Christian Education Major

Students majoring in religion with Christian education must complete forty-five hours, including HIST 3441/RELG 357; RELG 302 and 310; RELG/R-CE 440; R-CE 301, 310, 320, 330, and 340; three hours of Old Testament electives taught at the 300-level or above; three hours of New Testament electives taught at the 300-level or above; one course in philosophy selected from BADM/PHIL 316, PHIL 203, PHIL 205, PHIL 301, PHIL 304, PHIL 305, PHIL 306, PHIL 308, PHIL 310, PHIL 315, PHIL 317, PHIL 325, PHIL 330, PHIL 350, PHIL 360, PHIL 410, PHIL/RELG 340, and PHIL/THEA 322; and three courses, chosen with approval of the advisor of the Christian education program, from ART 280; EDUC 303, 310; PSYC 212, 213, 214, 217, 311, 330; PSYC/SOC 312; R-CE 326; SOC 302, 363; or SPCH 201.

Christian Education minor

The minor in Christian education consists of eighteen hours, including RELG 302; R-CE 301, 310, 320, 330, and 340.

Electives may include courses, approved by the CE professor in: (See below)

Psychology, Sociology, Education, Music, Art, Speech

Explanation of New required upper level courses for CE Majors:

• Education across the Ages

Examine the distinctive theories and practices for the developmental stage of faith and life (children, youth and adults), Provides students with the opportunity to focus on skills for one area while

understanding how each part relates and integrates with the whole.

• Theory and Theology of Christian Education

Survey of educational theories that form and inform the field of Christian education and the theological foundations that sustain it. Equips students to effectively engage in conversation with and employ theory and theology as it relates to educational ministries

• Advanced Teaching and Curriculum

Expands the capacity for teaching through intentional exploration and experience of various methodologies, Considers the congregation’s curriculum, overt and hidden, with special attention given to evaluating, designing, writing and adapting print curriculum.

• Leadership in Congregations and Organizations

Analysis of leadership styles, systems theories and practices that strengthen congregations and non-profit organizations. Emphasis will be given to planning, visioning, working with governing bodies and boards and fiduciary responsibilities.

Elective options for CE Majors and Specializations:

Christian Education majors will have the option of specializing in children, youth or family
ministries. They will graduate grounded in the field of religious studies and Christian education
but will also have a concentration in a specific area of ministry suited for congregations or non-
profit careers. The specialization occurs through the intentional selection of elective courses
across disciplines approved by the CE professor. These electives will require additional course
work, indicated by the “+1” status, with the CE professor to connect their learning in these
courses with correlating theory and practice with the field of Christian Education. The “+1”
requirement will be met through a Specialization Seminar offered as needed by the professor
of CE. Courses eligible for a specific specialization are indicated by (C) for Children, (Y)
for Youth and (F) for Family below. In addition to these electives, students working towards
a specialization will also take a directed study, which includes a practicum within their area
in a congregation, and may shape their assignments in required CE courses for their chosen
concentration. The following electives may also, and are encouraged to, be taken without the
intention of specializing and without the “+1” requirement.

• PSY 217 +1 Lifespan Development (C, Y, F)
• PSY 212 +1 Child Psychology (C, F)
• PSY 213 + 1 Adolescent Psychology (Y, F)
• PSY 214 + 1 Psychology of Adulthood and Aging (F)
• PSY 311 +1 Personality Development in Young Adulthood (F)
• PSY 312 +1 Social Psychology (Y, F)
• PSY 330 +1 Human Sexuality (Y, F)
• SOC 302 +1 Marriage and the Family (C, Y, F)
• SOC 363 +1 Sociology of Gender (F)
• EDU 303 +1 Early Childhood Education Curriculum (C)
• EDU 310 +1 Children’s Literature (C)
• ART 280 Art for the Child (C)
• R-CE 326 Recreation Leadership in Christian Education (C, Y, F)
• R-CE Camp and Conference Ministries (C, Y, F)
• SPCH 201 Public Speaking

Minors in Christian Education would include 18 hours in Religion and Christian Education in the

following configuration or approval of advisor:

• Introduction to Christian Education
• Christian Doctrine
• Education across the Ages
• Theory and Theology of Christian Education
• Advanced Teaching and Curriculum
• Leadership in Congregations and Organizations