2014-15 Graduate and Adult Programs Academic Catalog
The Cedarville University Graduate Catalog is published annually. While every effort is made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the University reserves the right to change, without notice, statements in the catalog concerning policies, fees, curricula, course offerings, and other matters. 2014–15 Graduate and Adult Programs Academic Catalog Graduate Programs.......................................1 Introduction............................................................2 The Cedarville Graduate and Adult Student Experience. ........................................................4 Graduate Admissions.............................................5 Academic Information............................................7 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.......... 11 Financial Information. ..........................................12 Campus Services.................................................14 School of Biblical and Theological Studies. ..................................................... 16 Master of Ministry................................................17 School of Business Administration...........20 Master of Business Administration.......................21 M.B.A./Pharm.D. Dual Degree.............................23 School of Education...................................24 Master of Education.............................................25 Principal Licensure Graduate Certificate. ............28 Reading Endorsement.........................................29 School of Pharmacy....................................37 Doctor of Pharmacy.............................................38 School of Nursing.......................................31 Master of Science in Nursing...............................32 Global Health Ministries (GHM)...........................32 Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)..........................32 Graduate-Level Course Descriptions........44 Adult Programs. ..........................................62 Undergraduate Adult Programs............................63 Experiencing Cedarville as an Adult....................63 Admission Criteria................................................63 Academic Information..........................................64 Transient Study....................................................68 General Education Requirements........................69 School of Biblical andTheological Studies.....71 B.A. in Comprehensive Bible................................72 Adult Programs Course Descriptions.......77 Appendix......................................................82 Board of Trustees.................................................83 Administration......................................................83 Cabinet. ...............................................................83 Other Faculty.......................................................84 Administrative Staff..............................................84 Doctrinal Statement.............................................85 Contents Home to 3,400 Christian students, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist university of arts, sciences, professional, and graduate programs. Established in 1887
Page1 2014–15 Graduate and Adult Programs Academic Catalog Graduate Programs Introduction........................................................ 2 Profile................................................................. 2 History................................................................ 2 Mission............................................................... 2 Accreditation...................................................... 2 Distinctives......................................................... 3 Diversity Statement............................................ 3 Campus Setting................................................. 3 The Cedarville Graduate and Adult Student Experience.................................................. 4 Cedarville Covenant. ......................................... 4 Standards of Conduct........................................ 4 Graduate Admissions........................................ 5 Admission Criteria.............................................. 5 Graduate Admission Decisions......................... 5 Deadlines and Notifications............................... 6 International Applicants..................................... 6 Transcript and Standardized Test Policy. .......... 6 Reservation Deposit........................................... 6 Academic Information........................................ 7 Academic Advising............................................ 7 Registration Process.......................................... 7 Classification of Students. ................................. 7 Drop/Add Policy................................................. 7 Continuation As an Active Student.................... 8 Withdrawal Policy............................................... 8 Grading System................................................. 8 Grade Appeal Process...................................... 9 Petitions and Student Complaints...................... 9 Probation and Suspension Policies................... 9 Attendance. ....................................................... 9 Course Load...................................................... 9 Repeating Courses............................................ 9 Independent Study............................................ 9 Transfer Credits................................................ 10 Transient Study................................................ 10 Undergraduates in Graduate Courses............ 10 Graduation Requirements................................ 10 Application for Graduation............................... 10 Controlling Catalog.......................................... 10 Student Responsibility..................................... 11 Academic Integrity........................................... 11 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act..... 11 Financial Information........................................ 12 University Financial Operating Policy.............. 12 Making Payment.............................................. 12 Invoices and Statements Online...................... 12 Payment Penalties. .......................................... 12 Interest Rates................................................... 12 Financial Aid.................................................... 12 Veterans Training Benefits and Dependents Educational Assistance............................. 13 Withdrawal Refunds......................................... 13 Federal Refund................................................ 13 Federal Refund Policy for Stafford Loans........ 13 Campus Services............................................. 14 Summer Housing Information.......................... 14 Library.............................................................. 14 Information Technology.................................... 14 Computer Help. ............................................... 14 Email................................................................ 14 Recreation Center............................................ 15 Food Services.................................................. 15 Campus Safety. ............................................... 15
