Prerequisite: EN 102
GE100 – College Orientation (1 hr.) – This course requires attendance for the first 7 weeks of school. It is designed to acquaint the new students with the various challenges and adjustments to college life. Included in the course is proper library usage and resource acquisition academic study skills and counseling, mentorship and support, student handbook and code of conduct, accreditation, and access to the area resources as well as exam preparation, spiritual and social adjustment and support systems available for all Laurel students.
IS322 – Applied Anthropology (3 hrs.) – This course surveys the problems of race, culture, and social organization. Recent studies in cultural anthropology will be compared with scriptural principles and related to the guidance and preparation for those who aim to minister in other cultures.
IS352 - Introduction to Linguistics (3 hrs) -- This course provides the foundation for the basics of linguistics. It is designed to help those who want to improve their ability to understanding a variety of languages and language usage.
IS431 – Comparative Religion (3 hrs.) – This course introduces the major world religions, their origins, histories, and doctrines. These are compared with Christianity for the purpose of understanding people with divergent religious views and developing strategies of evangelism.
MA103 – College Algebra (3 hrs.) - This is a review of high school algebra with work in factoring, fractions, linear equations, graphs, exponents, ratio and proportion, and application problems. Those taking statistics will need additional work in math.
FA102 – Survey of Early Christian Art (3 hrs.) – During this course, the student will survey art history, focusing on the late Roman and Medieval time periods with emphasis on the Byzantine period and extending through the Gothic period. In addition to surveying art history, the student will also participate in basic drawing and painting.
MG111 – Introduction to Management (3 hrs.) – This course introduces the critical management skills involved in planning, structuring, controlling, and leading an organization while providing a framework for understanding issues involved in both managing and being managed in an organization to help students become more effective contributors in the workplace. This course examines the effect of organizations’ decisions in contexts including environment, strategy, structure, culture, tasks, people, and outputs.
MG113 – Introduction to Marketing (3 hrs.) – This course introduces students to concepts, analyses, and activities of marketing management, and provides practice in assessing and solving marketing problems. Topics include marketing strategy, customer behavior, segmentation, market research, product management, pricing, promotion, sales force management and competitive analysis.
MG243 – Principles of Accounting (3 hrs.) – This course is an introduction to the basic concepts and standards underlying financial accounting systems. Several important concepts will be studied in detail, including: revenue recognition, inventory, long-lived assets, present value, and long term liabilities. This course emphasizes the construction of the basic financial accounting statements -the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement – as well as their interpretation.
MG222 – Group Leadership and Communication (3 hrs.) – This course is designed to build skills necessary for professional success by increasing the students’ understanding of leadership and communication in teams. Students will study literature on leadership, management communication, and group dynamics, and complete a field project that will provide a context to develop as a leader, practice communication skills, learn the nature of group work, and enhance their sensitivity to community issues.
MG322 – Entrepreneurship (3 hrs.) – This course covers the various disciplines, activities, and skill sets found in entrepreneurs, and explains the physiological and analytical aspects of successful entrepreneurship, as well as the skill sets needed in the disciplines of management, marketing, accounting, operations, and law.
MG224 – Industrial Relations/HR Management (3 hrs.) – This course focuses on the constraints found in organizations with the formulation and implementation of human resource management policies in businesses such as labor markets, labor laws, and labor unions, and the correlation between these constraints and the competitiveness of American enterprise in the global economy.
MG321 – Marketing Strategy (3 hrs.) – This course studies marketing as a general management responsibility that helps the student create, capture, and sustain customer value. The focus of this course is on the business unit and its network of channels to develop knowledge and skills for the application of advanced marketing frameworks, concepts, and methods for making strategic choices at the business level for customer relationship.
MG334 – Corporate Responsibility and Ethics (3 hrs.) – This course explores business responsibility from opposing theoretical and managerial perspectives by applying theories of ethics to various case studies in business focusing on moral issues in advertising and sales, hiring and promotion, financial management, corporate pollution, product safety, and international decision-making.
MG438 – Managerial Economics (3 hrs.) – This course introduces students to the application of microeconomic theory for the analysis of management problems in an economic framework. This course analyzes the successes and failures of market structures, such as monopoly and oligopoly, the development and use of market power, and strategic interaction among firms.
