Will a college degree make a difference in my career?

In our increasingly competitive marketplace, employers are placing greater value on education than ever before. Today, college graduates earn on average an income of 75% more than high school graduates. Individuals with a master’s degree will earn an income of 110% more than high school graduates on average.*

*The Big Payoff: Educational Attainment and Synthetic Estimates of Work-life Earnings (July 2002 Issue) U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Surveys, March 1998, 1999, and 2000.

Is an online format comparable to the traditional residential, on-campus format of classes?

Yes, numerous studies have demonstrated that students pursuing online degrees perform as well or better than their on-campus counterparts. In the book, The No Significant Difference Phenomenon, author Thomas L. Russell cites 355 research reports, papers, and summaries that found no significant difference between online and in-class learning. Where a difference was identified, it generally favored the online student.*

*Russell, T. L. (2001). The No Significant Difference Phenomenon: A Comparative Research Annotated Bibliography on Technology for Distance Education: As Reported in 355 Research Reports, Summaries and Papers. IDECC.

What is the difference between online and residential class formats?

• Online degree programs are completed at a distance from Mission U’s campus through participation in online coursework and instruction. Most online courses last 5-6 weeks.
• Residential degree programs are primarily completed on Mission U’s campus through participation in seated, face-to-face, lecture-format instruction. Most residential classes last 15-16 weeks.

How fast can I complete my degree?

Degree completion time greatly depends on the chosen program and the amount of transfer credit you may have.

• For undergraduate level online degree programs, the more credits you transfer in, the faster you will complete your degree online. You may be able to earn credit for professional training through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), or by utilizing credit from previous college courses you have completed.
• For graduate level online degree programs, it depends on the program and the amount of time you have available to spend on your classes.

Does Mission U accept transfer credit?

YES. Mission U accepts transfer credits from regionally and nationally accredited institutions of higher learning. Be sure to send in all your official transcripts so that we may evaluate all potential credit and award you the maximum credit possible.

Can I receive college credit for prior training and experience?

YES. At Mission U, we recognize that learning takes place both inside and outside college classrooms, and we understand that what you have learned is more important than where or how you learned it. Since adult learners can attain college-level knowledge in many ways, we offer the opportunity to earn college credit based on your previous training and experience. Please refer to our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) policy for more information.

What happens if I move to a new location?

The benefit of pursuing a degree with Mission U is that it does not make a difference where you are located while completing an online degree program. You can take Mission U’s online classes from anywhere in the world as long as you have access to the internet and an electronic device.

When and how often do I have to be online for class?

When and how long you log in during the week is completely up to you. Mission U’s online courses are asynchronous, which offers you the flexibility to complete assignments at the time of day that is most convenient for you. There are no specific required login times during the week. As long as you meet the deadlines specified by the professor for turning in assignments, you can complete your coursework at any time of the day or night.

This level of flexibility allows you to fit school into your busy schedule, while simultaneously providing enough structure to keep you on track to ensure successful completion of your degree.

How do I know when my assignments will be due? 

Important coursework deadlines will be in your class syllabus, which will be embedded within your online course. Calendar due date reminders are also embedded in your online course as a part of Populi, our online Learning Management System (LMS).

How much time will I need to spend on coursework each day/week?

On average, students will need to allocate approximately 3-4 hours per day or 20-25 hours per week to complete their weekly coursework.

What are the online program policies and procedures?

The online program policies and procedures regarding online attendance, academic honesty, grading scale, due dates, and late penalties may be found here and in the Online Academic Catalog, which may be viewed here.

What technology do I need for my online classes?

You will need access to the following technology:

• Electronic Device (desktop computer, laptop, iPad, smartphone, etc.)
• Internet
• Microsoft Office

Will I have access to campus resources?

YES. It’s important to us that you have everything you need for success in your classes. Once you enroll and register for classes, you will receive access to such resources as the G.B. Vick Memorial Library. Mission U’s Library resources include databases, electronic journals, e-books, and more. Your instructors will also ensure you’re well equipped to complete the coursework.

QUESTIONS ABOUT COSTS AND FINANCIAL AID

What is the cost for online degree program classes at Mission U?

• Undergraduate (associate & bachelor’s) classes = $395.00 per credit hour.
• Graduate (master’s) classes = $425.00 per credit hour.
• Student fee = $325.00 per term (if enrolled in 9-12 credit hours undergraduate or 6-9 credit hours graduate) OR $225.00 (if enrolled in 3-6 credit hours undergraduate or 3 credit hours graduate) .

Please refer to Mission U’s Online Tuition and Fees page for more information.

How are Mission U’s prices in comparison with other programs of this type?

Compared to other colleges, our programs are reasonably priced. When comparing programs, it is important to take into consideration two things: flexibility and total cost. Flexibility is important because there are many schools that provide low cost education to adults, but these courses are generally scheduled around traditional aged students’ schedules making them inconvenient for adults. Secondly, our programs feature no hidden costs. Our total price includes the tuition and fees.

How will I be able to afford this?

Paying for education is a worry for nearly all the students at any level, but getting an education offers advanced career options and other opportunities. There are also several ways one can pay for education. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement (total or partial). In addition, students may be eligible for federal or state grants as well as federal student loans.

What is financial aid?

Financial aid is any kind of money that is either given or loaned to a student for a period of time, which can assist in paying for school.

Does Mission U offer institutional financial aid for online degree programs?

YES. Prospective students may be eligible to receive a tuition discount toward online degree program courses for the following:

• Alumni of Mission U (former students)
• Graduates of Mission U
• Members of Mission U supporting churches
• Missionaries and their immediate family (spouse or children)

Is Mission U approved to receive Federal and State financial aid?

