Southern Christian University

Distance Learning Programs

Montgomery, Alabama

DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM

SCU programs are designed with the adult learner in mind. Eighty percent of SCU's students are employed while they are attending SCU. Courses can be taken anywhere there is Internet access and at any time. SCU has enrolled thousands of students in distance learning courses throughout the United States and internationally.

DELIVERY MEDIA

Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies, SCU's distance learning programs are delivered to students over the Internet. Students participate via online discussion groups, testing, e-mail, and telephone. Some courses are streamed live over the Internet and can be viewed as the class is being taught or at the student's convenience. The flexibility of the programs ensures continuity for students in transit, such as military, clergy, or salesmen who must move while still in school.

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

SCU programs are structured with the traditional program in mind. Distance education is approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring that distance education students receive the same high-quality education as on-campus students. Faculty and student services for online students are available to distance learning students. SCU ensures that students have regular contact with faculty and staff members via e-mail and telephone. Residency is only required in certain programs. No residency is required for undergraduates. Undergraduate degrees are awarded in Bible studies, human development, human resource management, liberal studies, management communication, and public safety and human justice. These degrees promote biblical and Christian ministry skills, human development skills, knowledge in the arts, and management communication skills. Graduate degrees are awarded in counseling/family therapy, organizational leadership, and religious studies. These degrees foster leadership counseling and family therapy skills, knowledge and skills, and biblical and Christian ministry skills. The counseling degrees are designed to help prepare students for licensure. Doctoral degrees include family therapy and ministry. These degrees are advanced professional degrees for community organizations and church-related vocations, with a concentration designed to prepare participants to counsel families and individuals. SCU students are fully matriculated students of Southern Christian University with full student privileges, rights, and responsibilities.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Southern Christian University has developed fully accredited programs of study to help working adults obtain their bachelor's degree in a timely manner through the EXCEL program. This program allows undergraduates to receive credit for lifetime learning, enabling students to complete their degree at an accelerated rate. All undergraduate courses are 4 semester hours, rather than 3. A student only has to take three courses (12 semester hours) to be a full-time student and eligible for maximum financial aid benefits. Also, fewer courses are required for degree completion. Undergraduate students who enroll on a full-time basis enjoy a significant savings, receiving 50 percent off the published tuition rate.

Founded in 1967, Southern Christian University (SCU) is an independent, nonsectarian, coeducational institution dedicated to the spirit of its ideals and Christian heritage. All of SCU's programs are taught from a Christian perspective. SCU is the home of one of the nation's leading universities offering distance learning programs and services to adults nationally. Adding to the prestige of this University is its recent designation as a Distance Education Demonstration Program Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. One of fifteen initial participants in the nation, SCU is partnering with the U.S. Department of Education to serve as a national model that will help chart the future of distance learning. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SCU grants bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees—all available via a distance learning format.

SCU is one of only 12 new institutions participating in the expansion of eArmyU colleges and universities. eArmyU is the Army's popular e-learning virtual university, offering more than 30,000 enrolled soldiers the opportunity to earn a college degree during their enlistment. With the flexibility of eArmyU, soldier-students are able to continue their education uninterrupted and complete their degrees in a timely manner while they serve.

STUDENT SERVICES

SCU provides support for all aspects of the distance learning experience. ProQuest Religion Database and First Search library programs give students access to 65 online databases, including the Library of Congress. Students have access to the collections of 150 theological schools online. Personal academic advising is performed via phone or e-mail. Students also receive personal evaluations of their degree program.

CREDIT OPTIONS

Fulfillment of some degree requirements is possible by passing the CLEP/DANTES tests or Regents examinations and through credit for lifetime learning and credit for military experience. Students can register for a course designed to show them how to prepare a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning. Credit is awarded by the Office of Portfolio Development for prior learning that is demonstrated through a documented learning portfolio.

FACULTY

The instructional faculty members total 50. Sixty-seven percent of the full-time faculty members hold doctoral degrees, 100 percent hold master's degrees, and 100 percent hold terminal degrees. Faculty members are specialized in their areas and have training in distance learning delivery.

ADMISSION

There is a rolling admission plan. Admission requirements are verification of high school graduation or GED for undergraduates and demonstrated proficiency in computer literacy. Ninety percent of applicants are accepted.

TUITION AND FEES

Graduate tuition cost per semester hour is $440. Undergraduate tuition per semester hour is $360. Full-time undergraduates receive a 50 percent scholarship. A comprehensive fee of $400 per semester is required of all students.

FINANCIAL AID

Aid from institutionally generated funds is provided on the basis of academic merit, financial need, or other criteria. A limited number of scholarships are available. Priority is given to early applicants. Federal funding available for undergraduates and graduates includes Pell and FSEOG grants for undergraduates, Federal Work-Study, and FFEL subsidized and unsubsidized loans for undergraduates and graduates. Eighty percent of students receive financial aid.

CONTACT

Rick Johnson
Southern Christian University
1200 Taylor Road
Montgomery, Alabama 36117
Telephone: 800-351-4040 Ext. 213 (toll-free)
E-mail: rickjohnson@southernchristian.edu
Web site: http://www.southernchristian.edu

APPLYING

Prospective students must submit a $50 nonrefundable fee along with the completed application for admission. During the first semester, graduate students must submit letters of recommendation, transcripts, and test scores.