Grace College and Seminary has made a change in its program offerings in the Detroit area. Beginning this summer, the college will offer Grace Opportunities for Adult Learners (GOAL) degree completion programs online to any interested area students. Formerly, Grace offered GOAL as well as associate’s degree programs residentially in Detroit-area locations.
The change from residential programs comes in light of the recently-announced government funding of associates degrees in the city. “While it is no longer sustainable for us to offer residential degree programs in Detroit, we hope to attract many new students to our highly-affordable, biblically-based bachelor’s degree completion programs online,” said Dr. Bill Katip, president of Grace College.
GOAL is designed for adults who desire to complete their bachelor’s degree while continuing full-time work and life responsibilities. Now available completely online, students may pursue a Bachelor of Science in Management, Business Administration or Human Services through Grace College. Building on previous college credits and life experiences equivalent to about two years of college, a student can complete their bachelor’s degree through GOAL in as little as 16 months.
Evangel Ministries, located on Detroit’s west side, is a Grace College partner that previously hosted residential degree programs. Now, Senior Pastor Christopher Brooks looks forward to directing members and the larger community to Grace’s online programs. “I have seen first-hand that the biblically-centered curriculum offered at Grace changes lives. Men and women graduate from Grace with a renewed sense of purpose, equipped to make a difference in their lives and others’ lives,” said Brooks.
Matthew Parker, former special assistant to the president for strategic outreach at Grace College, commented “As Grace transitions to a new model in Detroit, I’m excited to work with them to form strategic partnerships to meet the needs of our community. Our Daily Bread Christian University is one potential partnership that could serve our population well and help provide quality, affordable Christian education to those pursuing a college degree.”
Senior Pastor of Second Ebenezer Church, Bishop Edgar Vann, has heartily endorsed the Grace College GOAL program, saying “the academic and theological excellence offered by Grace College brings credibility and legitimacy to our community.” He went on to say, “The GOAL program strengthens the faith and resolve of students while preparing them for a variety of professional and ministry opportunities.”
New online GOAL cohorts begin three times per year. Fall applications are due by July 31. For more information about GOAL degree completion programs or to apply, visit online.grace.edu or call 800-823-8533.
