General Education Requirements - Main Campus

The General Education curriculum flows out of the SAU Concept. As followers of Christ who are committed to Christ as the perspective for learning, the University utilizes the study and application of the liberal arts to provide a broad foundation of knowledge on which academic disciplines can build on and develop from. The mixture of required general education courses provides breadth of perspective and various ways of knowing to promote transformational growth in the Christian Faith while also developing the intellect and the ability to interact with others effectively. As a Christian liberal arts institution, the University cares deeply about the Christian faith, the long history of God’s revelation through the written word of Scripture, and the living word of Jesus Christ. In addition to Bible courses, the general education curriculum includes requirements that represent a broad cross-section of how the world is known. In each discipline, four key elements are explored: 1) the scope of the discipline, 2) the terms of discourse in that discipline, 3) the means of analysis in the discipline, and 4) the significance of the discipline.

The broad liberal arts approach builds students’ confidence in their ability to engage with a variety of academic topics and disciplines and see similarities and interconnectedness throughout the scope of God’s creation. Skills and foundational knowledge gained through liberal arts courses prepare students for more in-depth and applied study and also gives them the ability to see beyond the topics and skills discussed in their major curriculum to deeper knowledge and broader perspective. During this process, in addition to developing valuable professional and interpersonal skills, students often discover interests and passions that enrich their lives. The exploration of ideas from the perspective of Christ teaches students far more than how to engage with information. It deepens their faith, fosters the development of wisdom and integrity, and equips them interact with God and others in meaningful ways. Using the metaphor of a tree, the breadth of preparation and engagement indicative of a liberal arts education provides a strong, rich trunk through which nutrients flow, providing support and structure to the branches and leaves of the major curriculum, finally producing fruit of professional and personal excellence that allows students to be critical participants in the contemporary world.

General Education Objectives

1. Demonstrate mastery of the fundamental components required for a foundational knowledge of the central liberal arts disciplines.
2. Demonstrate understanding of the major ideas and practices of the Christian faith (as attested in Scripture) to engender personal spiritual growth and an awareness of how various disciplines connect to Christian theology.
3. Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and appreciation for the diversity of human experience and cultures.
4. Demonstrate the ability to think about a subject in logical and ethical ways through the practice of analytical skills, such as attentive reading and observation.
5. Demonstrate the ability to write and speak in a responsible and compelling manner, using credible evidence to support conclusions.