Program Formats — SGCS

Cohort Format - Most programs in the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies use the accelerated, cohort model, in which an entering group of learners stays together for the entire program. Cohorts average 15 learners. Classes meet one evening per week for four hours. Some of the coursework, both in class and outside the classroom, is completed by learners working in collaborative learning teams.

School of Theology and Christian Ministry Formats

Modular Format - modular courses meet for one concentrated week of study, normally Monday through Friday on Olivet's campus. Modular courses require appropriate off-campus study before that week and additional off-campus study after that week. To complete the work done before and after the module, the student must have internet access. Assigned work following the class session must be completed and submitted to the instructor for grading no later than 30 days following the end of the session. Students with extenuating circumstances may request an extension, not to exceed four weeks, from the instructor.

Traditional Format - in the most traditional format, a course meets on campus two or three times a week for a full semester. Variations can include half semesters, or blocks, meeting once a week or once every other week, depending on the class and program.

Online Format - the courses in the Pastoral Leadership program are online, as are many of the course for Master of Ministry (Spanish). Online courses do not require any on-campus study. Each online course is part of a tightly integrated program sequence and is available only to students in that program.

Blended Format - some programs are structured as a combination of other formats described here. Specifics of the exact format will be described by the department offering the program.