2011-2012 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

Page 2 2011–12 Undergraduate Catalog Introduction Admissions Academic Information Academic Departments Course Descriptions Financial Information Appendix Index AWord From Our President Cedarville University’s Christ- centered learning community provides an exceptional environment in which to prepare for your life’s career and ministry. We pray each student’s experience at Cedarville is marked by tremendous growth — intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Those of us in the Cedarville family are committed to equipping students for lifelong leadership and service for our Lord by offering an education marked by excellence and grounded in biblical truth. Christians have countless opportunities to engage the world for Christ through business, medicine, law, engineering, education, the pastorate, missions, public office, counseling, and many other professions. At Cedarville, we strive to challenge you in pursuing a heart for God, forming a mind for truth, making friends for life, and committing to service for eternity. We want you to be both a committed Christian and a competent professional so that you can make a difference in this world for Jesus Christ. This catalog is designed to answer many questions you may have. All of us in the faculty, staff, and administration at Cedarville stand ready to assist and encourage you. God Bless, William B. Brown, Ph.D. President, Cedarville University 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 an 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 and challenges within the denomination led to hard times for the College. Following World War II and one final attempt at revitalization, the trustees realized that the enrollment could not support expenses. The College would either have to find another church group to assume its operation or close its doors. At the same 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 became 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. Under Dr. Jeremiah’s leadership, the College earned state recognition of its education program and regional accreditation from the North Central Association in 1975. 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. Dr. Paul Dixon was then called to lead Cedarville College. Through his leadership, the College flourished in every area. The number of students grew to nearly 3,000 and the number of programs to more than 100. New majors included professional programs in business, engineering, and nursing. The campus moved to the cutting edge in the field of higher education with a state-of-the-art computer network and new facilities to handle its growth. In April of 2000, the board of trustees voted to change the designation of the institution from college to university effective September 1, 2000. As Dr. Dixon moved into a new role as chancellor, the board of trustees appointed Dr. Bill Brown to serve as president. Dr. Brown continues the growth and advancement of Cedarville University through new facilities and the development of the new pharmacy program. In addition, Dr. Brown’s focus on biblical worldview thinking is evidenced in the continued commitment to daily chapel, Christian ministry, and the Bible minor, along with development of new research centers dedicated to bioethics and politics. Under his leadership, the future looks bright for Cedarville University as it seeks God’s continued blessing and enters its 124th year of service with approximately 3,200 students. Profile Home to 3,200 Christian students, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist university of arts, sciences, professional, and graduate programs located in southwest Ohio. Since its founding in 1887, Cedarville has maintained its commitment to biblical truth and academic excellence to equip students for academic success, professional leadership, and spiritual influence. This intentional focus has earned Cedarville a national reputation as a leader in the liberal arts, health sciences, and professional programs, including graduate offerings in education and nursing and a first professional program in pharmacy. Cedarville’s undergraduate curriculum is built upon a liberal arts core including biblical education, communications, global studies, humanities, physical education, science and mathematics, and the social sciences. The University’s 79 major fields of study build upon this core and provide concentrated study leading to one of eight baccalaureate degrees. Master’s and doctoral programs, built upon the University’s strong undergraduate reputation, are also available. 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” which 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.