Frequently Asked Questions
 We
know you have questions about DCC Online, so we have compiled a list of
the most frequently asked questions about our program.
- How much does DCC
Online cost?
A DCC Online education costs less than the traditional private
Christian education, with the same high quality instruction. You may
qualify for financial aid, or tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Each 3-hour class costs $1,017. There is also a $55.00 online fee for
each class.
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- Is financial aid
available?
Student, Veteran and Federal programs are available. Contact your Financial
Advisor for more information. You may also visit our Financial
Aid page.
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- Is Dallas
Christian College accredited? Will my DCC Online degree be an accredited
degree?
DCC is accredited by the Association
for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), which is a national accrediting
association. Your DCC Online degree will carry the same accreditation
as all other DCC degrees.
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- What are
the credentials of DCC Online faculty?
To ensure the value of your education, our faculty members have masters
or doctorate degrees which include at least 18 graduate hours in the
discipline being taught. Most have either served in ministry positions
or are currently serving churches in ministry positions. This means
they bring theory and practice together as they guide you through your
coursework.
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- What degrees
are offered online?
DCC Online offers a B. S. in Ministry and Leadership and a B.S. in Management & Ethics.
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- How long
will it take to finish?
Some students can complete their online college education in as little as two
years. It depends on two things personal to each student.
- How many previous college credits can transfer to your chosen degree program? The registrar examines your official college transcripts
(as well as military DD214) to create a transcript evaluation. This
shows you what classes you need to complete your degree.
- How much time do you have to dedicate each week to taking classes?
Students spend 10-15 hrs. per week completing each online course.
If you can take two courses simultaneously, you can complete your
degree more quickly.
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- How long are the classes?
We have condensed each 3 semester-hour course into 6 or 7 weeks depending on the major.. This allows busy people
to get courses taken efficiently. This also means that if you need to
take a break from classes, you will not need to wait for the remainder
of a 16-week semester to begin again.
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- Do I still have to buy books?
Yes. Just like an on-campus course, one or more textbooks may be required
for each online course. Students can buy them conveniently and at a
discount off retail by shopping at the
DCC Virtual Bookstore. Purchasing books at the virtual bookstore
also allows students to use financial aid to purchase the required class
resources.
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- Will I get personal attention?
Yes. At Dallas Christian College, your career and academic goals are
important to us. We limit class sizes so that your professors can give
you the direction, feedback, and encouragement you need to succeed.
You can communicate with your professor via email or phone. The professor
also takes part in the weekly discussion forums.
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- How many hours per week does it require?
Most students report that they spend 10-15 hour per week on each class.
DCC Online’s rigorous online education degree curriculum requires
a high level of commitment and self-discipline.
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- When can I start?
Classes start at various times throughout the year. The
course rotation shows how often classes are offered, and the schedule
for a given semester can be found on the
student portal.
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- How do I get started?
The details to get started are here.
If you have any uncertainty or questions, please contact
an academic advisor.
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- Can I transfer hours from other colleges
to DCC?
Yes, you can transfer hours from other accredited colleges to the DCC
Online program. You must have received at least a "C" in the
class in order to transfer it. Check with your academic advisor to find
out more about transferring hours.
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- Can I “CLEP” out of courses
or get other alternative credit?
Yes, DCC Online accepts CLEP and DANTES tests to meet non-major course
requirements. We also have certified CDC officers on staff that can
help you document Credit for Demonstrated Competency (CDC)--sometime
called credit for life experience. You can transfer up to 30 hours of
alternative credit.
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- What computer skills do I need to
be an online student?
You must be able to:
- Use Microsoft Word to create and format documents
- Use Microsoft PowerPoint at a beginning level
- Navigate and search the Internet
- Download and open files
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- What type of computer and software
do I need?
- A Windows or Macintosh computer system with minimum 1 Ghz processor and 256 megabytes memory (1.6 Ghz processor, 1 gigabyte memory with Windows Vista. Any computer purchased new in the last 3 years probably meets these requirements.
- Operating Systems: Windows 2000, XP, or Vista; Mac OS 10.4.x or higher
- Students need to have Microsoft Office 2000/2003/2007. It is possible to use an alternative to Microsoft Office, but all assignments must be submitted in Office format: e.g. .doc or .ppt. Students must also be able to open Office files and read the comments inserted by instructors. OpenOffice provides a free alternative for Word and PowerPoint and meets these requirements.
