2012-2013 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

Page 2 2012–13 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 E. 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 students with an education that was offered within a spiritual framework. Affiliated with the Reformed Presbyterian Church, the College attracted many local students and built its first building, now known as “Founders Hall,” in 1895. Soon, Cedarville attracted a growing number of students and 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. After multiple attempts at revitalization, the trustees realized the school was no longer sustainable. The College would have to find another school with which to merge, another denomination 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 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, 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 continued to flourish in every area, and by the end of his tenure in 2003, there were nearly 3,000 students, more than 100 programs of study, and many new facilities. In April of 2000, the board of trustees voted to change the designation of the institution. Effective September 1, 2000, Cedarville College became Cedarville University. William Brown took the helm of the institution in October 2003, poised to advance it forward into the next century. He did so through an expressed focus on training students to effectively engage the culture around them by thinking critically and serving compassionately. Although much has changed since Cedarville’s founding, the mission of the University has remained unchanged: to be a “Christ-centered learning community equipping students for lifelong leadership and service through an education marked by excellence and grounded in biblical truth.” As a result, Cedarville has uniquely advanced liberal arts and professional programs alongside a conservative theological position. The faculty continues to be comprised solely of dedicated Christian professors who integrate the knowledge of their respective fields with key biblical perspectives. The future looks bright for Cedarville University as it seeks God’s continued blessing in this, its 125th year of service. Profile Home to 3,300 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 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 85 undergraduate degree programs 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.