General Studies

General education studies in the School of Arts and Sciences provide a general understanding of the world including the appropriate use of spoken and written English, a broad view of history, an understanding of social institutions, a comprehension of human nature, an appreciation of cultural values, and a general knowledge of science. Bible courses also have general education value. The integrating principle in general education, giving unity and significance to knowledge, is biblical theism.

General education occupies a more prominent place in the four-year and five-year degree curricula of the university than in the Associate of Arts degrees. Integrated with the theological studies are courses in the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences, approximating a core of general education courses in a liberal arts University curriculum. Such general education courses acquaint students with knowledge which gives them cultural and academic resources for more skillful and effective ministry.

The Associate of Arts degrees, on the other hand, are largely restricted to Bible and Bible-related studies and are aimed at preparing students for lay ministries. This distinction enables students to evaluate intelligently and to choose among the various programs of study.

The degree programs in The Seminary, while containing the essential general education courses of the liberal arts college, add the basic theological and practical studies of these professional schools, thus bringing into one institutional framework the courses necessary to meet the academic as well as the practical requirements of each student’s chosen field of Christian service.

Those training to become full-time Christian workers should thoughtfully consider the distinct advantages of these degree programs. Each curriculum provides a specialized educational program adequate to prepare students to serve with proficiency in those particular occupational areas of their Christian calling.

Upon completion of the general education studies, the students should be equipped to do the following:

1. Communicate effectively in speech and writing, demonstrating skills such as creative expression, exposition, and argumentation
2. Think critically, logically, and constructively as they interpret and evaluate experiences, literature, language, and ideas
3. Develop aesthetic sensitivities and enhanced creativity
4. Cultivate knowledge of other cultures and appreciation for diversity
5. Construct a historical nexus for an appreciation of all other disciplines

Approved General Education Core (36 hours)

All students completing a bachelor’s degree at Piedmont International University must complete a 36- hour general education core including the following:

• English Composition I, 6 hours
• Survey of World History I, 3 hours
• General Psychology, 3 hours
• Mathematics/Science, 6 hours
• General Education/Humanities electives, 18 hours

Program requirements may indicate specific courses/categories for the elective credits. Please consult the degree audit for your program. For students completing a program without a Bible major or minor, 12 humanities elective hours must consist of the required Bible core.