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At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below.
At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below.
Persevere in what you know you’re capable of. Our programs for adults provide a creative approach to learning anchored in Christ-centered virtues as you follow your unwavering purpose.
Go further as an influencer in your work and community. Our graduate programs prepare you to open new doors as you reach your God-given potential.
At Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, we're dedicated to learning, serving and leading through rigorous scholarship and a humble approach to Scripture.
At Cornerstone University, we want all students, faculty, staff and visitors to feel welcome. That’s why we are dedicated to earning your trust and being transparent. These resources below are available to anyone in our community and reflect our promise to educate students well.
Cornerstone University—including Grand Rapids Theological Seminary—is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC approved Cornerstone for accreditation on April 13, 1977. In addition, Cornerstone is authorized by the state of Michigan to offer degree programs at the post-secondary level.
A number of CU’s academic programs are accredited by professional organizations. For more information, see our Accreditation webpage.
Professional & Graduate Studies and Asia Biblical Theological Seminary Semesters and Hours
The academic year is divided into two terms (July to December and January to June) with courses varying in instructional weeks from four weeks to eight weeks. Undergraduate courses are typically five weeks in length, master’s-level courses six to seven weeks and doctoral courses eight weeks in length.
The length of degree completion varies by degree program with students completing their program on a lockstep schedule with a cohort. A three-credit-hour course generally consists of 120 hours of student “time on task.” The “time on task” calculation is an estimate of the time the average student is required to invest in the course across the learning exercises (i.e., class sessions, group work, viewing recorded lectures, readings, assignments and homework, online posts, paper writing, exams).
Traditional Undergraduate Academics and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary Semesters and Hours
The academic year is divided into three semesters (i.e., fall, spring, summer) with each consists of fifteen instructional weeks. Enrollment levels and pace of degree completion vary by degree program and by student. A three-semester hour course generally consists of 120 hours of student “time on task” which averages out to eight hours per week for a fifteen-week course.
Degree Programs
At Cornerstone University, like most other higher education institutions, degree programs consisting of a predetermined number of credits are the primary manner in which academic deliverables are ordered and delivered.
According to the state of Michigan and U.S. Department of Education, all degrees at CU and other universities must follow the semester hour guidelines below.
In general, degree nomenclature and the structure of degree programs shall be reasonably consistent with programs offered and acceptable to other institutions of higher education authorized to operate in the State of Michigan.
Associate Degrees
According to the State of Michigan and the U.S. Department of Education, an associate degree must consist of at least 60 credits within the semester-based system. A majority of the associate degrees earned are Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees. Another kind of associate degree is the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and it is usually professional, technical or terminal in nature. Associate degrees in specialized areas can provide immediate access to technical vocations, while general studies type associate degrees often are used as a basis for enrollment into full bachelor’s degrees. When enrolling full time, students can complete an associate degree in two years. Generally speaking, the tuition rate for associate degrees are less, in some cases significantly less, than bachelor’s degrees.
Bachelor’s Degrees
According to the State of Michigan and the U.S. Department of Education, a bachelor’s degree must consist of at least 120 credits within the semester-based system. At CU, our primary degree offerings at this level are the Bachelor of Arts degree and Bachelor of Science degree, and these degrees require the selection of a major. Some programs provide an opportunity to also include a minor area of study. By completing a few extra credits, some students are able to achieve a double major or double minor within their respective bachelor’s degree. While an associate degree can be achieved in two years of full-time enrollment, the bachelor’s degree requires four years to complete if the student is enrolled full-time throughout.
Master’s Degrees
According to the State of Michigan and the U.S. Department of Education, a master’s degree must consist of at least 30 credits within the semester system. However, most master’s degrees fall between 36 credits and 54 credits. Generally speaking, the master’s degree is designed to be completed in two years. A large number of master’s degrees are designated as Master of Arts or Master of Science and include an area of emphasis (e.g., M.A. in fine arts, M.S. in mathematics, etc.). Master’s degrees in academic fields are generally research degrees and include comprehensive exams, along with a research-based thesis and include a thesis defense (M.A. in psychology). Other master’s degrees are designed without a research thesis, alternatively include a capstone project (Master of Arts in biblical studies) or contextual learning experience (M.A. in clinical mental health counseling). Master’s degrees can include specializations or concentrations, and these generally range from nine to 15 credits. Master’s degrees can be designed as a distinct degree and/or a gateway and foundation for a doctoral program in the same area of study. In the latter case, often shortening the overall duration to doctoral completion.
