2015-2016 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

AWord From Our President During college you will form opinions and make decisions that impact the remainder of your life. I pray those decisions lead to a life that makes a difference for Jesus Christ. As you read this catalog, I want you to know that a biblical worldview guides every course. Every professor teaches in accordance with our doctrinal statement, which makes Cedarville a place you can trust to build up your faith in every academic program. Furthermore, our Bible minor will equip you to understand the Bible and defend your theological beliefs. I call our academic studies “scholarship on fire” because our professors embody academic excellence paired with conservative theology, set ablaze by Great Commission passion. This means that Cedarville will equip you with knowledge for a brighter future, virtues for a godly life, and a desire to impact eternity. God is moving and Cedarville is experiencing exciting days. I hope you will come join us as we have fun while making a difference for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ. Until He comes, Thomas White, 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. In 2013, William Brown concluded a decade of ministry, and Thomas White became the 10th President in July. During the recent years the mission statement of the University was revised and updated for clarity. In keeping with its current mission statement, which states that 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 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 127th year of service. Profile Home to 3,600 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. 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. From this foundation, the University’s 76 undergraduate degree programs provide concentrated study leading to one of eight baccalaureate degrees. Graduate and adult programs are a growing segment of Cedarville’s educational array. Now offering five master’s and doctoral degree options in the areas of business, nursing, education, ministry, and pharmacy, these programs — three available fully online — build on the University’s undergraduate reputation, but serve the unique needs of adult students. 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. Page 2 2015–16 Undergraduate Academic Catalog Introduction A Word From Our President