The core curriculum contains requirements in knowledge and skills which are considered foundational for study in the liberal arts.

B.A. Core Curriculum 67-74 credits (39/41 Knowledge; 28/33 Skills)

Note: Some core curriculum requirements may be met through Advanced Placement Credit, transfer, and/or approved test scores. Some accepted prior credits may substitute for core curriculum requirements in related areas (for example, Biology or Physics would meet the natural science requirement rather than Chemistry).

Note: The following course offerings may be increased or reduced subject to student enrollment and interest.

KNOWLEDGE (39/41 Credits)

Christian Tradition. (9 credits) To understand the distinctive features of a Christian worldview, students gain familiarity with the contents of the Jewish and Christian Scriptures, including key figures, chronology of events and theological and ethical concerns; gain a broad historical perspective of major theological issues and viewpoints in the Christian tradition; acquire familiarity with the writings of major past and present Christian theologians; and learn research tools and resources for independent study of biblical and theological texts and topics.

RLST2200 Religion and Lit. of Ancient Israel (3)
RLST2300 New Testament and Christian Origins (3)
RLST2500 The Christian Tradition (3)



Philosophy. (3 credits) Students learn to think about human experience in philosophical ways; learn perennial questions asked and answered by philosophers; identify key philosophers and philosophical issues in western philosophy; gain an understanding of important issues in the relationship between faith and reason; learn the nature and significance of worldviews; and gain the ability to identify and critique the truth-claims of major worldviews.

Choose one:
PHIL1030 Introduction to Philosophy of Religion (3)
PHIL1020 Introduction to Ethics (3)
PHIL1010 Introduction to Philosophy (3)
PHIL1000 Introduction to Worldviews (3)

Behavioral and Social Sciences. (9/11 credits) Students gain familiarity with major theories of human nature and behavior; learn distinctive features of a Christian view of human nature and behavior; gain an understanding of ways in which Christian faith and behavioral and social sciences can inform each other; learn how worldviews shape human environments; gain a knowledge of the history of western civilization and the United States and the role of the Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian worldviews in shaping these cultures.

Non-business majors choose one of the following 5 classes (3 or 4) and two classes from the next list of 6 (6):
Business Administration Majors must take both ECON classes (8) and one additional class from the remaining nine classes listed below (3):
PSCY1010 Introduction to Psychology (3)
SOCY1000 Introduction to Sociology (3)
PSCI1010 Introduction to American Politics (3)
ECON2010 Principles of Microeconomics (4)
ECON 2020 Principles of Macroeconomics (4)

Choose two (6):
HIST1010 Western Civilization to Reformation (3)
HIST1020 Western Civilization since Reformation (3)
HIST1110 History of the U.S. to 1865 (3)
HIST1120 History of the U. S. since 1865 (3)
HIST2400 History of Christianity (3)
HIST4460 Christianity in U.S. History (3)



Natural Sciences. (7 credits) In this area requirement students learn scientific methods, the formation and testing of hypotheses, and the nature of scientific paradigms; gain familiarity with one major branch of science with lab experience; become familiar with key figures and discoveries in the history of science, and gain an understanding of the role of Christian theism and contributions of Christians in the origins and development of modern science.

PHYS1010 (3)
PHYS1020 (3)
with one lab (1)



Literature and the Arts. (5 credits) In this area requirement students become familiar with major authors and works of literature in western civilization; gain an understanding of the cultural contexts in which literary works are created; become familiar with literary forms and genres; identify key figures and works of art in the western tradition; understand the cultural contexts in which major works of art have been created; identify key musicians and/or artists and their works.

MUSC1010 Music Appreciation (2 credits)
Also choose one (3):
ENGL1050 Introduction to British Literature (3)
ENGL1060 Introduction to American Literature (3)

Global Perspective. (6 credits) In this area requirement students learn significant features of non-Western cultures, and gain an understanding of the presence and role of Christianity around the world, and the challenges and opportunities that Christians face today.Choose two:

RLST2000 World Religions (3)
RLST1000 Introduction to Worldviews (3)
RLST4490 Christianity in Global Perspective (3)
GEOG 1010 World Geography (3)
MNTY 4301 Cross Cultural Ministry (3)

SKILLS (28-33 Credits)

Critical Thinking. (3 credits) In this area requirement students engage in abstract thinking and analytical reasoning; identify kinds of arguments; and construct sound and cogent arguments.

