Published October 2, 2019 in Summit Magazine
Clarks Summit University offers a wide range of online learning options in addition to the traditional on-campus programs. From high school students wanting to jump start their undergraduate education to experienced professionals looking to further their career, CSU provides flexible and faith-based learning. All online degrees are fully accredited, and their benefits go beyond the convenience of flexible locations and schedules. Not only do students gain practical career preparation; they will experience CSU’s culture of community and mentorship as they interact with professors and classmates.
New Executive Director
In CSU’s commitment to advancing their online programs, the university hired Erica Young in the cabinet-level position of executive director of online education. Young was first hired at CSU in 2009, and in five years, she advanced to director of educational technology. She was most recently the lead instructional designer for digital initiatives at Purdue University and adjunct instructor for Purdue’s Brian Lamb School of Communication. She earned her undergraduate degree from Penn State University and her Master of Science in Education in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University.
Dr. Jim Lytle, CSU president, says, “Having her in this cabinet-level position will ensure that we produce excellent online education—the best possible classes taught by the best possible teachers in the best possible way for each student.”
Dr. Bill Higley, vice president for academics, agrees, calling Young’s hire, “a key component of growing our online program.” He believes CSU’s online programs offer flexibility for the busy adult learner. “All our courses feature active group discussion every week,” he continues, citing this intentional building of personal interaction between peers and instructors as one element that sets CSU online programs apart from independent-study-style courses offered elsewhere.
Young plans to expand offerings and help CSU’s culture show even more strongly through the online environment, ensuring online students benefit from the mentoring on-campus students receive. Young appreciates how both CSU’s online and on-campus programs share a unique outcome. “It provides students with a framework for how to think. It helps people to develop not just what they know but who they are. In other words, it helps students not only build knowledge but character as well.”
CSU’s online programs include high school dual enrollment, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, degree completion, master’s degrees with various concentrations and programs and seminary degrees.
High School Dual Enrollment
High School Dual Enrollment allows high school juniors and seniors to take CSU courses, fulfilling high school requirements as they earn college credit. The credits are offered at a discounted rate, and students who enroll as full-time, on-campus undergraduates at CSU following their high school graduation get their dual enrollment tuition investment back through a scholarship.
Associate & Bachelor’s Degrees
Online undergraduate degrees are ideal for adult learners who want to start a new professional path or advance within their current career. Both two- and four-year degrees allow for customization through plenty of electives. A unique Degree Completion program allows adults to finish the degree they previously started, allowing a large number of electives for credits to transfer in. Find a full list on page 21.
Master’s Degrees
Online master’s degrees can be earned in as little as two years through courses offered in manageable eight-week sessions. With multiple concentrations within the master’s programs, students are able to tailor their learning experience to fit their goals and interests. Find a full list on page 24.
Seminary Master’s and Doctoral Degrees
Baptist Bible Seminary at CSU offers Christ-focused, Scripture-driven programs with both practical ministry experience and valuable mentoring from BBS’s highly qualified faculty, each with a doctoral degree and years of ministry experience. Find a full list on page 25.
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