Academic Information

Freshman

A freshman has satisfied entrance requirements and has completed fewer than 28 credit hours.

Sophomore

A sophomore has completed at least 28 but fewer than 56 credit hours.

Junior

A junior has completed at least 56 but fewer than 88 credit hours.

Senior

A senior has completed at least 88 credit hours.

Credit Hour

One semester credit hour represents the equivalent of one hour of lecture or two hours of laboratory work each week. Class lecture or laboratory time combined with outside classwork or studying is expected to equal approximately three hours per credit each week. An equivalent amount of work is required for studio work, practicums, internships, and classes that do not meet on the semester schedule.

Transfer of Credit

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 students transfer a number of hours in their major, they 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. Courses taken at other colleges and universities do not apply toward the minimum final grade point average of 2.00 required for graduation.

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.

AP credit will appear on students’ transcripts as credit by proficiency with a grade of “P.” We must receive the official AP report from College Board in order for the course(s) to be accepted. This is done automatically if you specify our College Board number, 5970. A maximum of 24 AP or CLEP credits will be granted toward a bachelor’s degree, and a maximum of 12 AP or CLEP credits will be granted toward an associate’s degree.

AP credit is earned based on the criteria in place when the AP results are submitted, rather than when the test was taken.

Accepted AP exams and PCC course equivalents
(current through May 31, 2024)

AP Exam Minimum
Score
PCC Equivalent Credit
Calculus AB 3 MA 221 Calculus I 4
Calculus BC 3 MA 222 Calculus II 4
Chemistry 3 CH 111 General Chemistry I 4
Chinese Language and Culture 4 ML Elective 6
Computer Science A 3 CS 202 Introduction to Programming 3
Computer Science Principles 3 CS 130 Introduction to Information Technology 3
English Literature and Composition 3 EN 210 Introduction to Literature 3
French Language and Culture 4 ML 131, ML 132 Elementary French I, II 6
German Language and Culture 4 ML Elective 6
Italian Language and Culture 4 ML Elective 6
Japanese Language and Culture 4 ML Elective 6
Latin 3 LA 101 Elementary Latin I 3
Macroeconomics 3 BA 303 Macroeconomics 3
Microeconomics 3 BA 304 Microeconomics 3
Music Theory 4 MU 101 Music Theory I 4
Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism 3 Science Elective 4
Physics C: Mechanics 3 PY 231 General Physics I 3
Physics 1: Algebra-based 3 Science Elective 3
Physics 2: Algebra-based 3 Science Elective 3
Precalculus 3 MA elective 3
Spanish Language and Culture 4 ML 121, ML 122 Elementary Spanish I, II 6
Spanish Literature and Culture 3 ML Elective 3
Statistics 3 MA 326 Statistics 3
Studio Art: 2-D Design ‡ AR 201 Design Fundamentals I, AR 202 Design Fundamentals II
Studio Art: 3-D Design ‡ AR 254 3-D Design Fundamentals 3
Studio Art: Drawing ‡ AR 111 Drawing for the Designer or
AR 101 Drawing I, AR 102 Drawing II
United States Government and Politics 3 PL 280 American Government 3
United States History 3 HI 201 United States History 3

Submit portfolio. To submit your portfolio, email a pdf to transfer@pcci.edu. Quality and quantity of work will determine transferability and credit hours earned.



CLEP credit will appear on students’ transcripts as credit by proficiency with a grade of “P.” We must receive the official CLEP report from College Board in order for the course(s) to be accepted. This is done automatically if you specify our College Board number 5970. A maximum of 24 AP or CLEP credits will be granted toward a bachelor’s degree, and a maximum of 12 AP or CLEP credits will be granted toward an associate’s degree.

CLEP credit is earned based on the criteria in place when the CLEP results are submitted, rather than when the test was taken.

CLEP results must be received before earning 100 credits at PCC unless prior approval is obtained from the Registrar before taking CLEP examinations. CLEP credit will not be granted for courses previously taken.

