NCU Magazine: Carlson Institute

By: Joy Lindner

Since its inception in 1989, the Carlson Institute of North Central University has continued to grow and expand its sphere of influence. As of June 2007, the Carlson Institute has students enrolled from 31 states and one foreign country (Estonia). Currently there are 237 students enrolled, making Carlson Institute the 4th largest academic department of the University by actual student count.

Originally created for Distance Education, Carlson Institute has moved into partnerships with organizations to help facilitate their need for Biblical education. Currently, Carlson Institute has academic partnerships with six Master’s Commission ministries, two schools of ministry in Illinois and Washington and two learning centers in Wisconsin and Oregon.

Carlson Institute also serves 19 inmates in 10 correctional facilities. A grant was obtained this summer for inmate education at Stillwater Correctional Facility in Bayport, Minn. This money is being used to provide tuition, textbooks, reference materials and a personal study Bible for three prisoners who are enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program.

“Students come to us for many reasons,” stated Doug Chapman, director of Carlson Institute. Students who are a part of the Institute may often be seeking an affordable degree completion program that provides a flexible schedule with courses that can be completed where the student is located. Some of the students are seeking ministerial credentials or have an interest in continuing their education simply for self-improvement.

Carlson Institute is constantly changing and growing. Today’s technology offers a variety of mediums to present educational opportunities. The main focus will always be to serve students, pastors and laypeople to accomplish their mission to reach the world.

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