Philosophy of Graduate Education
The foundational documents of Greenville University are clear in directing the type of learning we are to provide to students, who we believe have a special purpose. Our mission demands that we “empower students for lives of character and service through a transforming Christ-centered education in the liberal arts, sciences and professional studies.” The vision of Greenville University states that, “God created each of our students to uniquely shape the world!”
In the 21st century, given the constant change driven by the advancement of technology, Greenville University must accomplish this mission and vision by providing education to its learners throughout their lives and in formats that include, but are not limited to, undergraduate or graduate education. Greenville University’s task is to provide a mix of undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs and certifications tailored to the unique needs and callings of its students.
The university’s philosophy of education features a call for our educational objectives -- based on our stated assumptions of reality, knowledge, humanness and value – to pursue both academic and spiritual aims in an intentional effort to minister to the whole person. Therefore, graduate education continues this effort by not only calling faculty and students to mastery and creation of knowledge and skills within a discipline, but also declaring how this advanced learning contributes to their lives and the communities they serve.
Greenville graduates distinguish themselves by understanding both knowledge and knowledge generation as an extension of the Christian pursuit of truth. Advanced learning at the graduate level, though personal, is never perceived as merely private; it is meant to be used for the common good and invested, especially, on behalf of the poor, the dispossessed, and the marginalized.
In particular, graduate education at Greenville not only deepens knowledge and understanding, but seeks to further develop traits of character in the service of professional vocation and towards the student’s field of endeavor. By doing so, Greenville graduate alumni stand out as exemplary employees and active citizens dedicated not only to the improvement of themselves, but to the general welfare of those within their spheres of influence and to the larger culture.