Accepted CLEP tests and PCC course equivalents
(current through May 31, 2024)

CLEP Minimum
Score
PCC Equivalent Credit
American Literature* 50 EN 252 American Literature 3
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature 50 EN 210 Introduction to Literature 3
Calculus 50 MA 221 Calculus I 4
College Algebra 50 MA 130 College Algebra II 3
College Composition 50 General Elective 3
College Composition Modular 50 General Elective 3
College Mathematics 50 MA 125 Mathematics for Liberal Arts 3
English Literature* 50 EN 251 British Literature 3
Financial Accounting 50 General Elective 3
French Language 59
63
ML 131 Elementary French I
ML 132 Elementary French II
3
3
German Language 59
63
ML Elective
ML Elective
3
3
History of the United States I 50 HI 201 United States History 3
Humanities 50 General Elective 3
Information Systems 50 General Elective 3
Introductory Business Law 50 BA 201 Business Law 3
Precalculus 50 MA 131 College Trigonometry 3
Principles of Macroeconomics 50 BA 303 Macroeconomics 3
Principles of Management 50 BA 203 Principles of Management 3
Principles of Marketing 50 MK 204 Principles of Marketing 3
Principles of Microeconomics 50 BA 304 Microeconomics 3
Social Sciences and History 50 General Elective 3
Spanish Language 59
63
68
ML 121 Elementary Spanish I
ML 122 Elementary Spanish II
ML 221, ML 222 Intermediate Spanish I, II
3
3
6
Spanish with Writing: Levels 1 and 2 50 General Elective 3
Western Civilization I
    Ancient Near East to 1648
50 HI 101 History of Civilization 3
Western Civilization II
    1648 to Present
50 HI 102 History of Civilization 3

*CLEP credit may not be earned for both EN 251 British Literature and EN 252 American Literature.

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 who accumulate more unexcused absences than the number of days a course meets in two weeks may be required to withdraw from the course, which could affect residency status. Those who miss more than the equivalent of three weeks of classes may be asked to withdraw.

This Biblical Studies minor equips students for life and ministry with a core foundation in God's Word. To prepare students with the ability to understand sound doctrine and share the gospel of Christ with others, all students in a baccalaureate degree program will complete a Biblical Studies minor through the courses below.

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.

Registration

Students must be registered for a course to be eligible to earn credit for it. Registration dates are listed on the Calendar of Events.

Students registering late must pay a $50 late fee.

Course Changes

Additions: During the drop/add period each semester, students may add a course to their schedule and register the change with the Records Office. A $10 change of course fee will be charged.

On-Campus Drops: To drop an on-campus course, a student must get approval from the Registrar. A $10 drop fee will be charged. The course grade is recorded as follows:

Week 1   No record on transcript
Weeks 2–9   W—Withdrawn
Weeks 10–15   WP—Withdrawn passing or
WF—Withdrawn failing
Online-Learning Drops: Students may drop an online-learning course by submitting a written request to the Online Learning Office. A $10 drop fee will be charged. Tuition and fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable once the term begins. The course grade is recorded as follows:
Week 1   No record on transcript
Week 2–week before term ends   W—Withdrawn
Last week of term   WP—Withdrawn passing or
WF—Withdrawn failing

Audits

Students wanting to take a class for personal benefit may audit a course with approval from the Registrar. Audited courses may not be changed to a credit basis after the course has started. Audited courses may not be taken a second time for credit.

Spouses of full-time married undergraduate students may audit one course per semester (maximum 3 semester hours load) with no tuition charge. Applicable course fees must be paid. Enrollment is granted on a space-available basis after the regular college students have registered.

Plan for Learning

Pensacola Christian College offers a yearly program of instruction in which the 15-week fall and spring on-campus semesters are divided by a 5-week Interterm beginning this year on December 15 and ending January 20. Online courses are offered during Interterm and summer (see Academic Calendar for dates). Students may take one course during Interterm and up to 3 courses, depending on GPA, during the summer. Full payment of tuition and fees for online courses is due at registration (see Basic Cost).

Courses that are taken at another institution must be completed before beginning the semester at PCC. Approved coursework not completed before beginning the semester is included in the student’s academic load for that semester.

Withdrawals

Students whose circumstances force them to withdraw from the College must have a withdrawal form properly executed by the Student Life Office. Course grades recorded for withdrawals, whether honorable (voluntary) or dishonorable, will follow the same policy as dropping a course.

Course Cancellation

Any course with insufficient enrollment may be canceled.