Page2 2014–15 Graduate and Adult Programs Academic Catalog Graduate Programs Introduction Introduction Profile Cedarville University is an accredited Christ-centered, Baptist university of arts, sciences, graduate, and professional programs. Since its founding, Cedarville has coupled a balanced liberal arts program with a conservative, theological position in regard to doctrine and biblical living. All classes are taught by dedicated Christian professors who integrate the knowledge of their respective fields with biblical perspectives. History Cedarville College was established on January 26, 1887, through the vision of five godly men who dreamed of a college that would provide Christian young people with education that was offered within a spiritual framework. Affiliated with the Reformed Presbyterian Church, the College attracted many area students and built its first building, “Old Main,” now called “Founders Hall,” in 1895. Year after year, Cedarville attracted a record number of students and soon gained a reputation not only for its Bible teaching but also for its liberal arts program. The turbulence of the first 50 years of the 20th century led to hard times for the College. Following WWII and one final attempt at revitalization, the trustees realized that the enrollment could not support expenses. The College would have to find another church group to assume its operation or close its doors. At that time the trustees of the Baptist Bible Institute of Cleveland, Ohio, were seeking a campus on which to expand. Hearing of Cedarville College, they visited the campus and were convinced that Cedarville was the site that God had chosen for their school. Upon mutual agreement by both trustee boards, ownership of the College was transferred on April 4, 1953. Cedarville College became a Baptist college of arts and sciences. James T. Jeremiah, the pastor who first suggested the Baptist Bible Institute-Cedarville College connection, was called to be the College’s President. Soon the College was alive and flourishing. By 1959, the enrollment had grown to 255. Faculty, staff, and facilities were added. Six years later the student body had nearly tripled to 763. By the end of Dr. Jeremiah’s 25-year tenure as President in 1978, the College’s enrollment had grown to more than 1,200 students. Paul Dixon was then called to lead Cedarville College. Through his leadership, the College flourished in every area, with nearly 3,000 students, more than 100 programs of study, and many new facilities. During the 1998–99 school year, the College initiated its first graduate degree program and, in 2002, graduated its first class to receive the Master of Education degree. In April of 2000, the Board of Trustees voted to change the designation of the institution from college to university effective September 1, 2000. During the presidency of Dr. William Brown from 2001 to 2013, graduate programs grew at the master’s level and our first doctorate program was added in pharmacy. In fall of 2013, the University welcomed Dr. Thomas White as the 10th President and is looking forward to continued growth in the programs and services of Cedarville University. To learn more about the history of Cedarville, visit cedarville.edu/ cedarvillehistory. Mission Cedarville University is a Christ-centered learning community equipping students for lifelong leadership and service through an education marked by excellence and grounded in biblical truth. The University achieves its mission by accomplishing the following objectives or “portrait statements” that reflect characteristics of a Cedarville University graduate: Glorify God The Cedarville graduate exemplifies devotion to the triune God, Christlike character, and faithfulness to the teachings of the Scriptures. Think Broadly and Deeply The Cedarville graduate evaluates ideas, practices, and theories across disciplines within the framework of God’s revelation. Communicate Effectively The Cedarville graduate listens well, and produces and delivers clear, compelling, accurate, and truthful messages in a relevant, respectful manner. Develop Academically and Professionally The Cedarville graduate demonstrates competence and integrity in academic and professional endeavors. Engage for Christ The Cedarville graduate lives to further the mission of Christ in the world as an active influence in spiritual, moral, professional, and social spheres. Accreditation Cedarville University is a four-year and graduate degreegranting institution chartered by the state of Ohio and certified by the Ohio Board of Regents, web: ohiohighered.org. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission ncahlc.org, phone: 312-263-0456. Accreditation information for individual programs is included in the academic programs section in this catalog. Cedarville University also holds membership in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. For a listing of additional memberships and program-specific recognitions, visit cedarville. edu/accreditations.
Page3 2014–15 Graduate and Adult Programs Academic Catalog Graduate Programs Introduction Distinctives The primary intention of all graduate, professional practice, and adult degree programs at Cedarville University is to provide educational programs characterized by four distinctives: • Biblical integration: Consistent with the University’s primary mission to “provide an education marked by excellence and grounded in biblical truth,” all graduate, professional practice, and adult degree programs seek to integrate the knowledge base of their disciplines with the principles and precepts of Scripture. Students are encouraged to develop a biblically based faith and life perspective concerning material presented in all courses. • Practical intervention: Graduate, professional practice, and adult degree programs at Cedarville University are created to meet the needs of Christians as they wrestle with the opportunities and challenges presented in a variety of profit and nonprofit career fields. Students are encouraged to focus on critical analysis and problem-solving approaches in all real-life issues. • Personal interaction: Graduate, professional practice, and adult degree programs at Cedarville University are designed to promote interaction among students and teachers as a learning community committed to articulating, assessing, and acting on ideas. Students are encouraged to engage in teambased collaboration in all