Educational Options and Enhancements

On-Campus Educational Options and Enhancements

The following are options or enhancements to a regular academic program. Some are courses which may be taken for academic credit applicable toward a degree. Others provide college-level instruction for personal and cultural enrichment or for personal development. The format includes, but is not limited to, regular length courses, short courses, workshops, institutes, and special lectures and symposia.

Athletics

Malone offers a variety of intercollegiate sports for men and women which provides a valuable educational experience. These athletic experiences represent models of life in which the participant may practice and learn Christian principles.

Malone is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the National Christian College Athletic Association.

Cooperative Education

By engaging in Cooperative Education, students may acquire valuable on-the-job experience to complement classroom theory, receive payment for work experience to help defray educational costs, and/or acquire necessary credit hours to qualify for Professional Studies programs. Co-op supervisors provide assistance with making contacts for possible Co-op sites, evaluation, record keeping, and on-the-job mentoring. There are no additional charges above the normal tuition rate for enrolling in Co-op credit hours. Cooperative Education hours are graded as credit/no credit and generally apply toward elective hours, not hours in the major. These courses are now being offered exclusively online for students who do not have co-op or some other form of experiential learning available through their academic departments or schools.

Students who are pursuing traditional undergraduate programs of study are advised to limit their co-op credits to 9 credit hours (1-3 credits per semester/term) but are eligible for a maximum of 15 credit hours. They should apply through the Career Development Center and will be supervised during the Co-op experience(s) by the Career Development staff. Students may be eligible to enroll in Co-op as early as their sophomore year. However, some employers may require specific coursework to be completed, with evidence of good academic standing, in order to qualify for certain Co-op positions.

Students who are pursuing degree-completion programs may obtain a maximum of 15 hours of Cooperative Education credits. They should apply through the School of Graduate and Professional Studies and will be supervised during the Co-op experience(s) by the Director of Life and Work Experience in Professional Studies. (See School of Graduate and Professional Studies  for additional information.)

Credit for Prior Learning

Malone University recognizes that not all post-secondary learning takes place in the classroom. For non-traditional learners there are two types of prior learning that may be awarded college credit: 1) learning through corporate professional and technical training, military or non-military; 2) life learning through work, home, community and other environments. Malone University credits awarded for prior learning must be related to the student’s educational and/or vocational objective; that is, the credit granted must apply to major, general education, or elective requirements in the student’s proposed program at Malone.

1. Professional Credits: Malone University accepts credits earned through corporate, professional and technical training programs, military and non-military, either as evaluated and approved by the Malone University faculty or as recommended in the ACE guide, New York Regents Guide, military guides, and other guides recognized by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). Such credits will appear as transfer credits on the transcript. Malone reserves the right to set standards which may be higher than those recommended by ACE, CLEP or other such agencies.
2. Life Learning Credits: Malone University sometimes awards credit for college-level learning achieved through work or community volunteer experience, travel, hobbies, etc.

Students desiring such credit must:

1. be past the age of 25,
2. have had at least five years of significant life learning experiences, and
3. successfully complete GEN 110, the two-semester-hour course “Portfolio Development for Assessment of Prior Learning.”

Malone University subscribes to the guidelines established by CAEL for the evaluation of life learning and will allow no more than 30 semester credits (including GEN 110) to count toward graduation.

Malone University will evaluate life learning and award credit in subjectmatter fields in which it has available competence among its faculty. Normally, credit will be awarded only in subject fields in which it offers comparable courses or curricula; however, elective credit in Field Study or Special Interest areas may be appropriately accepted.

Honor Societies

Alpha Psi Omega was organized as a theatre honor society for the purpose of providing acknowledgement to those college and university students demonstrating a high standard of accomplishment in theatre, and through the expansion of Alpha Psi Omega among colleges and universities, providing a wider fellowship for those interested in theatre. Students can qualify for membership in this society through participation in the Malone University Theatre.

