President of Academics, Ozark Christian College, 1111 North Main Street, Joplin, MO 64801. Students who are subsequently reinstated will be governed by the academic policies in effect at the time of reinstatement.
GRADING POLICIES
MARKING SYSTEM OF GRADES The following symbols, together with plus (+) or minus (-) variations, indicate the student’s proficiency on final grades.
MEANING LETTER NUMBER GRADE GRADE GRADE POINT
Excellent A 100-95 4.000
A- 94-93 3.670
B+ 92-91 3.333
Good B 90-87 3.000
B- 86-85 2.670
C+ 84-83 2.333
Average C 82-79 2.000
C- 78-77 1.670
D+ 76-75 1.333
Poor D 74-72 1.000
D- 71-70 0.670
Failing F 69-0 0.000
P = Passing, X = Exempt, W = Withdrawn (is not computed in GPA), I = Incomplete
INCOMPLETE GRADES An incomplete grade (I) is a temporary, non-punitive grade given at the conclusion of a semester/module only if a student is (1) able to pass the course with extended time; (2) has a justifiable and documented reason, beyond the control of the student (such as serious illness or emergency), for not completing the work on schedule; and (3) a request for the incomplete is submitted after the 10th week of the semester/fifth week of a module and before the final day of the semester/module.
The student must arrange with the professor to finish the course requirements within 6 weeks of the day and time of the final class session. These requirements must be listed on a Request for Grade of Incomplete Form signed by the professor, student, and the Director of Academic Operations. The Registrar’s Office will issue the Incomplete grade at the conclusion of the semester. The faculty member will be responsible to submit a Grade Change Form to the Registrar’s Office upon receipt of the completed work. A student who does not complete the course requirements within the 6-week extension will be awarded a grade as determined by the coursework completed.
An Incomplete grade may not be considered passing for purposes of determining academic standing, federal financial aid eligibility, athletic eligibility, or other purposes. Both credit and grade points for that course are suspended until the incomplete is converted to either a passing grade or an “F.”
REPEATING COURSES Students may retake courses for which they would like to earn a higher grade than previously earned. In order for the grade to be replaced and improve the student’s cumulative institutional GPA, the student must retake the same course and receive a higher grade. Some financial limitations may apply.
FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives students the following rights with respect to their educational records. These rights include the right to inspect their own educational records, the right to request amendment of records they believe to be inaccurate or misleading, the right to give consent to the disclosure of their records (with specific exceptions allowed by law, including publishing directory information), and the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning any alleged failures of the college to comply with FERPA requirements. A detailed explanation of these rights is provided on the Consumer Information page of the college website at occ.edu/consumerinfo.
RELEASE OF INFORMATION Records are maintained in the following offices: Academics-Registrar; Academic Integrity-Academics; Admissions-Enrollment Management; Housing and Student Discipline-Student Affairs; Financial-Student Financial Services.
ACADEMIC ADVISING A student will receive academic advising by Online Department personnel upon matriculation. Students will receive academic advising prior to enrollment for each semester. Students may also request additional appointments as needed.
Students have access through the student portal (my.occ.edu) to view their ongoing progress toward the completion of their degree program. Students can view and print an unofficial degree audit and unofficial transcript from the portal.
SCHEDULE CHANGES: Add, Drop, Withdraw Courses A student may add or drop a course during the Add/Drop period. In addition, students receiving financial aid are strongly advised to consult with the Student Financial Services Office to determine whether a schedule change will create a change in financial aid status.
A student may add an online course up to Wednesday of Week 1 by contacting the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation or the Registrar’s Office
Online courses dropped during the first week of the module will not be recorded on the student’s transcript. Any student who wishes to withdraw from a class after the Add/Drop period must notify the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation or the Registrar’s Office and formally request to be withdrawn from the class(es). Until this is done, the student is officially enrolled in the class whether or not he/she participates. Likewise, the student is responsible for appropriate charges and coursework until he/she is officially removed from the course.
Online courses withdrawn after the first week but before the sixth week of the course will be recorded as a “W” on transcripts. This grade will not be calculated in the student’s GPA but will impact financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress. After five weeks, students cannot drop or withdraw from online courses and grades will be issued based on course performance. The only exception is for reasons approved by the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation.
The following refund schedule will be used for course drops and withdrawals:
Week 1: Monday-Sunday 100% Refund* Week 2: Monday-Sunday 75% Refund Week 3: Monday-Sunday 50% Refund
In a limited number of circumstances, a student may be administratively dropped or withdrawn from his/her courses. OCC will not execute an administrative drop or withdrawal without attempting to communicate with the student via phone and/or OCC student email account and allowing the student 48 hours to respond. Students will be administratively dropped or withdrawn from their course(s) if they do not respond accordingly. Administrative drops and withdrawals will be used in the following scenarios: • Online students who do not log in to their course(s) within the first week (see Online Attendance requirements). • A student that has been absent for 14 consecutive calendar days and has not communicated his/her intentions to continue in the course to the instructor and/or a school official. • A student who is experiencing an extraordinary circumstance that the college deems appropriate to grant a withdrawal after the fifth week of a module.
WITHDRAWAL FROM COLLEGE To officially withdraw from the college, a student must drop his or her classes through the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation or the Registrar’s Office within the first five weeks of a module. The student is expected to meet all obligations involving instructors, fellow students, the Student Financial Services Director, and OCC librarian. Students who leave college without officially withdrawing through the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation or the Registrar’s Office will receive a failing grade in each course. The above grades, refund schedules, and administrative drop and withdrawal policies also apply to students withdrawing from college.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Students are approved for graduation by the Registrar upon the recommendation of the administration and faculty under the authority of the Board of Trustees. To be approved for graduation, students must meet the following requirements. 1. Completion of all academic requirements of the chosen degree as listed in the Ozark Christian College Academic Catalog. a. At least 25% of the degree’s required credit hours must be taken from Ozark Christian College for both bachelor’s and associate’s degree graduates. b. All bachelor’s degrees require at least 40 hours of upper division (3000 level or above) credit. c. The Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation must approve any substitution or waiver of requirements.
