Eastern University

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Staff
Updated August 7, 2020

Eastern University began in 1925 as Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary which eventually became the Palmer Theological Seminary. The school was founded to provide a theologically conservative seminary within the American Baptist Church. The school's mission was to train people in the whole gospel so that they would carry that gospel back into the world.

In 1932, Eastern College was established as part of the Palmer Theological Seminary in order to encourage the professional preparation of pastors. It began as a one-year program that later expanded to a five-year program that consisted of two years of college and three years of seminary training, leading to a Bachelor of Theology degree. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania changed the requirements to obtain the AB and Th.B. degrees to four years of college and two years of seminary. In 1948, a third year of seminary was added, creating a seven-year degree program.

In 1951, a separate institution was created known as Eastern Baptist College. The campus moved to the Charles S. Walton Estate in Saint Davids, Pennsylvania, where it stands today. Initially, the college was to prepare students for careers in the pastorate, but additional programs were added to provide training for other careers as well. The first class was held in 1952 and the name of the school changed to Eastern College in 1972 as an effort to attract evangelical Christians from different denominations. The college continued to operate in partnership with the American Baptist Churches in the United States.

Until 1976, only one degree was offered at Eastern College. In 1968, a social work program was added and in 1977, a Bachelor of Nursing for those who were already Registered Nurses was included. The first graduate program was a Master of Business Administration and the first degree was granted in 1983.

Today, 3,616 people are enrolled at Eastern University. The school has received the MacArthur Foundation Award, the Olaf Palma International Justice Award, a regional Emmy for PBS Documentary and Lindback Awards for Excellence in Teaching.

Accreditation Details

Eastern University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Accreditation indicates that the school meets all criteria set forth by the commission that demonstrate excellence in education and that they strive for improvement in any area identified. In addition, the following agencies accredit programs throughout the college:

  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
  • Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada
  • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
  • Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Council on Social Work Education
  • Master's in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council

Application Requirements

Students who have not earned college credits after graduation must submit an online application as well as official high school transcripts or GED. Applicants must also provide SAT or ACT scores and an academic reference. There is an optional essay question in which students must describe how their talents, interests and abilities fit into the mission statement of Eastern University.

Students transferring from other colleges and universities who have already earned an Associate's degree will receive credit for all courses completed. Students who have attended regionally accredited colleges or universities but have not received an associate's degree may have up to 30 credits transferred as long as they have earned a "C" or better. Applicants must complete an online application and submit official high school transcripts or GED. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must also be submitted. A reference and transfer evaluation form is required. Applicants may also complete the same optional essay required of new freshman.

Adult students must complete an online application and provide a current resume. Applicants must provide an official high school transcript or GED certificate as well as official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants must also provide a Disclosure of Online Learning Expectations.

Graduate degree applicants must complete an online application and submit a current resume. Essays are required for admission to graduate programs. Applicants must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, one of which must show the conferring of a bachelor's degree or higher. Letters of recommendation are also required. Some programs may require the submission of official standardized graduate tests, interviews or other supplemental material. Doctoral candidates must also submit a Statement of Purpose, record of leadership positions, a writing sample and three letters of recommendation.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time undergraduate tuition at Eastern University is $15,390 per semester and part-time tuition is $675 per credit hour. Online undergraduate tuition ranges from $415 per credit hour to $610 per credit hour. Graduate tuition ranges from $675 per credit hour to $960 per credit hour.

Financial aid is available through scholarships grants and loans. Some of the scholarships and grants available include:

  • 4+1 Engineering Program Award
  • Christian High School Commuter Award
  • Church Matching Grant
  • Cornerstone Award
  • David and Valerie Black Scholarship for Transfers
  • Eagle Scholarship
  • Eastern Family Grant
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes
  • Goode Fellows Award
  • Howard Fellows Award
  • Leadership Fellows Award
  • Legacy Award
  • Ministerial Discount
  • Music Major Scholarship
  • Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship for Transfers
  • Presidential Scholarship
  • Provost Scholarship
  • Templeton Honors College Award
  • Trustee Scholarship
  • Young Life Award
  • Young Life Match Grant
  • Youth Ministry Major Scholarship

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for financial aid.

Eastern University Online Degree(s) Available

Bachelor of Science in Management

The Bachelor of Science in Management at Eastern University prepares students to go directly into the corporate sector or to advance their education at the graduate school level. Students are provided skills and knowledge in business, economics, human resources and other subjects that are necessary to succeed in the business world today. Courses required for the program include:

  • Business Ethics and Leadership
  • Business Finance
  • Business Law
  • Business Statistics
  • Business Strategy and Policy
  • Economic Policy Seminar
  • Essentials of Economics
  • Human Resources Management
  • International Business
  • Management Information Systems
  • Operations Management
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Principles of Accounting I & II
  • Principles of Management & Leadership
  • Principles of Marketing
  • Public Speaking

All courses are taught with the understanding that management is a form of Christian stewardship, integrating Christian faith and business with a missional justice focus. Each program in the business department is built on disciplines that include economics, marketing, accounting, ethics and theology. The program is offered completely online.

Related Resource: Online Doctoral Degree in Management or Leadership: Top 25 Most Affordable

Eastern University provides flexible online courses that allow adults who may have work, family or social obligations to achieve their higher education goals, allowing them to move into a new career or advance in a current career using faith-based learning.

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