Alpha Sigma Lambda is a national honor society for nontraditional adult students. It recognizes the special achievements of adults who accomplish academic excellence while facing competing interests of home and work. Mu Upsilon is the Malone University chapter. Student criteria include a GPA of 3.5 or higher and a ranking in the top 10% of all eligible adult students in the Malone Management Program.

Eta Sigma Gamma is the national professional health education honorary for professionals in community health education and school health education in the United States and in other nations. The ideals of the honorary are teaching, research and service. Students are eligible for membership by invitation and are required to have a major or minor in community health education or a major in school health education and achieve a 2.75 GPA or higher.

Kappa Delta Pi is an international honor society in education. The Malone University chapter, Rho Tau, is over ten years old. Students seeking degrees with an intent to teach are eligible for invitation to membership after completing 45 credit hours, including 12 in education coursework, and achieving a 3.25 GPA or higher.

Lambda Pi Eta is a national honor society in communication. Members must have completed 60 semester hours, at least 12 of which must be in communication with a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum GPA in communication courses of 3.25. Students in the Malone University chapter, Sigma Alpha, have opportunities to become involved in regional and national communication associations and sponsor communication activities for the University community.

Phi Alpha is a social work honor society whose purpose is to provide a closer bond among students of social work and promote humanitarian goals and ideals. Phi Alpha fosters high standards of education for social workers and invites into membership those who have attained excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work. The Malone University Chapter, Pi Eta, participates in activities in conjunction with the Social Work Student Organization and other activities when available. Membership criteria include achievement of sophomore status, a 3.0 overall cumulative GPA, and a minimum GPA of 3.25 in 8 semester hours of required social work courses. See www.phialpha.org or www.malone.edu/socialwork for more information.

Pi Kappa Delta is a national forensics honorary consisting of educators, students and alumni committed to encouraging the education of articulate citizens through the commitment to and promotion of 1) ethical, humane, and inclusive communication and educational practices, 2) professional development of forensics educators, and 3) comprehensive forensics programming. Malone University students earn membership through participation and success on the Forensics and Debate Teams.

Pi Sigma Alpha is a national political science honor society. Members must be juniors or seniors with a minimum 3.0 overall GPA, ranking in the top third of their graduating class, and having completed at least three political science courses, one of which must be at the 300 level or above. Each member must carry a 3.0 GPA or higher in political science courses. The Malone University chapter, Alpha Alpha Omicron, may participate in activities in conjunction with other College/University chapters of the organization.

Sigma Delta Mu is a national Spanish honor society which adheres to the principles of 1) recognizing students interested in the Spanish language and culture, 2) recognizing excellence in the study of the Spanish language and 3) providing a forum for Spanish related issues. Beta chapter of Ohio is the Malone University chapter. Students may apply after one completed Spanish course, any level, with a grade of “B” or higher.

Sigma Theta Tau, International is the only honor society for nursing. STTI exists to create a global community of nurse leaders and scholars. Individually and collectively these individuals shape the health of citizens through their practices, research, and education of self and others. They influence global health by caring for patients and families, and by collaborating with colleagues in other disciplines in decision making and policy development. Pi Chi is the chapter at Malone University. Student criteria includes a GPA of 3.0 for undergraduate students (3.5 for graduate students), and a ranking in the top 35 percent of the graduating class.

Sigma Zeta is a national honor society for science and mathematics. The purpose is two-fold: 1) to encourage and foster and 2) recognize and honor scholarly achievements in the natural sciences, computer sciences, and mathematics. Sigma Zeta members are encouraged to conduct research and present at the national meeting. Alpha Gamma is the Malone University chapter. Students can qualify for membership after completion of 15 semester hours in science, computer science or math with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Honors Program

The purpose of the Malone University Honors Program is to support the University’s intellectually gifted and highly motivated students, to create a community of students and faculty engaged in serious, substantive, and sustained critical inquiry, and to underscore the University’s commitment to academic excellence.