courses. • Technological innovation: Graduate, professional practice, and adult degree programs at Cedarville University build upon the capabilities provided by the University’s CedarNet computer network to empower both program participants and instructors to calculate, communicate, collaborate, and contribute more effectively and efficiently. Students are encouraged to aggressively use information technology in their professional fields. Diversity Statement Cedarville University actively seeks to attract and serve a diverse group of Christian employees and students who exercise their spiritual calling to be agents of reconciliation; pursuing unity, peace, and community in an atmosphere that recognizes our union in Christ and celebrates the contributions of all who seek to follow Christ. To learn more about diversity at Cedarville, visit cedarville.edu/diversity. Campus Setting Cedarville University is located on 400 acres at the north edge of the village of Cedarville, Ohio, a quiet town with a population of approximately 4,000. Founded in 1816 at the junction of two state routes, the village and its surrounding area have long provided a wholesome environment for learning. This pleasant setting continues today. Downtown Cedarville features the historic Cedarville Opera House, Cedarville Hardware, two banks, haircutting establishments, post office, pharmacy, convenience store/gas station, a few restaurants, and two coffee shops. Within a mile of the University, Massie Creek and an adjacent park offer recreation and picnic facilities alongside the Little Miami Bike Trail. Rolling hills and farms border the village and University. This beautiful area, which extends westward to John Bryan State Park, has been recognized as one of the most scenic in the Midwest. Cedarville University is conveniently situated with easy access to shopping areas in the cities of Xenia, Beavercreek, Dayton, and Springfield. The University lies in the center of a triangle formed by three interstate highways, I-70, I-75, and I-71, and thus enjoys quick access to Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati. These metropolitan areas offer fine dining, professional sporting events, concerts, and employment opportunities. Directions can be found by visiting cedarville.edu/directions. Cedarville University is located in the middle of a triangle formed by Interstates 70, 71, and 75. Springfield Dayton Columbus Cincinnati CEDARVILLE I-70 Rt. 72 I-75 Rt. 42 Rt. 72 I-71
Page4 2014–15 Graduate and Adult Programs Academic Catalog Graduate Programs The Cedarville Graduate and Adult Student Experience The Cedarville Graduate and Adult Student Experience Cedarville Covenant We are a community of believers accountable to one another, called to reflect the character of Jesus Christ and to be obedient to His Word. We will be faithful in our support for the local church and in our practice of the spiritual disciplines. We will practice biblical principles of encouragement, exhortation, and reconciliation. We commit ourselves to integrity, kindness, purity, and self-control; and to continual growth in scholarship, leadership, and service. Therefore, as members of the Cedarville community, we regularly affirm our commitment to the Cedarville Covenant with this pledge: We will love God and others, live with integrity, and pursue excellence in all we do. Standards of Conduct At Cedarville University, we believe that the principles found in the Bible should govern our daily lives. We recognize that our appearance, words, and actions are a manifestation of our relationship to Christ and a testimony to believers. In addition, we believe that regular attendance and involvement in a local church is evidence of a maturing relationship with Christ. All graduate and non-resident adult students are expected to adhere to the guidelines below. You may access these guidelines online at cedarville.edu/gradstudentlife. • As a community of born-again believers, we believe that pleasing and glorifying God in all that we do and say is an expression of our gratitude to God’s grace and love in our lives (1 Cor. 10:31; 2 Cor. 5:9). We believe it is important to be people of integrity who are truthful in speech and honest in conduct. Therefore, all should seek to serve Christ in an atmosphere free from attitudes of distrust, dishonesty, selfishness, damaging criticism, disrespect, favoritism, unethical conduct, and irreverence (Psalm 15; Matt. 5:33–37; Prov. 15:4; Rom. 13:9–10; Col. 3:8–9; James 2:1–13; Gal. 3:26–29; Rom. 13:1–2; 1 Tim. 2:8). • The University affirms its belief that our interpersonal relationships are to reflect the biblical principle that all people are made in God’s image and are equal in value. We believe it is important to express our love for others through acts of kindness as well as wholesome and uplifting speech (1 Peter 5:5; Eph. 5:21; Phil. 2:3–11; Rom. 14:1–23; 1 Thess. 4:9; Col. 3:12–13). Therefore, it is the expectation that all forms of harassment (which include racial/ethnic, and sexual- and gender-based harassment) are prohibited. In addition, we believe threatening, intimidating, coercing, using abusive or vulgar language, violence or violent threats, or interfering with the performance of other students or employees are neither God-honoring nor acceptable behaviors within or outside the work place and classroom.. • Because of our commitment to moral purity in both thought and action (2 Cor. 7:1; 1 John 3:3), all acts of sexual immorality are viewed as unacceptable behavior (I Cor. 6:18–20; 1 Thess. 4:3–8). • Because of our commitment to moral purity in thought and action (2 Cor. 7:1; 1 John 3:3; Matt. 5:27–28), accessing, possessing, and distributing or downloading pornography is prohibited. • We believe that God has given the gift of intimacy to marriage (Hebrews 13:4). Therefore, we believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity should occur outside of marriage. We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman (Gen. 2:24; Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:10; Eph. 5:22–23). • Based on our commitment to moral purity and the gift of intimacy in marriage, we believe that all acts of sexual immorality are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex, i.e., homosexuality, lesbianism, incest, fornication, adultery (Rom. 1:21–27; 1 Cor. 6:9; Gen. 2:24; Eph. 5:31). Therefore, engaging in, living a lifestyle characterized by, or promoting a lifestyle that is in contradiction to this biblical position is prohibited. Graduate and adult students living on campus will have additional standards of conduct expectations as a member of the Cedarville University residential community. Behavior that is not in compliance with the above standards of conduct or that are a felony violation of state or federal law can result in corrective action up to and including expulsion from the University.
