School of Arts & Sciences

School of Arts & Sciences

Arts & Sciences

Communication  |  Interdisciplinary Studies

The School of Arts & Sciences

Preparing you for your calling by equipping you for your career

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We will help you find your path in this world

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We will use scripture as the foundation for this path

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Develop rich, godly friendships that will last a lifetime

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We will prepare you for a higher level career

Bible

EDUCATION WITH SCRIPTURE AT THE CENTER

At Grace, we know that the Bible is essential to a Christian education. We want to help you to stand on God’s Word as you begin your career.

Ministry

PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY

Our School of Arts and Sciences provides the necessary core to give students skills for life, allowing them to focus on possibilities – not obstacles.

Bible

INSTRUCTORS WHO CARE

You’re more than just a name. Our professors and staff believe in the importance of investing in each student at Grace.

At Grace, You are More Than Just a Student

You are a person with unlimited potential made in the image of a loving God. We understand that your calling and career path will be as unique as you are. At Grace, we will help you align your calling with the skills needed for your future careers so you can confidently impact the world, well beyond your time with us.

Choose Your Unique Career Path

By stimulating a rich appreciation of and a thirst for knowledge, the School of Arts and Sciences prepares students to be difference-makers in today’s world. A biblically informed education takes students’ natural talents, gifts, and passions and prepares them to serve effectively and immediately.

Picture Of Matthew Loverin

We’re here to help you!

Welcome to the School of Arts and Sciences at Grace Christian University. As the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and professor of Communication at Grace Christian University, I love to listen, laugh and share my passion for communication with students at Grace. These exchanges frequently take place when meeting students for coffee. In the School of Arts and Sciences you’ll learn things you didn’t know you needed and maybe a few you did. The core courses are designed with a biblical perspective to give you a solid foundation in communication, humanities, behavioral and natural sciences. This foundation of knowledge and skills and our faculty support will help you succeed in your college career—and be an influencer in the world.

Cheering you on,

Pam Sherstad, PhD
Dean & Professor, School of Arts and Sciences

Majors

Every major at Grace Christian is focused on intertwining spiritual and academic growth. The school aims to develop passionate servants of Jesus that emphasize the integration of character transformation, ministry experience, and biblical truth.

COMMUNICATION

With the advent of new communication technology, society has become increasingly more connected and the need for communication professionals has never been greater. Leaders from all sectors of the marketplace need to know how to navigate complex issues in this environment. A comprehensive communication degree from Grace Christian University equips students to communicate effectively in diverse environments through a Christian lense/worldview. In this program, students gain an appreciation for the complexity and diversity of communication from a Christian perspective. They become  experts in critically evaluating and creatively engaging messages and technology.

The program provides students with competencies in understanding culturally diverse communication processes, relational communication, communication strategy formulation and implementation, and adaptability. Communication is an ideal program for those interested in becoming Public Relations Specialists, Social Media Managers, Communication Directors, Business Leaders, Event Planners, Journalists, Public Servants, or Cultural Advisors.

Major Requirements – 33 credits, at least 15 credits in residence

Course

Course Name

Credit Hours

COM 210

Foundations of Communication

3

COM 220

Intercultural Communication

3

COM 250

Interpersonal Communication

3

MKT 265

Social Media Marketing

3

PSY 282

Research Statistics

3

COM 330

Culture and Conflict Management

3

COM 338

Communication Internship I

3

COM 350

Leadership and Group Communication

3

COM 370

Crisis Communication

3

COM 420

Public Relations

3

COM 438

Communication Internship II

3

The Bachelor of Science in Communication is comprised of:

  • Arts and Sciences Core 30 credits
  • Bible and Theology Core 30 credits*
  • Major 33 credits
  • Undesignated Electives/Minor 27 credits
  • Total Required for Degree 120 credits

* 18 credits for Degree Completion Transfer Students

For all the details, look up your Major in the Program Information section of the Catalog.

INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

Are you unsure of what degree you want to pursue? For many the pursuit of a college degree is about finding their passion. The Mission of the Interdisciplinary Studies program is to provide students with a solid academic foundation in the Bible, arts, and sciences as well as foster critical thinking and writing skills. The world in which we live is increasingly becoming more complex, and complex problems require multifaceted solutions. The Interdisciplinary Studies program at Grace Christian University will enhance students’ desire to see effective change in the world with opportunities to think through complex problems to come up with creative solutions. This program offers the ability to build upon a biblical foundation providing the tools to be a creative problem solver and world changer.

Major Requirements – 33 credits, at least 15 credits in residence

Course

Course Name

Credit Hours

—

Discipline / Area of Study
(at least 6 credits UD)

15

—

Discipline / Area of Study
(at least 6 credits UD)

15

IDS 438

Internship

3

 

The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies is comprised of:

  • Arts and Sciences Core 30 credits
  • Bible and Theology Core 30 credits*
  • Major 33 credits
  • Undesignated Electives/Minor 27 credits
  • Total Required for Degree 120 credits

* 18 credits for Degree Completion Transfer Students

    For all the details, look up your Major in the Program Information section of the Catalog.

