Degree Completion Program
What are the requirements for enrolling in DCP Online? Just like the on-campus program, you must be at least 25 years of age, have at least 45 transferable college credits (credit for prior learning cannot be included as part of the 45), have a grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, and have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior. (See the DCP Catalog for more information.)
How long will it take for me to earn my degree? Anywhere from 15 to 36 months, depending on how many credits you transfer into the program and how many credits you may be awarded for prior learning experiences. A more accurate estimate can be obtained once we receive official transcripts from all of your previous institutions of higher education and have evaluated your prior learning experiences outside of the classroom. (Request Form for Official Transcripts; Submit a Credit for Prior Learning Worksheet.)
What credits will transfer? Our program is designed so that we are able to accept the maximum amount of transfer credits possible, no matter what area of study you might have been previously pursuing. Since you will earn all of the Bible and theology credits you need for your major in Bible, we are able to accept up to a maximum of 90 credits from accredited post-secondary institutions. It is expected that you will be transferring in at least half of the 42 credits of arts and sciences needed for graduation. Contact the DCP Office to schedule an appointment to review your transfer credits.
What courses will I be taking? It will vary from student to student, depending upon which courses you are transferring into the program. If you have few or no Bible credits to transfer in, then most of your program will be Bible, theology and foundational courses. If you previously attended a Bible college or Christian university, then there are some arts and sciences available for you to take instead of the Bible courses you have already taken. Exactly which courses you will need to take will be determined after we have examined your transcripts. For a full list of course descriptions, see Curriculum.
What does “accelerated” mean? An accelerated program is one in which you earn college credits in a shorter amount of time than you would in a normal semester-based program. Of course, this means that the program is fast paced and requires more time in study each week.
How much time will I need to spend in studies each week? What type of work will I be doing? You will spend approximately 20 to 24 hours each week in accessing materials, completing assignments, and in participating in online discussions. To sample an online course, click here.
What is “collaborative learning” and why is the program cohort-based? LBC’s DCP Online program is cohort-based to encourage collaborative learning. Cohort-based means that a group of 12 to 15 students work through the program together. Students in the cohort live out the “one another” passages found in the New Testament by loving one another, encouraging one another, exhorting one another, praying for one another, etc. The cohort concept also encourages collaborative (shared) learning, so that each student is also a teacher, and the instructor becomes a facilitator of the shared learning experiences. For more information on collaborative learning click here.
Will I need to spend any time on campus? No. Our complete degree completion program is available online. No residency on campus is required.
Is the degree accredited? Lancaster Bible College is regionally accredited with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) as well as with the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). The Bachelor’s of Science degree in Bible that you receive through the DCP is the same as that awarded to graduates in the traditional programs.
How much will it cost? Contact the DCP office for the latest information concerning tuition and fees.
Is financial aid available? Yes, financial aid is available to online students. If you take all 12 credits each term, you are considered a full-time student and are eligible for financial aid at a full-time rate through most financial aid programs. Click here to learn more about financial aid.
How much computer knowledge will I need? What software and hardware will I need? What is it like to take an online course? Click here to learn for answers to these and other questions concerning the nuts and bolts of online education.
What if I have additional questions? You can continue to browse our website, specifically our online catalog, or you can contact the DCP office and we will be happy to answer any other questions you might have.