May 16, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Bulletin

Religion, Christian Ministry Concentration (BA FLEX)


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Federal CIP: 38.0201 Religion/Religious Studies

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcome objectives for those obtaining the BA in Religion are that students will:

Students in our Religion program are being equipped to:

  • Demonstrate Spiritual Maturity
  • Substantiate Biblical Literacy
  • Apply Church History
  • Construct Theological Knowledge
  • Apply Skilled Communication
  • Develop Ministerial Leadership
  • Formulate Contextual Awareness

Ordination

Graduates from any of the three tracks in our Religion major will have completed all of the educational requirements for ordination in The Wesleyan Church. Minors in our Religion program may obtain the educational requirements to become a Licenced Minister in The Wesleyan Church.

What is FLEX?

The grouping of 16 online, self-paced, pretest-eligible Bible and religion courses that define the FLEX program serves a variety of students. For students who are primarily interested in a quest for ordination or supplementary resourcing, FLEX courses may be pursued as a cluster of Bible and religion courses from a non-degree-seeking perspective. However, for other students who are seeking an undergraduate BA Religion degree, pursuing the FLEX program courses in addition to other general education and elective degree requirements may be their top priority.  Additionally, FLEX may be ideal for students who are still in high school or are recent graduates and who wish to respond to a call to the ministry by preparing themselves most affordably and within close proximity to their home.  Also, FLEX may be ideal for pastors who have already gained valuable experience in ministry or who have completed ministerial professional training for Wesleyan ordination.

What is self-paced and pretest eligible?

Once a FLEX course is scheduled to begin, the FLEX student may complete the course according to his or her abilities and desired pace for learning. Each FLEX course is designed for the average student to complete in approximately 7 weeks. Prior to the start of any FLEX course, a student who possesses the knowledge, training, and experience to prove competency in each of the course modules (or units) may elect to pretest, a process involving three pretest components: a 30-minute interview with an assessor, a completed online test, and optional submission of a portfolio with attached artifacts.  A student who successfully meets pretest requirements may exempt certain modules within a course.

 

Religion- FLEX Program Requirements


Specified Core Curriculum


Students earning a bachelor’s degree must complete all Core Curriculum  requirements. The following specific core curriculum course(s) is required.

Ministry Field Education Requirement


All Religion majors must earn a minimum of three credit-hours of practical ministry education in a church or other ministry context through RELG 3550   (Ministry Internship) or a combination of RELG 3550  and RELG 4550  (Ministry Residency). These practical ministry field education courses may be repeated for credit, with a maximum total of 15 credit hours. 

Christian Ministry Concentration Courses


Completion of major coures and concentration courses requires a minimum grade of C-.

Electives


In addition to core curriculum (40-44 credit hours) and major course requirements, students must complete elective coursework appropriate to their degree. A minimum of 120 credit hours is required for most bachelor’s degrees, including elective coursework. Students are strongly encouraged to work with their advisor to identify courses that complement their program area. 

Summary


Core Curriculum   Requirements 40-44 hrs.


Major Requirements 30 hrs.


Concentration Requirements 12 hrs.


Electives 37-41 hrs.


 

Total: 120 hrs.



 

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