    Associates

    Every Associate of Arts degree is designed to meet the Art and Science core required of students while intertwining our biblical core. The school aims to develop passionate servants of Jesus that emphasize the integration of character transformation, ministry experience, and biblical truth.

    ASSOCIATE OF ARTS – EMPHASIS OPTIONS AVAILABLE

    Begin your story with the flexibility of a General Studies Associate Degree. Even if you’re not sure where God’s leading you yet, that’s okay—you don’t have to have it all figured out. Build a solid biblical and academic foundation before deciding. General Studies allows students to pursue a well rounded Associates degree before deciding on a Bachelor’s Degree.

    Associate Arts and Sciences Core – 24 Credits

    Course

    Course Name

    Credit Hours

    Degree Requirement

    COM 140

    Life Communication

    3

    Written and Oral Communication

    ENG 101 or
    ENG 101+ or
    ENG 201

    English Composition or
    English Composition with Lab or
    Argumentation and Research

    3-4

    HST —

    History Elective

    3

    Humanities

    ENG —

    Literature Elective

    3

    PSY 201 or
    SOC 243 or SOC 251

    Introduction to Psychology or
    Introduction to Cultural Diversity or Principles of Sociology

    3

    Social Sciences
    (select one)

    MTH —

    Math Elective

    3

    Math and/or Science
    (select one)

    SCI —

    Science Elective

    —

    Arts and Science Electives

    6

    Arts and Science

    Bible and Theology Core – 18 Credits

    Course

    Course Name

    Credit Hours

    BBL 102

    Old Testament Literature

    3

    BBL 202

    New Testament Literature

    3

    BIB 205

    Bible Study Methods and Application

    3

    THE 161

    Christian Worldview

    3

    THE 162

    Christian Mission

    3

    THE 213

    Biblical Christian Thought

    3

    The Associate of Arts is comprised of:

    • Arts and Sciences Core 24 credits
    • Bible and Theology Core 18 credits
    • Undesignated Electives or optional Emphasis  18 credits
    • Total Required for Degree 60 credits

    Students may elect to complete one of the following Emphases:

    Optional Business Emphasis – 18 Credits

    Course

    Course Name

    Credit Hours

    BUS 201

    Principles of Macroeconomics

    3

    BUS 202

    Principles of Microeconomics

    3

    BUS 210

    Principles of Accounting I

    3

    BUS 212

    Principles of Accounting II

    3

    BUS 255 or
    BUS 260

    Fundamentals of Business Law or
    International Business

    3

    BUS 301 or
    MKT 330

    Principles of Management or
    Principles of Marketing

    3

    Optional Communication Emphasis – 18 Credits

    Course

    Course Name

    Credit Hours

    COM 210

    Foundations of Communication

    3

    COM 220

    Intercultural Communication

    3

    COM 250

    Interpersonal Communication

    3

    MKT 265

    Social Media Marketing

    3

    PSY 282

    Research Statistics

    3

    COM 290

    Professional Communication

    3

    Optional Social Science Emphasis – 18-24 Credits

    Course

    Course Name

    Credit Hours

    CJS 220

    Introduction to Legal Studies

    3

    CJS 251

    Introduction to Criminal Justice

    3

    PSY 201

    Introduction to Psychology*

    3

    PSY 245

    Lifespan Psychology

    3

    PSY 215

    Psychology of Leadership

    3

    SOC 251

    Principles of Sociology*

    3

    SOC 255

    Introduction to Human Services

    3

    * PSY 201 and SOC 251 apply toward both the Arts and Sciences Core and Social Science Content Area requirements.

    For all the details, look up your Major in the Program Information section of the Catalog.

    Minors

    The School of Arts and Sciences offers a range of minors designed to support students’ desire to  engage in an area they are passionate about beyond their major. Adding a minor helps students enhance their ministry and vocational preparations.

    HISTORY

    The past is an entrance to your future. Understanding the stories behind you helps you know where you’re going. Students receive training in the interpretation of primary sources, historical reasoning, the evaluation of historical data and are acquainted with historiography. Study of the experience of minorities in American society as documented in historical, literary, and biographical sources. Students will examine the political, social, religious and economic history of the United States. Students learn how to create a historical argument by developing a research question, annotated bibliography, and a research prospectus or research paper. With a history minor, you’ll enhance your chosen degree program, find yourself in an unfolding redemptive story, and realize you are here for such a time as this.

