Here are a few questions you might have about the Christian Studies Center.
Why the CSC?
The CSC exists to provide every college student with an opportunity to take thought-provoking classes with renowned Christian professors at affordable tuition rates and receive credits that transfer nationwide.
The CSC wants Christians to take thinking seriously because Jesus took thinking seriously. Jesus once said that the greatest commandment was to love God with your whole self - heart, soul, and mind - and to love your neighbor as yourself. The challenge is learning to think like Jesus in our 21st century global society. It's tough to even love our neighbors without careful thought. When a homeless person asks for money, a number of issues arise. We feel pity and want to help, Jesus even commands us to help, but is giving money the best way to serve the person? What if the money isn't spent on food? How does money help the person move beyond homelessness? When service is coupled with thoughtful reflection, we learn to deeply love our neighbors. The Christian Studies Center wants to give students tools so they can begin to think Christianly-seeing the world like Jesus does, loving the world like Jesus does.
Students come to the CSC in Lexington, KY and study with Christian professors, mentors from some of the world's most prestigious colleges and universities. CSC students have an opportunity to spend extended time with their professors discussing some of life's biggest questions. Why is there suffering in the world? What's the New Testament all about? How does being a Christian affect my career choice? Where I live? How much I money I earn? Students live and study in a community of other Christians from around the nation. Our goal is not to graduate students from the CSC, it's to help get Jesus into students' heads so that his life can get out into their hearts and hands.
If you're in college, you can earn up to credit hours at the CSC that transfers to your home college/university. If you've already graduated, you can audit classes and spend time studying with professors who will sharpen your thinking. Register for classes now.
The CSC wants Christians to take thinking seriously because Jesus took thinking seriously. Jesus once said that the greatest commandment was to love God with your whole self - heart, soul, and mind - and to love your neighbor as yourself. The challenge is learning to think like Jesus in our 21st century global society. It's tough to even love our neighbors without careful thought. When a homeless person asks for money, a number of issues arise. We feel pity and want to help, Jesus even commands us to help, but is giving money the best way to serve the person? What if the money isn't spent on food? How does money help the person move beyond homelessness? When service is coupled with thoughtful reflection, we learn to deeply love our neighbors. The Christian Studies Center wants to give students tools so they can begin to think Christianly-seeing the world like Jesus does, loving the world like Jesus does.
Students come to the CSC in Lexington, KY and study with Christian professors, mentors from some of the world's most prestigious colleges and universities. CSC students have an opportunity to spend extended time with their professors discussing some of life's biggest questions. Why is there suffering in the world? What's the New Testament all about? How does being a Christian affect my career choice? Where I live? How much I money I earn? Students live and study in a community of other Christians from around the nation. Our goal is not to graduate students from the CSC, it's to help get Jesus into students' heads so that his life can get out into their hearts and hands.
If you're in college, you can earn up to credit hours at the CSC that transfers to your home college/university. If you've already graduated, you can audit classes and spend time studying with professors who will sharpen your thinking. Register for classes now.
Where is the CSC?
Students come from universities across the country to take take low-cost classes with Christian professors in a variety of subjects at the CSC. Our flagship campus is at 502 Columbia Ave., Lexington, KY 40508. It sits directly adjacent to the University of Kentucky campus, within walking distance of a number of dorms, apartments, and dining options.
We are also expanding the Christian Studies Center into other regions of the country. If you would like to partner with us in bringing a CSC to your area please contact us.
We are also expanding the Christian Studies Center into other regions of the country. If you would like to partner with us in bringing a CSC to your area please contact us.
I'm not from Kentucky. Can I come to the CSC?
Absolutely. The Christian Studies Center exists for students from around the country who want to take classes exploring Christian truth claims taught by Christian professors. We want to help you learn to think clearly about God, the world, and your faith, and leave the CSC with college credits that transfer back to your home institution. We design our course schedule to meet the needs of students from around the country; summer courses typically only require one or two weeks in Lexington and a full semester can be completed in only three months.
