Liberty University

About Liberty University

Liberty University is the largest and fastest growing Christian Evangelical university in the world. Founded in 1971 by the late Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr., Liberty started with his vision to train young Champions for Christ. They’re now the largest private university in Virginia, offering more than 60 accredited programs of study. Liberty University’s campus boasts top-notch facilities and state-of-the-art technology, but their original mission and purpose remains strong as they continue to grow.

Liberty hosts some of the world’s best-known Christian evangelists, speakers and performers every semester, and their vibrant spiritual life based on a solid doctrinal statement truly sets them apart from other schools. While academics and faith are their top priorities, Liberty is also pleased to offer NCAA Division I athletics and many recreational opportunities. Everything they do is designed to develop Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge and skills essential to impact tomorrow’s world.

LU Quick Facts

Institutional Type

The University is a religiously-oriented, private, co-educational, comprehensive institution

Motto

"Knowledge Aflame"

Location

Lynchburg, Virginia

Founded

1971

Campus

· 5,000-acre campus
· Over 2.9 million sq. feet of facilities
· 123 buildings
· 163 classrooms

Enrollment

· Fall 2008 residential enrollment: 11,300
· Fall 2008 distance learning enrollment: 24,000

Academic Programs

· 55 Undergraduate residential programs
· 15 Undergraduate online programs
· 32 Graduate programs (residential & distance learning)
· 21 Graduate online programs

Student Profile

· Residential: 47% Male, 53% Female
· Distance learning: 49% Male, 51% Female
· 63% of resident students live on campus; 37% commute
· The student body represents all 50 states (plus DC) and over 80 countries
· Resident students volunteer 224,000+ hours each year in the community and on campus

Faculty Profile

· 22:1 Student/professor ratio
· 341 Full-time faculty
· 47 Full-time faculty with Academic Administration responsibility
· 438 Adjunct faculty
· 71% Full-time faculty hold terminal degrees

Athletics

· 18 NCAA Division I Athletic programs
· 17 Intramural Sports
· 7 Student-organized Club Sports

Technology

· 95% of campus has wireless access
· 100% Technology-enabled classrooms
· 17 Student computer labs

Library

· 72,482 Electronic full-text books
· 60,386 Electronic full-text journals
· 303,899 Volumes books, bound periodicals

Tuition/Room & Board/Fees

$21,200 approximate annual undergraduate resident cost including tuition, mandatory fees, and housing

Statement of Purpose

Philosophy of Education

Liberty University is a Christian academic community in the tradition of evangelical institutions of higher education. As such, Liberty continues the philosophy of education which first gave rise to the university, summarized in the following propositions. God, the infinite source of all things, has shown us truth through Scripture, nature, history, and, above all, in Christ. Persons are spiritual, rational, moral, social and physical, created in the image of God. They are, therefore, able to know and to value themselves and other persons, the universe and God. Education as the process of teaching and learning involves the whole person, developing the knowledge, values, and skills that enable the individual to change freely. Thus it occurs most effectively when both instructor and student are properly related to God and each other through Christ.

Mission

To develop Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact tomorrow’s world. The mission is carried out for resident students through a rigorous academic program and structured social environment. It is carried out for external students in a comparable academic program but without the structure of the resident community.

Aims

1. In support of its Philosophy and Mission, Liberty University seeks to develop the whole person by providing its students with intellectual and cultural pursuits that:

2. Contribute to a knowledge and understanding of other cultures and of international events.

3. Promote an understanding of the Western tradition and the diverse elements of American cultural history, especially the importance of the individual in maintaining democratic and free market processes.

4. Foster university level competencies in writing, speaking, reading, appreciation of the arts, analytical reasoning, computer literacy, and research.

5. Enhance graduate level knowledge and skills, particularly in the areas of individual research and scholarship.

6. Convey the different ways of acquiring knowledge in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

7. Enable them to engage in a major field of study built on a solid foundation in the liberal arts.

8. Explore the moral dimensions and ethical implications in the disciplines offered by the University.

9. Assist in developing competence and determination in their approach to their vocation, including encouragement in choosing and following their vocation as a calling to glorify God, fulfilling the Great Commission, and doing the will of God through all of life.

10. Promote the synthesis of academic knowledge and Christian values in order that there might be a maturing of spiritual, intellectual, social and physical behavior.

11. Cultivate a sensitivity to the needs of others and a commitment to the betterment of humanity.

12. Encourage a commitment to the Christian life, one of active communication of the Christian faith, personal integrity, and social responsibility which, as it is lived out, leads people to Jesus Christ as the Lord of the universe and their own personal Savior.

Liberty University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees. Liberty is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International.