SPECIAL PROGRAMS
The campus-based residential program offers a number of unique offerings in order to serve a wider range of students. These programs are generally not available to students pursuing degrees through the adult and graduate programs.
GATEWAY TO LEARNING
Southern Wesleyan University, as a community of scholars, opens its doors to students who may not be pursuing a degree at the time they are taking classes. Those students who choose not to work toward a degree at Southern Wesleyan may register for up to two courses per semester by completing the GATEWAY TO LEARNING application, which must be completed for each term in attendance. The student may earn a maximum of eighteen hours before being required to register as a regular student. This program is also available for students who desire to audit classes. The following describes the special categories of Gateway students.
1. High School Students
High school students enrolled in their senior year or (with special permission) their junior year may take one freshman-level course each term at Southern Wesleyan University. They must complete the GATEWAY TO LEARNING application, obtained through the Admissions Office, which includes permission of their guidance counselor or principal. Tuition for regular courses is $50.00 per semester hour. High school Gateway students will also be charged a $125.00 per semester technology fee.
2. Degreed Students
Students who have been awarded a baccalaureate degree by an accredited college or university and have been out of college for more than one year may enroll for courses at Southern Wesleyan University by completing the GATEWAY TO LEARNING application. Tuition for regular courses is 50% of the normal rate. For special arrangements (such as tutorial, directed study, summer school or private lessons), tuition will be at the normal rate. Degreed Gateway students will also be charged a $125.00 per semester technology fee.
3. Transient Students
Transient students will be accepted for this program with the written approval of the home institution. The regular tuition schedule applies. Unclassified Gateway students will also be charged a $125.00 per semester technology fee in addition to regular tuition costs.
4. Senior Citizens
Persons aged sixty or above may enroll in regular courses at Southern Wesleyan University at no cost as a GATEWAY TO LEARNING student on a space-available basis. If credit is desired, a $5.00 per hour recording fee will be charged. Specific course fees (for example, laboratory, private lessons) will be charged.
COOPERATIVE PROGRAMS
ClemsonUniversity
Students who have been accepted by Southern Wesleyan University may take courses at Clemson University to strengthen their major course of study or as elective courses. Students who wish to participate in this cooperative program must register for the course and pay tuition fees at Southern Wesleyan University. No fees are paid to Clemson University by the student. The following regulations apply:
1. Enrollment in courses in the cooperative program with Clemson University is separate and distinct from regular admission to Southern Wesleyan University.
2. The student must have never been denied regular undergraduate admission to Clemson University.
3. The courses must not be offered at Southern Wesleyan during the school session the student desires to register for the course.
4. Students (during their undergraduate program) cannot enroll for more than a cumulative maximum of 15 semester hours.
5. Permission to take course work through the CU-Southern Wesleyan University Cooperative Program will require prior satisfactory completion of at least twelve semester hours at Southern Wesleyan University and a GPA of 2.5 on all work attempted or permission of the coordinator of the cooperative program.
6. Copies of the Southern Wesleyan University transcript, Special Student Admission Form from Clemson University, and Request For Courses Form from Southern Wesleyan University are to be submitted to the coordinator of the cooperative program during the registration prior to the semester in which the course work is to be taken.
7. Students who drop a course for which they are registered in the cooperative program must complete drop forms at both institutions. If dropping a course causes a student to fall to zero hours at Clemson University, the student must also separately withdraw from that university.
8. Students participating in the cooperative program must abide by the regulations of both Southern Wesleyan University and Clemson University.
9. Arrangements for participation in the CU-Southern Wesleyan University Cooperative Program must be made with the coordinator of the program.
10. Participation in the program is available during May and summer sessions only if the student pays regular Southern Wesleyan University tuition and any charges exceeding that amount.
Army and Air Force ROTC
Students who are accepted by Southern Wesleyan University may register for either the Army or Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps at Clemson University. Four- and two-year programs are available. The four-year program consists of the General Military Course (GMC) for freshmen and sophomores, and the Professional Officer Course (POC) for juniors and seniors. Students may enter the POC as juniors under the two-year program by applying early in the fall of their sophomore year.
Students who complete the basic program may receive four semester credit hours of elective or physical education activity credit. Students selected for the advanced program will receive twelve semester hours of elective credit upon completion of the program.
