Getting an education in today’s world involves trying to balance competing priorities, multiple deadlines, and rising costs without losing perspective on who and what is most important to you. Our Mission is to provide you with accessible education that allows you to study at your own pace while maintaining your commitments to family, community, ministry, and vocation.
Independent Study
Whether you are getting a head start before coming to campus, supplementing another educational program, satisfying a personal goal of lifelong learning, or pursuing an entire degree, Independent Study is a great way to pursue education at your convenience. You can enroll in a course at anytime. We process your course order as soon as we receive it. Your course materials include carefully prepared study guides to assist in organizing your time and maximizing your learning experience as well as action projects that integrate your learning experience within your local church or community. The Independent Study advantage allows you to:
- Begin at any time
- Study at your own pace
- Earn college-level credit
- Pursue an A.A. Degree from home
Program Information
Life Pacific College offers courses for independent study through an online format. These courses are self-paced and students can enroll at any time of year. Once enrolled, students can enter their class at anytime from anywhere they can access a computer with an internet connection. Upon ordering a course, the student will receive a username and password to access the course site within Life Pacific College Moodle course management system. Within the course site, students will access course materials, submit assignments, participate in discussion boards, and find links to helpful resources. Students can order their textbooks online through MBS Direct or alternate online book sellers.
Testimonials
“Independent Studies worked for me because I was able to go at my own pace. The classes were affordable, and I was able to get a head start at LPC while not living on campus. Independent Studies is great for someone who is driven and self motivated. I had the ability to plan my study time around my schedule and involvement in the current church I was serving.” Steven Lamb, ’13
Tuition
| Cost & Aid for 2013-2014 | |
|---|---|
| Independent Study Tuition (Per Unit) | $150 |
FAQ
What is the purpose of Independent Study courses?
Independent Studies is one of several distance learning options offered by Life Pacific College (LPC) to provide accessible education to students while allowing them to maintain commitments to family, community, ministry, and vocation. The courses are designed to provide students with biblical and theological knowledge, ministerial skills, and general education from the Christian perspective.
Who should enroll in Independent Study?
Independent Study courses are designed for self-disciplined, highly motivated individuals who desire maximum flexibility in establishing their own study schedule and pace due to work, family, or other personal obligations. Students can earn an Associate’s degree in Biblical Studies or simply take individual courses to apply toward another degree program at LPC or to transfer to another college.
How are Independent Study courses scheduled?
Students can begin courses at any time and have six months from the date of enrollment to complete each course with the option to apply for a six-month extension ($25 fee).
What are the courses like?
Independent Study courses are offered in an online format. Requirements consist of exams, an Individual Study Assignment, and an Action Project. Students will fill out study guides as they read through the required textbooks and course materials to prepare for the examinations. Exams are monitored by a licensed member of the church staff. In content, credits, work, and quality, all courses are designed to be equivalent to courses taught in residence at Life Pacific College. The courses come under LPC’s accreditation, can be applied to LPC’s Bachelor’s degree programs, and qualify for transfer to most other colleges and universities.
How much time should I expect to put into a course?
Students should plan to invest 35–40 hours per unit of credit to complete a course, as all credits are semester-hour credits designed to be the equivalent to courses based on a 15-week semester and a class hour of 50 minutes.
What courses are available and what are the costs?
A listing of available courses and their cost is available on Course Enrollment Form and Course Summaries.
Is federal financial aid available? Are Veterans Benefits available?
Federal financial aid is not available for Independent Studies. However, the tuition for Independent Study courses is approximately one-third the cost of the traditional program.
Veterans may apply for benefits when enrolled in the Associate of Arts Degree program. The student must provide a copy of his or her discharge papers (DD214) and Certificate of Eligibility (22–0557). For further information regarding this benefit, call (800) 827-1000 or go to gibill.va.gov.
What are the requirements for admission?
Applicants must have earned a high school diploma or GED and provide evidence of a genuine Christian faith.
How do I enroll in Independent Study courses?
If you simply wish to take individual courses, you will need to complete a non-degree seeking application, a high school diploma or equivalent, and a brief statement on your Christian faith. You will also need to fill out a Course Enrollment Form to enroll into the individual classes that you wish to take.
If you wish to apply for the Associate’s Degree program, you will need to complete a degree-seeking application, provide a pastor’s reference and official transcripts from high school and any other colleges attended, and submit a $35 application fee.
Life Launch
Want to get a head start on your education? Life Launch is designed just for you! Earn college credit while still attending High School.
Program Info
Life Launch is a program designed to give motivated high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to enroll in accredited, college level courses through the Distance Learning Department at Life Pacific College while still being enrolled in high school. After taking up to 12 college credits, students will be well on their way to graduating almost a semester early from college with either their BA or AA degree!
FAQ
What are the courses like?
The Life Launch program utilizes LPC’s Independent Study courses which are provided online. Students can enter their class at anytime from anywhere they can access a computer with an internet connection. Upon ordering a course, the student will receive a username and password to LPC’s online system. Students can order their textbooks online through MBS Direct. Within the course site, students will access course materials, submit assignments, participate in discussion boards, and find links to helpful resources. The course materials contain instructions to guide the student through the course content in preparation for exams and assignments. Exams are monitored by a licensed member of the church staff. In content, credits, work, and quality, all courses are designed to be equivalent to courses taught in residence at Life Pacific College. All coursework is graded for college credit, is applicable to LPC’s Bachelor’s degree programs, and may be transferable to other accredited institutions.
How are Independent Study courses scheduled?
Students can begin courses at any time and have six months from the date of enrollment to complete each course with the option to apply for a six-month extension ($25 fee).