YES. Mission U has been approved to receive both Federal and State financial aid funds.

Does Mission U accept employer assistance or reimbursements?

YES. For specific terms regarding your employer’s reimbursement and tuition assistance policies, please see your employee handbook or inquire at your company about the program. Mission U is happy to work with students and companies to ensure that education is affordable and easy to access.

Does Mission U accept military benefits?

YES. Mission U accepts all applicable military benefits (e.g. GI Bill®, etc.). It is important for you to obtain, complete, and submit the appropriate forms for your benefits to be secured. To begin the process, the student should contact his or her respective educational liaison within the appropriate military organization. Guidance on this process can be provided by our in-house VA representative.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

How do I apply for financial aid?

By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you are applying for federal grants and loans, along with state grants. The Financial Aid Office cannot determine your financial aid eligibility until you have completed and signed the FAFSA. The FAFSA must be completed annually.

What information do I need in order to complete the FAFSA?

The FAFSA will ask for specific tax information. Therefore, you will need to be prepared to enter information that can be found on the following items:

• Your (and your parents’, if you are a dependent student) 1040 tax forms from last year.
• Any W2 forms from your employer (and your parents’ employer, if you are a dependent student) from last year.

How can I make sure that Mission U receives all of my financial aid information?

This is very important! When asked to enter your school code on the FAFSA, please remember us! Mission U’s SCHOOL CODE IS: 013208.

How will I know my financial aid eligibility?

For students enrolling in an online degree program, financial aid award letters will be e-mailed to you after program acceptance and successful completion of the FAFSA (if applicable). The financial aid award letters include an award letter that will show your financial aid eligibility by listing the names and amounts of all awards offered to you. It will also include a copy of a billing estimate that informs you of your estimated charges and the out-of-pocket costs.

QUESTIONS ABOUT ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT

What online degree programs does Mission U currently offer?

• Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies (60 credit hours)
• Associate of Arts in Business Administration (60 credit hours)
• Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies (120 credit hours)
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (120 credit hours)
• Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (36 credit hours)
• Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling (39 – 45 credit hours)
• Master of Arts in Church Ministry (30 credit hours)
• Master of Business Administration (36 credit hours) (multiple concentrations available)
• Master of Divinity (75 credit hours) (multiple tracks available)
• Master of Education: Educational Leadership (36 credit hours)

How do I apply for admission?

You may either apply online or over the phone. Since every online student has unique needs and questions, Mission U’s online admissions team will help you throughout the admission process. To get started today, complete an application, email onlinedegrees@mission.edu, or call (417) 268-6000.

What are the admissions requirements for Mission U’s online degree programs?

• Undergraduate First-Time Students – We only require that you confirm that you have completed high school.
• Undergraduate Transfer Students – We require that you confirm that you have completed high school and provide copies of transcripts from all previous accredited college-level coursework.
• Graduate – All graduate programs require your bachelor’s degree’s official transcript.

Where should I send my documents?

Please scan and send all unofficial college transcripts to onlinedegrees@mission.edu.

Please mail all official college transcripts to:
Mission University
Attn: Online Admissions
628 East Kearney Street
Springfield, MO 65803

How do I enroll in and access my online classes?

Once you have been accepted into your program of choice and completed the financial aid letters, Mission U’s online enrollment team will help with registration and enrollment in your first online classes.

You will also receive access to Populi, Mission U’s Learning Management System (LMS). You may access your online classes by logging into Populi through a unique user ID and password.

If you have questions about registration or enrollment, reach out to our online admissions and enrollment team at onlinedegrees@mission.edu or (417) 268-6000.

How does rolling enrollment work?

Online degree program classes are typically five (5) weeks in length for undergraduate level and six (6) weeks in length for graduate level. Classes are typically taken one at a time, and once you have completed a class, you will roll into the next scheduled class within the degree program. There are one (1) week and two (2) week breaks periodically scheduled throughout the program duration.

How do I drop or withdraw from an online course?

For each term of your program, there will be course census dates or deadlines by which you can add or drop a course.

If you need to withdraw from a class after the add/drop deadline, you will need to submit an official Online Course Withdrawal Form. It’s very important to complete this form. If you don’t officially withdraw from the course, you will receive an F in that class. It is also important to note that there may be financial implications for dropping or withdrawing from a course. If you drop or withdraw from a course after the course start date but within the first week, you may be eligible to receive an 80% tuition credit or refund for the course. If you drop or withdraw from a course after the first week, there is no tuition credit or refund for the course. Be sure to read the course withdrawal policy provided in the Online Programs Academic Catalog and the Online Course Withdrawal Form.

QUESTIONS ABOUT Mission U

How long has Mission U been in existence?

Mission U was founded in 1950, and we have been training effective leaders ever since.

What is Mission U’s Mission?

“Mission University educates, inspires, and equips students to serve as effective Christian leaders.”

Is Mission U accredited?

YES. Mission U has maintained continuous regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 2005 and continuous national accreditation by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) since 1978.

Please refer to Mission U’s Accreditation and Affiliations page for more information.

Do Mission U’s faculty hold master’s or doctoral degrees?

YES. To ensure the value of your education, all of our faculty members have earned master’s or doctoral degrees from accredited institutions. Also, many faculty members hold high-level positions within the fields they teach. Mission U is committed to ensuring the academic integrity of our classes and the educational foundation of the professors instructing them.

Will my Mission U diploma say “Online”?

NO. All of our undergraduate diplomas list “Mission University” with no distinction between residential or online degree programs. Graduate diplomas list “Baptist Bible Theological Seminary” with no distinction between residential or online degree programs.