d. If the student is completing a second bachelor’s degree, the student must complete a minimum of 150 credit hours and the requirements for both degrees. 2. Receive a passing grade in all required courses and acceptable electives. A cumulative institutional grade point average of at least 2.0 must be maintained after 60 cumulative hours. 3. Complete all requirements listed in the catalog at the time of initial enrollment. Students may choose to complete requirements listed in catalogs subsequent but not prior to their initial enrollment. Students who fail to complete the catalog requirements within eight years of initial enrollment will be required to meet the requirements of a more recent catalog. 4. Candidates for graduation will have been involved in documented Christian Formation and Service. Christian Formation and Service is recorded as a pass/fail grade on the college transcript. 5. Maintain a high level of biblical, moral, and spiritual integrity. Faculty review the list of graduation candidates. If serious character deficiencies are discovered, counseling may be advised and/or students may be prohibited from participation in Commencement. 6. Apply for graduation through the Registrar’s Office. The following are the deadlines to apply for graduation. The late application fee is $20. Students may not apply for graduation after the deadline with the late application fee.
AUGUST GRADUATION: Deadline: June 1 Deadline with late application fee: July 1
DECEMBER GRADUATION: Deadline: Sept. 1 Deadline with late application fee: Oct. 1
MAY GRADUATION: Deadline: Nov. 1 Deadline with late application fee: Feb. 1
Students who have not met all these requirements will not be approved for graduation, nor will they be allowed to participate in Commencement exercises. Those unable to attend the Commencement services because of distance or other circumstances may notify the Academics Office that they plan to graduate in absentia. Students who have not met all financial obligations to the college will not be permitted to participate in Commencement nor granted a diploma or transcript. The college holds Commencement services in May, though it grants degrees in August, December, and May.
APPLICATION FOR EARLY PARTICIPATION IN COMMENCEMENT Due to Commencement exercises being held annually in May, a student may apply to participate in advance of the completion of the degree under the following circumstances:
1. All degree requirements are met and they are in good academic standing (Minimum Institutional Cumulative GPA of 2.0).
2. Have 6 hours or less to complete in their bachelor’s degree requirements or have 3 hours or less to complete in their associate’s degree requirements.
3. Can complete the remaining requirements in either the summer or fall term of the current calendar year.
4. Are registered for the remaining requirements.
Students will only be able to participate in Commencement once for the same degree.
RELEASE AND MAILING OF ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS Official transcripts from Ozark Christian College, Ozark Bible College, and Midwest Christian College may be requested in person or online at occ.edu/transcript. Ozark Christian College has contracted with Parchment to process online transcript requests for a nominal fee. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits release of student academic transcripts and certain other educational information without the student’s written consent. Because the student’s written authorization is required for release of a transcript, requests made by telephone or by email cannot be honored.
Ozark Christian College policy is to not copy transcripts and other personal data from high schools and other colleges for anyone. Ozark Christian College cannot release transcripts unless all balances with the college are paid in full or current according to the agreement with Student Financial Services.
TRANSFER OF CREDIT POLICIES According to the established practice in higher education, receipt of credit from other institutions is neither automatic nor obligatory. The receiving institution has the exclusive right to accept or reject credits earned at other institutions.
• Ozark Christian College will accept credit for equivalent courses for degrees offered at Ozark from other institutions accredited by regional or national accrediting organizations recognized by CHEA (Council for Higher Education Administration).
• Academic transcripts from previous colleges must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office for evaluation. Transcripts must be sent to the Ozark Christian College Registrar’s Office directly from the college(s) and/or university(ies) previously attended. The transcripts must be official, authentic, signed, and affixed with the school seal. Transcripts may be faxed to the college. However, they will be considered unofficial documents only, pending the official, authenticated, signed, and sealed documents received in the mail from the other institution.
• Determination of equivalency will be made by the Registrar’s Office in conjunction with the Executive Vice President of Academics. Students may be asked to submit either a course description or course syllabus to evaluate equivalency of course work.
• Students must have earned a grade of at least 2.000 on a 4-point scale in the course to be considered for transfer.
• Ozark Christian College measures all courses in semester credits. Transferred courses that were transcripted using a quarter system will be converted to semester credits.
• For students enrolling in bachelor’s degree programs, a maximum of 75% of transfer credits will be accepted toward a bachelor’s degree. For students enrolling in associate’s degree programs: A maximum of 75% of transfer credits will be accepted toward an associate’s degree.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CREDITS Ozark Christian College accepts some credits earned through the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) program. Credits will be granted for courses in which a student has completed AP examinations with a score of 3 or above. If a student wishes to receive AP credit, they must request their scores be sent from the College Board to the OCC Registrar’s Office.