Doctoral Degrees
According to the State of Michigan and the U.S. Department of Education, a doctoral degree must consist of at least 60 credits within the semester system. However, doctoral degrees can range from 60 credits to as many as 120 credits. Generally speaking, doctoral degrees are designed to be completed in as few as three years but can take as many as eight years to complete. Doctoral degrees in academic fields are generally referred to as research doctorates and include comprehensive exams, along with a research-based dissertation and include a dissertation defense. Other doctoral degrees are designed around action or applied research and include a capstone project rather than a research doctorate (e.g., Doctor of Education or Doctor of Ministry).
All courses taught at Cornerstone University rely on the following calculations to determine the number of credits awarded per class or program. The traditional undergraduate college and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary follow a 15-week semester calendar. The Professional & Graduate Studies (PGS) program and Asia Biblical Theological Seminary offer non-term-based programs with courses and programs beginning at different times throughout the year.
The program length of all degrees offered through Cornerstone University is stipulated by the State of Michigan in the document published in October 2003, Policies and Procedures on the Establishment and Approval of Nonpublic Colleges and Universities in Michigan.
| Course Type | Contact Hours* | Time on Task** |
|---|---|---|
| 1 credit hour course (PE) | 26.6 | 40 hours |
| 2 credit hour course | 26.6 | 80 hours |
| 3 credit hour course | 40 | 120 hours |
| 3 credit hour course (science) | 66.6 | 120 hours |
*Contact hours are used in reference to on-ground classes only. One contact hour is equivalent to one hour of in-person instruction.
**Time on Task: The “time on task” calculation is an estimate of the time the average student is required to invest in the course across all learning exercises (i.e., class sessions, group work, viewing recorded lectures, readings, assignments and homework, online posts, paper writing, exams).
Cornerstone University is devoted to the success of our students, and our students’ concerns are very important to us. For this reason, we have developed various policies and procedures to work through these issues. Please review the list below and follow the policy/procedures that best align with your particular grievance. If your concern does not fall into any of the categories below, please complete and submit a Formal Grievance Student Complaint.
As a member in good standing with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Cornerstone University affirms the value of accrediting standards. These standards foster attention to good practices within higher education, providing a structure and guide for institutional integrity, accountability, self-assessment and improvement. If a student identifies a violation of the accrediting standards of the HLC, it is encouraged to bring this matter to the attention of the executive vice president for academics. If compliance with the accrediting standard is not achieved in a reasonable and credible manner, the student can bring the grievance to the attention of the accrediting agency.
Traditional Undergraduate Academics
Professional & Graduate Studies
Grand Rapids Theological Seminary
Asia Biblical Theological Seminary
General Information
Athletic Department Information
Equity in Athletics Disclosure
To view the Cornerstone University’s Equity in Athletics Disclosure Report, click the link below and enter “Cornerstone University” in the Institution Name field once you are on the selection screen.
Applicants who are transferring from other colleges are required to have a transcript sent directly to the Admissions Office at Cornerstone University from all colleges previously attended. This is a condition for admission.
After being accepted for admission, an official credit evaluation is placed into the student’s file with copies provided to the student and the academic adviser. Transcripts from foreign institutions will be evaluated by an outside agency. The student will be responsible for following the procedure required by that agency. Complete information is available in the Registrar’s Office.
Cornerstone University will accept transfer credit from the following types of institutions:
Students planning to take courses at other institutions to apply to their degree program at Cornerstone University should contact the Registrar’s Office to verify the acceptance of these courses.
Transfer credit will not be given for remedial or non-college level work or for any course in which a grade lower than a C- was received. GPA does not transfer with the credit transferred. Some transfer credits may not necessarily apply toward a particular degree program. The applicability of credits may be determined in counsel with the appropriate division chair.