Page5 2014–15 Graduate and Adult Programs Academic Catalog Graduate Programs Graduate Admissions Graduate Admissions Apply online at cedarville.edu/gradapply. Admission Criteria Cedarville University invites applications for its graduate and professional practice degree programs from college graduates who are able to present strong academic records and a clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. All graduate program application checklists may be found under the appropriate graduate program by accessing cedarville.edu/ gradapply. Applicants must also affirm their commitment to the Cedarville Covenant and agree to abide by the student standards of conduct. Applicants should review the University’s doctrinal statement to understand our beliefs and Christian heritage, which serves as the foundation for our community. Cedarville University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, or national origin. Degree Program Admission Admission to Cedarville University graduate degree programs is managed by the associated academic school in cooperation with University Admissions. All admissions are competitive and reflect the judgment of the academic school for which admission is being sought. Those making admission decisions take into account the student’s potential to complete a particular program. Some graduate programs may require a personal interview for admission to the program and the program director may request an interview, when beneficial, for nonacademic matters. For specific information on each program’s criteria for admission, please refer to the respective program’s section of this catalog. The graduate admissions committee carefully considers each applicant’s total record, seeking to make decisions that will result in the best fit between the applicant’s interests and abilities as well as the University’s expectations and values. Nondegree and Certificate Program Admission Students who would like to take a graduate course for enrichment or transfer to another graduate program, or who plan to be a part of one of our graduate certificate programs, should complete the appropriate nondegree application. Admission to Cedarville University nondegree and certificate programs is managed by University Admissions in cooperation with the respective program director. For specific information on each nondegree or certificate program’s criteria for admission and application process, please refer to the respective program’s section of this catalog and/or the graduate and adult programs admission website. Readmission Cedarville University graduate students who have not been enrolled in graduate courses at Cedarville University for more than two years (24 months) and now want to re-enroll should submit the application for graduate readmission according to the admission deadlines posted on the respective program website. For information regarding readmission to your graduate program, please contact University Admissions. Graduate Admission Decisions Unconditional Admission Graduate applicants meeting all stated requirements for a particular graduate program and approved by the program school are granted unconditional degree-seeking admission. Unconditional admission allows students to matriculate and pursue a degree program plan without any restrictions. Students with this type of admission are eligible for University and federal financial aid. Conditional Admission Graduate applicants who evidence insufficient preparation in their intended graduate program, or who lack certain supporting documentation required for unconditional admission, may be granted conditional degree-seeking admission by the program school. Conditionally admitted students must meet the stipulations set forth at the time of admission to achieve unconditional admission status. Conditions of admission will be communicated to the student by letter and the academic advisor. Students are eligible for University and federal student aid. Students are permitted to take a predetermined number of credits on a conditionally admitted basis. Each graduate program committee may determine the number of credits depending on program requirements. Once students meet all the conditions of admission and are admitted to an unconditional status, they may pursue a degree program plan without any further restrictions. Conditions of admission not met by the communicated deadline could lead to dismissal from the program at the end of the term. Academic deficiencies include but are not limited to the following: • Undergraduate GPA does not meet the program requirements. • Undergraduate degree is from an unaccredited or unapproved institution. • Final, official undergraduate transcript has not been received. (Used to offer conditional admission to current applicants in their final semester of undergraduate study or used to offer conditional admission to late applicants who submit unofficial transcripts. In both cases, a final and official transcript would be needed to meet the conditions of admission.) • Program course deficiencies (may be taken at Cedarville University or other accredited university): A program course deficiency is defined as courses that are lacking in the student’s undergraduate preparation and indicate that the student is inadequately prepared to begin master’s-level work as determined by the program admissions committee. A course deficiency is not the same as a course prerequisite. • Required entrance examination scores have not been received (includes international student test scores) or need to be retaken for higher score. Note: Program directors may require GRE/GMAT of applicants prior to considering for/approval of conditional admission. Denied Admission Graduate applicants who do not meet the stated requirements for admission to the University and/or the desired graduate program may be denied admission. Applicants may appeal decisions directly to the graduate admission committee for consideration if additional information is provided that addresses the reason for the deny decision.