Additionally, students have the option of attending a variety of programs after the class day ends. These range from 'Discussion Points,' intentional conversation spaces with friends and mentors (and sometimes even some of the most influential Christians alive today), to Excursions, opportunities to explore the captivating scenery of Kentucky. See our After Class... page to find out more about extracurricular offerings at The Christian Studies Center.
Additionally, students have the option of attending a variety of programs after the class day ends. These range from 'Discussion Points,' intentional conversation spaces with friends and mentors (and sometimes even some of the most influential Christians alive today), to Excursions, opportunities to explore the captivating scenery of Kentucky. See our After Class... page to find out more about extracurricular offerings at The Christian Studies Center.
Where do CSC students live?
The CSC offers housing at affordable rates for students who live outside the Central Kentucky area. Students may opt to live in dorms, apartments, or with several other students in the home of a local Christian family. Housing rates start as low as $75 per week. There are a number of dining options available to students at every living location.
Will credits earned at the CSC transfer to my home institution?
Yes. After you complete the three simple steps of our Transfer Credit Guarantee, we guarantee credits from the Christian Studies Center will transfer back to your home institution. Credits earned at the CSC can be used towards completing your major or fulfilling general educational requirements. The CSC Admissions Office will work with your home institution to facilitate the transfer of credits earned at the CSC.
Do CSC classes affect my GPA?
No, at most schools transfer credits do not affect your GPA. However, to receive credit for the course you must earn a passing grade.
Can I take a full semester of study at the CSC?
Yes. Students can take between 12 - 18 hours during 'abbreviated' Fall and Spring semesters with the Christian Studies Center. Each semester, Fall (September to November) and Spring (February to April), lasts only three months while summer classes typically last one to two weeks. The CSC provides a variety of housing options for students who visit Lexington to study with us. Additionally, students who complete 15 hours of study with the CSC are eligible to receive a Certificate of Christian Studies.
Can I get a degree from the Christian Studies Center?
Students are able to earn a Certificate of Christian Studies through the CSC upon completion of 15 credit hours. The CSC exists primarily as a school for students from other colleges and universitites, allowing them the unique opportunity to take thought-provoking classes with Christian professors. Courses from the CSC transfer back to your home institution enabling you to complete a four year degree at your college/university while also studying with Christian mentors during your time at the CSC.
What is a Certificate of Christian Studies?
The Certificate of Christian Studies is an acknowledgment of completion of 15 credit hours with the CSC. This Certificate may be earned in a single semester of full-time study with the CSC or through taking individual classes during the fall/spring semesters and summer sessions. A Certificate of Christian Studies is akin to a 'Minor' in your four year degree and shows completion of a prescribed program of study. The Certificate can be used in a variety of ways to bolster graduate school applications, resumés and the like.
Who teaches CSC classes?
Christian Studies Center courses are taught by renowned Christian professors from around the world. They come to Lexington to spend time investing into students and helping them to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Click here to learn more about indvidual CSC professors.
How long are CSC classes?
The length of classroom interaction at the Christian Studies Center varies from course to course. Summer classes typically last one or two weeks, with four weeks allotted for the completion of coursework after the last day of your final class. Two-week summer classes meet for 3 hours daily while one-week intensive classes meet for six hours each day with a one hour break for lunch.
In the Fall and Spring semesters, students are able to take a full courseload (12 - 18 credit hours) over the course of an 'abbreviated' semester lasting three months with one week set aside during each term as a break. Classes during the Fall and Spring semester typically meet for 90 minutes twice weekly. The CSC also offers a selection of night classes that meet only once per week for 3 hours. Fall classes meet from September to November while Spring classes meet from February to April.
In the Fall and Spring semesters, students are able to take a full courseload (12 - 18 credit hours) over the course of an 'abbreviated' semester lasting three months with one week set aside during each term as a break. Classes during the Fall and Spring semester typically meet for 90 minutes twice weekly. The CSC also offers a selection of night classes that meet only once per week for 3 hours. Fall classes meet from September to November while Spring classes meet from February to April.