Scholarships are available for students enrolled in ROTC. Air Force ROTC juniors and seniors who are not receiving scholarships may be eligible to receive $1500 incentive per semester for tuition and fees plus $225 per semester for books. Students attending Clemson or Southern Wesleyan may also receive three- and two-year scholarships. All scholarship cadets, juniors, and seniors receive an additional $200 per month to use as desired.
All classes are taught by Clemson University ROTC personnel. There is no tuition charge.
Cadets who complete ROTC and satisfy commissioning requirements are appointed as officers. Opportunities exist for graduate study once on active duty, with temporary deferments to active duty possible.
Specific information and requirements should be obtained from the cooperative program coordinator at 864-656-3254.
Criminal Justice (Police Science)
Students completing an associate's degree program in criminal justice at an accredited college or technical institution may transfer credit from that curriculum to Southern Wesleyan University, where they may then complete a bachelor's degree in psychology in two years. This option will result in earning a B.A. degree with a major in psychology and a minor in criminal justice. More information may be obtained form the Office of Admissions at Southern Wesleyan University.
Medical Technology
Students accepted by Southern Wesleyan University may receive specialized training in medical technology by spending their final year of college residence at an institution that offers the necessary courses in medical technology and is acceptable to Southern Wesleyan University. The university cannot guarantee acceptance at such an institution. A total of 33 or more semester credit hours will be recorded on a P or NC basis upon completion of the year of hospital residence. Students who desire specialized training in medical technology should complete all the general requirements for graduation during their residence at Southern Wesleyan University and have 95 semester hours of credit before entering a medical technology school.
A student must have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA and the approval of the chair of the Division of Science before application for hospital residence is submitted. Upon satisfactory completion of the prescribed program in medical technology, the student is awarded a B.S. in Medical Technology from Southern Wesleyan University and is eligible to take the examination for certification as a Medical Technologist.
Certified Medical Laboratory Technicians may work toward Medical Technology certification at Southern Wesleyan University in two ways. First, they may earn a B.A. in biology, and, with specified work experience, establish eligibility to take the certification exam. Second, they may establish such eligibility by earning a B.S. in medical technology. (See descriptions of these programs under Science Division for requirements.) In either case, at least 60 hours of post-junior college credit, including 32 hours in residence at Southern Wesleyan University, and all of the general graduation requirements must be earned.
Nursing
Southern Wesleyan University does not offer a nursing degree. It does offer the first two years of pre-nursing courses. Students may then transfer to a qualified nursing school, such as Clemson University, for their junior and senior years to complete their nursing degree. Southern Wesleyan University cannot guarantee acceptance into any nursing school.
OFF-CAMPUS PROGRAMS
Council for ChristianCollegesand Universities
The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) is an international higher education association of intentionally Christian colleges and universities with 105 members in North America and 67 affiliate institutions in 24 countries. Its mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help member institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.
A student may participate in off-campus programs other than those sponsored by Southern Wesleyan University or by CCCU. However, such programs must be evaluated by the provost before the student applies to the program.
The CCCU offers many off-campus semester and summer programs to students of its member institutions. The programs offer a unique opportunity for students go beyond the limits of the traditional college experience and to make the world their classroom.
Applying to CCCU Off-Campus Programs
For more information about these interdisciplinary learning opportunities students should visit the CCCU off-campus programs website at www.bestsemester.com. Students interested in participating in any CCCU off-campus program should contact Dr. Steve Hayduk, the SWU Coordinator of CCCU Cooperative Programs.
In general, the application deadline for spring 2005 programs is October 15, 2004 and the application deadline for fall 2005 programs is March 31, 2005. However, the application deadlines to the various CCCU programs can differ from site to site. Therefore, students should work closely with the SWU program coordinator to ensure that all CCCU deadlines are met.
Eligibility
As a general rule to be eligible for participation in the CCCU cooperative programs:
1. Applicants must be full-time students enrolled in the university’s residential campus program.
2. Applicants must have at least sophomore standing and at least two semesters in attendance at SWU.
3. Applicants must enroll as a full-time student for at least one semester immediately following their participation in the CCCU program.
4. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.75.