Page6 2014–15 Graduate and Adult Programs Academic Catalog Graduate Programs Graduate Admissions Deadlines and Notifications With the exception of the School of Pharmacy, Cedarville University follows a rolling admissions process. Applicants to graduate programs should note the admission deadline on each respective program website. An admission decision is made when application files (i.e., application form and required documents) are complete. Applications should be completed at least two weeks prior to the admission deadline to allow time for proper review and decision. Applicants are officially notified by letter as soon as a decision is reached. Applicants may also monitor the status of their application online. Extenuating circumstances for late applicants may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants for the School of Pharmacy should refer to the pharmacy program’s section of this catalog for application deadlines. Graduate students may request to defer their acceptance to a future term for up to one year from the original application term. Students should send a written request to University Admissions for review and approval. If a reservation deposit has been paid, it will be credited to the requested term. International Applicants International applicants coming from countries in which English is not the native language will need to demonstrate their proficiency in English by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Test (IELTS). All international applicants must submit official results from either TOEFL or IELTS. The required score on the TOEFL is an Internet-based score of 80. The required score on the IELTS is a 6.5. Cedarville University’s institution code for TOEFL is 1151. The test must have been taken within the last five years unless the applicant has completed an entire baccalaureate or graduate program in residence in the United States. International applicants applying for graduate residential programs must submit an affidavit of financial support, along with credible documentary evidence (bank statements, fixed certificates of deposit, etc.) that you have enough readily available funds to meet all expenses (tuition, room, board, etc.) for the first year of study without having to seek outside employment. International students are limited to on-campus employment only and cannot displace qualified U.S. citizens for such positions. Transcript and Standardized Test Policy Graduate applicants generally have a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited or otherwise approved university. Transcripts received for admission review must be official. Applicants are required to submit official college transcripts from all postsecondary institutions in which the student has enrolled, even if no credit was earned. The degree-granting institution transcript should also indicate the degree conferred and the date granted. If a graduate applicant is currently completing a baccalaureate degree during the admission review, conditional admission may be granted until the final degree-granting transcript is received. If transcripts are in a language other than English or are from a non-U.S. college/university (graduate students) or secondary school (adult students), the original transcript must be submitted to a credential evaluation service. The original transcript should be submitted along with the official evaluation from the evaluation agency. The cost for credential verification and translation is the responsibility of the applicant. We recommend the following credential evaluation/translation services: • International Consultants of Delaware • World Education Services (WES) • Academic Evaluation Services, Inc. • International Education Research Foundation If required by a degree program, standardized test scores should be submitted directly from the testing agency to University Admissions. The test must have been taken within the last five years prior to applying. Standardized test scores, if required by a program, will be considered along with other factors in making the admissions decision. Reservation Deposit A reservation deposit must be submitted by new and readmitted students as an indication of their intention to enroll. The amount of the deposit is $150. This money is credited to the student’s account and used to cover first semester expenses. A student must submit a reservation deposit to register for classes. The reservation deposit is nonrefundable. Instructions for submitting a reservation deposit may be found at cedarville.edu/graddeposit.
Page7 2014–15 Graduate and Adult Programs Academic Catalog Graduate Programs Academic Information are carrying at least eight semester hours of credit in that academic semester. • Part-time studentsare those who have met the requirements for admission as determined by the Graduate Admissions Committee, have been admitted to a degree program, and are taking fewer than eight semester hours. • Nondegree-seeking students are those who are taking graduate courses but have not yet been admitted to a specific degree program or do not intend to work toward a graduate degree. Drop/Add Policy Changes in the course schedule made after the beginning of a course must be made through the Office of the Registrar. Course drop/add forms are available on the registrar’s website. The form must be signed by the student and submitted to the Office of the Registrar in person, by email, or by fax. No courses may be added after the first class without the additional approval of the appointed director of the particular graduate program and the approval of the faculty member teaching the course. The effective date of the course change is the date the registrar receives the completed form. When adding a class, the student is required to make up any work missed because of late entrance, assuming that the instructor is willing to allow late entrance into his/her course. Failure to properly drop a class will result in a grade of “Z.” (See Grading System on page 8.) When a course is dropped properly during the fall or spring terms, the action is recorded as follows: Online Courses Week Course Is Dropped Action Within the first full calendar week No record on transcript During the second full calendar week through the next- -to-last calendar week W – Withdrawn During the last calendar week of the course Drops not permitted Fall and Spring Saturday-Only Format Week Course Is Dropped Action Before the start of the second class No record on transcript After the start of the second class W – Withdrawn During the last calendar week of the course Drops not permitted Summer Modules Week Course Is Dropped Action Before the start of the second class No record on transcript After the start of the second class but before the start of the third class (one-week module) or the last calendar week (two- or three- week module) W – Withdrawn After the start of the third class (one-week module) or the last calendar week (two- or three- week module) Drops not permitted Changes in a schedule caused by cancellation of courses by the University will not result in financial or academic penalty. For information concerning refunds due for dropped courses, see Financial Information on page 12. Visit cedarville.edu/ webadvisor to drop or add