Cornerstone University is an independent, evangelical Christian institution of higher education founded in 1941. Located in Grand Rapids MI, the university has four divisions: Traditional Undergraduate, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, Asia Biblical Theological Seminary, and Professional & Graduate Studies.
In 1993 the university developed an accelerated educational model which allowed adults to earn a degree while working full time. This model translated into the division Professional & Graduate Studies, which offers adults the opportunity to complete an associates, bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree in an accelerated fashion.
For those already employed, putting life on hold to pursue education can be challenging. With the accelerated format, you can often complete a program in less than two years! Programs are offered one course at a time, one night per week for on campus and are delivered in a cohort format of typically 12-15 students. For added convenience and flexibility, these same degrees are also offered fully online. Through PGS you will gain the tools, experiences, and relationships to enable you to become a leader of character and challenge the integration of faith into all aspects of your professional and personal life.
Earning a degree is one of the best personal investments someone can make. It carries with you for a lifetime providing positive social, cultural, financial, and intellectual rewards. Although investments are great, you are probably wondering how you're going to swing this financially. We are glad you asked. Cornerstone University Professional & Graduate Studies tuition rates are lower than many local state schools and mid-range for private faith-based institutions. We believe an affordable tuition rate is a key component in helping our students succeed. It’s simply one more way we can serve our students. Financial aid is awarded based on a student’s status. Enrolling in one of our accelerated degree programs automatically gives you a “full-time” student status. This means that you are eligible to apply for full financial aid assistance to cover the cost of your degree program. Once you apply for admission, we’ll team you up with a financial aid counselor to discuss all your options.
24/7 support is available for our online degrees . You have full access to tutoring for all of your classes, anytime day or night! This gives you the ability to be successful in every course you take!
Accreditation provides assurance that the program in which you are enrolled or are considering enrolling in is engaged in continuous review and improving in quality, that it meets nationally endorsed standards, and that it is held accountable for achieving its educational goals. Cornerstone University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
By 2018, 63% of all US jobs will require education beyond high school. Yet, nearly half of the US workforce - about 88 million of 188 million adults aged 18 to 64 - has only a high school education or less (National Center for Education Statistics, nces.ed.gov).
The Associate of Science in Business Studies is a 62-credit, introductory-level academic program designed for working adults who understand that a solid Christian liberal arts education will help them accomplish more in their professional and personal lives.
The regionally-accredited curriculum dives into varied, core subjects which give you with a strong foundation to knowledgeably navigate the marketplace while also offering courses specific to business. Coursework is divided into individual and group projects through which you'll learn how to effectively manage in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while developing your leadership and communication skills.
Convenience and FlexibilityWith course offerings online and in-class, you will maximize your educational experience while still maintaining your work and family life. Classes meet one night per week in one of our three campus locations and online. Upon starting a degree, you will continue through the program with your classmates as a cohort. With an average of 10-15 students in each cohort, students receive one-on-one attention from faculty while gleaning insights from other students' personal and professional experience.
Quick FactsAn Associate of Science in Business Studies can lead you into various career paths:
Submit application with applicable fee
Graduation from high school or successful completion of G.E.D.
Minimum of two years full time work experience since high school
The Associate of Science in Human Services is a 62-credit, introductory-level academic program designed for working adults who understand that a solid Christian liberal arts education will help them accomplish more in their professional and personal lives.
The regionally-accredited curriculum dives into varied, core subjects which give you with a strong foundation to knowledgeably navigate the marketplace while also offering courses specific to business. Coursework is divided into individual and group projects through which you'll learn how to effectively manage in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while developing your leadership and communication skills.
Convenience and FlexibilityWith course offerings online and in-class, you will maximize your educational experience while still maintaining your work and family life. Classes meet one night per week in one of our three campus locations and online. Upon starting a degree, you will continue through the program with your classmates as a cohort. With an average of 10-15 students in each cohort, students receive one-on-one attention from faculty while gleaning insights from other students' personal and professional experience.