Advanced Placement Course Required Score
Credit Hours Granted
OCC Course Number OCC Course Title
Calculus AB 3, 4, 5 3 XXX Math Elective
Calculus BC 3, 4, 5 3 XXX Math Elective
Statistics 3, 4, 5 3 XXX Elementary Statistics English Language & Composition 3, 4, 5 3 EL 1210 English Composition 1
English Literature & Composition 3, 4, 5 6 EL 1210 & Elective
English Composition 1 & Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective Human Geography 3, 4, 5 3 XXX General Education Elective
Music Theory 3, 4, 5 3 MU 1514 Music Theory and Skills
Psychology 3, 4, 5 3 PC 2210 Psychology
United States History 3, 4, 5 3 HI 2211 US History 1492 to 1877
World History: Modern 3, 4, 5 3 XXX History Elective
European History 3, 4, 5 3 XXX History Elective Chinese Language & Culture 3, 4, 5 3 XXX Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective French Language & Culture 3, 4, 5 3 XXX Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective
German Language & Culture
Italian Language & Culture*** 3, 4, 5 3 XXX Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective
3, 4, 5 3 XXX Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective
Japanese Language & Culture Spanish Language & Culture Spanish Literature & Culture 3, 4, 5 3 XXX Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective
3, 4, 5 3 XXX Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective
3, 4, 5 3 XXX Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective
Art History 3, 4, 5 3 XXX Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective 2D Art & Design 3, 4, 5 3 XXX Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective 3D Art & Design 3, 4, 5 3 XXX Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective
Drawing 3, 4, 5 3 XXX Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective
Biology 3, 4, 5 3 XXX Science Elective
Chemistry 3, 4, 5 3 XXX Science Elective
Computer Science A 3, 4, 5 3 XXX Intro to Environmental Science Environmental Science*** 3, 4, 5 3 SI 2110 Intro to Environmental Science Government & Politics: Comparative Government & Politics: United States 3, 4, 5 3 XXX History Elective
3, 4, 5 3 PS 1110 American Government
Latin: Vergil 3, 4, 5 3 XXX General Education Elective
Macroeconomics 3, 4, 5 3 XXX General Education Elective
Microeconomics 3, 4, 5 3 XXX General Education Elective
Physics 1 3, 4, 5 3 XXX Science Elective
Physics 2 3, 4, 5 3 XXX Science Elective
Physics B 3, 4, 5 3 XXX Science Elective Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism 3, 4, 5 3 XXX Science Elective Physics C: Mechanics 3, 4, 5 3 XXX Science Elective
To order AP scores, visit the College Board Reporting services page apscore.collegeboard.org/scores. The College Board code for OCC is 6542. Students who are pursuing a dual degree with Missouri Southern State University may have additional AP credits that can apply toward their degree requirements. For a listing of the AP credits accepted by MSSU, see mssu.edu/student-affairs/registrar/ap.php. ***MSSU does not accept these AP credits. AP credit is issued as “credit” (a grade is not assigned to the credit). AP credit is not calculated in the Grade Point Average.
CLEP Ozark Christian College accepts some credits earned through the College Board’s College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Credits will be granted for courses in which a student has completed a CLEP test with a score of 50 or above. If a student wishes to receive CLEP Credit, they must request their scores be sent from the College Board to the OCC Registrar’s Office. To receive CLEP Credit, the test must be completed prior to beginning coursework at OCC.
CLEP Subject Minimum Score Allowed
Credit Hours Granted OCC Course or Elective Category
College Composition 50 3 EL 1210 (NOT EL 1211)
Biology 50 3 Science Elective
Chemistry 50 3 Science Elective
Natural Sciences 50 3 Science Elective
College Mathematics 50 3 Math Elective
College Algebra 50 3 Math Elective
Precalculus 50 3 Math Elective
Calculus 50 3 Math Elective
History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 50 3 HI 2211 History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present 50 3 History Elective Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 50 3 History Elective Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present 50 3 HI 2210
American Literature 50 3 EL 2311
English Literature
French Language
German Language
Spanish Language 50 3 EL 2312
50 3 Humanities/Fine Arts Elective
50 3 Humanities/Fine Arts Elective
50 3 LA 1210
*The number of CLEP scores allowed is not to exceed an equivalent of 12 credit hours. **CLEP test must be taken before matriculation. ***Other subjects may be accepted for the general education credit if approved by the Executive Vice President of Academics.
CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING Students with significant previous ministry experience or other training may be able to receive credit toward degree requirements through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Credit for Prior Learning is earned by demonstrating that college-level learning has occurred in a variety of settings, such as workshops, seminars, self-study, non-credit classes, training programs, work-related learning, and life experience.
Students must successfully complete the SD 3110 Orientation to Credit for Prior Learning course and meet all CPL portfolio requirements. Portfolios are evaluated by a faculty member who will determine the amount and level of credit to be awarded. Please note: credit is awarded based on the information that was learned, not for the experience itself. A maximum of 16 hours may be awarded through CPL.
LIMITATIONS OF CREDIT (Applied toward a degree):
Vocal or instrumental music (private lessons) 9 hours Physical Education courses 6 hours Field Experience Courses 6 hours Ozark Christian College reserves the right to change or cease offering any curricular program at any time. The school will make a reasonable effort to help students thus affected to complete their education in a comparable program, if at all possible.
ACADEMIC STANDING Associate’s Degree Programs • A student with less than 33 credit hours must have a cumulative institutional grade point average (GPA) of at least 1.670.
• A student with 33 or more credit hours must maintain a cumulative institutional GPA of at least 2.000.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs • A student with less than 60 credit hours must have a cumulative institutional grade point average (GPA) of at least 1.670.
• A student with 60 or more credit hours must maintain a cumulative institutional GPA of at least 2.000.
Academic progress will be checked at the end of each semester.
DEAN’S LIST Excellence in academic achievement is recognized by the Dean’s List. To qualify for the Dean’s List in a given semester, a student must complete at least 12 hours and have a minimum 3.670 grade point average for that semester.
ACADEMIC HONORS The following honors are given to students graduating with a bachelor’s degree and earning the required cumulative institutional GPA listed below:
Summa Cum Laude 3.90-4.00 Magna Cum Laude 3.80-3.89 Cum Laude 3.67-3.79
ACADEMIC CONCERN Students will be placed on Academic Concern if their previous semester institutional GPA falls below the above-stated criteria and will be notified in writing by the Registrar’s Office.
ACADEMIC WARNING Students will be placed on Academic Warning if their cumulative institutional GPA falls below the above-stated criteria and will be notified in writing by the Registrar’s Office. During the semester on Academic Warning, students will be limited to a maximum class load of 13 semester hours. It is recommended that the student not engage in more than 24 hours of employment per week. Students taking four credit hours or less and are non-degree seeking will not be put on Academic Warning or Suspension.
ACADEMIC SUSPENSION At the end of a semester on Academic Warning, students not meeting the cumulative institutional GPA requirements stated above will be moved to Academic Suspension and will not be allowed to enroll at OCC for one semester. Students will be notified in writing from the Registrar’s Office.
ACADEMIC READMITTANCE Students returning to OCC after an Academic Suspension must provide written evidence that demonstrates they will achieve academic success. This written evidence must be presented to the Admissions Director. Upon approval for readmittance on Academic Warning, the student will be permitted to take a maximum class load of 13 credit hours.
