| Design for Leadership |
 A distance learning program in christian religious educationExtending Defiance College's resources to church educators around the world, Design for Leadership is a distance-learning program granting fully-accredited two and four-year degrees in Religious Education. Programs are carefully designed by religious educators, combine sound theory and proven practice. They also encompass a spectrum of theological positions. For over twenty-five years, Design for Leadership has been the distance learning solution for hundreds of church educators. Reputation and Accreditation Design for Leadership degrees and certificates are awarded by Defiance College, an independent, coeducational liberal arts college, affiliated with the United Church of Christ. Founded in 1850 and situated in historic Defiance, Ohio, Defiance College has a traditional commitment to providing educational opportunities distinguished by individual attention and academic excellence. Defiance College is recognized as a fully-accredited educational institution by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. The Design for Leadership programs have been accepted by the Chief of Chaplains Office for the continuing education of Chaplain Assistants. It is also approved by DANTES, the armed forces funding agency for military personnel. The beautiful Defiance College campus is situated in historically significant Defiance, Ohio. Founded in 1850 near historic Ft. Defiance, Defiance College provides well-rounded educational experiences both on campus and at a distance through Design for Leadership. Programs: You can earn either a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree through the Design for Leadership. Degree requirements: 1) Completion of 120 semester hours with a 2.0 or higher cumulative grade point average ("C") in all work including major field. 2) At least 26 credits must be from courses numbered 300 or above. 3) At least 30 credits must be earned at Defiance College or through Design for Leadership. For a Bachelor of Arts degree, students must complete four college-level semesters of a foreign language, instead of two. Certificate Program in Church Education The Certificate Program is a distance learning program designed for church educators who are seeking to be certified or commissioned by their denominations, or who simply wish to upgrade their knowledge, skills and credentials. The program is open to church educators all over the United States and Canada, and men and women of the Armed Forces throughout the world. Best of all, it offers a "study in your own home and community" approach which employs a variety of guided independent studies, all of which yield college credit. To give you the widest exposure to growth opportunities, each study uses a variety of resources and approaches, including experiential learning. Note: Since each denomination has its own certification or commissioning criteria, check with your denomination to determine which of these studies will help you reach your goal. What Options does The Certificate Program Offer? The Church Education Certificate Program gives you the opportunity to participate in many of the aspects of Design for Leadership which the degree students enjoy, including any of the following:
A guided independent study is similar to a course you might take on a college campus, with the exception that you complete the requirements in your own home and community. Instead of being part of a class led by a professor, you complete the work on your own using a guildeline with step-by-step instructions. You are assisted one-on-one by a mentor, often the writer of the study. Your responses to these learning experiences are evaluated by your mentor and returned to you. In addition, you may talk with your mentor by telephone and/or ask questions via mail. Your responses and your mentor's evaluations and comments join to provide you with a supportive relationship and technical assistance. The guidelines include an introduction, often a rationale for the subject, instructional objectives, a listing of primary and secondary resources, and other helpful directions. Guided independent studies are completed with a final proficiency demonstration (a traditional test, an open-book project, or a combination of the two). In all instances the learning activities and final proficiencies are constructed so that their content and methodology may be used for your work training teachers and leaders. Grades are awarded as in any academic process. Summer learning center on the Defiance college campus
The Summer Learning Center is a series of one and two-day workshops introducting and interpreting guided independent studies or centering on themes related to field experience. The Summer Learning Center provides opportunies to gather with other Design for Leadership participants and staff, to develop lasting friendships, to share "shop talk" and to receive ideas from one another. It provides motivation, workshop experiences, and "time away" to study, develop skills and enhance understanding. Schauffler Hall, on the Defiance College campus, is the home of the Design for Leadership and the setting for our annual Summer Learning Center.Schauffler Hall, on the Defiance College campus, is the home of the Design for Leadership and the setting for our annual Summer Learning Center.  The Design for Leadership Summer Learning Center is generally held during the last week of July or the first week of August. Also included is an optional period for individual study on campus. Exact dates and other information are automatically sent to all who are participating in the degree or certificate programs. Precise dates are announced in January. Additional information is sent in early spring, detailing the schedule of offerings and describing the speakers slated to appear. Costs are kept to a minimum. Dormitory housing is provided on campus for a low rate, and a variety of meal options is available. Although participation in the Summer Learning Center is never required, attending at least one is highly recommended. While academic credit is not given for the workshops as such, it is possible to complete one or more of the learning activities related to each of the guided independent studies. Contact:DEFIANCE COLLEGE |
