LCN Article
Living University: Recapturing True Values in Education!

July / August 2015

Scott D. Winnail

Eight years ago, on August 15, 2007, Living University began offering distance learning courses to students around the globe. In 2009, an on-site program began offering courses to a few students at LCG International Headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina.

On May 18 of this year, Living University graduated its largest-yet number of certificate, diploma and degree recipients.  Twenty-one students from around the world completed a course of study—including six who received the Bachelor of Theology, two who received the Associate of Theology and one who received the Diploma in Biblical Studies. Twelve also completed Certificates. Graduates traveled from across the United States and from as far as Belgium to receive their credential. Our first “Early College” graduate also earned a certificate this year— completing her LU study while also carrying out her high school duties.

All told, since Living University’s inception, more than a thousand students have taken one or more courses, to enrich their biblical understanding. Students have ranged in age from 15 to 92 years, proving that LU courses are accessible to virtually all ages—provided one has minimal computer skills and Internet access. Liberal arts courses support the University’s biblical orientation in areas ranging from accounting to health and nutrition, to computer science, to communications, to literature, to archaeology.

Have you ever considered taking a Living University class? If so, why not enroll this Fall? You can enroll in the university’s Open Learning Program and take several courses (up to 24 semester hours) before having to meet regular admission requirements. And you can take course “for credit” or as an “auditor” (if you prefer to avoid taking exams and writing papers). Even high school students can enroll in LU’s “Early College” program and take specific courses while completing their high school requirements. For “Early College” students, the tuition is also greatly discounted.   

To enroll and to learn more about the full range of courses being offered, including some brand-new courses, go to LivingUniv.com. Several courses especially appropriate and manageable for a first-time Living University student include:

THL 110A. Tomorrow’s World Bible Study Course.  This is the first semester of a two-semester sequence that covers the same material as the Tomorrow’s World Bible Study Course, but with a depth and focus and resources beyond what a self-study student will normally bring to the material. This course has no tuition fee.

THL 135. Life, Ministry and Teachings of Jesus.  Featuring lectures recorded by Living Church of God Presiding Evangelist Roderick C. Meredith, this course covers the four Gospels in the context of the social, political and religious conditions of the first century. Students are exposed to the background, purpose, message and themes of the Gospels, and the significance of Jesus Christ in the first century and beyond. 

THL 200. Principles of Christian Living. Featuring lectures by Evangelist Douglas S. Winnail, this course covers the purpose for human life, human nature, values, morality, ethics, marriage, family and career.

THL 211. Old Testament Survey I. This introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures focuses on the Pentateuch, the historical books and the poetical books. It emphasizes the background, content, structure, geography, teachings, and basic meaning of each book as well as outstanding people and events.

HPRO 114. Health and Wellness. This course filters the vast array of health-related knowledge available in the world today through sound biblical principles. Emphasis is placed on lifestyle-related wellness, health promotion, and disease prevention within the context of a range of health topics.

BUS 223. Personal and Family Finance. This course focuses on money management decisions in relation to personal and family finances. It emphasizes building useful skills in buying, budgeting, managing and tracking finances, increasing resources, and coping with current economic conditions.

CIS 110. Introduction to Computers. For those who are newer to using the computer, this class introduces computer concepts, including functions and operations of the computer. Students learn to identify hardware components, learn basic computer operations, security issues, and learn to use standard software applications.

If you are interested in learning more about Living University courses that may be right for you, visit our Web site or contact Assistant Registrar Mrs. Michelle Broussard, at [email protected] or by phone at (704) 708-2294.  For 2015–16 the on-campus student placements have already been made, but if you are thinking about the possibility of on-campus Living University study in the future, do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Broussard as soon as possible.