MG437 – Business Law (3 hrs.) – This course explores the basic concepts and analysis of law and legal process with special emphasis on the legal regulation of business and contract law.
MG436 – Effective Executive Leadership (3 hrs.) – This course focuses on growing the student’s capacity as a leader through customized lessons designed to improve performance and results at work, home, and in the community. Students will study highly effective leaders and the commonalities of great leadership.
MG510 - Managing for Results (3 hrs.)
This course gives attention to the knowledge and skills needed to grow and sustain performance in an organization, whether a full company, a department, a division, or other strategic business unit within an existing organization by getting the right things done through teams of people. The course addresses the common management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
MG531 - Marketing for Results (3 hrs.)
This course gives attention to the knowledge and skills needed to manage the marketing function in a 21st century organization. The course addresses the common marketing functions of industry and market research, customer research, product and service design, pricing, creating awareness, distribution, and presentation.
MG542 - Managerial Accounting (3 hrs.)
The objective of this course in financial accountability is to present students with the basic skills and terminology and then allow them to apply these skills in practical critical thinking exercises, decision situations and other higher levels of learning. Topics include both financial accounting concepts and managerial accounting concepts. The course begins with an understanding of the various financial statements and the basic accounting process. A more in-depth coverage of assets, liabilities, equities, revenues and expenses precedes a discussion of financial statement analysis. The course transitions into foundational managerial accounting concepts including cost behavior, budgets, performance evaluation, differential analysis and capital budgeting.
MG624 - Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management
This course focuses on the economic and institutional constraints on organizations in the formulation and implementation of human resource management policies and strategies in the United States and, as appropriate, internationally. The specific constraints discussed are labor markets (external and internal), labor laws (governing employment policies and employee relations), and labor unions (and threat thereof). Particular attention is paid to the relationship of these constraints to the competitiveness of American enterprise in the global economy.
MG634 Compensation Management
BU635 Social Entrepreneurship
BU644 - Human Resources- Employment Law (3 hrs.)
This course examines the legal risks involved in national and international organizations today, especially as these risks relate to technology, patents, copyrights, product liabilities, employment law, and related legal fields; including an examination of how sound decision-making occurs in these environments.
MG655 - Human Resources Capital Management (3 hrs.)
This course will examine personal and professional issues related to modern Human Resource Management (HRM). From the stages of pre-employment through termination, this course lays the essential framework for employment. Topics covered include: training and development, motivation, teamwork, compensation, performance, labor relations, safety, laws, and cultural concerns.
MG660 Negotiation and Conflict Management
MG661 - Management Theory and History (3 hrs.)
This course provides an overview of major schools or perspectives of management theory. The focus of the course is on the disciplinary foundations of management theory, as well as on the impact of historical context on the development of management theory. The course also focuses on the rise of the concept of management as a distinct profession.
MIN211 – Fundamentals of Ministry (3 hrs.) – This introductory course will be an overview of ministry. It will evaluate biblical, historical, and contemporary approaches to ministry and the student’s own individual personality and character in the context of ministry. Topics include: the minister’s spiritual discipline, the minister’s family, methods of care, church conflict, leaving and entering a congregation, personal finance, writing resumes and interviewing, and the minister as leader.
MIN321 – Preaching I (3 hrs.) – This course introduces the theology and practice of preaching with an emphasis on preparation, delivery, clear biblical exposition, responsible application. Students will be exposed to the best preachers, as well as prepare and deliver their own sermons under supervision of the instructor and interaction with classmates.
MIN322 – Preaching II (3 hrs.) – This course surveys basic homiletical methods and approaches, including series preaching and annual planning. Preparation and delivery skills will be honed.
MIS311 – Introduction to Intercultural Studies (3 hrs.) – This course, introduces basic principles for cross-cultural communication/living/working. The biblical mandate for effective sharing of the gospel is studied along with anthropological insights.
MU101 – Music Appreciation (3 hrs.) – A non-technical course aimed to increase the enjoyment and appreciation of music by a listener with little to no previous background. This course provides a brief survey of music history and a brief analysis of basic principles of music form as illustrated by masterworks.