PHIL2010 Critical Thinking (3)

Computer Skills. (2 credits) In this area requirement students gain a practical knowledge of computer technology, software programs, basic computer skills and the internet.

CSCI1010 Computer Literacy (2)

Quantitative Reasoning and Mathematics. (3/8 credits) In this area requirement, students gain an understanding of fundamental math concepts and their applications; interpret numerical data, statistics and graphs; and use mathematical methods to explore and solve problems.

Non-business Majors choose one (3 - 5):
MATH1000 Math for the Liberal Arts (3)
MATH1010 College Algebra (4)
MATH1700 Trigonometry (3)
MATH2010 Calculus (5)
BADM 2100 Quantitative Business Analysis I (4)
BADM 2150 Quantitative Business Analysis II (4)
Business Administration Majors must take both (6):
BADM 2100 Quantitative Business Analysis I (4)

BADM 2150 Quantitative Business Analysis II (4)

Written Communication. (3 credits) In this area requirement students are equipped to understand and employ good writing skills and literary conventions; understand and use good syntax, grammar, appropriate punctuation and accurate spelling; and understand and use research tools and appropriate documentation.

ENGL1000 College Composition (3)
ENGL1500 Bible as Literature (3)

Oral Communication. (3 credits) Students gain an understanding of models of communication, language, and non-verbal communication; gain skills in interpersonal, intercultural, and group communication; and gain public speaking skills, including organization, delivery and criticism.

Choose one:
COMM1715 Introduction to Communication (3)
COMM1775 Public Speaking (3)


Foreign Languages. All students are required to demonstrate third-semester college level proficiency in a foreign language. Proficiency is granted by passing an approved proficiency examination. Students who have not met this requirement will have a core curriculum deficiency.  This deficiency may be made up by passing three semesters of a foreign language (not studied earlier by the student), or one third-level college course (of a language studied earlier by the student). The offered modern foreign languages are Spanish, French, German, and Italian. Another way to meet the requirement of a foreign language is taking two semesters of a classical language; Greek, Hebrew, or Latin.

Physical Fitness. (4 credits) Students develop disciplines of physical fitness by participating in aerobic and strength conditioning.

FITN 1001 Aerobic Conditioning (1)

FITN 1002 Aerobic Conditioning (1)

FITN 1003 Aerobic Conditioning (1)

FITN 1004 Aerobic Conditioning (1)

Character Formation. (3 credits) In this area requirement students gain an understanding of the central role of “spirit” in human personhood and life; learn the role of values and beliefs in character formation; identify and understand moral and intellectual virtues in classical Greek, Hebrew and Christian traditions; and discover personal strategies to cultivate and develop moral and intellectual virtues.

SPFM1001 Introduction to Spiritual Formation 1 (3)

Leadership Development. (3 credits) In this area requirement students become familiar with emotional intelligence, its value in leadership and strategies for growth; learn one’s strengths and highest values and how to live them out; understand behavioral styles and how to use that knowledge in effective communication; gain a clear understanding of different styles of leadership; gain a practical knowledge of leadership influence; acquire professional competencies such as self-management, collaboration, interpersonal relations, communication, building trust, financial and project management, strategic planning and problem-solving; and create a personal mission statement.

Leadership Assessments and Coaching (0)
LEAD1010 Foundations of Leadership (3)

Community Service. In this area requirement students are equipped to identify needs in a community that can be met through personal involvement and group projects; identify churches, religious and service organizations who are committed to community service; join groups and individuals in service projects; create strategies, and enlist and mobilize volunteers for community service. (0 credits)

Participation in one community service project each year in which a student is enrolled in a degree program.