ACADEMIC PROBATION Students who experience a significant life circumstance during the semester on Academic Warning (personal injury, illness, the death of a relative, or other special circumstances) may appeal, in writing, to the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation. Appeals will be considered by a probationary committee and must include the following written requirements:
1. A description of why the student failed to make satisfactory academic progress.
2. A statement of what has changed in the student’s situation that will allow him/her to make satisfactory academic progress by the next evaluation.
Academic Probation will be granted after a successful appeal and may include a revised academic plan.
DISCIPLINARY SUSPENSION If a student is suspended for disciplinary reasons within the first five weeks of an online course, the student will be withdrawn from school. After the fifth week of an online module, all grades will be “F.”
ATTENDANCE AND ASSIGNMENT POLICIES ONLINE COURSE ATTENDANCE Online courses often demand greater discipline and careful attention to details within a compressed period of time compared to on-campus courses. Students are strongly advised to remain in close contact with their online instructor in the event that they must be absent for a brief period of time. Attendance in online courses will be taken on a weekly basis. Students will be expected to actively participate according to the individual course syllabus. Participation may include, but not be limited to, the following activities: submitting written assignments, posting in graded forum discussions, completing exams, and written communication with the instructor directly related to the course. Students in online courses who do not participate in the above ways for seven consecutive days will be considered absent. Students are permitted a maximum of one absence but are responsible to complete all coursework.
The following scenarios may negatively impact a student’s academic record and current and future financial aid opportunities. Grade and refund schedules will apply (see Schedule Changes). (1) Being administratively dropped due to lack of logging in or participating within the first week of an online course. Online Learning Department personnel will contact students via their OCC student email account and/or current phone number to assist them prior to this deadline. (2) Missing twelve consecutive days. The student will be contacted by the instructor via the student’s OCC email account. Instructors will promptly convey this
information to the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation. The student will be given 48 hours to communicate his/her intentions. Those who do not respond, or who do not wish to continue in the course, will be administratively withdrawn. (3) Acquiring a second absence after the fifth week. Students who exceed the absence limit (one) without the consent of the online instructor will fail the course. If a student exceeds the absence limit within the first five weeks, he/she may elect to withdraw from the course.
ASSIGNMENTS Online students are responsible for all class requirements. Ozark Christian College expects for an 8-week course an equivalent of four hours of study time for each hour in class (compared to two hours of study time for each hour in a 16 week residential course). For a 3-credit hour online class, being 8 weeks in length, this equates to 12-15 hours per week.
EXAMINATIONS Final examinations or equivalent work will be given in all courses.
INCOMPLETE WORK Incomplete assignments or make-up work must be turned in during the module, according to each individual faculty member’s stated requirements. However, no make-up work can be accepted for any module after the last class day of that module. Online students are strongly urged to not get behind in coursework given the pace and workload from one week to the next.
A student may officially request an incomplete grade for the semester if there is a justifiable and documented reason, beyond the control of the student for not completing the work on schedule. Please refer to page 206 for the Incomplete Grade Policy.
ONLINE DEGREE INFORMATION
DEGREES OFFERED OCC is approved to offer the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies fully online. Residential students may supplement their residential degrees with online courses so long as these courses comprise less than 50% of their total degree.
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN BIBLICAL STUDIES The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies is designed for the working adult student for whom moving to campus would not be feasible. The curriculum has been selected to continue in the long-standing OCC tradition of teaching the Bible and ministry courses through an exegetical theological perspective. The degree is also designed to accept the greatest amount of transfer work possible in order to make finishing an undergraduate degree an attainable goal. All the while, accreditation standards for general and biblical education are maintained.
Students graduating with the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies will be prepared for careers in vocational church work and Christian non-profit organizations. The degree empowers students with substantial scriptural knowledge, opportunities for spiritual maturation, cultural evaluation skills, and the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills.
Students who are able to transfer in 60 credit hours of coursework may qualify to complete a two-year version of the degree program.
Students completing the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies will be able to:
1. Exegete a biblical text in conjunction with the original context of the document.
2. Interpret and appropriately apply biblical text for a ministry context.
3. Explain the theological categories and their relationship to biblical texts.
4. Articulate a philosophy of Christian service consistent with a biblical theology.
BIBLICAL EDUCATION — 42
Old Testament
OT 3701 History and Literature of
Ancient Israel
OT 3702 Old Testament Poetry and
Wisdom Literature
OT4701 Old Testament Prophetic
Literature (9)
3
3
3
New Testament (15) NT 1110 Book of Acts 3 NT 2213 Gospel of John 3 NT 2310 Hebrews 3 NT 3701 Survey of the Life of Jesus 3 NT 4314 Romans 3 Doctrine (12)
DO 2701 Introduction to the Bible and Theology 3
DO 3701 Practices in Spiritual Formation 3 DO 4701 Christian Doctrine 3 PI 3212 Christian Apologetics and Worldview 3
Hermeneutics (6) PI 2410 Principles of Interpretation 3 PI 3410 Issues in Interpretation 3
GENERAL EDUCATION — 36
Communication
(9) CM 1110 Speech 3 EL 1210 English Composition 1 3 EL 1211 English Composition 2 3
Humanities/Fine Arts (9)
PI 2310 Philosophy 3
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective (choose two) 6 EL 1212 Intro to Literature (3 hours) EL 2314 World Literature (3 hours) PI 2702 Ethics (3 hours)
Social/Behavioral Sciences (12)
HI 3211 Church History 2 3
History/Political Science Elective (choose one) 3 HI 2211 U.S. History HI 2212 History of the Roman Empire HI 2213 Ancient Near Eastern History HI 2310 World Geography HI 3210 Church History 1 PC 2210 Psychology 3 Social/Behavioral Science Elective (choose one) 3
HI 2211 US History
HI 2212 History of the Roman Empire
HI 2213 Ancient Near Eastern History
HI 2310 World Geography
HI 3210 Church History 1
IS 2510 World Religions
IS 3210 Anthropology
PC 3317 Counseling the Culturally
Diverse
Natural Sciences/Mathematics (6)
Natural Sciences/Math Sciences Elective (choose two)
MA 1111 Contemporary Mathematics
SI 2111 Introduction to Life Science
SI 2112 Introduction to Physical Science
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION — 18
General Ministry
MN 2612 Foundations for Biblical
Communication
MN 3701 Christian Mission and
Evangelism (6)
3
3
Leadership (3) MN 3702 Church Leadership 3
Ministry Elective (9)
Ministry Elective (choose two) 6 CE 3116 Strategies for Teaching IS 2510 World Religions IS 3210 Anthropology MN 3121 Strategies for Biblical Communication
MN 3704 Practical Ministry MN 3705 Strategies for Christian Discipleship MN 3706 Purposeful Youth Ministry MN 4791 Ministry Field Experience 1 MN 4792 Ministry Field Experience 2 PC 3317 Counseling the Culturally Diverse PC 3701 Strategies for Pastoral Counseling Counseling Elective (choose one) 3 PC 3317 Counseling the Culturally Diverse PC 3701 Strategies for Pastoral Counseling GENERAL ELECTIVES — 24 Any course not already required in the degree. Transfer credits- must be academic courses; any instructional level Additional OCC classes may be an option.