    Course

    Course Name

    Credit Hours

    HST 200

    Introduction to the Study of History

    3

    HST 357

    Civil Rights in America

    3

    Select two of the following

    HST 113 or
    HST 114 or
    HST 215

    World History to 1500 or
    World History 1500 to Present or
    Michigan History

    6

    Select one of the following

    HST 331 or
    HST 332 or
    THE 371

    U.S. History to 1877 or
    U.S. History 1877 to Present or
    History of Christianity

    3

    INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

    Communication is not only the ability to be heard but the ability to make others feel heard. By pairing your chosen degree program with a minor in Intercultural Communication, you will gain a wide range of knowledge and know how to share it effectively with others. You will learn the skills needed to succeed in the professional world and broaden your knowledge of how to engage with different cultures. It examines the important role of social, cultural, and historical context in human interactions.The history, methods, and theory of conflict resolution will be explored. Exploring biblical characteristics of leadership and teamwork will provide students with a framework for communicating and effectively leading in a diverse world. This degree is a great addition for those looking at engaging with others beyond our borders through missions or in business.

    Course

    Course Name

    Credit Hours

    COM 220

    Intercultural Communication

    3

    COM 250

    Interpersonal Communication

    3

    COM 330

    Culture and Conflict Management

    3

    COM 350

    Leadership and Group Communication

    3

    COM 370 or
    COM 420

    Crisis Communication or
    Public Relations

    3

    PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION

    Are you ready to share stories with the world? In Professional Communications students focus on how to share effectively through audio and visual media. Emphasis will be given to communication concepts, skillful writing, professional interviewing, organized informational presentations, and cultural intelligence in the workplace.Students will explore current issues and trends and analyze the ethical issues from both a legal and biblical perspective. Case studies will be utilized and discussed. In addition, the student will learn public relations writing skills and prepare a public relations plan.

    This minor differs by offering students a more technical skillset with audio video production.Audio Production explores multi-track MIDI and audio recording, editing and mixing using Apple’s Logic Pro software. In addition, students will learn about different types of microphones and recording strategies for popular musical instruments. It provides students with the technological tools and hands-on experience necessary for producing professional audio recordings.Video Production explores video camera basics, video recording, editing, and file management skills using Apple’s Final Cut Pro software. It provides students with the technological tools and hands-on experience necessary for production professional videos.

    Course

    Course Name

    Credit Hours

    COM 290

    Professional Communication

    3

    MWT 324

    Audio Production

    3

    MWT 328

    Video Production

    3

    COM 420

    Public Relations

    3

    ENG 401

    Narrative Journalism

    3

    SPORTS COMMUNICATION & MANAGEMENT

    Start equipping your athletic passion with a deeper understanding of communication and leadership. Students gain an overview of: sports communication practices, insights and principles for promoting sports events and teams, advertising, social media, digital platforms, community relations. Activities will allow students to experience the challenge of learning how to improve their group communication skills across a wide range topics. You will explore biblical characteristics of leadership and teamwork will provide students with a framework for communicating and effectively leading in a diverse world.

    Course

    Course Name

    Credit Hours

    SMG 201

    Intro to Sports Communication and Media 

    3

    SMG 210

    Introduction to Sports, Fitness, and Recreation Management

    3

    COM 350

    Leadership and Group Communication

    3

    ENG 401

    Narrative Journalism

    3

    Select one of the following:

    COM 370 or
    COM 420 or
    LEA/BUS 372

    Crisis Communication or
    Public Relations or
    Organizational Leadership

    3
    3
    2

    WRITING & LITERATURE

    You have a story, and it’s time to tell it. In the Writing & Literature minor, you’ll unleash the power of storytelling and experience time-honored literature. Students are introduced to the discipline and study of literature, especially through the lens of a Christian worldview. You will build interviewing, writing, editing, and storytelling skills, and deepen your understanding of ethical issues in media and mass communication. Discover meaningful conversations through reading, hearing, writing, and crafting stories for the glory of God.

    Course

    Course Name

    Credit Hours

    ENG 223

    Introduction to Literature

    3

    ENG 301

    Creative Writing

    3

    ENG 401

    Narrative Journalism

    3

    Select two of the following:

    ENG 254

    Dystopian Literature

    3

    ENG 305

    Children’s Literature

    3

    ENG 325

    World Literature

    3

    ENG 409

    Multiethnic Literature

    3

    ENG 449

    Independent Study in English

    1-3

    The Bible is Central

    Grace Christian University is accredited by both the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). ABHE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education and has designated Grace Christian University as an institute of higher education in which the Bible is central and the development of Christian life and ministry is essential.

    Learn more at ABHE.ORG

    ABHE logo and Higher Learning Commission logo
    1

    APPLY NOW OR
    SCHEDULE A VISIT

    Fill out the application form, and someone will reach out to you within minutes. No entrance exam needed.

    2

    TALK TO YOUR
    PERSONAL ADVISOR

    You’ll be assigned a personal advisor who will help you choose the best career path for you.

    3

    LIVE OUT
    YOUR CALLING!

    Feel confident and prepared to impact the world for Christ.

    Scholarships & Cost

    At Grace, we understand that one of the biggest challenges relates to the cost of your career. We want to alleviate your anxiety so this doesn’t hinder your ability to pursue God’s calling on your life.

    Scholarship

    SCHOLARSHIPS

    100% of freshmen receive Institutional Aid.

    Learn More >

    Financial Aid

    FINANCIAL AID

    Grace Students graduate with 20% less debt than the national average.

    Learn More >

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