Quick FactsAn Associate of Science in Human Services can lead you into various career paths:
Submit application with applicable fee
Graduation from high school or successful completion of G.E.D.
Minimum of two years full time work experience since high school
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting is a 52-credit, undergraduate level academic program designed to provide conceptual knowledge of the accounting discipline with a Christ-centered framework.
Courses emphasize theoretical constructs and an ethical perspective for applying accounting principles within areas such as financial reporting and analysis, taxation, and auditing. Students are prepared to sit for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination in Michigan, pursue professional accounting careers, and attain advanced study within the discipline.
Convenience and FlexibilityWith course offerings online and in-class, you will maximize your educational experience while still maintaining your work and family life. Classes meet one night per week in one of our campus locations or fully online. Upon starting a degree, you will continue through the program with your classmates as a cohort. Courses are offered one at a time in a lock step format.
Quick FactsDemonstrate and apply knowledge of the core accounting skills and their related disciplines. Exhibit the oral and written communication skills needed to function as an effective business leader and accounting professional. Demonstrate ethical decision-making and leadership from a Christian worldview. Analyze and resolve business issues, including those created by emergence of a multicultural, global economy.
Students pursuing CPA licensure will be required to have obtained at least 150 semester hours of college education, including a baccalaureate or higher degree with a concentration in accounting, prior to applying for a CPA license.
Admission RequirementsSubmit application with applicable fee
A minimum of two years full-time work experience since high school.
Minimum of 56 transferrable credits from a regionally accredited institution.
The Bachelors of Science in Business Administration is a 46-credit program academic program designed for working adults who understand that a solid Christian liberal arts education will help them accomplish more in their professional and personal lives.
The regionally-accredited curriculum dives into varied, core subjects which give you with a strong foundation to knowledgeably navigate the marketplace while also offering courses specific to business. Coursework is divided into individual and group projects through which you'll learn how to effectively manage in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while developing your leadership and communication skills.
Convenience and FlexibilityWith course offerings online and in-class, you will maximize your educational experience while still maintaining your work and family life. Classes meet one night per week in one of our campus locations or fully online. Upon starting a degree, you will continue through the program with your classmates as a cohort. Courses are offered one at a time in a lock step format.
Quick FactsA Bachelor of Science in Business Administration can lead you into various career paths:
Submit application with applicable fee
Minimum of two years full time work experience since high school
Minimum of 56 credits of transferable, college-level credit from accredited colleges/universities
The Bachelors of Science in Management is a 42-credit program undergraduate level academic program designed to provide conceptual knowledge of the accounting discipline with a Christ-centered framework.
The regionally-accredited curriculum dives into varied, core subjects which give you with a strong foundation to knowledgeably navigate the marketplace while also offering courses specific to business. Coursework is divided into individual and group projects through which you'll learn how to effectively manage in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while developing your leadership and communication skills.
Convenience and FlexibilityWith course offerings online and in-class, you will maximize your educational experience while still maintaining your work and family life. Classes meet one night per week in one of our campus locations or fully online. Upon starting a degree, you will continue through the program with your classmates as a cohort. Courses are offered one at a time in a lock step format.
Quick FactsA Bachelor of Science in Management can lead you into various career paths:
Submit application with applicable fee
Minimum of two years full time work experience since high school
Minimum of 56 credits of transferable, college-level credit from accredited colleges/universities
The Bachelors of Science in Ministry Leadership is a 48-credit undergraduate level academic program designed for working adults who understand that a solid Christian liberal arts education will help them accomplish more in their professional and personal lives.
The curriculum dives into varied, core subjects which give you with a strong foundation to knowledgeably navigate the Biblical texts, a life of ministry, and non-profit organizations. Coursework is divided into individual and group projects through which you'll learn how to effectively manage in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while developing your leadership and communication skills.
