The recent grand opening of Hannibal-LaGrange University's satellite campus in Jefferson City will allow some adults with unfinished college plans to complete their degrees.
The ribbon was cut last month for HLGU's degree completion program located in the Missouri Baptist Building at 400 E. High St.
"Students either need to have an associates degree or (at least) 65 hours of college credit," Director of Adult Degree Completion Programs Kayla McBride said of enrollment requirements.
McBride said there are four classrooms, two offices and other offices for adjunct instructors on the sixth floor of the building.
Classes that meet for four hours at a time, one night a week will offer bachelor of science or bachelor of applied science opportunities in business management, criminal justice and Christian ministry.
"Maybe in the future, we'll look at (adding) some additional degrees," depending on the needs of the community, McBride said.
Christian ministry is a program offering unique to Jefferson City, she added. That program is designed for small church pastors who likely have another job or career but want to learn more about ministry.
There are no comprehensive tests involved with any of the programs, and the focus instead is on application of what is learned, she said.
All programs will open in March, and people interested in being part of the first cohort of students should email [email protected] or call 573-556-0333.
Students stay with their cohort - their group of adult learners - throughout their program, according to the campus' website.
All courses are on site, McBride said. Another cohort will start in September.
Prospective students will get a free, written degree-completion plan consultation by sending a copy of transcripts and, if applicable, Department of Corrections or police academy documents to Degree Completion Program Coordinator Julie Meranda, at [email protected].
"We do accept (applied science) degrees as well as technical hours," such as hours earned at State Technical College of Missouri, that can be put toward a bachelor of applied science degree, McBride said.
There is a $25 application fee.
Students can complete their degree requirements "in as little as 20 months," the website states. HLGU's completion program has been offered at its Hannibal campus for more than 22 years and in Poplar Bluff for more than 14 years.
The Jefferson City campus also is offering a "heavily discounted," $100, one credit per hour college course in Biblical Interpretation for the 21st Century, to be taught by professors Eric Turner and Bill Victor.
The class will run 6-8 p.m. for eight weeks, starting March 15.
For more information, visit hlg.edu/academics/hlgu-degree-completion/jefferson-city-location.