The honors program fulfills this purpose by challenging students to fulfill their intellectual and personal potential through enriched and stimulating experiences; by cultivating an esprit de corps, committed to an earnest, cooperative, free, and open pursuit of truth; by developing students’ understanding of the unity of knowledge and the interrelationship of the academic disciplines; by providing students the occasion for mentoring relationships with faculty; by preparing students for the pursuit of original and advanced research, scholarship, and performance; and by equipping students for outstanding leadership in service to God, their communities, and the world.

Honors program participants complete designated honors sections of general education courses, honors seminars, and an honors project. Admission is highly competitive and based on a limited number of openings each year. Further information about this program is available from the Director of the Honors Program. Please see Course Descriptions  for Honors Program course descriptions.

Independent Study

Advanced Topics

Any junior or senior needing advanced study in order to facilitate a program projection, such as completing graduation requirements, may obtain forms in the Office of the Registrar and prepare a proposal, with a willing faculty member, to be submitted to the Dean and Department Chair for permission to register under Advanced Topics 450.

• The proposal must include a clear and compelling rationale as to why the Independent Study is being proposed, and the number of hours of the offering. A syllabus which includes course description, learning objectives, required readings, projects or other assignments, and means of evaluation must be offered in support of the proposal.
• The Independent Study must fall within the scope of the discipline under which it is being proposed.
• The Dean and Department Chair will consider the validity of need, the inability to substitute an existing course, and the student’s ability and willingness to meet the demands of independent study.

Special Topics

Any student requiring additional work in a given area may obtain a contract form in the Office of the Registrar, prepare the contract with a willing faculty member, and see the Dean/Department Chair for permission to register under Special Topics 250. A syllabus which includes course description, learning objectives, required readings, projects or other assignments, and means of evaluation must be offered in support of the proposal.

Pre-Professional Programs

For students interested in professional study, Malone offers several pre-professional programs. They are each listed below with a reference to the section of this catalog where additional information is available. Careful consultation with an academic adviser is necessary in order to ensure that degree requirements at Malone are still being met (when applicable) while determining a course of study that is appropriate to the student’s interests.

1. Pre-Dental (Natural Sciences)
2. Pre-Law (History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences)
3. Pre-Medicine (Natural Sciences)
4. Pre-Physical Therapy (Health and Human Performance)
5. Pre-Veterinary (Natural Sciences)

Students in Free Enterprise

The Director of Students in Free Enterprise position, established by Malone University and housed in the School of Business, is funded by the Greater Canton Chamber of Commerce. Malone’s program is a member of the International Organization known as Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE). SIFE teams exist on over 1600 college and university campuses in more than 40 countries.

The main purpose of the Malone SIFE is for students to learn about the principles of Free Enterprise in our economic system. Once command of the concepts is developed, SIFE team members participate in activities that teach these ideas to others and contribute to the community. Participation in SIFE is also open to students with majors outside the School of Business and to students who are not able to fit the Free Enterprise courses into their schedules.

Summer Sessions

Two 5-week sessions and one 4-week session are held each year from May-August. Students may enroll for up to 6 semester hours in each session (7 if one of the courses is a 4-hour lab science course). A summer class schedule is published each year in February.

Off-Campus Study Opportunities

AuSable Institute of Environmental Studies

Malone participates in the Environmental Studies extension program available through AuSable Institute in five different locations:

1. AS-Great Lakes in the Great Lakes Forest, Michigan;
2. AS-Pacific Rim on Puget Sound, Washington;
3. AS-Everglades north of the Everglades, South Florida;
4. AS-Africa near Nairobi, Kenya; and
5. AS-India in Tamil Nadu, South India.

Courses are offered primarily during the summer. Interested students should contact the Chair of the Department of Natural Sciences. Complete course descriptions for available courses can be found in the AuSable Institute of Environmental Studies Official Bulletin. Additional information is available at www.ausable.org. Enrollment in any of the AuSable courses is by permission of the Chair of the Department of Natural Sciences.