*NOTE - At least 40 hours of upper division credits are required for this degree. (3000 level or above)
SUMMARY: BIBLICAL EDUCATION GENERAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION GENERAL ELECTIVES TOTAL REQUIRED 42 36 18 24 120
RECOMMENDED COURSE OF STUDY FOR BACHELOR OF ARTS IN BIBLICAL STUDIES
TWO YEAR OPTION*
*Students who transfer in an earned associate’s degree that meets all course prerequisites are eligible for the two-year option of the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies.
FIRST YEAR
Fall Module 1 DO 2701 Introduction to the Bible and Theology 3
OT 3701 History and Literature of Ancient Israel 3
Fall Module 2 NT 1110 Book of Acts 3 MN 2612 Foundations for Biblical Communication 3
Total 12
Spring Module 1 PI 2410 Principles of Interpretation 3 OT 3702 Old Testament Poetry and Wisdom Literature 3
Spring Module 2 MN 3701 Christian Mission and Evangelism PI 3212 Christian Apologetics and Worldview 3
3
Total 12
Summer Module HI 3211 Church History 2 3 NT 2213 Gospel of John 3 Total 6 SECOND YEAR
Fall Module NT 4314 Romans 3 MN 3702 Church Leadership 3 Fall Module 2 OT 4701 Old Testament Prophetic Lit. 3 Ministry Elective #1 3 Counseling Elective 3 Total 15
Spring Module 1 DO 3701 Practices in Spiritual Formation 3 NT 2310 Hebrews 3
Spring Module 2 PI 3410 Issues in Interpretation 3 DO 4701 Christian Doctrine 3
Total 12
Summer Module NT 3701 Survey of the Life of Jesus 3 Ministry Elective #2 3 Total 6
FIRST YEAR
Fall Module 1 DO 2701 Introduction to the Bible and Theology 3 EL 1210 English Composition 1 3 Fall Module 2 CM 1110 Speech 3 NT 1110 Book of Acts 3
Total 12
Spring Module 1 Natural Science/Mathematics Elective 3 PI 2310 Philosophy 3 Spring Module 2 General Elective 3 PC 2210 Psychology 3 Total 12
Summer Module EL 1211 English Composition II 3 NT 2213 Gospel of John 3 Total 6 SECOND YEAR
Fall Module 1 Humanities/Fine Arts Elective #1 3 OT 3701 History and Literature of Ancient Israel 3
Fall Module 2 MN 2612 Foundations for Biblical Communication 3 Natural Science/Mathematics Elective #2 3
Total 12
Spring Module 1 PI 2410 Principles of Interpretation 3 NT 2310 Hebrews 3
Spring Module 2 MN 3701 Christian Mission and Evangelism General Elective 3 3
Total 12
Summer Module General Elective General Elective
Total 3 3
6
THIRD YEAR
Fall Module 1 General Elective General Elective 3 3
Fall Module 2 Social/Behavioral Science-History Elective 3 Social/Behavioral Science Elective 3
Total 12
Spring Module 1 DO 3701 Practices in Spiritual Formation OT 3702 Old Testament Poetry and Wisdom Literature 3
3
Spring Module 2 Humanities/Fine Arts Elective #2 3 PI 3212 Christian Apologetics and Worldview 3
Total 12
Summer Module Ministry Elective #1 3 HI 3211 Church History 2 3 Total 6
SUMMARY: GENERAL EDUCATION GENERAL ELECTIVES BIBLICAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION TOTAL REQUIRED FOURTH YEAR
Fall Module 1 NT 4314 Romans 3 MN 3702 Church Leadership 3 Fall Module 2 OT 4701 Old Testament Prophetic Literature 3 Counseling Elective 3 Total 12
Spring Module 1 General Elective Ministry Elective #2 3 3
Spring Module 2 PI 3410 Issues in Interpretation 3 DO 4701 Christian Doctrine 3
Total 12
Summer Module NT 3701 Survey of the Life of Jesus 3 General Elective 3
Total 6
36 24 42 18 120
COURSES OF INSTRUCTION
GENERAL INFORMATION Each course number represents a semester course. The credit hours are expressed in terms of semester hours. The following two-letter prefixes used in the course number indicate the area or department of study:
CE – Christian Education
CM – Communication Methods
CS – Christian Service
DO – Doctrine
EL – English Language
HI – History
IS – Intercultural Studies
MA – Mathematics MN – Ministry
MU – Music
NT – New Testament
OT – Old Testament
PC – Psychology and Counseling
PI – Apologetics, Philosophy, and Interpretation
SI – Science
The first digit of the four numbers in a course number indicates the year in one’s college career in which it is normally recommended that the particular course be taken. Courses unrelated to any particular year in the curriculum are numbered along with freshman courses with “1” as the first digit.
When applicable, prerequisites are listed with course descriptions.
The college reserves the right to cancel any course for which there is insufficient registration. Schedules of classes for the next year are published prior to registration.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CE 3116 Strategies for Teaching (3 hours) This course is designed to explore the strategies governing the teaching/learning process and the methods used to convey biblical truth in the lesson plan, the classroom setting, and the teacher/student relationship. Prerequisite: PI 2410 Principles of Interpretation.