Irregular Scheduling

Pensacola Christian College cannot schedule courses for the convenience of individual students who cannot or who do not take courses in their regular sequence.

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 students gain both the teacher’s and the Registrar’s approval and pay the Late Exam Fee, they may make up an examination.

Final grades are issued at the end of each term. Students have 60 days after the end of the semester to report grade discrepancies to the Registrar.

The following 4.00 grading system is for all students:

Grade   Grade Points
Per Credit Hour
A Superior 4
B Above Average 3
C Average 2
D Passing 1
F Failing 0

Students may determine their grade point average by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of GPA hours. (Students who have taken a course more than once should see Repeating a Course.) A student must achieve a final grade point average of 2.00 (at least twice as many grade points as credit hours attempted) or higher for all courses attempted at PCC to satisfy the grade point requirement for graduation.

Other grade report and/or transcript codes are:

I Incomplete
W Withdrawn
WA Withdrawn auditing
WF Withdrawn failing
WP Withdrawn passing
P Passed
AU Audit
NG No grade
CR Credit

Coursework in courses with a grade of “Incomplete” must be made up before the end of the seventh week of the following semester. Coursework not completed before the beginning of a semester is included in the student’s academic load for that semester.

Scholastic Honors

Registrar’s Office will publish the President’s List of students achieving a grade point average of 3.90 or higher for the semester and will publish a Dean’s List of those achieving a grade point average of 3.00 or higher for the semester. To qualify, students must be carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours and must not have any “ Incompletes”, “Ds”, “Fs”, or “WFs” for that semester.

Graduation Honors

To qualify for academic honors, students must have earned at least a 3.50 grade point average at Pensacola Christian College, have completed at least 60 hours at PCC, and have completed all graduation requirements for a four-year degree. The scholastic honors are as follows:

Honor Grade Point Average
Cum laude 3.50–3.69
Magna cum laude 3.70–3.84
Summa cum laude 3.85–4.00

Repeating a Course

A student may repeat courses he previously failed or courses in which he did not earn the minimum grade required for graduation or his major. All grades earned by a student become a part of his permanent record and will show on any transcript issued by the College; however, the highest earned grade of repeated courses is used in computing the grade point average, and the credit hours are counted only once. A student’s grade point average will improve providing the repeated grade is higher than the previous grade. Students cannot repeat a course taken at PCC at another college.

No student may repeat a course more than twice. Courses dropped after the ninth week of classes count toward this policy. A student must secure the permission of the Registrar any time he repeats a course more than one time. Audited courses may not be taken a second time for credit.

All degree requirements are listed in the Catalog. Students will receive a plan of study during their first semester that lists courses to be completed for the declared major and minor, as well as any required elective courses and completed courses. A Student Success Advisor is assigned to assist the student in following the plan of study; however, the student bears the final responsibility in scheduling completion of the degree requirements for the chosen program of study. PCC cannot schedule courses for the convenience of individual students who cannot or who do not take courses in their regular sequence. Students may be subject to any changes in degree requirements if they do not attend consecutive semesters.

Baccalaureate Degree

The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree are offered to students who satisfactorily complete a four-year course of study outlined under their major field of concentration. In addition, candidates for a baccalaureate degree must

  1. complete at least 120 credit hours, including courses required for liberal arts requirements, Biblical Studies minor, and their degree (excludes credits from EN 099 and MA 099)
  2. earn at least a 2.00 grade point average at Pensacola Christian College
  3. receive at least a “C-” in all core courses required in their major field, EN 121 or 123, EN 126, and MA 121 (or higher MA course); in addition, a minimum grade of “B-” may be required in specified courses
  4. complete at least 30 credits from Pensacola Christian College, including the last semester of the senior year (A student’s final course must be taken from PCC.)
  5. complete at least 8 credit hours of Bible courses from Pensacola Christian College (All full-time students must take a Bible course each semester unless a waiver is given.)
  6. submit a Petition for Graduation to the Records Office by the end of the drop/add period of the semester of anticipated graduation
  7. settle all financial obligations to the College
  8. attend Commencement activities if enrolled the spring semester

Associate Degree

The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees are offered to students who satisfactorily complete one of the two-year courses of study. In addition, candidates for an associate degree must