Bliss Institute Internship

The Bliss Institute Internship offered by the Department of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences in partnership with The University of Akron’s Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, is designed to enhance and further educational opportunities available to eligible students. Such internships afford Malone students the opportunity to experience practical politics first hand. The objective of this program is to provide a flexible and responsive learning environment where students are able to interact with political career professionals and apply classroom theory and technique to actual workplace settings. Information about the program is available in the History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences Office.

Consortium Visitor Program

The Christian College Consortium Visitor Program is designed to give the student an opportunity to take advantage of course offerings and varied experiences on other Christian college and university campuses for an academic semester while maintaining regular standing at Malone. Information is available from the Provost’s Office.

International Study Opportunities

Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya

Malone University juniors and seniors have the opportunity to join African students who are pursuing B.A. and M.A. degrees at Daystar University, the largest Christian liberal arts university in Africa. Students immerse themselves in African culture while receiving instruction in English from African nationals. Programs of study include communications, business administration and management, accounting, English, marketing, education, community development, Bible, and Christian ministries. Academic studies, co-curricular activities, travel, and worship experiences provide exposure to the stark contrasts in the lives of Kenyans, and the opportunity to develop a personal philosophy concerning self-needs and the needs of others. Information about this program is available from the Director of Study Abroad and Off-Campus Programs.

Guatemala Teacher Education Semester

The Malone University Teacher Education Semester in Guatemala provides approved teacher education students with the unique opportunity to do their student teaching in Guatemala. Students live with Guatemalan families. Information is available from the School of Education Office.

Tropical Ecology

This laboratory science course is designed as a cross-cultural experience for science and non-science majors. For approximately 3 weeks (usually in May), students visit and experience tropical rain forests in several reserves and national parks in various tropical and subtropical biomes (e.g. Costa Rica). Field observations are featured with evening and day lectures interspersed. The students are exposed to ecological principles and concepts with particular application to rain forests and tropical agriculture and conservation management as illustrated in the field. Consideration is given to the global significance of the destruction and preservation of rain forest ecosystems. Our stewardship role as Christians is evaluated. The major course requirement is the completion of the field manual as provided. Opportunities abound for cultural interaction and involvement with local endemic populations throughout the three-week period. Information is available from the Department of Natural Sciences Office.

Off-Campus Semester Programs Sponsored by the CCCU

The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) offers the following programs to students of its member institutions. These diverse off-campus study programs are available to juniors and seniors with a minimum gpa of 2.75. For further information regarding academic requirements, financial arrangements, and schedule planning, contact the Director of Study Abroad and Off- Campus Programs. Also visit www.bestsemester.com

American Studies Program (ASP)

ASP uses Washington, D.C. as a stimulating educational laboratory where collegians gain hands-on experience with an internship in their chosen field. Internships are tailored to fit the student’s talents and aspirations and are available in a wide range of fields. They also explore pressing national and international issues in public policy seminars which are issue oriented, interdisciplinary and led by ASP faculty and Washington professionals. ASP bridges classroom and marketplace, combining biblical reflection, policy analysis, and real world experience. Students are exposed to on-the-job learning while earning 16 semester hours of credit.

American Studies Internships (8)
American Studies Seminars (8)

Australia Studies Centre (ASC)

The Australia Studies Centre is designed to provide undergraduates of all majors and career interests with opportunities to participate in Sydney’s art culture. It also educates students in indigenous affairs and Australia’s role as a global economic power. From art and ministry to drama and dance, students attending ASC have every opportunity to pursue their passions and interests with other Christians from around North America and the world even as they compare and contrast the Australia of myths and movies with the realities of everyday life. Students participate in service projects and live in home stays with local Christian families to help them  encounter the Australia that tourists never see. Throughout this process, ASC students engage Australia’s indigenous people and learn about the challenges that exist for those who are not part of “white Australia.”