Convenience and FlexibilityWith course offerings online and in-class, you will maximize your educational experience while still maintaining your work and family life. Classes meet one night per week in one of our campus locations or fully online. Upon starting a degree, you will continue through the program with your classmates as a cohort. Courses are offered one at a time in a lock step format.
Quick FactsA Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership can lead you into various career paths:
Submit application with applicable fee
Minimum of two years full time work experience since high school
Minimum of 56 credits of transferable, college-level credit from accredited colleges/universities
Submit a statement of Christian faith and involvement in the local church and a letter from church/ministry leader or pastor addressing the following:
The Bachelors of Science in Psychology is a 46-credit undergraduate level academic program designed for working adults who understand that a solid Christian liberal arts education will help them accomplish more in their professional and personal lives.
The regionally-accredited curriculum dives into varied, core subjects which give you with a strong foundation to knowledgeably navigate the market place while also offering courses specific to business. Coursework is divided into individual and group projects through which you'll learn how to effectively manage in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while developing your leadership and communication skills.
Convenience and FlexibilityWith course offerings online and in-class, you will maximize your educational experience while still maintaining your work and family life. Classes meet one night per week in one of our campus locations or fully online. Upon starting a degree, you will continue through the program with your classmates as a cohort. Courses are offered one at a time in a lock step format.
Quick FactsA Bachelor of Science in Psychology can lead you into various career paths:
Submit application with applicable fee
Minimum of two years full time work experience since high school
Minimum of 56 credits of transferable, college-level credit from accredited colleges/universities
The Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction is a 35-credit graduate level academic program designed for working adults who understand that a solid Christian liberal arts education will help them accomplish more in their professional and personal lives.
The curriculum is designed to prepare current educators to deliver advanced classroom instruction for a wide range of student learning styles, motivation and abilities. The curriculum and instruction concentration provides students with the knowledge and skills to write curricula, provide differentiated instruction, assess student success, and utilize technology in the educational setting. Coursework is divided into individual and group projects through which you'll learn how to effectively manage in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while developing your leadership and communication skills. Curriculum of the program is conceptually developed around the objective found in the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). While Cornerstone University cannot offer National Teacher Certification, students are encouraged to consider the possibility by working directly with the NBPTS.
Convenience and FlexibilityWith course offerings online, you will maximize your educational experience while still maintaining your work and family life. Upon starting a degree, you will continue through the program with your classmates as a cohort. With an average of 10-15 students in each cohort, students receive one-on-one attention from faculty while gleaning insights from other students' personal and professional experience.
Quick FactsSubmit application with applicable fee
Official transcripts
A professional resume
One year successful classroom teaching
Minimum G.P.A. of 2.7 in undergraduate course work from accredited colleges/universities
Two letters of recommendation
A copy of teacher's certification document
The Masters of Arts in Education: Educational Leadership is a 35-credit graduate level academic program designed for working adults who understand that a solid Christian liberal arts education will help them accomplish more in their professional and personal lives.
The curriculum provides realistic guidance as well as best-practice theories for educational leadership from a Christ-centered worldview. Upon completion of this program, students will be prepared to become top level administrators in their school. Coursework is divided into individual and group projects through which you'll learn how to effectively manage in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while developing your leadership and communication skills.
Convenience and FlexibilityWith course offerings online, you will maximize your educational experience while still maintaining your work and family life. Upon starting a degree, you will continue through the program with your classmates as a cohort. With an average of 10-15 students in each cohort, students receive one-on-one attention from faculty while gleaning insights from other students' personal and professional experience.
Quick FactsA Master of Arts in Education: Educational Leadership can lead you into various career paths:
Submit application with applicable fee
Official transcripts
A professional resume
One year successful classroom teaching
Minimum G.P.A. of 2.7 in undergraduate course work from accredited colleges/universities
Two letters of recommendation
A copy of teacher's certification document
The Masters of Arts in Education: Educational Technology is a 35-credit graduate level academic program designed for working adults who understand that a solid Christian liberal arts education will help them accomplish more in their professional and personal lives.