COMMUNICATION METHODS CM 1110 – Speech (3 hours) An introduction to the task of public speaking through the formation of thought, organization of material and oral presentation of a speech. The student will develop important skills in research, writing, and evaluation through lecture, critical thinking, peer discussion, and observation of quality communication. Through delivering presentations with various purposes in extemporaneous, manuscript, and impromptu styles, the student will experience increased confidence in delivering a public presentation.
CHRISTIAN SERVICE CS 1700 Christian Formation and Service (0 hours) A pass/fail, non-credit course intended to facilitate the spiritual and ministry formation of online students outside of the classroom. Students are expected to participate in a total of sixteen (16) hours per module. These hours will be divided between participation in spiritual growth experiences and Christian service opportunities. Students will submit an accountability and reflection report of these experiences each module.
DOCTRINE DO 2701 Intro to the Bible and Theology (3 hours) This course serves as an introduction to the nature and origin of the Bible, as well as a preparation for more advanced theological studies. Students will learn about the Bible’s overall structure and storyline, its divine inspiration and authority, the development of the canon, and the transmission of the biblical text. An overview of basic doctrinal categories is presented, with special emphasis on theology proper and Christology, and on learning theological terminology.
DO 3701 Practices in Spiritual Formation (3 hours) An experiential study of how Christian faith is nurtured in the lives of believers. Students will explore transformative topics intended to produce a Christlike life such as experiencing God through biblically based activities, spiritual disciplines, and understanding the impact of personality on spiritual understanding and growth. The course includes biblical, theological, historical, pastoral, and experiential components through both personal and corporate assignments.
DO 4111 Theological Integration for Ministry (2 hours) A capstone course to integrate a student’s study and development from a biblical and ministry perspective. Students will integrate their major through an integration paper or e-portfolio project. Prerequisite: PI 2410 Principles of Interpretation and 60 earned hours.
DO 4701 Christian Doctrine (3 hours) A capstone course designed to give definition to the major doctrines of the Christian faith. Students will learn the signposts of Christianity with a primary focus toward the New Testament. The class will be developed through lecture videos, readings, posted discussions, book reports, papers, and tests. Prerequisite: DO 2701 Introduction to the Bible and Theology.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE EL 1210 English Composition 1 (3 hours) A course designed around the skills necessary for college-level writing and critical reading. Students will read, discuss, and respond to texts and will become familiar with the various stages of the writing process, including revision and editing. Students will write several essays for a variety of contexts.
EL 1211 English Composition 2 (3 hours) A course based on research-writing and critical thinking skills. Students will analyze texts and will conduct research and synthesize outside sources in their own writing. A major research project forms part of the course requirements.
EL 1212 Introduction to Literature (3 hours) A survey course designed to acquaint students with Western literature, past and present, focusing primarily on, but not limited to, poetry. Students will read a variety of poems and a few brief fiction pieces.
EL 2314 World Literature (3 hours) A survey course designed to acquaint students with major authors and works from the Renaissance to the present, excluding British and American literature. Students will read a variety of texts, including fiction, drama, and poetry.
HISTORY HI 2211 U.S. History 1492 to 1877 (3 hours) This course is a survey of United States history from the colonial period to 1877. Special attention will be given to the social, political, and religious aspects of American life during this period.
HI 2212 History of the Roman Empire (3 hours) Examination of the development and progress of Roman civilization from its origin to the principate, with special emphasis on the influence and impact in modern Western Civilization. This class highlights: the role and function of imperial myths, political organization, socio-cultural trends, the role of religion, imperial propaganda (e.g., architecture, coins, parades, etc.), and daily life for those in the empire (both citizen and subject).
HI 2213 Ancient Near Eastern History (3 hours) This course focuses on the various civilizations of the Ancient Near East, including Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Syro-Palestinian peoples. Attention will be given to the socio-cultural, political, and religious backgrounds of these various nations and their interconnections with ancient Israel, as well as archaeological data and how it illuminates the historical veracity of sacred texts.
HI 2310 World Geography (3 hours) Survey of the earth’s regions and how the activities of peoples are influenced by climate, topography, natural resources, and culture, as well as impact for global mission. Special attention is given to Syro-Palestine, providing students an acquaintance with ancient biblical geography and culture.
HI 3210 Church History 1 (3 hours) An examination of the history of the church from the first century to the dawn of the Reformation (1500). Attention will be given to the major events, people, and issues that have shaped church history within this time period, as well as how these things integrate with biblical norms.
HI 3211 Church History 2 (3 hours) An examination of the history of the church from the Protestant Reformation into the modern era, including particular study of the emergence and history of the Restoration Movement (also called the Stone-Campbell Movement). Attention will be given to the major events, people, and issues that have shaped church history within this time period, as well as how these things integrate with biblical norms.
INTERCULTURAL STUDIES IS 2510 World Religions (3 hours) Surveys the world’s most influential religions through a Christian perspective. Students learn the history and teachings of these religions, how these religions impact contemporary cultures, and how these religions intersect with Christianity.
IS 3210 Anthropology (3 hours) Students are introduced to the general field of cultural anthropology. By readings, structured discussions, lectures, and use of media, they learn the principles and patterns by which culture operates. During the semester, students become participant observers within a chosen subculture, keeping careful notes and observations of their experiences.
MATHEMATICS MA 1111 Contemporary Mathematics (3 hours) This course is an introduction to various areas of mathematics, such as set theory, logic, geometry, probability, and statistics. It is contemporary in the sense that we study topics that will enrich your life and be useful today.
MINISTRY MN 2612 Foundations for Biblical Communication (3 hours) An introductory study of the preaching task. Students learn the theology and history of preaching as well as skills needed for sermon study, construction, delivery, and evaluation. Prerequisite: CM 1110 Speech.
MN 3121 Strategies for Biblical Communication (3 hours) A gender-inclusive course designed to aid in the construction and delivery of expository and theological thematic sermons. Students learn how to craft two sermon series (expository and topical). Prerequisites: MN 2612 Foundations for Biblical Communication, PI 2410 Principles of Interpretation.