  1. complete at least 60 credit hours, including courses required for liberal arts requirements and their degree (excludes credits from EN 099 and MA 099)
  2. earn at least a 2.00 grade point average at Pensacola Christian College
  3. receive at least a “C-” in all core courses required in their major field, EN 121 or 123, EN 126, and MA 121 (or higher MA course)
  4. complete at least 30 credits from Pensacola Christian College, including the last semester (A student’s final course must be taken at PCC.)
  5. complete at least 8 credit hours of Bible courses from Pensacola Christian College (All full-time students must take a Bible course each semester unless a waiver is given.)
  6. submit a Petition for Graduation to the Records Office by the end of the drop/add period of the semester of anticipated graduation
  7. settle all financial obligations to the College
  8. attend Commencement activities if enrolled the spring semester

Double Major

A student may graduate with a double major, subject to the following conditions:

  1. There must be a minimum of 20 distinct credits between the two majors.
  2. All Catalog requirements listed for both majors must be satisfied.
  3. The Petition for Graduation must show the name of both majors.

Second Degree

A student who has previously been granted a degree from Pensacola Christian College may seek to earn a second degree in another major. There must be a minimum of 20 distinct credits between the two degrees. All Catalog requirements for the second degree must be satisfied.

Credits from the original degree will be transferred according to the policies stated under Transfer of Credit. A Petition for Graduation must be submitted and a graduation fee must be paid for the second degree to be granted. Ordinarily, earning a second degree requires more than one year of coursework. For further information, contact the Registrar.

The liberal arts requirements provide a core curriculum rooted in the humanities, natural sciences, and performing arts. This curriculum provides students the facts and skills necessary to think critically and to communicate effectively. Courses prepare students with the ability to 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.

Additional Requirements for Bachelor of Arts Degree

The Rebekah Horton Library is housed in a 6-story complex with more than 105,000 square feet, designed to hold a collection of up to a half-million volumes. With seating space for more than 900, this facility provides open stacks, study carrels, a media lab, computer lab, music library, student study rooms, conference rooms, wireless internet access, and spacious study areas.

The library’s website allows students and faculty to locate research materials easily. Present library collections include more than 300,000 volumes, plus nearly 300 current periodicals. Online databases provide access to hundreds of thousands of additional periodicals and journals plus a wealth of other academic electronic resources. The Rebekah Horton Library also offers interlibrary loan service for patrons to request items from other libraries nationwide.

The library also exhibits historical and educational materials in an old-fashioned one-room schoolhouse classroom setting. The Bible manuscript collection contains rare Bibles and other materials that give evidence of Bible preservation through the centuries. The collection holds early editions of the English Bible, Old Testament scrolls, and famous Bible reference works.

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.

Under this policy, educational records may be provided to the following without a student’s consent:

  • PCC officials with a legitimate educational interest
  • Accrediting agencies
  • Parties to legal actions through subpoenas and/or court orders
  • Federal or state agencies, or organizations performing audits or official studies
  • Financial aid officers
  • Appropriate authorities in an emergency situation

In addition, student recruiting information may be given to military recruiters and the following directory information may be disclosed to the public without a student’s consent unless a student has requested through the Records Office that the information be kept confidential: name, hometown, photograph, major, minor, dates of attendance, classification, participation in officially recognized sports and activities, statistics of Eagle’s athletes, honors, awards, scholarships, anticipated graduation date, degrees earned, and date degrees were conferred.

Requests for any other personally identifiable information contained in students’ educational records will only be granted with a signed release from the student.

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:

Category Credit Limit
Academic Probation* 12
Academic Warning* 14
New Student (not on Academic Probation) 17
2.00 GPA or above 17
3.00 GPA or above 18
4.00 GPA 20
*See Satisfactory Academic Progress below.

Students are not permitted to exceed their academic load limit without the Registrar’s approval. See cost for tuition amount for additional hours above 17 credits.

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. Those who fall below this level are subject to the guidelines below. A student’s academic progress will be reviewed by the Registrar following each term. 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 meet weekly with an academic success coach to help develop an ability to benefit from instruction at PCC. 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 Re-enrollment Committee. If accepted, the Registrar will determine a plan to prepare the student for re-enrolling.

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. There is a $10 fee for each transcript request. The Records Office will not issue any transcripts of a student’s record for any student whose account is not paid in full.