MU107 – Music Theory I (3 hrs.) – This course studies the basic principles of the Western music language such as rhythm and meter, scales, triads, and seventh chords along with the fundamentals of part-writing and harmonic progression. Prerequisites: Admission as a worship arts major or minor; passing score on the music fundamentals exam or successful completion of Fundamentals of Music Theory.
MU108 – Music Theory II (3 hrs.) – This course is a continued study of harmony within the diatonic major-minor system with exercises in part-writing analysis. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Music Theory I or permission of theory coordinator.
MU302 – Introduction to Worship (3 hrs.) – The intent of this course is to explore the nature, history, value, and purpose of Biblical worship, with a consideration of the various components of corporate and private worship. The course will address worship preparation, worship leading, and the use of worship teams, with an introduction to the use of media, drama, and symbolism in worship. Students will be required to experience various forms of liturgical and non-liturgical worship, to develop a philosophy of worship, and to practice personal habits of private worship.
MU221 – Hymnology (3 hrs.) – This course studies the development of hymnody from the Early Church to contemporary usage, examining 19th and 21st century Gospel hymns, and their effective use in the Christian church of today.
MU345 – Multi-media and Music Technology (3 hrs.) – This course is a survey of concepts, equipment, and techniques associated with the modern electronic studio including many aspects of MIDI and the use of microphones, speakers, and the mixer board.
MU322 – Worship Service Design and Function (3 hrs.) – This course builds upon the material covered in Introduction to Worship. A brief history of the use of music and art in Christian worship and the theology of worship will be covered. Students will also learn to develop biblically sound worship services for varied groups and occasions.
PE101 – Fitness (1 hr.) – This course will provide the student with an understanding of the basic principles and importance of physical education and conditioning, while challenging the student to undertake a long-range program of physical fitness.
PH311 – Making of the Modern Mind (3 hrs.) – This course covers the basic questions in philosophy such as, “What is reality?”, “What is knowledge?”, and “What is good?” It surveys various answers to those questions beginning with the Ancient Greeks and concluding with current western philosophical systems.
PH660 – Christian Worldview (3 hrs.) – The aim of this course is to develop the students’ biblical, Christian worldview, in areas such as philosophy or the arts, so that the student will be able to defend the Christian view when challenged by non-Christian views.
PH442 – Personal Ethics (Christian Ethics) (3hrs.) – This course is an overview of varied problems and solutions of moral conduct concentrating on the nature of ethics, values, rights, obligations, and opportunities with emphasis on the development of Christian character and moral discernment in decision-making.
PM332 – Pastoral Methods (3 hrs.) – This course emphasizes theories, principles, and practices involved in conducting funerals, weddings, dedications, administering the Sacraments, church business and board meetings, planning the church year, visitation, counseling, and church financing, etc.
PM431 – Church Leadership and Management (3 hrs.) – This course examines aspects of effective pastoral leadership, including staff management, personal and time management, transition and conflict management, planning, leading, organizing, goal and priority setting, decision-making, and publicity.
PM240 – Principles of Christian Counseling (3 hrs.) – This course examines the nature and purpose of Christian counseling from a scriptural perspective focusing upon the biblical principles that undergird the counseling process. This course requires a basic knowledge of secular counseling methods. Prerequisite: PS201
PM429 – Spiritual Formation (3 hrs.) – This course introduces the nature of spiritual formation and the ways that Christians have sought to deepen their relationship with God, with special emphasis on the practice of spiritual discipline.
PM312 – Evangelism and Discipline (3 hrs.) – This course is a study of the principles of evangelism and follow-up developed by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
PM461 – Work with Small Groups (3 hrs.) – This course covers the broad, theoretical and Practical aspects of working with groups. It aims to develop skills in working with volunteers to minister through groups. It includes design, implementation, and assessment of programs, and group sociological dynamics, in light of Christian faith.
PM499 - Internship in Pastoral Ministry II (3 hrs.)
Students will experience full-time involvement in ministry (at least twenty [20] hours per week for twelve [12] weeks), with weekly supervision by a University-approved pastor or specialist. Written reports of activities must be submitted three (3) times during the semester to the faculty coordinator who will correspond with the student’s supervisor regarding his/her professional development.