- Students purchase Logos Bible Study software as a resource for “How to Study the Bible.” It is part of the required resources, so it can be purchased with financial aid funds if necessary. It is available for Windows and Macintosh.
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- What kind of internet connection is required?
Starting in June 2009 a high-speed internet connection will be required: e.g. DSL, Cable, FIOS, Satellite, Wirelsss.
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- Will any other equipment be needed to complete
my online classes?
- A microphone is currently required for several classes: e.g. Speech, preaching, etc.
- Equipment for internet conferencing will be required by June 2009
- Good quality webcam* with a microphone built in and a set of headphones/earbuds…or…
- Good quality webcam* (no microphone) and a headset**
*The DCC Virtual Bookstore stocks the Logitech Quickcam Communicate MP to allow students to purchase this webcam with financial aid.
**Using a headset is the preferred method. It reduces background noise and echo.
- Students may need a video camera to complete some class requirements. This does not require a purchase. The camera can be borrowed or rented for the short periods of time it is needed.
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- When and how often do I have to be online for class?
You choose. The days and times that you take online college classes
are entirely up to you as long as you sign on several times a week and
post comments three times per week to meet participation requirements.
You are not required to be online at the same time with the whole class.
You can log on at any time of the day or night; it's entirely up to
you. This allows you to fit school into your busy schedule, rather than
attempting to fit your schedule around school. Nothing could be more
convenient.
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- What happens if I have a technical
problem with the class website?
Our online system is very intuitive and easy to use. Most students never
experience a problem. Should you have any questions or experience any
difficulties, however, we offer technical support 7 days per week from
morning until at least 10 pm. This support is just a click away on each
class site. It is the responsibility of the student to provide access
to the Internet (through your Internet Service Provider), to maintain
one’s personal computer, and to handle personal data backup.
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- Will graduate schools accept my degree?
Probably. Graduate schools have various standards, so we cannot offer
any guarantees. Many of DCC’s non-traditional students have gone
on to graduate school and done well.
DCC graduates have gone on to pursue graduate degrees at:
• Dallas Theological Seminary
• Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
• Truett Seminary at Baylor University
• Dallas Baptist University (articulation agreement)
• University of Dallas
• University of Texas-Arlington
• University of Texas-Dallas
• Texas A & M-Commerce
• Southern Methodist University
• Texas Christian University
• Emmanuel School of Religion
• Cincinnati Christian University
• Hope International University
• Lincoln Christian Seminary
• Johnson Bible College
NOTE: If you have a graduate school in mind, the best thing to do is
contact them directly.
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- Do you accept international students?
Yes. International students must meet some special requirements as outlined
in the catalog. Please check the Catalog
for more information.
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- What is Christian Service and how does it work for online students?
The Christian service program consists of five parts.
First, students are required to participate actively in their face-to-face community of faith.
Online students are required to attend church services and to reflect on how they are applying what they are learning at DCC to their faith community.
Second, students are required to complete a specified number of hours. Online students are required to complete at least six hours of service for each class term. Opportunities abound for involvement in community service (e.g., hospital visitation, working with underprivileged youth, rest homes, special programs) or church service (e.g., Bible study classes, surveys, visitations, youth groups, and student preaching). Students report these hours at www.dallas.edu/ChristianServiceReport/. (A link is provided in every online course.)
Third, in accordance with DCC’s mission to educate and mentor, students are required to participate in the required aspects of DCC’s mentoring program designed for each type of
program delivery (daytime, evening, or online). Online students actively integrate mentoring, life skills, and spiritual formation into their courses.
Fourth, students may participate in special service projects. The Vice President for Community and/or the Chair of the Practical Ministries Department organizes these experiences for those interested in supplementing their normal Christian service activities. The opportunities for this experience include mission trips, inner-city work, local church work, and work in children’s
homes. Online students are welcome to participate in these activities, but must make arrangements to be on-campus for these events.
Fifth, students required to complete an internship must do so satisfactorily as specified in
their degree program. This internship is described in the course description section of this
catalog. It is to be approved by the Vice-President for Community.
For more questions about Christian Service, contact Eric Hinton at ehinton@dallas.edu.
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