TAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Center for Lifelong Learning
Fort Wayne, Indiana

Taylor University is one of America's oldest evangelical Christian institutions. In 1846, it began as a women's college with the conviction that women as well as men should have an opportunity for higher education. In 1855, it became coeducational and, in 1938, it offered its first distance learning course.

Today, U.S. News & World Report repeatedly ranks Taylor as one of America's best regional liberal arts colleges. The Templeton Foundation has named it one of the nation's top colleges for building character in students, and Barron's has listed it as a "best buy in college education."

Taylor University's mission is to educate men and women for lifelong learning and for ministering the redemptive love of Jesus Christ. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Distance Learning Program

The Center for Lifelong Learning is the virtual campus of Taylor University; it emphasizes the integration of faith and learning through distance education. The Center offers three Associate of Arts (A.A.) degrees, seven certificate programs, and more than 130 online courses from most academic disciplines. Annually, it enrolls more than 1,300 students.

Delivery Media

At the Taylor University Center for Lifelong Learning, the antiquated method of correspondence education has been replaced by the advantages of Internet technology and online learning. Rather than repackaging traditional classroom learning methods or simply creating digital versions of correspondence courses, Taylor has designed each course to ensure that it is learner-oriented and specifically designed for online, distance learning students. The eLearning platform brings together the elements that create the most valuable educational experience for the online distance learner—dynamic interaction and discussion with other students; close, continuous access to the instructor; and the convenience of having it all right at the student's fingertips.

Programs of Study

The 64-credit-hour A.A. degree in biblical studies is designed for individuals preparing for vocational or lay Christian ministry. The curriculum is designed to give the student a foundational understanding of the Bible, Christian theology, and the knowledge and skills required for serving in a church or parachurch setting. It consists of 43 credit hours of general education course work, 15 hours in the discipline, and 6 elective hours.

The 64-credit-hour A.A. degree in justice administration is designed for individuals currently serving in or seeking to enter criminal justice, courts, corrections, law enforcement, or juvenile justice. It consists of 43 credit hours of general education course work and 21 hours in the discipline. Students select a ministry or public policy concentration. The A.A. with a concentration in ministry is the only degree program in the nation from an accredited institution specifically designed to prepare the student for correctional ministry. The degree is designed for individuals currently serving in or seeking to enter corrections, outreach, or ministry to offenders and at-risk populations.

The 64-credit-hour A.A. degree in the liberal arts is for students who desire a breadth of knowledge. It consists of 43 credit hours of general education course work, 15 hours in the chosen disci pline, and 6 elective hours. Students select an interdisciplinary, history, or social science concentration.

The seven certificate programs in clude the 24-credit-hour Certificate in Biblical and Cultural Leadership, which is designed to equip women and men with a thorough grounding of Biblical content, a systematic theological re view, an opportunity for personal spiritual development, and a philosophi cal defense of the faith; the 24-credit-hour Biblical Studies Certificate, de signed for busy pastors, church workers, and lay people who desire in-depth studies in the Bible; the 18-credit-hour Christian Worker Certification, de signed for potential missionaries, pas tors, and laypeople who desire a greater knowledge of the Bible and a better understanding of the professional chal lenges of ministry; the 18-credit-hour Justice and Ministry Certificate, specifi cally aimed at equipping individuals for correctional ministry; the 18-credit- hour Leadership Development Certifi cate, designed to equip current or potential leaders with the interpersonal skills and organizational abilities necessary for coping with business or ministry issues; the 18-credit-hour Certificate in Missions Studies, designed to assist those who desire to work in the mission field either as a full-time missionary or through frequent trips overseas for ministry purposes; and the 24-credit-hour Professional Writing Certificate, designed to strengthen students' abilities to write and communicate clearly in a style that is marketable to a contemporary audience.

Special Programs

All courses through the Taylor University Center for Lifelong Learning are competency-based, which means that students can complete the course as soon as the competencies are attained. The motivated student can progress at his or her own pace to ensure that the subject matter is understood well. Credit for each course is given when the expected learning results are documented and demonstrated.

Student Services

The Taylor University Center for Lifelong Learning staff is committed to providing qualified, efficient, and responsive service in a timely manner. Online registration facilitates course enrollments at any time of the day or night. Once enrolled, students become part of the Center's virtual campus, meeting the needs of today's Internet-savvy students. Within the virtual campus, students enjoy a relational, faith-based learning environment.

Credit Options

Students earn credits with the successful completion of courses. Up to 34 hours of transfer credit may be ap proved toward the 64-credit-hour A.A. degree programs. Only course work with a grade of C- or better is accepted.

To receive credit for work done at other accredited institutions, students should send their transcripts to the Taylor University Center for Lifelong Learning for review. CLEP, AP, and DANTES credit must meet Taylor's standards to be accepted as transfer credit.

Faculty

The faculty of the Taylor University Center for Lifelong Learning consists of more than 100 highly credentialed, dedicated Christians. These instructors, many of whom hold doctorates, are among the most qualified academic professionals in the field of Christian higher education.

Admission

Admission is open to all students registering for individual courses or beginning a certificate program. Degree-seeking students must meet certain minimum admission standards and complete an application, which includes a personal reference recommendation.

Tuition and Fees

All courses are $200 per credit hour. Other expenses may include textbooks, study guides, supplemental materials, and shipping and handling fees. Taylor's most current fee structure is maintained at its online registration center.

Financial Aid

Students who have been accepted into online degree programs and who will be registered for at least 6 credit hours in one term may apply for financial aid available through the University's Title IV agreement with the U.S. Department of Education.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has approved courses offered by the Taylor University Center for Lifelong Learning for those students entitled to receive veteran's educational benefits.

Applying

The Taylor University Center for Lifelong Learning offers open enrollment year-round through a secure, online registration process. Students may enroll online at any time in individual courses, certificate programs, or degree programs. Students seeking a degree must apply and be accepted. Secure, online registration is available at http://cll.taylor.edu/catalog. Students may also call toll-free at 800-845-3149. Students may also register and/or apply by fax, e-mail, mail, or in person.

CONTACT

Kevin Mahaffy, M.Min.
Director
Taylor University Center for Lifelong Learning
1025 West Rudisill Boulevard
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46807-2197
Phone: 260-744-8750
800-845-3149 (toll-free enrollment hotline)
Fax: 260-744-8796
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: http://cll.taylor.edu