PM501 - Hermeneutics (3 hrs.)
This course is an introduction to the basic principles of interpretation. Emphasis is given to the application of these principles to personal Bible study, and an important foundation is given for sermon preparation.
PM513 - The Evangelistic Mandate for the Church (3 hrs.)
The student will understand the evangelistic mandate of the church, with reference to questions such as: What is the evangelistic mandate? Who should fulfill it? How should they fulfill it? What resources do we have to accomplish it? What role do the Persons of the Trinity play in the mission? As a result, the students will grow in their desire to fulfill the mandate of the church and in their dedication to help others fulfill it.
PM523 - Biblical Exposition (3 hrs.)
Students will learn how to create an expository message, following the process from exegesis to the communication of the message or Bible study. Students will also give evidence of their knowledge of this process by preparing a sermon, Bible study, or class.
PM529 - Spiritual Development (3 hrs.)
Introductory study into the nature of spiritual formation and the various ways that Christians have sought to deepen their relationship with God and be conformed to the life of Christ. Special emphasis will be given to using the practice of spiritual disciplines and prayer in Christian life.
PM559a-d - Contemporary Issues in Pastoral Leadership (1-3 hrs.)
This seminar (which may be repeated for a maximum of six [6] hours) is designed to meet special interests and/or educational needs of the student(s). Enrollment is limited to upper-level students and requires approval of both the Department Chair and the Dean.
PM599 - Internship with a Mentor (3 hrs.)
The internship provides a time of accountability with a seasoned Christian leader within a church or para-church context.
PM607/PM608 - Research for the Thesis or Project (3 hrs.) (6 hrs. maximum)
Students will learn how to do research on the topic they have selected for the thesis or project. They will utilize the principles as part of the actual process of working on and completing the thesis or project. Students will present either a written thesis that will contribute to a new understanding of a subject of the Christian faith, or a written project that will make a practical contribution to the growth of the church.
PM611 - Avoiding Compassion Fatigue: Biblical Principles for Personal Management (3 hrs.)
The development of sound Christian principles of managing one’s time and commitments so that the stress of leadership and ministry does not result in burnout or “compassion fatigue.”
PM612 - Connecting: Biblical Principles for Effective Relationships (3 hrs.)
Leadership is inescapably an interpersonal enterprise. Successful leaders are interpersonally competent. This course not only examines key and timeless biblical principles and examples of effective relationships for productive leadership but provides opportunity for the students to implement these in their own lives.
PM613 - Spiritual Vitality: Developing Christian Character (3 hrs.)
The formation of self-reflective skills and spiritual disciplines are fundamental for the development of vision, wisdom and courage in the Christian leader. Course activities include: personality and spiritual gifting inventories, mapping personal and spiritual histories, experiencing the classic spiritual disciplines, and evaluating leadership effectiveness in relationship to spiritual health.
PM614 - Biblical Foundations for Leadership Development (3 hrs.)
A study of biblical leadership styles found in the biographies of Ezra and Nehemiah. This course will utilize basic Bible study skills in its approach to these Old Testament books. The observations from these spiritual leaders will be summarized, applied and actualized into leadership opportunities for today’s leaders.
PM621 - Approaches to Understanding Scripture (3 hrs.)
A study of the formation of the Bible and a survey of the principles and practice of independent Bible study, including an emphasis on grammatical-historical interpretation of the Bible and an overview of the Bible.
PM622 - Communicating Effectively (3 hrs.)
An introduction to the concepts of effective oral and written communication to include functioning in small groups and organizational settings as well as interpersonal exchanges.
PM623 - The Church on Monday: Lifestyle Ministry (3 hrs.)
A study of the nature, purpose and process of biblical evangelism and its application to various ministries; a study of New Testament discipleship principles and their application, with a special emphasis upon building discipling relationships and small group ministry.
PM624 - Living Ethics: A Biblical Basis for Moral Judgment (3 hrs.)
A study of theoretical and practical problems of moral conduct and proposed solutions with an emphasis on the nature of ethics, values, rights, obligations and opportunities.
PM633 - Ministering in a Culturally Diverse World (3 hrs.)