Physical and biological science courses without labs are transferable, but a lab must be completed to satisfy departmental requirements for courses that contain labs.
Credit transferred from schools that are on a quarter system will be transferred as .66 (2/3) semester hours for every quarter hour.
The minimum hours to be taken at CU to be eligible for graduation honors is 60 for B.A./B.S./B.S.E./B.S.N. degrees and 32 for associate degrees.
The social work program may accept a maximum of 18 hours (the equivalent of a minor) for courses completed with a grade of C or better at a CSWE-accredited BSW program. Students wanting to transfer specific SW courses must provide copies of the syllabi as well as verification of the courses taken. Field practicum courses are not transferable and must be taken in residence. Grades received in courses for which transfer credit is granted will not be included in the computation of a student’s grade point average. Students must also complete the Application for Admission to the Social Work Program.
Applicants who are transferring from other colleges/universities are required to have a transcript from all previously attended colleges/universities sent directly to the Professional & Graduate Studies admissions office at Cornerstone University. After being accepted for admission, an official credit evaluation is placed in the student’s file with copies provided to the student and the academic adviser.
Cornerstone University will accept transfer credit from the following types of institutions:
The following non-accredited institutions due to the nature of their relationship to Cornerstone: Bob Jones University, Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music, Spurgeon Baptist College and Word of Life Bible Institute.
Transfer credit will not be given for remedial or non-college level work or for any course in which a grade lower than a C- (1.7) was received. GPA does not transfer with the credit transferred.
No course work will transfer as upper level (300-400) unless the course is designated as such from the originating institution. Recommendations for credit as written in published guides by the American Council on Education will be recognized and accepted as transfer credit.
Credit transferred from schools that are on a quarter system will be transferred as .66 (2/3)
semester hours for every quarter hour.
If a student wishes to take a course at another institution after transcript evaluation is complete, he/she should contact a Professional & Graduate Studies academic adviser and complete a Guest Application/Transfer Credit Pre-Approval form before the beginning of the class in order to verify the acceptance of these courses.
The evaluation of foreign educational credentials for possible transfer credit to Cornerstone University must be evaluated by an outside agency. The student is responsible for following the procedure required by the agency and for paying the required fees. Cornerstone University recommends the following agency:
Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 514070
Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470
Phone: 414.289.3400
Fax: 414.289.3411
Email: eval@ece.org
Technical Credit
A maximum of 40 technical hours may be transferred into a Bachelor of Science degree completion program.
Course Duplication
Two courses (eight semester hours maximum) may replace courses in the student’s associate or bachelor’s degree completion program. Students are scheduled for a break from their program when transferred course work duplicates a course(s) in the student’s program.
A transferred course may replace a course in the student’s degree completion program only if:
A course must be at least two semester hours to meet equivalency requirements. Students must still meet the residency requirement as stated in the graduation requirements section of the university catalog and the Student Handbook.
Students enrolled in an associate program (either Step I or Step II) that are not seeking an associate degree are not subject to certain scheduled break restrictions. Students may request and be granted a scheduled break for more than seven credit hours, and it is not required that the duplicate course (or a course that meets a general education requirement) be completed prior to their enrollment at Cornerstone University. Students are encouraged to take a non duplicating course (even if the general education requirement has been met) in the associate program if the student will need elective credits for the bachelor’s program. Students taking multiple scheduled breaks should be aware that this may place them in violation of the program attendance policy and require a withdrawal.
Military Credit
Military transcripts are received through the Joint Services Transcript website at https://jst.doded.mil.
NETPDTC
ATTN: JST Operations Center N615
6490 Saufley Field Road
Pensacola, FL 32509
Email: jst@doded.mil
Nursing Credit
A maximum of 62 semester hours (including technical hours) may be transferred from an accredited nursing program.
Prior Learning Assessment Credit
Students may apply a maximum of 30-semester hours of prior learning assessment credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Life-learning credits from other institutions are subject to review by the Registrar’s Office. If the life-learning credits are approved for transfer, the amount transferred is subtracted from 30 to determine the number of credits that may be awarded at Cornerstone University.