a course. Academic Information Cedarville University graduate and professional practice degree programs are designed to meet the professional, personal, and spiritual needs of adults who desire to honor God with their careers and lives. Truth from Scripture is integrated with the knowledge taught in each course to provide effective learning and enduring life values. The knowledge and skills learned from the curricular experiences provide adults with an excellent background for professional competence in their chosen fields. Academic Advising Each student is assigned to an academic advisor by the director of the particular graduate program. The academic advisor offers counsel concerning course scheduling. Students are encouraged to consult their academic advisor prior to registration, whenever an academic problem is encountered, or when considering any changes in their educational program. Degree-seeking students may review their academic program progression by using the Program Evaluation option in WebAdvisor at cedarville.edu/ webadvisor. Registration Process Registration dates for each session are listed in the annual academic calendar. Early registration periods are designated for active graduate students. New graduate students must be accepted for admission through the graduate admissions office and pay the reservation deposit of $150 before they are eligible to register. Submitting a reservation deposit may be found at cedarville.edu/graddeposit. Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this early registration opportunity. Students who register early for a term but do not enroll for the following semester must notify the Office of the Registrar of their change in status. Registration information and instructions are distributed from the Office of the Registrar by email prior to the respective registration periods. Additionally, information regarding course offerings and sections, is available online at cedarville.edu/gradschedules. Prior to submitting a course registration, the student is encouraged to consult with his/her academic advisor to discuss course options and class schedules. Although each student has an academic advisor to help with scheduling, the student is responsible for the chosen class schedule, course of study, and progress through the program. Graduate students may register online using a web-based interface called WebAdvisor. The online registration process may be completed from any computer through which the student has Internet access. Registration instructions using WebAdvisor may be found at cedarville.edu/gradregisterinstructions. After the online registration process has been completed, the student’s confirmed schedule becomes an active registration in the administrative computer system. To complete registration, students must make financial arrangements for payment of the amount due. (See Financial Registration Policy on page 12.) To register for graduate courses, please visit cedarville.edu/gradregister. Classification of Students Graduate students are classified by the number of hours for which they are enrolled, as follows: • Full-time students are those who have met the requirements for admission as determined by the Graduate Admissions Committee, have been admitted to a degree program, and
Page8 2014–15 Graduate and Adult Programs Academic Catalog Graduate Programs Academic Information Continuation As an Active Student Graduate students maintain active status within their degree program as long as they continue registering for courses and do not exceed their program completion time limit. Graduate students who fail to take courses or otherwise choose not to pursue their graduate education (for example, as a transient student at another college/university) for a period exceeding two calendar years will automatically be retired from the active files of the Office of the Registrar and will be regarded as withdrawn. An application for readmission will be required to reactivate the student’s records. Withdrawal Policy The following procedure must be followed to properly withdraw completely from the University: 1. Notify the Office of the Registrar in person or by telephone of intent to withdraw and complete a withdraw interview with a representative of the Office of the Registrar. 2. Request a refund for any credit balance on your account from the Cashiers Office after the official withdraw process has been completed and all appropriate adjustments to the students registration has been completed. See Withdrawal Refunds on page 13. Student transcripts will be marked with the appropriate grade once withdrawal is complete in accordance with established University policy. (See Drop/Add Policy.) Grading System The following grading system applies to graduate programs. Professional practice programs also use grades of C- through D-. A Indicates excellent achievement by those at the very top of their class. A- Indicates recognition of excellent achievement. B+ Indicates recognition of achievement distinctively above that expected at the graduate level. B Indicates achievement expected of graduate students. B- Indicates achievement somewhat less than that expected of most graduate students. C+ Indicates below average achievement but somewhat more than minimal meeting of the course requirements. C Indicates below average achievement and a minimally satisfactory meeting of requirements. This is the lowest grade for which credit can be earned toward a graduate degree. F Indicates accomplishment that is inferior in quality and is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of course requirements. Grades at this level will not be accepted for credit toward a graduate degree. At the graduate level of study at Cedarville University there is no provision for grades of “D.” I An “I” signifying “incomplete” is a temporary grade given when a student is unable to complete the work for a course on time because of extraordinary circumstances, such as illness, emergency, or other reasonable cause. This temporary grade does not influence the student’s grade point average. To be considered for an incomplete, the student must be passing the course and have completed the majority of the course work. An incomplete should not be given merely because a student fails to complete all the course requirements on time. The instructor giving the incomplete will establish an appropriate completion date with the student by using the Incomplete Contract form that is available from the Office of the Registrar. This date may extend to the end of the semester following the one in which the course was taken, excluding summer. If the work is not completed by the end of the following semester, excluding summer, the incomplete will be changed to an “F” and will be calculated as such in the student’s grade point average. INCThis notation indicates a “permanent incomplete,” a grade assigned in special situations by the faculty member with the approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies or director of a particular graduate program. This permanent grade does not influence the student’s grade point average. To receive a permanent incomplete, the faculty member should submit the appropriate form to the Academic Vice President identifying the circumstances