Year One - Online in Review

 

This year, the first academic year that Oak Hills has offered online courses, 47 students completed a total of 125 online courses. Some of these students were online degree-seeking students. Others were traditional on-campus students who filled in needed courses or benefited from a broad range of elective course choices. And some were high school students taking courses for college credit. One high-school student completed 10 online courses, 30 credits, and will enter college as a sophomore! What a great start!

During this year, we have learned a lot and we are expanding the opportunities for students to profit from online education at Oak Hills. Here is a summary of what’s up!

Bachelor’s Degree in Leadership and Ministry                                    126 Credits

Start from zero or transfer in to complete this degree all online. Tuition is $350/credit and you are eligible to apply for financial aid. Student loan deferral is possible.

NEW!! Associate’s Degree in Biblical Studies and Ministry              63 Credits

The same tuition and financial aid applies as above.

NEW!! Students who left Oak Hills without completing their degree may complete their original degree whenever all of their remaining courses can be taken all online. The same tuition and financial aid applies as in our other online degrees. Check with us to see how this may apply to you.

NEW!! Continuing education online caters to the adult who wants to take online college courses for academic credit but who does not need/want to seek a degree. A special tuition rate of $175/credit applies. Adults in ministry are encouraged to seek their church’s sponsorship.

PSEO and traditional students can take online courses towards their high school or college degree.

According to a recent New York Times article, “Among all segments of workers sorted by educational attainment, college graduates are the only group that has more people employed today than when the recession hit.”[1] College graduates are better positioned to find employment and, as the economy improves, will be better placed to find promotions and positions that fully use their knowledge and skills.

If you haven’t checked the Adult/Online section of our website (oakhills.edu) recently, now is the time to check out these new opportunities for you to pursue your dream for a college education and degree. We are here to serve – let us know how we can help!

 

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               [1] Catherine Rampell, “College Graduates Fare Well in Jobs Market, Even Through Recession.” in the New York Times, May 3, 2013 http://www.nytimes.com (accessed May 6, 2013).

Announcing New Online Associate's Degree

As of June, 2013, Oak Hills will offer an Online Associate's Degree in Biblical Studies and Ministry. This degree will provide the adult online student with a broadly based program of biblical studies and ministry studies. It will prepare the student to serve in churches, para-church organizations or personal ministry. It will also prepare the learner who wants to pursue further education for a Bachelor's degree.

If you are in ministry and want to deepen your knowledge of the Bible, theology, and ministry skills, this program will meet that need. Older adults in a second or "finisher" career or church involvement will find the online courses well suited to their needs. Younger adults may well want to start with an Associate's degree and build toward further education. Of course, any prior college experience will be evaluated for transfer credits into the program.

As with the Bachelor's in Leadership and Ministry, the Associate's degree courses will all be offered online. Courses are short (5-10 weeks) and can be taken one or two at a time, at the pace you need. Financial aid is available. Our online tuition for 2013-2014 is $350/credit, one of the lowest for a private non-profit Christian college in the Midwest.

Summary of Degree Requirements -
Biblical Studies - 24 credits (8 courses)
Christian Ministry - 18 credits (6 courses)
General Education - 18 credits (6 courses)

With many online courses to choose from, each student will develop an individual graduation plan with courses particular to his/her ministry needs.