Prior learning assessment credits will be accepted from other accredited institutions that follow the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) Handbook, “Ten Standards for Quality Assurance in Assessing Learning for Credit.” Before credits are accepted, documentation on the institution’s assessment process for experiential learning will be requested.
Ed.D. Transfer Credit
With approval of the Ed.D. Admissions Committee, up to eight (8) semester hours of graduate credits (2 classes) can be transferred into the Ed.D. program.
Transfer of course work may be granted for the Ed.D. program if the following requirements are met:
The following courses cannot be transferred into the Ed.D.: EDL-900, EDL-901, RES-910, RES-915, RES-920 and RES-925. It is the responsibility of each applicant to supply transcripts along with a request to have the credit applied to the degree program. Students may be requested to submit the syllabus for any course work being considered for transfer along with a rationale of why the student believes that the course meets the program’s requirements. Transfer credit is not automatic.
Non-Ed.D. Transfer Credit
Applicants who are transferring from other colleges/universities are required to have a transcript from all previously attended colleges/universities sent directly to the Professional & Graduate Studies admissions office at Cornerstone University. After being accepted for admission, an official credit evaluation is placed in the student’s file with copies provided to the student and the academic adviser.
Cornerstone University will accept transfer credit from the following types of institutions:
If a student wishes to take a course at another institution after transcript evaluation is complete, he/she should contact a Professional & Graduate Studies academic adviser and complete a Guest Application/Transfer Credit Pre-Approval form before the beginning of the class in order to verify the acceptance of these courses.
The evaluation of foreign educational credentials for possible transfer credit to Cornerstone University must be evaluated by an outside agency. The student is responsible for following the procedure required by the agency and for paying the required fees. Cornerstone University recommends the following agency:
Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 514070
Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470
Phone: 414.289.3400
Fax: (414) 289-3411
Email: eval@ece.org
Course Duplication
A maximum of six to eight semester hours (2 courses; 500 or higher course number) may replace courses in a student’s master’s degree program. Students are scheduled for a break from their program when transferred course work duplicates a course(s) in the student’s program.
A transferred course may replace a course in the student’s degree completion program only if:
A course must be at least two semester hours to meet equivalency requirements. Since most Cornerstone University courses are 3 credits, a student may have to take an additional course to meet the total credit requirement for the program. If the student has other transfer credits that qualify, one of those credits can be used to make up the difference. Duplicate courses accepted for transfer in the graduate program must have been completed in the last seven years. Students must still meet the residency requirement as stated in the graduation requirements section of the university catalog and the Student Handbook.
Applicants who are transferring from other accredited graduate schools or seminaries are required to have official academic transcripts sent directly to the director of graduate admissions from all schools previously attended. This is a condition for admission.
Transfer credit evaluations are conducted during the admission process, although the formal transfer of credit is not posted to the student’s academic record until after the admission process is complete. Students will be notified in writing concerning the results of a transfer credit evaluation. Transcripts from foreign institutions will be evaluated by an outside agency. The student will be responsible for following the procedure required by that agency.
Grand Rapids Theological Seminary will accept a maximum of 2/3 of the selected degree program requirements through transfer credit, or through a combination of transfer credit and advanced standing. Transfer of credits will be limited to the following types of schools:
Students planning to take courses at other institutions for transfer into their degree program at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary should contact the assistant registrar for Grand Rapids Theological Seminary to verify the acceptance of these courses. Transfer credit will not be given for remedial or non-graduate level work or for any course in which a grade lower than a C was received. Grade point average does not transfer with the transfer credits.
Transfer credits for the M.A. in clinical mental health counseling program will only be accepted from CACREP-accredited schools unless the transfer credits are being used toward the interdisciplinary concentration within the program. Non-CACREP transfer credits can transfer into the M.A. in clinical mental health counseling program as counseling elective (COU elective) credits to fulfill the two electives required within the interdisciplinary concentration. Grand Rapids Theological Seminary does not guarantee the State of Michigan, or any other authority, will recognize transfer courses from other institutions for purposes of state licensure in counseling.