The regionally-accredited curriculum provides realistic guidance as well as best-practice theories for educational leadership from a Christ-centered worldview. Coursework is divided into individual and group projects through which you'll learn how to effectively manage in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while developing your leadership and communication skills.
Convenience and FlexibilityWith course offerings online, you will maximize your educational experience while still maintaining your work and family life. Upon starting a degree, you will continue through the program with your classmates as a cohort. With an average of 10-15 students in each cohort, students receive one-on-one attention from faculty while gleaning insights from other students' personal and professional experience.
Quick FactsA Master of Arts in Education: Educational Technology can lead you into various career paths:
Submit application with applicable fee
Official transcripts
A professional resume
One year successful classroom teaching
Minimum G.P.A. of 2.7 in undergraduate course work from accredited colleges/universities
Two letters of recommendation
A copy of teacher's certification document
The Masters of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages is a 33-credit graduate level academic program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to teach English to speakers of other languages in both local and international environments. Courses emphasize the practical aspects of teaching and ministry in a cross-cultural setting. Students are prepared to work in areas such as missions, education, curriculum development, and program administration.
Blended FormatThis program provides the convenience of online study with an annual one-week (Monday through Saturday) residency program on Cornerstone University's Grand Rapids campus. The following courses are completed during the two residencies students experience: Issues in TESOL, Methodology I, Methodology II, and Application of Technology in TESOL.
Online FormatThe fully online format provides maximum flexibility for adult students while still creating community through the shared learning platform, Moodle. The online format requires that students attend an approved TESOL conference or seminar each year of their study with an expectation of students attending two conferences or seminars in total.
Quick FactsA Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages can lead you into various career paths:
Submit application with applicable fee
Official transcripts
A professional resume
Minimum G.P.A. of 2.7 in undergraduate course work from accredited colleges/universities
Two letters of recommendation
A copy of teacher's certification document
The Masters of Business Administration in Finance is a 38-credit graduate level academic program designed for working adults who understand that a solid Christian liberal arts education will help them accomplish more in their professional and personal lives. The regionally-accredited curriculum provides an advanced knowledge of today's global business environment, along with practical management skills, all based on Christ-centered principles.
Convenience and FlexibilityWith course offerings online and in-class, you will maximize your educational experience while still maintaining your work and family life. Classes meet one night per week in one of our three campus locations and online. Upon starting a degree you will continue through the program with your classmates as a cohort. With an average of 15 students in each cohort, students receive one-on-one attention from faculty while gleaning insights from other students' personal and professional experience.
Quick FactsA Master of Business Administration in Finance can lead you into various career paths:
Submit application with applicable fee
Official transcripts
A professional resume
Two letters of recommendation
Written essay
For individuals with 1+ years of work experience, a minimum G.P.A. of 2.7 in undergraduate course work from accredited colleges/universities
For individuals with less than 1 year of work experience, a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 in undergraduate course work from accredited colleges/universities
The Masters of Business Administration in Global Business is a 38-credit graduate level academic program designed for working adults who understand that a solid Christian liberal arts education will help them accomplish more in their professional and personal lives.
The regionally-accredited curriculum provides leadership skills based on Christ-centered principles in five essential disciplines: operations, finance and accounting, organizational behavior, marketing and strategy. The Global Business concentration offers students in-depth, practical instruction in the issues affecting the globalized marketplace of the 21st century. Included in this concentration is a required global trip. Students are prepared to pursue global business careers in fields such as international relations, banking, consulting and non-profit management.
Convenience and FlexibilityWith course offerings online and in-class, you will maximize your educational experience while still maintaining your work and family life. Classes meet one night per week in one of our three campus locations and online. Upon starting a degree you will continue through the program with your classmates as a cohort. With an average of 15 students in each cohort, students receive one-on-one attention from faculty while gleaning insights from other students' personal and professional experience.