The mosaic of colors, languages, cultural traditions and values in today’s modern marketplace poses an immense challenge for workers, managers and Christian leaders. Learn to better understand different cultural values and styles, one’s own biases and assumptions, and to recognize and value diversity.
PM634 - Case Studies in Leadership and Management (3 hrs.)
Case studies will be selected for in-depth study of the application of leadership and management concepts with particular reference to those concepts found in Scripture. Students will develop a written analysis of their style of leadership and management. Related issues are introduced through readings.
PM635 - Theological Foundations of Faith: A Case Study (3 hrs.)
The course will begin with a brief overview of theological concepts and biblical doctrines related to Scripture, God, Jesus Christ and his work, man and his salvation, the Holy Spirit, and the church. These themes will be examined through the focus of New Testament literature, predominately from the Epistles. Case studies will be selected for in-depth study of the application of Scripture to the life and work of a Christian leader.
PM636 - Managing People: Groups and Leadership (3 hrs.)
Groups are the building blocks of organizations. Nearly everyone participates in both formal and informal groups at work. It is essential that managers understand groups because group processes directly affect creativity, problem solving, decision making and productivity. This course provides insight into group formation and processes, their power and influence in organizations and varying styles of leadership.
PM660 - Integrative Capstone Course (3 hrs.)
This seminar integrates Bible teaching, ethics and ministerial focus. The specific goals, interest and/or educational backgrounds of each participant will serve as the initial point for the dialectical confrontation between a biblical based ministry and a pluralistic society.
PM662 - Administration and the Non-Profit Organization (3 hrs.)
In this course students analyze the history, role, and function of governance in achieving the vision and mission of non-profit organizations. Both governance and volunteer management issues are explored. The role of volunteers in all aspects of the work of the church will be examined.
PM665a - Personal Development (1 hr.)
Through intense interaction with a mentor, the student will address personal development issues through Term 1 to help the student to more effectively grow and develop. This process enables the student to develop the competencies needed in ministry.
PM665b - Christian Ministry Development (1 hr.)
Through intense interaction with a mentor, the student will address Christian ministry development issues throughout Term 2 to help the student to grow and develop more effectively. This process enables the student to develop and hone the competencies needed in ministry.
PM665c - Leadership Development (1 hr.)
Through intense interaction with a mentor, the student will address leadership development issues throughout Term 3 to help the student to grow and develop more effectively. This process enables the student to develop the leadership skills needed in ministry.
PM750 - Spiritual Formation for Servant Leadership (5 hrs.)
The biblical text provides the foundation for and the model of servant leadership. In this course the student is confronted with a variety of readings and exercises that reveal both the spiritual vulnerability and strength of servant leaders. Each student will learn to practice the spiritual disciplines necessary to develop a servant’s heart within the context of a Christian community.
PM752 - Developing Leadership Strategies (5 hrs.)
Within the context of contemporary leadership concepts and theories, the student will discover his/her own personal strengths, leadership style and find opportunity for growth. Time management and basic administrative skills will be honed. This course will also allow the student to explore the eight core values of effective Christian leaders: intimacy with God, passion for the harvest, visionary leadership, culturally relevant evangelism, multiplication of leaders, stewardship, priority of family (culturally defined), and integrity.
PM754 - Theological Foundation for Biblical Leadership (5 hrs.)
The student will use the dual disciplines of church history and biblical theology to define what constitutes “biblical leadership” in the 21st century. Demonstration of that knowledge within one’s context is an important aspect of this course.
PM761 - Preaching with Power: Textual Integrity & Motivating Application (3 hrs.)
Sharing God’s word efficiently and effectively is essential for ministry. The students focus on the planning and execution of expository sermon series that provide strong biblical teachings with effective application.
PM762 - Revitalizing God’s People (3 hrs.)
Today’s church faces new challenges, new opportunities – to meet these challenges the pastor must take the leadership role in helping to revitalize God’s people. At times change is hard, but change must take place for effective outreach. This course focuses on specific actions that a leader must be willing to do to affect change.
PM763 - Administration and Non-Profit Organization (3 hrs.)