How do I apply to the CSC?
Student in good academic standing with their home institution are already accepted to the Christian Studies Center. They need only register for classes:
1. Register for classes and apply for scholarships online.
2. Within a few days you will receive electronic notice of your enrollment and scholarship award status.
3. Complete the 3 simple steps of our Transfer Credit Guarantee to determine transfer equivalencies for your CSC courses.
4. Visit our online billing page and pay your $100 registration deposit to reserve your a seat in your classes and accept your scholarship award (This $100 will be applied toward your final tuition costs).
5. Before class begins, pay the remaining cost of tuition and housing (if applicable).
1. Register for classes and apply for scholarships online.
2. Within a few days you will receive electronic notice of your enrollment and scholarship award status.
3. Complete the 3 simple steps of our Transfer Credit Guarantee to determine transfer equivalencies for your CSC courses.
4. Visit our online billing page and pay your $100 registration deposit to reserve your a seat in your classes and accept your scholarship award (This $100 will be applied toward your final tuition costs).
5. Before class begins, pay the remaining cost of tuition and housing (if applicable).
How do I register for classes?
Registration is all online and only takes approximately 15 minutes. Additionally, students have the option of filling out a 10 minute online scholarship application. Since nearly all CSC students receive some form of scholarship aid, it's probably worth the extra small bit of time. To register for classes and scholarships click here.
Is there a fee to apply for classes at the CSC?
No. The Christian Studies Center does not have an application fee. After you have filled out your application you will receive your enrollment and scholarship award status. You then complete the registration process by submitting your $100 deposit to reserve your seat in the classes. This $100 will apply towards your final tuition costs.
How much do classes at the CSC cost?
The Christian Studies Center works hard to ensure affordable tuition. The cost of a three-credit-hour course at the CSC is $918 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Additionally, since most students receive some form of scholarship aid the cost of tuition is reduced below $918. Click here for more information and a cost comparison with other major educational institutions.
Are scholarships available?
Nearly every student that attends the CSC receives scholarships for academic merit and other qualifications. Students can apply for all CSC scholarships in approximately 10 minutes with one simple form. Click here to learn more about CSC scholarships.
Do scholarships and financial aid from my home institution transfer to the CSC?
Yes. In addition to the already low cost of tuition and housing at the CSC, scholarships and financial aid typically transfers from your home institution to help cover the cost of CSC expenses. Financial aid offices at colleges around the country regularly help students take classes at other schools (study abroad, summer classes at a community college back home, etc.) and they can readily help you in this routine process. For instance, some schools will issue a check directly to you and then you issue payment to the CSC. Other schools will send a check directly to the CSC through our academic partner Asbury University. Talk with your financial aid office to see how they typically handle these routine requests.
As long as you remain a full-time student (even if you’re taking classes at multiple institutions) your financial aid usually transfers. For instance, a student taking 6 hours at their home institution and 6 hours at the CSC would have a total of 12 hours and thus typically qualify as a full-time student for financial aid purposes.
Additionally, the CSC offers a number of scholarships for which incoming students can apply in just 10 minutes with one simple form.
As long as you remain a full-time student (even if you’re taking classes at multiple institutions) your financial aid usually transfers. For instance, a student taking 6 hours at their home institution and 6 hours at the CSC would have a total of 12 hours and thus typically qualify as a full-time student for financial aid purposes.
Additionally, the CSC offers a number of scholarships for which incoming students can apply in just 10 minutes with one simple form.
When/How do I pay for CSC classes?
You simply need to have your bill paid by the time classes start. The Christian Studies Center works hard to keep tuition prices affordable for every student. Most students receive some form of CSC scholarship and the CSC Admissions Office works with your home institution to transfer scholarships and financial aid from your college/university.