warranting this special grade. If a permanent incomplete is awarded, the grade may not be changed at a future date. To receive credit for the course, the student must again register for the course and complete the course requirements. K The notation “K” signifies credit and accompanies courses transferred from other colleges or universities. It has no affect upon cumulative grade point average. CR The mark of “CR” means that credit hours have been earned for a course for which a letter grade was not deemed appropriate during development of the course. Courses for which a “CR” is possible must be so designated prior to the offering of the course. That is, a teacher cannot award a “CR” in a course in lieu of a grade unless that course has been administratively declared as having a “CR” option before the course began. Courses for which a “CR” is awarded do not count in the computation of the grade point average. NC The mark “NC” means that no credit has been earned. Credit hours for which an “NC” has been earned are not used in the computation of grade point averages. W The mark “W” is used to indicate that the student withdrew from the course during the second, third, or fourth week. Z The mark “Z” indicates that the student did not complete the course but did not officially withdraw. A “Z” is treated in the same manner as the “F” grade when figuring the grade point average. Grade Points and Point Averages Cedarville University uses the four-point system to determine academic averages. Grade points are awarded as follows: Grade Grade Points A 4.0 A- 3.7 B+ 3.3 B 3.0 B- 2.7 C+ 2.3 C 2.0 *C- 1.7 *D+ 1.3 *D 1.0 *D- 0.7 F 0.0 *Grades of C- to D- are used only for professional practice and undergraduate programs. The grade point average is computed by dividing the total grade points earned by the total hours attempted. Grades are issued at the end of each semester. It is the responsibility of each student to discuss his/her academic achievement with his/her instructor.
Page9 2014–15 Graduate and Adult Programs Academic Catalog Graduate Programs Academic Information Grade Appeal Process A student who believes that a grade received is incorrectly recorded, inaccurate, unfairly awarded or based on criteria different than that applied to other students in the same class may initiate a grade appeal. The process for grade appeals is available on the website of the Academic Vice President (cedarville.edu/ academics/avp) using the “Policies” link from that page. Students may also obtain the same information directly from the office of the Academic Vice President. Petitions and Student Complaints Student complaints about any aspect of a graduate program or requests for exceptions to an academic regulation should first be discussed with the appropriate faculty member or director of the program. If those discussions fail to resolve the complaint a written request must be initiated by the student and must be submitted to the office of the Dean of Graduate Studies or director of the program. Probation and Suspension Policies Students placed on academic probation or dismissal will be notified in writing by their academic department. The School of Pharmacy provides pharmacy students with remediation (progression, probation, and suspension) policies in the School of Pharmacy Professional Student Handbook. For other programs, the following standards apply: Academic Probation status refers to any student whose cumulative graduate grade point average falls below 3.00 and is no longer in good academic standing. Students placed on academic probation are expected to return to good academic standing (overall GPA of 3.00 or above) within the attempting of 15 additional graduate credits. Failure to return to good academic standing may result in academic dismissal. Academic Suspension status refers to any student who fails to make satisfactory progress toward declared goals or who accumulates six semester credits of “C+” or below. A student who is suspended from a graduate program may not be readmitted for one calendar year, and then only if evidence for expecting satisfactory performance is submitted and found to be acceptable. A student receiving veterans benefits who is on academic probation after half of the hours for a given degree program are completed, or whose cumulative grade point average falls below a 2.5, will be reported to the Veterans Administration. The veterans’ benefits for such a student will be terminated unless the student is making progress toward meeting the minimum academic requirements for graduation. Attendance Regular attendance is necessary for the student to receive full benefit from the University experience. University policy allows each faculty member to determine and develop reasonable attendance standards that will meet the particular needs of the course. See syllabi for attendance requirements for individual courses. Course Load A student’s academic load for any given term is subject to reduction or limitation by the Dean of Graduate Studies or director of a particular graduate program for poor scholarship or excessive work responsibilities outside of college hours. Repeating Courses Any graduate course may be repeated once with the approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies or director of the program. When a student repeats a course only the most recent grade is calculated into the cumulative grade point average. Credit hours for a repeated course count only once toward the credits needed for graduation. Students have up to two years from the end of the original course to repeat a course. Students repeating courses are required to pay all applicable tuition and fees for those courses. Other program-specific requirements may be listed under the academic program. Independent Study On occasion special student circumstances may suggest that an independent study course option should be considered. Such an option might recognize opportunities to explore areas not covered in normal course structure, reward self-motivated students, and encourage joint study by faculty and students on specialized projects. Individual students and faculty members develop the specific criteria that must be met for the successful completion of independent study projects. However, the following guidelines govern the independent study program: • Only one independent study project may be undertaken in an academic term. • The maximum credit that may be earned for any one independent study project is three semester hours. • The faculty member supervising the independent study and the Dean of Graduate Studies or director of a particular graduate program must sign the student’s independent study form. Registration for the independent study must occur at the beginning of the semester in which the work is to be completed. • No more than six semester hours in independent study may be counted toward the graduate degree. • In general independent study projects cannot be taken in lieu of required courses unless special arrangements have been made through the department sponsoring the course and the director of that particular graduate program. • It is the prerogative of individual faculty members to offer independent study courses or not. • Participating faculty members determine the letter grade.
