LeTourneau University was established in 1946 as the LeTourneau Technical Institute. Located on an abandoned Army hospital campus in Longview, Texas, the institution was first designed to provide classes to veterans returning from World War II and was initially only open to male students. The name was changed to LeTourneau College in 1961 and the school began offering four-year programs to both men and women. In 1989 the name was changed to LeTourneau University and programmatic accreditation was awarded from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET).
In 1989, LeTourneau University also began to provide programs designed to meet the needs of working adults through the LeTourneau Education for Adult Professionals (LEAP) program, offering night and weekend courses. This module eventually expanded to include offsite class locations and distance education options and resulted in the online degree and certification programs offered today.
LeTourneau University is self-described as an unapologetically Christian university and offers non-denominational educational programs with an emphasis on students building a stronger relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, and discovering God’s purpose for them. The institution works from the foundational belief that knowledge comes from God and works to equip students with this knowledge and the skills they need to enter their chosen fields as Christian leaders.
The university strives to create a strong community both on-campus and online and to provide the tools, faculty attention and faith-based education necessary to develop self-discipline, critical thinking skills, leadership skills and self-sufficiency.
Accreditation
LeTourneau University holds accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and is approved to grant associate, bachelor and master degrees.
Additionally, LeTourneau University’s business program holds accreditation through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), engineering programs are accredited through the Engineering Accreditation Commission and the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET), and the flight program holds certification through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
LeTourneau University is also a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.
Schools of Education
The School of Arts and Sciences emphasizes providing students with a well-rounded liberal arts education, including natural sciences courses delivered from a Christian perspective and incorporating Intelligent Design. Programs of study include Christian ministry, English, computer information systems, political science, mathematics, pre-professional programs, biology, chemistry and biblical studies.
The School of Aeronautical Science prepares students to enter the field of aviation as a missionary pilot or commercial pilot.
The School of Business focuses on equipping students with the education and skills needed to become successful business professionals providing Christian leadership and keeping God at the center of all business practices. Small class sizes and experiential learning opportunities aim to enhance the curriculum, while faculty emphasizes integrating a Christian worldview and Christian principles into business administration and management practices.
The School of Education and Kinesiology provides a variety of degree and teacher certification programs to prepare Christian educators to work in public or private schools, or to go into ministry serving students throughout the lifespan.
The School of Engineering and Engineering Technology offers specializations in biomedical, computer, civil, materials joining, electrical, mechanical and aeronautical engineering and focuses on preparing students for successful entry into an engineering career that incorporates Christian principles and values.
The School of Graduate and Professional Studies delivers programs specifically designed to meet the needs of working professionals seeking to expand their career opportunities and increase their earning potential. This school offers undergraduate, graduate and teacher certification programs for adult learners.
Scholarships Offered
LeTourneau University students are eligible to receive external scholarships granted by community groups, churches, professional organizations, corporations or government agencies.
Financing Options
LeTourneau University participates in a variety of financial assistance programs that assist students in paying for school. Financing options include subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Texas Tuition Equalization Grants (TEG), Federal PLUS Loans, Federal Grad PLUS Loans, the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher (TEACH) Education Grant, corporate or state reimbursement programs, payment plan programs, the Montgomery GI Bill and other VA benefits, private loans and programs available through the American Association of University Women.
Credit Earning Options
Transfer students may transfer credits earned from regionally accredited institutions with a grade of C or better. LeTourneau University bases credits on a semester system; therefore, transfer credits from schools using a quarter system will be awarded in the equivalent of two semester hours for three quarter hours.
Students may also submit transcripts for College Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject tests, Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES) tests, Proficiency Examination Program (PEP), Advanced Placement (AP) and American Council on Education (ACE)-approved military courses for transfer credit. The Assessment Center of LeTourneau University evaluates all requests for transfer credit and will determine the total amount of credits eligible for transfer. No more than 30 semester credit hours may be awarded for military courses.
Students enrolled in the Post-baccalaureate Accelerated Certification for Teachers (PACT) program generally must complete all courses and requirements through LeTourneau University.
Graduate students may transfer up to six semester credit hours previously earned at a regionally accredited institution with a grade of B or above.