5. Applicants must be in good standing academically and socially.
Cost
Students participating in an off-campus CCCU program pay the regular full semester charges for tuition, room, and board to Southern Wesleyan University. The university then pays the CCCU program fees. Students are responsible for any CCCU program fees above those charged by Southern Wesleyan University. Airfare from a hub site in the U.S. to international programs is typically included in the fee. However, airfare to the U.S. hub site is typically not included.
Financial Aid
Any external sources of financial aid (for example: grants, scholarships, and loans) are applicable to the off-campus program. Institutional aid, however, is not automatically available. Generally, institutional aid is limited to two students per academic year, with preference given to students participating in a CCCU program.
To be granted permission to us institutional aid for a CCCU program students must adhere to the following procedure.
Permission to Use Institutional Aid
1. The student completes and returns the permission application to Dr. Steven Hayduk, SWU Coordinator of CCCU programs.
2. Dr. Hayduk presents the materials to the SWU selection committee. The selection committee will review the permission application and may request additional information and an interview with the applicant.
3. The selection committee will inform applicants of their status within 30 days following the meeting.
Pl note that being selected to use institutional aid does not guarantee acceptance into a CCCU program. Application and acceptance to CCCU off-campus programs is a completely separate process and is done through the CCCU.
If a student is granted permission to use institutional aid and is not selected to a CCCU program, the permission may be granted to another applicant.
Deadline for Permission to Use Institutional Aid
The deadlines for asking for permission to use SWU institutional aid are:
October 1: For spring semester CCCU programs
March 15: For fall semester CCCU programs
Selection Criteria for Granting the Use of Institutional Aid:
The selection committee will consider the following criteria when considering granting permission to a student to use institutional aid.
1. Rationale: the relevance of the off-campus program to the student’s academic major and/or plans for graduate school
2. The student’s cumulative GPA
3. The student’s plan for sharing the experience with the SWU community
4. Citizenship: The student’s degree of campus involvement and judicial record
American Studies Program (ASP)
The American Studies Program uses Washington as a stimulating educational laboratory where collegians gain hands-on experience with an internship in their chosen field and explore pressing national and international issues in public policy seminars which are issue-oriented, interdisciplinary, and led by ASP faculty and Washington professionals. Internships are tailored to fit the student’s talents and aspirations and are available in a wide range of fields. ASP bridges classroom and marketplace, combining biblical reflection, policy analysis, and real-world experience. Students earn 16 semester hours of credit.
AustraliaStudies Centre at Wesley Institute
The ASC seeks to prepare students to live the Christian life in a world that is religiously and culturally pluralistic, whether that’s in Australia, North America, or other parts of the world. Students are encouraged to think through their role as kingdom builders in a Western world that is increasingly secular both intellectually and culturally. Students are further challenged to grapple with the meaning of being salt and light in the culture-shaping arena of the professional performing artist.
ChinaStudies Program (CSP)
The China Studies Program allows students to experience Chinese civilization firsthand. Students participate in seminar courses on the historical, cultural, religious, geographical and economic realities of this strategic and populous nation. In addition to the study of standard Chinese, students will be given such opportunities as assisting Chinese students learning English or working in an orphanage, allowing for one-on-one interaction. The program seeks to introduce students to the diversity of China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an. This interdisciplinary, cross-cultural program of study enables Christian students to deal with this increasingly important part of the world in an informed, Christ-centered way. Students earn 16 semester hours of credit.
ContemporaryMusic Center
Students spend their semester gaining hands-on experience in recording, performing, producing, and marketing contemporary music. Students choose to study within either an artist track or an executive track. The artist track program includes song writing, studio recording and performance, and composing music in preparation for a concert tour. The focus of the executive track program is artist management; artists, repertoire, and music; marketing; and sales. Students earn 16 semester hours of credit.
Latin American Studies Program (LASP)
The Latin American Studies Program (based in San Jose, Costa Rica) seeks to introduce students to as wide a range of Latin American experiences as possible through the study of the language, literature, culture, politics, history, economics, ecology, and religion of the region. Living with a Costa Rican family, students experience and become a part of the day-to-day lives of typical Latin Americans. Students also participate in a service opportunity and travel for three weeks to nearby Latin American nations. Students participate in one of four concentrations: Latin American Studies (offered both fall and spring terms); Advanced Language and Literature (limited to Spanish majors and offered both fall and spring terms); International Business and Management (offered only in the fall term); and Tropical Sciences (offered only in the spring term). Students in all concentrations earn 16 semester hours of credit.