Quick FactsA Master of Business Administration in Global Business can lead you into various career paths:
Submit application with applicable fee
Official transcripts
A professional resume
Two letters of recommendation
Written essay
For individuals with 1+ years of work experience, a minimum G.P.A. of 2.7 in undergraduate course work from accredited colleges/universities
For individuals with less than 1 year of work experience, a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 in undergraduate course work from accredited colleges/universities
The Masters of Business Administration in Health Care is a 38-credit graduate level academic program designed for working adults who understand that a solid Christian liberal arts education will help them accomplish more in their professional and personal lives.
The regionally-accredited curriculum provides leadership skills based on Christ-centered principles in five essential disciplines: operations, finance and accounting, organizational behavior, marketing and strategy. Created in conjunction with health care administrators, this cutting edge curriculum provides leadership development for clinicians while equipping the business-trained administrator with key competencies required in a health care setting. Students are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as hospital administration, practice management, and health insurance administration.
Convenience and FlexibilityWith course offerings online and in-class, you will maximize your educational experience while still maintaining your work and family life. Classes meet one night per week in one of our three campus locations and online. Upon starting a degree you will continue through the program with your classmates as a cohort. With an average of 15 students in each cohort, students receive one-on-one attention from faculty while gleaning insights from other students' personal and professional experience.
Quick FactsA Master of Business Administration in Health Care can lead you into various career paths:
Submit application with applicable fee
Official transcripts
A professional resume
Two letters of recommendation
Written essay
For individuals with 1+ years of work experience, a minimum G.P.A. of 2.7 in undergraduate course work from accredited colleges/universities
For individuals with less than 1 year of work experience, a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 in undergraduate course work from accredited colleges/universities
The Masters of Business Administration in Project Management is a 38-credit graduate level academic program designed for working adults who understand that a solid Christian liberal arts education will help them accomplish more in their professional and personal lives.
The regionally-accredited curriculum provides leadership skills based on Christ-centered principles in five essential disciplines: operations, finance and accounting, organizational behavior, marketing and strategy. The project management concentration supplements this foundational business knowledge with further instruction and practical application in project design, resource management, risk management, principles of effective communication, and quality assurance. Students are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as product development, construction management, and consulting.
Convenience and FlexibilityWith course offerings online and in-class, you will maximize your educational experience while still maintaining your work and family life. Classes meet one night per week in one of our three campus locations and online. Upon starting a degree you will continue through the program with your classmates as a cohort. With an average of 15 students in each cohort, students receive one-on-one attention from faculty while gleaning insights from other students' personal and professional experience.
Quick FactsSubmit application with applicable fee
Official transcripts
Professional resume
Two letters of recommendation
Written essay
For individuals with 1+ years of work experience, a minimum G.P.A. of 2.7 in undergraduate course work from accredited colleges/universities
For individuals with less than 1 year of work experience, a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 in undergraduate course work from accredited colleges/universities
The Masters of Science in Management is a 36-credit graduate level academic program designed for working adults who understand that a solid Christian liberal arts education will help them accomplish more in their professional and personal lives.
The Master of Science in Management program focuses on the application of theory and research to practical workplace problems by leveraging case studies and professional application to teach the foundational management disciplines of leadership, organizational behavior, diversity, human resources, economics, and strategic management. At Cornerstone, these are all based on Christ-centered principles. Coursework is divided into individual and group projects through which you'll learn how to effectively manage in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while developing your leadership and communication skills.
Convenience and FlexibilityWith course offerings online and in-class, you will maximize your educational experience while still maintaining your work and family life. Classes meet one night per week in one of our three campus locations and online. Upon starting a degree you will continue through the program with your classmates as a cohort. With an average of 15 students in each cohort, students receive one-on-one attention from faculty while gleaning insights from other students' personal and professional experience.
