What courses are completed online?
Answer: During the academic year, the cohort enrolls in one 3-credit fall semester course using computer assisted and distance education methodologies. Each student also enrolls in one 3-credit spring semester practicum of the student's choice. However, the work for the practicum course begins soon after leaving campus in late summer or early fall. Both of these courses are completed at the student's ministry site.

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What is a Practicum?
Answer: Practicum courses are specialized projects that allow the learner to explore outreach concepts that will directly impact their ministry.  There are several practicum courses to choose from but the learner may also design their own course that addresses their interests. On-site field supervisors and academic supervisors are assigned to the learners for guidance during these practicums. Each individual in the cohort is enrolled in one practicum course during spring semester.  However, the work for the course begins in September and continues through May. Learners complete a different practicum course each year. 

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What is a Capstone?
Answer: The thesis/project/manual project/portfolio is the capstone of the Master of Arts in Christian Outreach degree. It is either a project that is developed and implemented, a hypothesis that is studied, tested, and results shared, or a collection of artifacts sharing the results of work and effort in a particular area. This research paper/project is due after the coursework is complete but should be an ongoing task for the learner throughout the program. 

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What is a residency?
Answer: A residency is time students spend on campus together. Each summer, the cohort meets for classes over a span of two weeks. During the residency, students take three courses, learn the technology that will be used, meet department staff, and learn of and determine payment options for their particular situation.  This is an important time for face-to-face discussions and focused study. Each student is issued a University laptop during their residency for easy access to the internet and e-mail.


Is on-campus housing available?

Answer: Yes. It is possible to stay on campus in a dorm room during the residency. Air-conditioned dorm rooms with linens and towels are available. Microwaves and refrigerators are available upon request for additional minimal cost.

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Do I need to complete any assignments before the residency?

Answer: Yes. You will need to look up the syllabi to find assignments for each class.


What should I do, if I never took Old Testament, New Testament and Christian Doctrine Classes?

Answer: Undergraduate courses in Old Testament, New Testament, and Christian Doctrine are to be completed by the beginning of the second summer residency.  However, students are encouraged to complete this requirement as soon as possible after receiving admission into the program. If the student is not working toward DCO certification, the courses may be completed at any Christian institution. In order to be certified as a DCO, these courses must be completed at an LCMS institution.  Some places that offer these courses by correspondence are Concordia University Chicago, and the LCMS Northwest District. The LCMS's CUENet program is a tool for completing these courses on-line.

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