Page10 2014–15 Graduate and Adult Programs Academic Catalog Graduate Programs Academic Information Transfer Credits Graduate transfer credit is allowed at the discretion of the University for courses that clearly correspond to courses offered in the graduate and professional practice degree programs at Cedarville University. The Dean of Graduate Studies or director of the academic program is responsible for evaluating all requests for transfer credit within that program. Institutions from which courses are transferred must meet accreditation standards required of the individual program. Transfer credit will not be granted for grades of B- or less. “Credit” or “pass” grades are accepted only if approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies or director of the program. The number of allowable transfer credits and the number of years since completion of those credits are detailed within each program. To transfer credit an official transcript must be sent directly from the transfer institution to the registrar at Cedarville. Once received, a copy of the transcript will be sent the director of the graduate program for approval. The director will complete a transfer credit evaluation and identify the approved course equivalencies. This information will be provided to the registrar, after which the credits will be posted to the student’s transcript. Grades of transferred credit are not posted to a Cedarville University transcript or counted in the Cedarville grade point average. Credit hours transferred from institutions where quarter hours are awarded will be assigned the equivalent number of semester hours using the formula of three quarter hours being equivalent to two semester hours. Transient Study Course work to be completed at other institutions by a student enrolled at Cedarville University must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies or director of the graduate program at Cedarville that would accept the transfer credit. This approval must occur before the course is taken. Students enrolled in other colleges or universities may take courses at Cedarville University on a “permission to take courses” basis. The student must complete a graduate application and be accepted prior to registering for classes. A maximum of six credit hours may be taken at Cedarville University by a transient graduate student. Undergraduates in Graduate Courses Students in undergraduate programs at Cedarville University who are interested in taking graduate course work prior to graduation may be eligible to do so with appropriate approvals. Individual graduate programs have the ability to allow or prevent this practice. In some cases credits may count as electives in the undergraduate program as well as meeting requirements of a graduate degree. The requirements and procedures for granting graduate credit to undergraduates are as follows: The undergraduate student: • Must have achieved senior standing at the undergraduate level prior to taking graduate courses. • Must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.70 or higher to take graduate course work. • May not use more than two graduate courses toward requirements for an undergraduate degree. • May take at most two graduate courses prior to graduation from the undergraduate program. • Must meet all prerequisites for the graduate course(s) for which they intend to register. • Must obtain the following approvals prior to registering for the graduate course: • the undergraduate advisor, • the chair/dean of the undergraduate program, and • the director of the graduate program The approval form for this process may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar or from the office of the appropriate graduate program. The GPA requirement may be overridden by permission of both the Dean of Graduate Studies and the Program director. Tuition for undergraduate students taking graduate courses will be charged at the higher of the undergraduate or graduate rates. Graduate credits may be included within a student’s undergraduate block pricing, but the student may have additional charges if the graduate tuition is higher than the block rate. The University reserves the right to limit the number of undergraduate enrollments allowed within any given graduate section. Graduation Requirements Completion of all listed requirements for a program, including a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 within the given program is required to be certified for graduation. Application for Graduation To graduate, whether or not you plan to attend the ceremony, you must submit an application for graduation and pay any applicable fees. After you return your application to the registrar, your transcript will be audited to verify completion of degree requirements. You are encouraged to apply for graduation at least a semester in advance so that you can be informed of any problems in meeting your degree requirements. Applications must be received no later than 30 working days before commencement. After that date, applications will be deferred to the following commencement. Controlling Catalog The Graduate Catalog in use when a student first enrolls governs his/her graduation requirements unless that catalog is over five years old or that student has left and then sought to reenroll more than two years later. Consequently, that catalog should be retained and used as a guide in case changes are made in course or graduation requirements during the time the student is enrolled. A student may select a subsequent catalog if the student wishes, but all requirements from that catalog must be completed.
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