Los AngelesFilm Studies Center(LAFSC)
The Los Angeles Film Studies Center is designed to train students to serve in various aspects of the film industry with both professional skill and Christian integrity. Students live, learn, and work in the Los Angeles area near major studios. The curriculum consists of two required seminars focusing on the role of film in culture and the relationship of faith to work in this very important industry. In addition, students choose two elective courses from a variety of offerings in film studies. Internships in various segments of the film industry provide students with hands-on experience. Students earn 16 semester hours of credit.
Middle EastStudies Program (MESP)
The Middle East Studies Program, based in Cairo, Egypt, allows students to explore and interact with the complex and strategic world of the modern Middle East. The interdisciplinary seminars give students the opportunity to explore the diverse religious, social, cultural, and political traditions of Middle Eastern people. In addition to seminars, students study the Arabic language and work as volunteers with various organizations in Cairo. Through travel to Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Turkey, students are exposed to the diversity and dynamism of the region. The MESP encourages and equips students to relate to the Muslim world in an informed, constructive, and Christ-centered manner at a time of tension and change. Students earn 16 semester hours of credit.
OxfordHonors Program (OHP)
Honors and other highly qualified students of council member institutions have the opportunity to study in England through an interdisciplinary semester at Oxford University. The rigorous academic program, aimed at increasing critical thinking skills and scholarship from an integrated Christian perspective, allows participants to choose from a wide variety of tutorial study programs in numerous disciplines, including the arts, religion, history, literature, and philosophy. In addition to two Oxford tutorials, students participate in a seminar and an integrative course through which they produce a scholarly project or term paper. Field trips provide opportunities for experiential learning in England's rich historical setting. Students earn 16 semester hours of credit.
OxfordSummer School
The summer equivalent of the Oxford Honors Program allows students of council member institutions to spend a summer term studying at the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies (CMRS) of Keble College at Oxford University. The program includes multi-disciplinary study of the Renaissance and Reformation through examination of philosophy, art, literature, science, music, politics, and religion of early modern Europe in a choice of lectures, seminars, and field trips. Students earn 6-9 semester credits, which are administered directly to member institutions by CMRS.
Russian Studies Program (RSP)
Students in the Russian Studies Program are exposed to the depth and diversity of Russian culture during a semester spent in Russia’s three largest cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Nizhni Novgorod. Students complete three seminar courses: History and Sociology of Religion in Russia; Russian Peoples, Cultures and Literature; and Russia in Transition; they also receive instruction in the Russian language, choosing either four or six semester hours of language coursework. For those opting for four hours of Russian, a seminar course entitled International Relations and Business in Russia is available. Students begin with time in Moscow; then spend twelve weeks in Nizhni Novgorod, a strategic city on the Volga River. After six weeks of language instruction, students live with a Russian family for the remainder of their stay in this city. Students also participate in a service opportunity in Nizhni Novgorod. The program concludes with time in St. Petersburg, the Russian “window to the West.” Students earn 16 semester hours of credit.
Summer Institute of Journalism (SIJ)
Council campuses are invited to choose two student journalists to apply for this four-week, all-expenses paid experience in Washington, DC. Fifteen students are selected to participate in the institute, which lasts from mid-May to mid-June. The institute blends classroom experience with hands-on work and is an excellent opportunity to learn through lectures and panels with leading journalists who share a strong Christian commitment. Participants also participate in seminars taught by communications professors from council member institutions, take part in field trips, and complete workshop projects for local newspapers. The course provides valuable insight and training in gathering and writing news, editing copy, and designing layout. Students earn four semester hours of credit.
UgandaStudies Program
The Uganda Studies Program (USP) seeks to prepare students to live the Christian life in a world that is religiously and culturally pluralistic, whether in Africa, North America, or other parts of the world. The USP seeks to introduce students to the dynamic world of the Global South, focused in the vibrant East African nation of Uganda. Christianity here is joyful and growing rapidly, even as it engages Islam and secularization. USP students will move through this society first in the classes and dormitories of Uganda Christian University and then as humble learners observing places and people of interest around the country.