Messenger College Correspondence Program through The Department of Distance Education (DE)

The continuing education program is an external study program designed to provide educational opportunities to adult learners both ministers and laypersons of any denomination who are unable to attend classes on Messenger College campus.

What does the program offer?
- Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Arts program.
- Each course consists of an extensive study guide, syllabus, and appropriate textbook(s) developed by quality educators.
- 21 courses are presently available and others are being added periodically. Click here to see the courses offered.
- The curriculum required for A.A. or B.A. degrees are the same as required on campus, giving a full scope of college level core subjects, plus Biblical studies in the pastoral, music, and missions tracks.

Who may apply?
1. Persons whose age, life-experience, or educational background make external study preferable.
2. Alumni of Messenger College and its forerunner institutions who cannot relocate to Joplin due to job, ministry and other commitments.
3. Resident students who cannot meet their educational objectives due to scheduling constraints.
4. Handicapped persons who find enrollment in Joplin an impossibility.

What are the qualifications?
The student must be able to provide a high school transcript, showing graduation date or copy of their GED (General Education Development) grade record.

Is the DE accredited?
As an integral part of Messenger College, the continuing educational program is fully recognized. (See Messenger College accreditation).

How much does it cost to apply?
For first time students there is a nonrefundable enrollment fee of $35. The fee is waived for students of former affiliate colleges of the Pentecostal Church of God.

What is the cost?
Each course is three credit hours at $150 per credit hour - a total of $450 plus the cost of the textbook(s). Also a $25 processing fee per semester and a $10 shipping fee. The complete cost, minus the textbook(s), is $485.

Is Financial Aid available?
Yes! View our Financial Aid page or contact Susan Aleckson by clicking here.

How long does it take to complete a course?
The time for completion is one college semester as of Aug 1, 2004.

Can I transfer credit?
The Department of Distance Education will accept credits from accredited colleges which meet the requirements for the degrees. No more than twelve elective credit hours from outside the Messenger College catalog can be transferred into the degree.

Does DE offer credit for experience?
Experiential prior learning will be considered for academic credit for advanced standing. (This does not include experience in the ministry.) The credits will be appropriately documented through an extensive portfolio, and by nature and content must apply directly to the degree requirements. The application for prior learning may be submitted only after successfully completing the first 12 credit hours through Messenger College Department of Distance Education with a cumulative GPA of 2.7. A nonrefundable fee of $25 is required for processing.

May I graduate at the college ceremonies?
DE students who complete 64 credit hours for an A.A. degree or 128 credit hours for a B.A. degree may walk in the graduation ceremony with the graduates of Messenger College. We have already had graduates through DE who have participated in this exciting celebration.

For further information and enrollment forms, write to Messenger College, DE, 300 E. 50th St, Joplin, MO 64804, phone 417-624-7070 ext 161 or email awilson@messengercollege.edu.

William Shackelford
Director

Click here to see the courses presently offered through the DE.