In this course students analyze history, role, and function of governance in achieving the vision and mission of nonprofit organizations. Both governance and volunteer management issues are explored. The role of volunteers in all aspects of the work of the church will be examined.
PM765 - Models of Leadership in Modern Culture (3 hrs.)
Using a blend of biblical and modern leaders, “real life” experiences are explored that teach essential truths that reach across time to speak to various situations in today’s world. A variety of Mediums will be used to facilitate this course.
PM766 - Biblical Leadership in a Multi-Culture, Multi-Ethnic Environment (5 hrs.)
This course equips students for Christian ministry in ethnically/racially diverse settings. It is designed to provide a strong foundation for ministry that takes into account the wide divergence in cultural, historical, sociological, and even theological issues that impact the ministry and leadership context. What is often seen as a “sensitive topic” becomes the focus as students come to grip with the various issues that face the modern church.
PM767 - Global Awareness in Ministry (5 hrs.)
Ministry, evangelism and missions are studied in the context of a global church. Current models of outreach are studied to determine the appropriateness of each within a specific cultural context. The role of the pastor in helping his/her congregation expand its vision to include the larger world is essential. The purpose of this course is to help students understand the importance of being “outward” focused rather than “inward” in obedience to the Great Commission as each leader becomes a multiplier for the kingdom.
PM790-PM795 - Doctor of Ministry Research and Project (1 hr.)
As an integral part of the Doctor of Ministry, students will be involved in research which culminates in a thesis/project. This will be done concurrently with the courses in every semester so that the courses and the thesis/project finish together. Students take 1 credit hour course per semester enrolled in the program for a minimum of 6 hours, maximum of 9.
PS201 – Introduction to Psychology (3 hrs.) – This course is a study of human behavior and psychological processes with special attention on established theories of psychology as well as the scientific study of human behavior such as, learning, socialization, thinking, and personality characteristics, through the integration of comparative analysis of secular psychological systems with biblical truth.
PS212 – Human Growth and Development (3 hrs.) – This course examines the concepts, theories and research related to human growth and development throughout the human life span— from conception to senior adults—with special attention on spiritual, behavioral, and social characteristics during each stage. Prerequisite: PS201
PS214 – Psychology of Personality (3 hrs.) – This course studies major secular theories juxtaposed with biblical perspectives of human personality with special consideration on genetic and social determinants. This course outlines the structure, dynamics, and systems of personality in the light of biblical revelation. Prerequisite: PS201
PS300 – Cross-Cultural Counseling (3 hrs.) –This course is designed to expose the student to a variety of cultures in order to develop effective multicultural competency. Prerequisite: PS201
PS441 – Psychology of Religion (3 hrs.) – This course is an analysis and synthesis of religious and spiritual behavior, a comparison of major religious systems and cults within a psychological framework, and a study of personality and group dynamics in religious phenomena. Prerequisite: PS201
SC205 – Biology (3 hrs.) – This course is a survey of basic biological principles including cell biology, reproduction and development, genetics, classification, plants, and animals. Laboratory focus will be on the current investigative approach and experimental techniques in biology.
SC205a – Biology Lab (1 hr.) – This laboratory component is comprised of learning activities and application exercises related to Biology.
SS101 – American History (3 hrs.) – This course surveys issues, events, and personalities that shaped the development of the United States beginning with European interaction with indigenous cultures to the present.
SS103 – Western Civilization (3 hrs.) – In this course, the student will survey human development from simple to complex culture in the European context, giving attention to the influence of the Judeo-Christian tradition on the Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, and Reformation periods in European history through the early modern period to the present. This course highlights European exploration, economic policies, industrialization, and democracy in non-western cultures.
SS202 – Sociology (3 hrs.) – This is an introductory study of the origins and development of society with attention on the nature of personality and its relation to society, forms of collective behavior, community and social organization, and basic social problems within family, political, and economic organizations.
SS302 – Marriage and Family (3 hrs.) – This course is designed to study the social institution of marriage and family, which students will examine through studying aspects such as its recognition in various cultures and its organization with supporting roles.
SS330 – History of the Early Church (3 hrs.) – This course is a survey of the early church’s history, great leaders, doctrines, beliefs, heresies, strengths, and weaknesses.
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