School of Graduate and Continuing Studies

Jonathan Bartling, Ph.D., Associate Dean, School of Graduate and Continuing Studies

Living, learning, and faith. Here, they are united, indivisible, one. Faith is at the heart of Olivet Nazarene University.

At Olivet, the priorities go beyond providing the finest programs. The true aim of the University is to train men and women for lives of service to God and humanity. The School of Graduate and Continuing Studies meets the challenge of providing quality, innovative educational programs to fulfill the lifelong learning needs of adults, giving them the expertise they need to impact their world.

Formed in 1986 in response to a growing demand for adult education, the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies desires to accommodate the special requirements of adults who are interested in receiving an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree, but who must also continue to meet their personal and professional commitments.

Recognizing that learning continues throughout life, Olivet Nazarene University serves adults interested in pursuing graduate and undergraduate professional studies. The School of Graduate and Continuing Studies attempts to fulfill the following general objectives:

• To provide for intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth through quality degree programs that integrate education, values, and faith.
• To offer educational degree programs to adult students who appreciate the religious and ethical teachings of the University and whose occupations, family responsibilities, personal preferences, and/or geographical location do not permit them to live in residence on the campus.
• To provide an atmosphere that will stimulate intellectual curiosity and constructive critical thinking through the exploration of the ideas inherent in the liberal arts, professional traditions, and the Christian faith.
• To develop an appreciation of current research, the value of research, and an acquaintance with basic research methodology.
• To strengthen the professional competencies of students in their areas of specialization.
• To develop an increased understanding of human nature and Christian values, with an emphasis on the individual’s ethical and moral responsibilities.

Most of the programs are offered in special packages in which the degree may be earned in about two years by enrolling in classes which meet online, once a week, or in some programs, through classes which meet for one week, two or three times a year. In addition, most programs integrate study group activities. Our programs combine theory with practical experience to give working adults the skills needed to advance in today’s rapidly changing economy.

In addition to programs meeting on campus in Bourbonnais, Olivet has authorization to offer the following degree programs throughout the greater Chicago area: Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Education, and the undergraduate degree-completion programs in Business Administration and Nursing. Classes are held in Chicago’s northwest and south suburbs, downtown Chicago, Champaign, and other locations in Illinois.

Olivet’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies maintains offices in Bourbonnais (815-939-5291), in Rolling Meadows (847-590-0675), and in Oak Brook (847-481-5926). The toll free number is 877-4OLIVET (877-465-4838).

The material contained in this chapter is for information only and does not constitute a contract between the student and the University. At the time of printing, the information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge. However, the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies reserves the right to revise information, requirements, or policies; amend rules; alter regulations; and change financial charges at any time in accordance with the best interests of the institution.

The School of Graduate and Continuing Studies also reserves the right to determine the number of students in each course. If an insufficient number of students enroll for a course, the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies reserves the right to cancel the course, change the time, or provide a different professor of any course.

Accreditation

Olivet Nazarene University is committed to academic excellence. The University is accredited to offer associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1413, telephone (800) 621-7440 or (312) 263-0456, FAX (312) 263-7462 or http://www.ncahlc.org/. Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

As part of the School of Education unit, the graduate education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). All of the courses have been specifically aligned with national content-specific standards and/or Illinois State Content Area Standards. Note: Since Olivet is accountable for aligning program/course content to state and national standards, transfer credit is not accepted for any of the advanced programs. In addition, the Illinois Department of Education has approved Olivet as a degree granting institution in teacher preparation and advanced master’s degrees. The Illinois State Board of Education also has granted entitlement rights for licensure and endorsements. These programs are approved by specialty organizations and/or the State of Illinois:

History of Adult Education at Olivet

Adult education began at Olivet as early as 1949, when the North Central Association Studies committee at Olivet recommended that an increased emphasis be placed on adult education and the opportunities for lifelong learning. The focus of adult education at that time was educating returning war veterans and assisting local school teachers with certification requirements.

Graduate education at Olivet had its beginning in 1961, when the Board of Trustees authorized a Master of Arts degree with a major in Religion. The chronology of Olivet’s graduate programs:

Degree-completion programs began at Olivet in 1980. The first official off-campus program was an Associate of Arts degree established for cadets from The Salvation Army School for Officers Training based in Chicago. The history of Olivet’s degree-completion programs:

• Practical Ministries: The associate degree program with The Salvation Army continued until 1989. With the discontinuation of the associate degree for The Salvation Army, a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Practical Ministries (BSPM) specifically designed for The Salvation Army was started in 1990.
• Nursing Degree-Completion Track: In 1985, a degree-completion track in nursing for RNs began on campus. The current Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree specifically designed for registered nurses began in 1991. In addition, an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree was innaugerated in 2012.
• Administration — The Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management and the Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Leadership were first offered in 1990. The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree was first offered in 1998.
• Business — The Associate of Arts in Business (AAB) degree was first offered in 2001.

Graduate Programs

In addition to offering the Doctor of Education degree in Ethical Leadership, the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies offers courses leading to the following master’s degrees: Master of Arts with majors in Religion, Biblical Studies, Christian Ministry, Family Ministry, Pastoral Ministry, Pastoral Leadership, Urban Pastoral Leadership, and Youth Ministry; Master of Ministry; Master of Ministry (Spanish); Master of Divinity; Master of Arts with majors in Professional Counseling and School Counseling; Master of Arts in Education with majors in Curriculum and Instruction and Curriculum and Instruction (ESL), School Improvement Leadership, Reading Specialist, and Library Information Specialist; Master of Arts in Teaching, with majors in K-12, Elementary and Secondary Education; Master of Education (distance delivery) in Curriculum and Instruction; Master of Business Administration; Master of Organizational Leadership; Master of Practical Ministries (only for Salvation Army Officers); Master of Science in Nursing; Master of Arts in Philosophy of History and in Political Theory.

Undergraduate Programs

In order to meet the needs of working adults, Olivet Nazarene University offers an Associate of Arts in Business program and a number of degree completion program offerings as alternatives to the usual residential degree program. The offerings include the Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Bachelor of Science in Practical Ministries (only for Salvation Army Officers). The degree completion options have several features that are designed to make them ideal programs for adults with other responsibilities.

• Classes are either online or at locations that are convenient to students’ residences or work.
• Classes usually meet once a week, or in extended sessions at a time compatible with students’ work schedules.
• Course content is geared toward practical application in the everyday life and occupation of a student.
• Because Olivet recognizes that adult students bring a wide variety of experiences and skills with them, college credit is awarded, under specified circumstances, for some of these appropriate experiences.
• Students participate in and contribute to every class session using a variety of methods meaningful and appropriate to the adult learner.
• Student/faculty class contact hours vary based on the objectives and intended outcomes of each course.
• Adult cooperative learning strategies are utilized.

Graduate Programs — SGCS

• Doctoral Studies Program - SGCS  
• Business Master’s Programs - SGCS  
• Practical Ministries Program - SGCS  
• Counseling Programs - SGCS  
• Education Graduate Programs - SGCS  
• Theological and Ministerial Programs - SGCS  
• Nursing - SGCS  

Undergraduate Programs — SGCS

• General Education Requirements, Undergraduate Programs - SGCS