MN 3701 Christian Mission and Evangelism (3 hours) A course designed to study fundamental areas of missions and evangelism. Beginning with a core understanding of God’s heart for all of humanity, the significance of following Jesus is examined in light of today’s world, including the challenges of cross-cultural communication and what it means to make disciples both locally and globally. Attention is given to the biblical message and methods of the evangelist.
MN 3702 Church Leadership (3 hours) This course is a study of the dynamics of leadership as they apply in a local church setting. Classes will involve readings, online discussions, problem-solving, and scenario assignments. During the course, each student will be led to discover his/ her leadership style while gaining new skills and insights into church leadership.
MN 3704 Practical Ministry (3 hours) This course is a general study of many of the practical issues that are common in ministry. Topics range from the personal life to the professional skills needed for ministry. This course includes content from a variety of experienced presenters. Students will interact with the content through case studies, discussions, projects, and reading.
MN 3705 Strategies for Christian Discipleship (3 hours) This course will investigate the scriptural basis for how evangelism and discipleship are connected in fulfilling the Great Commission task. Students will be given models for effectively bringing people to faith and developing them into fully devoted followers of Christ.
MN 3706 Purposeful Youth Ministry (3 hours) Students will consider characteristics of today’s youth culture and how to meet the needs of students with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Students in this course will develop both foundational knowledge and skills, including creating a purposeful philosophy, setting goals and values, establishing an intergenerational student ministry, building a volunteer team, fostering the personal life of the youth worker, and understanding methodology for reaching, discipling, and mentoring teens.
MN 4791 Ministry Field Experience I (3 hours) Ministry Field Experience 1 is designed for those serving weekly with a church or parachurch ministry. Particular emphasis is given to ministry problems, spiritual formation, and leadership qualities. The instructor functions as a minister, counselor, and mentor to the student. Prerequisites: At least 60 credits completed.
MN 4792 Ministry Field Experience II (3 hours) Ministry Field Experience 2 is designed for those serving weekly with a church or parachurch ministry. Particular emphasis is given to ministry leadership, vision, mission, core values, and community. The instructor functions as a minister, counselor, and mentor to the student. Prerequisites: MN 4791 Ministry Field Experience I.
NEW TESTAMENT NT 1110 Book of Acts (3 hours) An exegetical study of Acts that considers the expansion of Christianity from AD 30-60. Students will learn how the church understood its mission in Jewish and Greco-Roman settings, the doctrines related to Christian conversion, the Holy Spirit, church polity, and how the epistles fit into the framework of the missionary journeys.
NT 2212 Gospel of Luke (3 hours) An exegetical study of the Gospel of Luke focusing on Luke’s unique presentation of Jesus as the Son of Man, Savior, and Lord. Students will learn of Jesus’ care for the marginalized and excluded and of his willingness to cross barriers.
NT 2213 Gospel of John (3 hours) An exegetical study of the Gospel of John focusing on John’s unique presentation of the Jesus the Son of God who was sent from heaven. Students will learn of the credentials and power of Jesus as God in flesh.
NT 2310 Hebrews (3 hours) An exegetical study of the letter to the Hebrews focusing on the superiority of Jesus and his covenant to all other religious persons and systems. Students will learn the contents of Hebrews, practice solid doctrinal thinking about its teachings, and experience the freeing impact of Jesus “once-for-all” atonement.
NT 3311 Timothy and Titus (3 hours) An exegetical study of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. Students learn the letters’ themes, including the importance of godly conduct and the qualifications and duties of church leaders, for personal application and preaching/teaching purposes. Study of the Scripture is developed verse by verse through lecture, discussion, and commentary research.
NT 3701 Survey of the Life of Jesus (3 hours) This course provides an overview of Jesus of Nazareth by focusing on four key aspects of his life: his person (self-perception and relationships), his power over nature and disease, the content and character of his preaching, and the purpose of his passion and resurrection.
NT 4113 New Testament Guided Readings (1 or 2 hours) An elective and independent study course on selected topics/texts/issues of the New Testament. The student will be assisted in this selection by the professor. Students will learn the message of the text through readings and written analysis.
NT 4314 Romans (3 hours) An exegetical study of the epistle to the Romans focusing on the power of gospel to transform Jew and Gentile. Students will learn of humankind’s alienation from God through sin, salvation in Christ by faith, and transformed living by the power of the Holy Spirit. Prerequisite: 60 earned hours.
NT 4410 Introduction to the Gospels (3 hours) A historical background study of the Gospels. Students will learn about the history of the intertestamental period, the search for the historical Jesus, and critical methodologies used in studying the Gospels.
NT 4411 New Testament Introduction (3 hours) This class focuses on New Testament criticism and introduction. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the nature, text, and problems of the New Testament. Class time consists of instructor lectures and some student presentations accompanied by electronic presentations.
OLD TESTAMENT OT 3210 Psalms (3 hours) A study of the characteristics of Hebrew poetry evident in the book of Psalms. Students will learn the general background, the major themes, the literary forms, the theological themes, and the Israelite practices of worship in the book of Psalms.
OT 3701 History and Literature of Ancient Israel (3 hours) This course is an overview survey of the historical sections of the Old Testament, focusing on the books of Genesis through Esther with related readings from other Old Testament texts. The course content includes summaries and introductions to the various books, principles for Old Testament exegesis, and a broad overview of God’s plan to save the world.
OT 3702 Old Testament Poetry and Wisdom Literature (3 hours) This course is an overview survey of the wisdom books of the Old Testament, focusing primarily on the poetry of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. The course content includes introductions to the various books, characteristics of Hebrew poetry, exegesis of selected passages and a broad overview of major theological themes in Old Testament wisdom literature.
OT 4115 Old Testament Guided Readings (1 or 2 hours) An elective and independent study course on selected topics/texts/issues of the Old Testament. The student will be assisted in this selection by the professor. Students will learn the message of the text through readings and written analysis.
