Academic Information

It is the practice of Pensacola Christian College and other colleges and universities to accept or reject credits based on their own institutional criteria, regardless of whether or not that particular school transferring credit is accredited.

It is the policy of the College to consider for transfer, credits earned at an approved or accredited college or university. Courses acceptable for transfer must be similar in content to those replaced in the chosen major at Pensacola Christian College. Courses which are not similar may be transferred as general electives, providing they meet all the college transfer-of-credit policies. Nursing and education courses will not be transferred toward a nursing or education program but may be transferred as general electives, providing they meet the college transfer-of-credit policies.

Courses previously taken at PCC may not be repeated at another college. Only those credits which carry a grade of at least “C-” or its equivalent may be transferred.

Pensacola Christian College does not count grade points earned at other colleges and universities toward the minimum final grade point average of 2.00 required for graduation. If a student transfers a number of hours in his major, he still must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours in that field as prescribed by the Registrar. At least 25 percent of the total credit hours required for the degree must be completed at PCC.

Transfer students in any classification may apply for admission, though rarely is a student able to transfer and complete degree requirements in one year.

Students who transfer credits from non-English-speaking countries are responsible to provide a certified translation of course descriptions. This certification may be made by (1) a commercial certifying organization or (2) an individual with appropriate credentials in the country where the student attended college.

Pensacola Christian College reserves the right to withhold recognition of credits received at any college or university that does not, in the opinion of the administration, meet reasonable academic standards.

Credits from Bible Colleges

Credits from a Bible college are accepted on the same basis as credits earned from any other college or university. Credits from a Bible school or Bible institute which does not have recognized collegiate standing are accepted at PCC only after individual evaluation and/or validation under the direction of the College’s Academic Committee.

Pensacola Christian College reserves the right to withhold recognition of credits received at any Bible college, Bible school, or Bible institute that does not, in the opinion of the administration, meet reasonable academic standards.

Transient Credit

Current students may not take courses from other institutions without advance approval from the Registrar. When taken to meet graduation requirements, these courses must meet current transfer requirements and must not be a core course required for the student’s major. Students should submit a Transient Form and course/institution information for approval. Students who fail to follow procedures for work completed elsewhere may forfeit recognition of credit for this work. Students may take a maximum of three courses from another institution each summer.

Experience Credit

Pensacola Christian College does not grant credit for work or life experience, with the exception of physical education credit that may be granted for active military service.

Credit for Military Service

One hour of physical education activity credit will be granted for each year of active military service up to two years. Discharge papers or the equivalent are required as evidence of eligibility and must be presented to the Records Office before the end of the student’s first semester. Physical education majors or minors must take actual courses to complete their PE requirements.

Online-Learning Credits

Online-learning credits from an approved or accredited school that fit the particular academic program at PCC may be acceptable in transfer as long as they meet course transfer requirements. Courses that are taken at another institution must be completed before beginning the semester at PCC. Approved coursework not completed before the beginning of a semester is included in the student’s academic load for that semester.

All students, regardless of classification, are expected to attend all scheduled classes.

Students missing more than a week of scheduled classes may lose one full letter grade; students missing more than two weeks receive an “F” for the course unless otherwise exempted by the administration.

In general, 100-level courses should be taken in the student’s first year, 200-level the second year, 300-level the third year, and 400-level the fourth year. A two-letter prefix indicates academic department. Exceptions to this pattern must be authorized by the Registrar.

The Division of General Education equips students to succeed academically and professionally by providing a core curriculum rooted in biblical studies, humanities, natural sciences, and performing arts. This curriculum provides students the facts and skills necessary to think critically and to communicate effectively.

The goals of this division are to prepare students with the ability to share the gospel of Christ with others; understand sound doctrine; recognize the historical events and literary works that have influenced Western civilization; recognize how society is influenced by worldview; communicate clearly and effectively in speaking and writing; develop an ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize ideas; and apply fundamental principles of mathematics and science to analyze and solve problems.

Students are expected to take all examinations on their assigned dates. If final examinations are missed, as a rule, they may not be taken later. However, if the student gains both the teacher’s and the Registrar’s approval and pays the Late Exam Fee, he may make up an examination.

The master’s degree programs are structured for teachers, administrators, business men and women, pastors, musicians, artists, and serious Bible scholars who wish to increase their usability in Christian service. In addition, doctoral programs in education and a Doctor of Ministry degree are offered. In each program, theory is firmly anchored to practice, and a positive, encouraging spirit is personified by all faculty. For further information, see Division of Graduate Studies.

A normal full-time undergraduate academic course load is 15–17 credit hours; a maximum load is 20 credit hours that includes any online-learning work in which the student is currently enrolled.

Student academic load limits are determined on the following basis: students whose grade point average drops below 2.00 are restricted to 14 credit hours unless they are on Academic Probation (see below); new freshmen and students with a grade point average of 2.00 or above may register for 17 credit hours; students with a grade point average of 3.00 or above may register for 18 credit hours; those students with a grade point average of 4.00 may register for 20 credit hours. No student is allowed to exceed his academic load limit without the Registrar’s approval.

Students register for courses each semester according to the required course sequence for their chosen program of study. They should also consider their own ability to maintain a 2.00 grade point average while completing their program.

To remain in good academic standing as they pursue their degree, students are expected to maintain a 2.00 cumulative grade point average on a 4-point scale based solely on coursework taken at Pensacola Christian College. A student’s academic progress will be reviewed by the Registrar following each term. Those who fall below this level are subject to the following guidelines. Appeal to Academic Suspension or Dismissal may be made in writing to the Academic Vice President.

Academic Warning

A student who falls below a 2.00 cumulative grade point average may be placed on Academic Warning. This status is not recorded on the student’s permanent record. Students on Academic Warning will be required to take a zero-credit Academic Success Workshop to help them develop effective time-management skills, study habits, test-taking strategies, and other skills that contribute to general academic success. The student may register for a maximum load of 14 credit hours and will have two semesters to return to good academic standing.

Academic Probation

A student with a semester grade point average of less than 1.00 may be placed on Academic Probation, even if the student’s cumulative GPA remains above 2.00. In addition, a transfer student with less than a 2.00 grade point average from the previous institution or a student who remains on Academic Warning after two consecutive semesters may be placed on Academic Probation, which will be noted on the student’s permanent record. The student will be permitted to register for a maximum load of 12 credit hours and will have two semesters to return to good academic standing. If the student returns to good academic standing, Academic Probation is removed, and this is recorded on the student’s permanent record.

Academic Suspension

A student with a semester grade point average of less than 1.00 for two consecutive semesters may be subject to Academic Suspension for one semester. In addition, a student who remains on Academic Probation after two consecutive semesters may be subject to Academic Suspension for one semester, and this will be noted on the student’s permanent record. After serving the suspension, a student who desires to return to Pensacola Christian College must submit a written request to the Registrar, who will determine a plan that may prepare the student to re-enroll.

Academic Dismissal

A student who returns from Academic Suspension may remain on Academic Probation and must achieve good academic standing by the end of the first semester after returning. The student who does not achieve a 2.00 cumulative grade point average at the end of the first semester back from Academic Suspension may be subject to Academic Dismissal, and this will be noted on the student’s permanent record.

Students wanting a copy of their transcript must submit an official request. Office paper copies are $5 per copy; unofficial electronic copies are $3 per request. The Records Office will not issue any transcripts of a student’s record for any student whose account is not paid in full.

Although Pensacola Christian College does not accept state or federal financial aid, the institution voluntarily abides by the general guidelines of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) as they apply to the release of educational records. This privacy policy is extended to all enrolled students, whether taking courses on-site or through online learning.