Overview of Academic Programs

For a complete listing of majors and minors click here.

Athletic Training

Designed to prepare students for the athletic training profession through basic course work, skills development, and practical application. The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and will allow students to take the National Athletic Trainers' Association certification exam upon graduation.

Biblical Studies

Designed to prepare students to grasp the message of the Bible, interpret the Scriptures accurately and integrate faith with the world. The major prepares students for positions of lay leadership in church and society, for graduate study at a seminary or university, or for a variety of Christian ministries at home or abroad.

Biology

Designed to provide students with a versatile, broad-based degree that includes environmental biology, botany, zoology, and microbiology. Students with this degree might pursue careers in agriculture, forestry, industry or research in a variety of different settings.

Biology/Pre-Medical

Designed to provide students interested in medical school, graduate school, or other health professions with the rigorous scientific background necessary to prepare them for entrance into their chosen field, combined with a strong grounding in bioethics and a liberal arts education from a Christian viewpoint.

Biology/Secondary Education

Designed to prepare students to meet the ever-expanding need for qualified science teachers. The major emphasizes communication as well as quantitative and analytical thinking skills. It also fosters in tomorrow's teachers an aesthetic appreciation of the natural world and a deeper understanding of God as he is revealed in his creation.

Business

Designed to feature a practical approach based on a strong academic emphasis and current, applicable business practices. The major prepares Christian leaders with skills necessary to obtain an entry position in the world of business as well as appropriate study for potential graduate work. Emphases include accounting, human resources, international business, leadership and organizational development, management, marketing, and nonprofit/parachurch and church.

Chemistry

Designed to prepare students for graduate studies in chemistry or related physical sciences, or for technical positions in industry or government.

Chemistry/Pre-Medical

Designed to prepare students primarily for entry into medical school but also for advanced training in other health fields, graduate studies in chemistry and related sciences, and technical or management positions in government and industry.

Christian Ministries

Offers in a liberal arts setting theoretical and practical training to prepare students for potential career service in local and global church ministries. Emphases include camping/outdoor education ministries, children's ministries, counseling/social services, intercultural ministries, pastoral ministries, and youth ministries.

Communication

Designed to enhance students' oral and written communication skills. The major offers a focus in the Humanities and Social Science in preparation for communication careers in public relations, human resources, and business.

Elementary Education

Designed to provide qualified candidates with the skills, attitudes and credentials necessary to enter elementary school teaching. Candidates who successfully complete the major are eligible to receive an initial elementary teaching license that is valid for teaching kindergarten through grade 9 in Illinois.

English

Designed to prepare students for graduate work in English, law, library science, and careers requiring strong background in the liberal arts. The major provides a general focus with opportunity to select courses reflecting particular student interests.

English/Communication

Designed to educate students in a dual writing/literature track, in the context of the broad liberal arts, for careers in media (including public relations), law, library science, and government. Students are prepared for graduate work in communication and, with additional literature courses, are also prepared for graduate work in English.

English with Secondary Education Certification

Provides an emphasis on language and literature. It enables students to communicate clearly and effectively and to develop skills in the interpretation and evaluation of literature. This major includes professional preparation for teaching of English and for other careers that demand a strong liberal arts background.

General Studies

Designed to provide a wide exposure to the liberal arts rather than a concentration in one department or division. This major provides an interdisciplinary program that may be suited for those transferring from a Bible school or community college.

History

Designed to prepare students for graduate work in history, law, library science, seminary, government work, and careers requiring a strong background in the liberal arts. The major includes studies in U.S. History, World Civilizations, and overviews of Asian, African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern History. Special courses in Church History, Military History, and Cultural History are available. An emphasis in Military History is also available.

History/Social Science with Secondary Education Certification

Designed to provide a broader education to help majors see the big picture of history so they can more effectively teach a variety of courses in history. Graduates are prepared for the Illinois teaching certificate at the middle school and secondary levels (grade 6-12).

Humanities

Designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in the areas of art, English, foreign languages, philosophy, and music. The major is useful for students who want to pursue graduate programs in one of the areas in humanities or a career in law, theology, government work, research, creative writing, or library work.

Mathematics

Designed to equip students with quantitative and analytical problem-solving skills. This major is ideal for those students contemplating graduate study in pure or applied mathematics or who wish to enter careers in such fields as business, actuarial science, computer science, and related scientific and technological fields.

Mathematics/Secondary Education

Designed to provide students with a solid foundation in mathematics and a thorough understanding of current teaching methodologies. Students with this major will be well equipped to enter the teaching profession.

Music

Designed to provide a solid, broad-based foundation in the understanding, teaching, and performance of music, with emphases in six areas: music history, theory/composition, contemporary music, piano pedagogy, church music, and performance. The major prepares students for careers such as private teaching, performance, music business or management, music ministry, and graduate study.

Music Education/K-12

Designed to prepare students for state certification in vocal and/or instrumental music instruction. In addition to core music classes, field experience begins freshman year at schools in the surrounding suburban area.

Philosophy

Designed to prepare students for graduate studies in philosophy leading to teaching careers in the areas of philosophy and philosophy of religion, to prepare students for seminary, to provide a broad liberal arts education, and to prepare students for graduate study in law.

Physical Education/K-12

Designed to prepare students in the science of human movement, skill acquisition, and teaching methods for kindergarten through grade 12 in sport and wellness education.

Pre-Physical Therapy

Designed to combine a solid theoretical science foundation with practical training so as to give students a competitive edge for acceptance to professional physical therapy programs.

Psychology

Designed to provide understanding and perspective of professional psychology as well as the challenges and problems of living. The major is a foundational study for graduate school and for everyday life.

Social Science

Designed to provide a broad foundation in the areas of economics, history, math, political science, psychology, and sociology, and to help develop a Christian worldview. It also functions as a stepping stone to graduate programs in the social sciences.

Sport and Wellness Management

Designed to prepare students for a variety of career opportunities available in the sport and wellness industry in corporate or community settings. Wellness counseling, personal fitness/performance training, recreation/athletic direction, sports marketing, sports media, sports law, and sports facility management are among the many possible career fields available to the Sport and Wellness Management major.