OT 4310 Messianic Prophecy (3 hours) An exegesis of the Old Testament messianic prophecies and their fulfillment in the New Testament. Students will learn of the messianic kingdom, the restoration of Israel, and the person and work of the Messiah.
OT 4701 Old Testament Prophetic Literature (3 hours) This course is an exegetical survey of the Old Testament writing prophets, including the major prophets, minor prophets, and the book of Lamentations. The reading of each Bible book will be accompanied by the reading of survey works on introductory and interpretative issues. Special attention will be given to the New Testament’s use of the Old Testament, the Messianic kingdom, and other major prophetic issues. Prerequisite: OT 3701 History and Literature of Ancient Israel.
PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELING PC 2210 Psychology (3 hours) This course is a general survey of the interests and fields of psychology, such as human development, perception, learning, personality and psychological disorders, and treatment theory. Current popular conceptions about the nature of man, health and healing are analyzed in light of psychological theory and discovery. Special emphasis is given to integrating modern psychology and theory in the light of scriptural principles, and the use of such insight in the work of the Christian minister.
PC 3317 Counseling the Culturally Diverse (3 hours) This course is designed as an introduction to the field of multicultural counseling. Students will explore the influence of their own culture on personal values, attitudes, and belief systems and how their worldview may impact the counseling process. Students will learn how to use this knowledge to effectively counsel and minister to people from different ethnicities and cultures. Students will accomplish this through reflecting on biblical texts about diversity, experiential activities, case studies, lectures, discussions, observations, and interactions outside of the classroom. Prerequisite: PC 2210 Psychology.
PC 3701 Strategies for Pastoral Counseling (3 hours) Strategies for Pastoral Counseling is a basic course in counseling for students who are training for vocational ministry. Students will learn how to conduct basic pastoral counseling sessions that include marital and recovery issues, that will also integrate the use of the Bible and brief solution-focused counseling techniques into practical skills. Prerequisite: PC 2210 Psychology.
APOLOGETICS, PHILOSOPHY, AND INTERPRETATION PI 2310 Philosophy (3 hours) This course is an introduction to the history and the major problems of philosophy, showing their relationship to the divine truth revealed in Scripture and their effect upon the thinking and attitudes of the people.
PI 2410 Principles of Interpretation (3 hours) A study of the universal principles of interpretation as applied to interpreting language. Students will learn how to accurately interpret and apply the Bible.
PI 2702 Ethics (3 hours) Exploration of the problems of value and personal moral standards, comparative survey of major ethical systems, and evaluation of the chief ethical struggles in contemporary society.
PI 3212 Christian Apologetics and Worldview (3 hours) A study of the commendation and defense of historical and supernatural Christianity. Students will learn how to analyze and respond to questions posed from other worldviews expressed from philosophy, science, religion, and culture. Prerequisite: DO 1111 Christ and the Bible OR DO 2701 Introduction to the Bible and Theology.
PI 3410 Issues in Interpretation (3 hours) A study of the various approaches of biblical interpretation. Students will learn the history of biblical interpretation as well as recognizing and critiquing an array of contemporary approaches and current issues in biblical studies. Prerequisite: PI 2410 Principles of Interpretation.
SCIENCE SI 2111 Introduction to Life Science (3 hours) This course serves as an introduction to the study of biology. Topics include cell structure and function, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, scientific classification, characteristics of the five kingdoms, and how living organisms interact with and depend on one another. Additional areas of emphasis include scientific writing, presentation, and application of the scientific method.
SI 2112 Introduction to Physical Science (3 hours) Basic concepts in the fields of physics, chemistry, geology, and astronomy will be presented as time permits. Central to the course will be a working ability in applying some of the basic laws of nature to specific problems.
ONLINE ACADEMIC CALENDAR – 2021-2022
FALL 2021
Date Range
Registration
Payment Census Date* Module 1 Module 2
8/16-10/10 10/11-12/5
3/29-8/6 9/27-10/1
8/13 10/08
8/23 10/18
Drop & Refund Schedule** Last day for 100% refund 8/22 10/17 Last day for 75% refund 8/29 10/24 Last day for 50% refund 9/5 10/31 Last day to drop (no refund) 9/19 11/14
Weekly Module Schedule 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Grades Due (run by 9 a.m.)
8/16-8/22 10/11-10/17 8/23-8/29 10/18-10/24 8/30-9/5 10/25-10/31 9/6-9/12 11/1-11/7 9/13-9/19 11/8-11/14 9/20-9/26 11/15-11/21 9/27-10/3 11/22-11/28 10/4-10/10 11/29-12/5
10/18 12/13
Date Range
Registration
Payment Census Date* 1/17-3/13 3/14-5/8
10/25-1/7 2/21-2/25
1/14 3/11
1/24 3/21
Drop & Refund Schedule** Last day for 100% refund 1/23 3/20 Last day for 75% refund 1/30 3/27 Last day for 50% refund 2/6 4/3 Last day to drop (no refund) 2/20 4/17
Weekly Module Schedule 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Grades Due (run by 9 a.m.)
1/17-1/23 3/14-3/20 1/24-1/30 3/21-3/27 1/31-2/6 3/28-4/3 2/7-2/13 4/4-4/10 2/14-2/20 4/11-4/17 2/21-2/27 4/18-4/24 2/28-3/6 4/25-5/1 3/7-3/13 5/2-5/8
3/21 5/16
Date Range
Registration
Payment Census Date (10 a.m.)*
Drop & Refund Schedule** Last Day for 100% Refund Last Day for 75% Refund Last Day for 50% Refund Last Day to Drop (no refund)
Weekly Module Schedule 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Grades Due (run by 9 a.m.)
6/1-7/26
3/30-5/22
5/29
6/5
6/7 6/14 6/21 7/5
6/1-6/7 6/8-6/14 6/15-6/21 6/22-6/28 6/29-7/5 7/6-7/12 7/13-7/19 7/20-7/26
8/3
* Students in online courses will be administratively dropped on Monday morning of the second week of class if they do not participate in their online courses by Sunday evening.
**Students may email either the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation or the Registrar’s Office (especially after hours and weekends) to initiate a course drop.
* No tuition refunds will be given after the end of week three.