The View from Australia: Issues in Religion, Politics, Economics & Cultural Values (3)
Indigenous History, Culture & Identity (3)
The Creative Christian (2)
Arts and Culture (2)
Christian Leadership and Ethics (2)
Electives in Dance, Drama, Drawing/Graphic Design, Music, Theology/Ministry

China Studies Program (CSP)

The China Studies Program enables students to engage this ancient and intriguing country from the inside. While living in and experiencing Chinese civilization firsthand, students participate in seminar courses on the historical, cultural, religious, geographic, and economic realities of this strategic and populous nation. In addition to the study of standard Chinese language, students are given opportunities such as assisting Chinese students learning English or working in orphanages, allowing for one-on-one interactions. Students choose between completing a broad Chinese Studies Concentration or a Business Concentration that includes a three-week, full-time internship. The program introduces students to the diversity of China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Xiamen. This interdisciplinary, crosscultural program enables students to deal with this increasingly important part of the world in an informed, Christ-centered way. Students earn 16-17 semester hours of credit.

Chinese History (3)
Intercultural Communication (3)
Contemporary Society: Public Policy & Economic Development (3)
Chinese I (2-3)
International Business in China (3)
Business Internship (3)
Chinese II (3)
Eastern Philosophy and Religions (3)
Chinese Painting (1)
Tai Chi (1)

Contemporary Music Center (CMC)

The Contemporary Music Center provides students the opportunity to live and work in community while seeking to understand how God will have them integrate music, faith and business. Both interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary in nature, the CMC offers two tracks: the Artist Track and the Executive Track. The Artist Track is tailored to students considering careers as vocalists, musicians, songwriters, recording artists, performers, producers, and recording engineers. The Executive Track is designed for business, arts management, marketing, communications and other majors interested in possible careers as artist managers, agents, record company executives, music publishers, concert promoters, and entertainment industry entrepreneurs. Both Artist and Executive track students receive instruction, experience and a uniquely Christian perspective on creativity and the marketplace, while working together to create and market a recording of original music. Both tracks include course work, labs, directed study, and a practicum. Students earn 16 semester hours of credit.

Faith, Music, and Culture (3)
Inside the Music Industry (3)
Artist Track: Essentials of Songwriting (3)
Artist Track: Studio Recording (3)
Artist Track: Performance (3)
Executive Track: Artist Management (3)
Executive Track: Artists and Repertoire (3)
Executive Track: Music Marketing and Sales (3)
Practicum (1)

Latin American Studies Program (LASP)

Students have the opportunity to live and learn in Latin America through the Latin American Studies Program, based in San Jose, Costa Rica. The program introduces students to a wide range of experiences through the study of the language, literature, culture, politics, history, economics, ecology, and religion of the region. Living with Costa Rican families, students experience and become part of the day-to-day lives of typical Latin Americans. Students also take part in service opportunities and travel for three weeks to nearby Central American nations. Students participate in one of four concentrations: Latin American Studies (offered both fall and spring terms); Advanced Language and Literature (designed for Spanish majors and offered both fall and spring terms); International Business: Management and Marketing (offered only in fall terms); and Environmental Science (offered only during spring terms). Students in all concentrations earn 16-18 semester credits.

Spanish Language Study (6)
Latin American History, Contemporary Issues, and Perspectives (3)
Travel Practicum (1-3)
Latin American Studies Concentration (6)

Los Angeles Film Studies Center (LAFS)

Founded in 1991, the Los Angeles Film Studies Center is designed to train students to serve in various aspects of the film industry with both professional skill and Christian integrity. Each semester, students live, learn, and work in L.A. The curriculum consists of two required seminars focusing on the role of film in culture and the relationship of faith to work in this very influential industry. In addition, students choose one elective course from a variety of offerings in film studies. Internships in various segments of the film industry provide students with hands-on experience. The combination of the internship and seminars allows students to explore the film industry within a Christian context and from a liberal arts perspective. Students earn 16 semester hours of credit, 6 from the internship and 10 from seminar study.