After registering for classes and applying for scholarships, you will receive an electronic notice from the Christian Studies Center detailing your CSC scholarship award package and your invoice for classes and housing (if needed). After receiving this notice you can accept your scholarship award by paying a non-refundable $100 registration deposit. Additionally, the deposit guarantees a seat in your courses and will be applied towards your total bill.
In order to pay for your classes, follow these simple steps:
1. Register for classes and apply for scholarships online.
2. Within a few days you will receive electronic notice of your enrollment and scholarship award status.
3. Complete the 3 simple steps of our Transfer Credit Guarantee to determine transfer equivalencies for your CSC courses.
4. Visit our online billing page and pay your $100 registration deposit to reserve your a seat in your classes and accept your scholarship award (This $100 will be applied toward your final tuition costs).
5. Before class begins, pay the remaining cost of tuition and housing (if applicable).
After registering for classes and applying for scholarships, you will receive an electronic notice from the Christian Studies Center detailing your CSC scholarship award package and your invoice for classes and housing (if needed). After receiving this notice you can accept your scholarship award by paying a non-refundable $100 registration deposit. Additionally, the deposit guarantees a seat in your courses and will be applied towards your total bill.
In order to pay for your classes, follow these simple steps:
1. Register for classes and apply for scholarships online.
2. Within a few days you will receive electronic notice of your enrollment and scholarship award status.
3. Complete the 3 simple steps of our Transfer Credit Guarantee to determine transfer equivalencies for your CSC courses.
4. Visit our online billing page and pay your $100 registration deposit to reserve your a seat in your classes and accept your scholarship award (This $100 will be applied toward your final tuition costs).
5. Before class begins, pay the remaining cost of tuition and housing (if applicable).
What is your refund policy?
The Christian Studies Center's refund policy mirrors that of our accreditation partner, Asbury College. Click here to see Asbury College's refund policy and deadlines. Please note, students are required to pay a $100 non-refundable registration deposit to officially reserve a seat in their classes.
How do I prepare for my classes before they begin?
CSC course preparation varies from class to class. Most summer courses require you read one or two books prior to attendance. Course readings are modest during your classroom time with typically no more than an hour of reading outside of class per day. After your period of classroom instruction (normally one to two weeks per class during the summer) you are allotted 4 weeks to complete any remaining coursework from home during which time professors will still be accessible to students.
Semester length courses follow the general pattern of regular classes with reading, tests, and other classwork completed throughout the semester (September through November for Fall and February through April for Spring).
Semester length courses follow the general pattern of regular classes with reading, tests, and other classwork completed throughout the semester (September through November for Fall and February through April for Spring).
What else is there to do at the CSC besides take classes?
At the Christian Studies Center we know spiritual formation doesn't just happen behind a desk. Click here to find out about our After Class opportunities.
Does the CSC offer travel courses?
We are planning on offering several travel courses over Christmas Break 2010 and the summer of 2011. Tour England and visit the home of C. S. Lewis and the Oxford Circle. Visit New Testament sites throughout Greece and Turkey. Study the history, philosophy, and important movements of the Church as you tour the sites in Europe where they occurred. Go to Israel and be a part of an archaeological dig in the Gaza Strip. These courses are designed to deeply engage students by providing an unparalleled opportunity of travel and firsthand encounters. Contact us if you are interested in finding out more about CSC travel courses.
How is the CSC accredited?
Courses at the CSC are accredited by SACS (the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools), the primary accreditation agency for universities in the Southeastern United States, through our academic partnership with Asbury University of Wilmore, KY.
How can I support the CSC?
To financially support the ongoing work of the Christian Studies Center, click here. Our work is based, in large part, on private donations from people like you.
There are also opportunities to support us by helping to get the word out about the CSC. Contact us to find out more about how you can help.
There are also opportunities to support us by helping to get the word out about the CSC. Contact us to find out more about how you can help.
Are donations to the CSC tax-deductable?
Yes. The Christian Studies Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit institution. All donations are warmly welcomed; tax receipts are sent out annually in January. Visit our Donate page to make a contribution.