Are Liberty University Online Students Required to Visit Campus? The Truth About Campus Life (and the Lack Thereof)
So, you’re thinking about taking the plunge into the world of online education, and Liberty University has caught your eye. You’re probably wondering, “Do I actually have to step foot on that hallowed ground, or can I just stay in my PJs and rock this online degree from the comfort of my couch?”
Fear not, fellow online learner, because the answer is… it depends! (Cue the dramatic music and the swirling camera shot of a Liberty University campus, complete with a cheesy stock photo of a student holding a textbook).
Let’s break down the facts:
- Most online courses are 8 weeks long, but some are 14-17 weeks. This means you’re pretty much guaranteed to be glued to your computer screen for a good chunk of time, but at least you don’t have to worry about traffic or finding a parking spot.
- Specific programs require in-person components or “intensives.” These can be anywhere from one to two weeks long and are designed to give you a taste of the traditional college experience. Imagine, a whole week of lectures, group projects, and maybe even a campus-wide scavenger hunt (but probably not).
- Liberty University requires unmarried students under the age of 21 to live on campus. But hey, if you’re over 21 or have a good reason to live off-campus, you can apply for an exception. Just be prepared to explain yourself to the “Res Life Portal” (which sounds like something out of a dystopian novel).
- Liberty University is not a “work at your own pace” kind of school. While you can access your courses whenever you want, most courses follow a strict schedule, and you’ll need to be online during specific times for synchronous sessions. So, those PJs might have to wait until after your next Zoom meeting.
- Liberty University has a strict “no alcohol, no drugs” policy. This applies to online students as well, so no sneaking a beer during your virtual study session. Sorry, not sorry.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room (and by elephant, I mean the whole “campus” thing):
- You can technically earn a degree from Liberty University without ever setting foot on campus. This is the beauty of online education! But, as we mentioned, some programs require in-person components.
- If you do decide to visit the campus, Liberty University offers a one-day tour on select Mondays and Fridays. This is a great way to get a feel for the place and see if it’s right for you. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes, because you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- In most cases, in-person requirements can be completed at an approved location near you. This means you don’t have to travel to Lynchburg, Virginia, which is a huge plus, especially if you’re a couch potato like me.
- Liberty University also requires all students to attend Convocation, regardless of whether they’re online or on campus. This is a big event that features a prominent speaker and usually involves a lot of clapping and cheering. It’s basically like a giant pep rally, but with a spiritual twist.
So, to answer your question: are Liberty University online students required to visit campus?
It depends. If you’re enrolled in a program that requires in-person components or you want to experience campus life for yourself, then the answer is yes. But if you’re happy with the online format and don’t mind missing out on the traditional college experience, then the answer is no.
The bottom line is this: Liberty University is a great option for students who are looking for a Christian-based education, but it’s important to know the ins and outs of their online programs before you enroll. And if you’re looking for a truly “work at your own pace” online experience, then Liberty University might not be the best fit for you.
Just remember, online education is a marathon, not a sprint. So, be prepared to put in the time and effort, even if you’re not physically on campus. And if you’re ever feeling stressed, take a break, put on your PJs, and order a pizza. You deserve it.