Quick FactsSubmit application with applicable fee
Official transcripts
A professional resume
Two letters of recommendation
Written essay
For individuals with 1+ years of work experience, a minimum G.P.A. of 2.7 in undergraduate course work from accredited colleges/universities
For individuals with less than 1 year of work experience, a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 in undergraduate course work from accredited colleges/universities
The 12-month long Educational Technology Endorsement is designed to help current state certified educators meet the updated seventh standard, as well as develop a higher level of technology literacy. Course work integrates faith and learning to facilitate the exploration of hot-button education issues relating to technology, leadership, values, pedagogy and differentiated instruction within the K-12 system.
The Educational Technology Endorsement is designed for those who would like to add another area of expertise to their initial teacher certification. This 21-credit endorsement can be used to complete some of the requirements of the Master of Arts in Education degree.
Convenience and FlexibilityWith course offerings online and in-class, you will maximize your educational experience while still maintaining your work and family life. Classes meet one night per week online. Upon starting a degree, you will continue through the program with your classmates as a cohort. With an average of 10-15 students in each cohort, students receive one-on-one attention from faculty while gleaning insights from other students' personal and professional experience.
Quick FactsCompleted non-degree application
A baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution
Minimum G.P.A. of 2.7 in undergraduate course work
The ESL Endorsement is a 22 credit-hour program designed for certified K-12 teachers who wish to earn an endorsement to teach ESL in a public school.
Adding the ESL Endorsement to Your CertificationIf you are a certified teacher, and you are planning to add the ESL endorsement to your certificate, you will need to complete either the ESL Endorsement program or the Master of Arts in TESOL degree and pass the MTTC test. Download a study guide and choose English as a Second Language (086). Refer to the section below for more information regarding the MTTC test.
As of February 2011, most certification is handled online through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS). To access the MOECS, users must have a valid Michigan Education Information System (MEIS), login name and password. If you do not have an MEIS login name and password, you need to first create an MEIS account.
Quick FactsCompleted non-degree application
A baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution
Minimum G.P.A. of 2.7 in undergraduate course work
The Graduate Diploma in TESOL is a 24 credit-hour program for those with a bachelor's degree who wish to teach English to speakers of other languages. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to teach English to speakers of other languages in both local and international environments. Courses emphasize the practical aspects of teaching and ministry in a cross-cultural setting. Students are prepared to work in areas such as missions, education, curriculum development, and program administration.
Please Note: This certificate does not fulfill the requirements of an initial teaching certification.
Quick FactsCompleted non-degree application
A baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution
Minimum G.P.A. of 2.7 in undergraduate course work
The Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership is a 36-credit graduate level degree program that focuses on the application of theory and research to practical workplace problems in areas such as strategic leadership, organizational decision-making, human resources and conflict management. At Cornerstone, program curriculum and faculty instruction is based on Christ-centered principles. Coursework is divided into individual and group projects through which you'll learn how to effectively lead in a fast-paced, diverse organizational environment.
Convenience and FlexibilityWith course offerings online and in-class, you will maximize your educational experience while still maintaining your work and family life. Classes meet one night per week in one of our two campus locations or online. Upon starting a degree, you will continue through the program with your classmates as a cohort. Students receive one-on-one attention from faculty while gleaning insights from other students' personal and professional experience.
Quick FactsSubmit application with applicable fee
Official transcripts
A professional resume
Two letters of recommendation
Written essay
For individuals with 1+ years of work experience, a minimum G.P.A. of 2.7 in undergraduate course work from accredited colleges/universities For individuals with less than 1 year of work experience, a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 in undergraduate course work from accredited colleges/universities
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership and Development is designed to equip current and emerging leaders with comprehensive knowledge and skills for transformational change within organizations. Courses focus on topics such as data analysis, strategic planning, financial management, policy leadership, communication, and assessment. Whether your career is in business, ministry, non-profit leadership, or education, this program will enhance your ability to effectively lead organizations through evidence-based decision making.
Quick FactsCompleted EdD application and applicable fee
Completed bachelor and master degrees from regionally accredited institutions
Minimum 5 years fulltime work experience
Statement of intent and recommendations
Official test scores from GRE, GMAT, or MAT