Hollywood Production Workshop (3)
Theology in Hollywood (4)
Elective (3)
Internship: Inside Hollywood (6)

Middle East Studies Program (MESP)

This program, based in Cairo, Egypt, allows students to explore and interact with the complex and strategic world of the modern Middle East. The interdisciplinary seminars give students the opportunity to explore the diverse religious, social, cultural, and political traditions of Middle Eastern peoples. Students also study the Arabic language and work as volunteers with various organizations in Cairo. Through travel to Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Turkey, students are exposed to the diversity and dynamism of the region. At a time of tension and change in the Middle East, MESP encourages and equips students to relate to the Muslim world in an informed, constructive, and Christ-centered manner. Students earn 16 semester hours of credit.

People and Cultures of the Middle East (4)
Islamic Thought and Practice (4)
Conflict and Change in the Middle East (4)
Introduction to Arabic Language (4)

Russian Studies Program (RSP)

RSP students are exposed to the depth and diversity of the culture during a semester spent in Russia’s three largest cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Nizhni Novgorod. In addition to three seminar courses entitled History and Sociology of Religion in Russia; Russian Peoples, Cultures, and Literature; and Russia in Transition, students receive instruction in the Russian language, choosing either 4 or 6 semester hours of language coursework. For those choosing 4 hours of Russian, a seminar course, International Relations and Business in Russia, is available. After six weeks of language instruction, students live with a Russian family for the remainder of their stay in this city. Students also participate in a service opportunity in Nizhni Novgorod. Students earn 16 semester hours of credit.

Russian Language Study (4 or 6)
Russian Peoples, Culture, and Literature (4)
Russia in Transition (3)
History and Sociology of Religion in Russia (3)
International Relations and Business (2)

The Scholars’ Semester in Oxford (SSO)

The Scholars’ Semester in Oxford allows honors and other highly qualified students to do intensive scholarship in this historic seat of learning as members of Wycliffe Hall and Visiting Students of Oxford University. Participants work with academic tutors to hone skills, delve into the areas of interest, and broaden thinking by living and learning in this major crossroads of the academic world. Concentrations are available in Classics, English & Literature, Theology & Religious Studies, Philosophy, and History. Students earn 17 hours of credit.

Primary Tutorial (6)
Secondary Tutorial (3)
Integrative Seminar (4)
The Shaping of the British Landscape (4)

Uganda Studies Program (USP)

The Uganda Studies Program offers students a personal encounter with this African success story which has become an economic and public health model in its region. Uganda Christian University (UCU), serves as the base of study for students in the USP, bringing them together with the UCU Honours College. Courses taught by local faculty in the English tutorial tradition will immerse students in a uniquely African education. Students will be afforded many insights into African life because of the guidance of faculty who live in and love Uganda and East Africa. Home stays, travel, service learning, and daily interaction with Honours College students form the backbone of the USP experience. In addition to the core experiential course, students will choose from an approved selection of courses from the UCU Honours College.

Faith and Action in the Ugandan Context (4)
East African History from 1800 to Independence (3)
East African Politics since Independence (3)
African Traditional Religions, Islam, and Christianity in Contemporary Uganda (3)
African Literature (3)
Electives (6)

Washington Journalism Center (WJC)

The Washington Journalism Center is a semester-long study program in Washington, DC, created for students interested in the field of journalism. While in Washington students will take classes focusing on the history and future of the media and how it relates to the public as well as to their personal writing skills. These classes combined with an internship at a top news publication will help students learn to integrate their faith in a journalism career. Students will also participate in service-learning opportunities as well as live with families in home stays as part of the WJC experience.

Foundations for Media Involvement (4)
Reporting in Washington (3)
Washington, News & Public Discourse (3)
Internship (6)

Additional Off-Campus Study Programs

Information about the following programs is available from the Director of Study Abroad and Off-Campus Programs.

• Brethren Colleges Abroad (www.bcanet.org)
• Focus on the Family Institute (www.focusinstitute.org)
• Oxford Summer Programme (www.bestsemester.com)