Students who wish to transfer to ABTS should submit a transcript of all credits previously earned with their application for admission. Credit may be given for approved, comparable work taken in graduate programs in accredited colleges, universities or seminaries. By approval of the dean, credit may be given for a limited number of courses taken in graduate programs which are not offered in the seminary, but which correlate with ABTS degree programs. MRE students may transfer 12 credit hours into their degree program. Master of Arts students may transfer 24 credit hours. Students may complete up to 50% of their degree program at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary on the US campus of Cornerstone University. Biblical Hermeneutics and Systematic Theology 1 earned from other institutions cannot be transferred into an ABTS program.
The purpose behind the policy and practices outlined below are to ensure university compliance with the provisions of the United States Federal Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) 602.17(g), the reauthorization of the HEOA through Public Law 110-315 and the Higher Learning Commission Policy FDCR.A.10.050 concerning the verification of student identity. This policy also serves as direction to students, faculty and staff regarding examination integrity for the purposes of preventing potentially fraudulent behavior during examinations and other related online academic interactions and to call our community in this way to Christ-centred lives governed by the virtue of integrity.
Each student is assigned a CU username, student ID number and secure account access to the university’s Learning Management System, university-issued email and related services and systems. All methods of verifying student identity in distance learning must protect the privacy of the student in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and any other applicable laws or regulations pertaining to the confidentiality of personally identifiable information. As such, students may be asked to provide two or more pieces of personal information for comparison with student data on file. Students are responsible for maintaining their usernames, student ID numbers and passwords. Students must change their password at least every 180 days to a new password not previously used by the student. Students are held responsible for upholding academic integrity standards per the Academic Integrity Policy and Information Technology Responsible Use Policy.
Faculty will report suspected academic integrity violations in accordance with the Academic Integrity Policy. Faculty may choose to use select third-party software and services approved by the university to ensure the integrity of examinations. Software is available to lock down a student’s computer during examinations so that they can only access the testing environment. While a student is in the examination, they are unable to copy, print, access other applications or visit other websites. Student’s academic work may also be shared with an approved plagiarism detection service to ensure submissions are original to the student. Alternative examination requirements may include requiring physically present proctors during examinations. Faculty employing academic integrity software or services must inform their students of this policy and any additional examination requirements in the course syllabus.
Related Documents
Grand Rapids Theological Seminary Academic Integrity Policy
Coming soon!
Cornerstone University has contracted with several third-party servicers for various aspects of the Title IV aid process. Below is a list of those servicers and their responsibilities.
In addition, the following third-party servicers provide non-Title IV financial responsibilities:
At Cornerstone University and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, we take seriously our role to equip students with the knowledge, skills and dispositions they’ll need to thrive both in their present and future vocation.
Cornerstone University reports crime statistics to the Department of Education, and the information is available via the department’s Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis.
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 requires institutions to obtain written consent from a student prior to releasing information from the student’s education record to most sources outside the university. It is allowable for a school to release directory information which includes name, address, email address, phone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, degrees and awards, cumulative hours, participation in officially recognized sports and weight and height of athletes.
As an enrolled student, you have the right to restrict the release of directory information. To restrict the release of directory information, contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@cornerstone.edu.
This Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) establishes a written program in accordance with the requirements of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA) Part 431 Hazardous Work in Laboratories Standard.
The intent of this CHP is to protect Cornerstone University employees and all personnel working in Cornerstone University Laboratories from hazardous chemicals and promote a healthy and safe work environment. The CHP includes information to ensure that all laboratory personnel have working knowledge about the hazardous chemicals they use. The CHP is also intended to provide information on best practices in laboratory health and safety.
Michigan residents can register to vote by completing the Michigan Voter Registration Application. More information is available on Michigan’s elections website.
Non-Michigan residents can use the National Mail Voter Registration Form to register in their state. This document includes information on how to register to vote in each state.
At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below or explore campus with a virtual tour.
Persevere in what you know you’re capable of. Our programs for adults provide a creative approach to learning anchored in Christ-centered virtues as you follow your unwavering purpose.
Go further as an influencer in your work and community. Our graduate programs prepare you to open new doors as you reach your God-given potential.
At Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, we’re dedicated to learning, serving and leading through rigorous scholarship and a humble approach to Scripture.