LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

Distance Learning Program
Lynchburg, Virginia

Liberty University (LU) was founded in 1971 as a private, independent, Christian, comprehensive institution. Since then, Liberty has grown to an enrollment of more than 20,000 students through its various undergraduate and graduate divisions, the Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, the Distance Learning Program, and the Liberty Bible Institute. Liberty University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Distance Learning Program

Liberty University offers students the opportunity to pursue an accredited college degree at a distance on the associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels. The University assists students who are pursuing a degree with such services as transcript evaluation, a personal academic adviser, degree planning, online student services, online library, and career placement assistance. Flexible semesters allow course work to begin at the most convenient times for students. Courses start every three weeks, and students have 120 days to complete each course. The M.B.A. is offered completely online, and classes start eight times a year.

Delivery Media

Course lectures are presented online; through prerecorded VHS videocassettes or DVDs that students purchase along with the required print materials, such as books, workbooks, and study notes (all class materials are required to complete each class); and in on-campus intensives. Students in need of class assistance may contact the assigned academic adviser, a faculty member, and library services via phone, fax, e-mail, or regular mail. No residency is required for associate or baccalaureate degree programs. Graduate programs have minimal residency requirements offered in flexible formats.

Programs of Study

Liberty University's Distance Learning Program offers associate degrees in general studies and religion. Baccalaureate degrees are offered in business (accounting, finance, and management), multidisciplinary studies, psychology, and religion. Students may pursue a master's degree in professional counseling. A 30-credit-hour human relations track, a 48-credit-hour professional counseling certification track, and a 60-credit-hour marriage and family certification track are available. Other master's degrees include the Master of Arts in religion, the Master of Divinity, the Master of Business Administration, and the Master of Education (M.Ed.). The M.Ed. programs are approved by the Virginia Department of Education for the licensure of school personnel. The LU School of Education offers the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), with an emphasis in educational leadership. The Ph.D. in counseling is also offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Special Programs

Distance learners have access to online library and administrative services, the campus computer network, e-mail services, academic advising, tutoring, and career placement assistance.

Credit Options

Credit is given for courses completed at an accredited institution, provided the credit is appropriate to the curriculum chosen at Liberty University. Undergraduate students may also earn credit through standardized testing (CLEP, PEP, DANTES, and ICE), advanced placement, portfolio assessment, military training (ACE), and business training.

Faculty

There are 300 full-time and 188 part-time faculty members at Liberty University. Of the 300 full-time faculty members, 63 work specifically for the Distance Learning Program in either a full-time or part-time capacity. Faculty members who work with the Distance Learning Program hold a master's, doctorate, or other terminal degree in their field of specialty and are specially trained in order to ensure the highest-quality education possible for students.

Admission

An application with a $50 nonrefundable fee must be submitted prior to admittance. All official transcripts must be sent to the Office of Distance Learning Admissions to determine acceptance to a degree program and the evaluation of credit.

Tuition and Fees

For the 2005–06 academic year, tuition for the undergraduate programs was $250 per semester hour. Graduate tuition was as follows: $385 per semester hour for the M.A. in counseling; $375 per semester hour for the M.Ed., Ed.S., and Ed.D.; $395 per semester hour for the M.B.A.; and $225 per semester hour for the Master of Arts in religion and Master of Divinity programs. There is a $150 technology fee each semester of enrollment. Course materials are a separate charge and must be purchased by the student through the University's supplier, MBS Direct (telephone: 800-325-3252, toll-free).

Financial Aid

Liberty offers a full range of state (Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant), federal (Pell Grant), and school-sponsored financial assistance programs for those enrolled as matriculated students. Forms for state and federal aid can be obtained through the University's Web site or by calling the Office of Distance Learning Admissions. All students who apply for a Federal Stafford Student Loan must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Applying

Distance learning students can apply for admission at any time of the year. Correspondence between the student and the University is conducted through the Office of Distance Learning Admissions. Applications are accepted by mail, by fax, or online.

CONTACT

Mr. Lee Beaumont
Director of Enrollment Management
Distance Learning Program
Liberty University
1971 University Boulevard
Lynchburg, Virginia 24502-2269
Phone: 800-424-9595 (toll-free)
Fax: 800-628-7977 (toll-free)
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.liberty.edu