SCHOOL OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES

The School of Religious Studies includes coursework in Religion as well as Leadership.

MISSION STATEMENT

The School of Religious Studies provides students with a general orientation to Christian life by increasing the students’ knowledge of the Bible, and providing an avenue for the development of leadership skills as well as preparing them for community impact.

GOALS

The School of Religious Studies has the following goals:
1. To provide necessary skills and expertise to serve the church and community in Arkansas and the nation.
2. To provide a foundation for students to further their education in a seminary or university and prepare students for Christian service.
3. To provide internships for students to gain practical experience(s) in their selected area of concentration.
4. To teach leadership skills that will impact the church and community.

 
DEGREE PROGRAMS

Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education
Bachelor of Arts in African-American Community Leadership
Associate of Arts in Religious Studies
Associate of Arts in Christian Education
Associate of Arts in African American Community Leadership
 
DEPARTMENT GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

In order to earn a BA or AA degree, students must complete the following requirements: (1) the college general education requirements, (2) the School of Religious Studies core requirements, and (3) the major requirements.
 
To earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in the School of Religious Studies, each student must satisfactorily complete all of the requirements discussed below. Specific requirements for satisfactory completion of each course of study within the Department of Religious Studies are as follows:
 
1. Complete a minimum of 124 semester hours.
2. Satisfactorily complete the curriculum requirements on the model plan of study.
3. Earn a cumulative academic average of not less than 2.0 in all courses taken at the College.
4. Earn a cumulative average of not less than 2.0 in all courses taken in the School of Religious Studies.
5. Earn a cumulative average of not less than 2.0 in all courses taken in the major field.
6. Complete in residence not less than ½ of the credit hours which fulfill core and major requirements.
7. Complete in residence, unless permission is granted otherwise, the final semester’s course work.
8. Take all senior outcomes measurement examinations required by the School of Religious Studies.
9. File an Application for Graduation.
10. Complete all exit surveys and questionnaires.
 
To earn an AA degree in the School of Religious Studies each student must satisfactorily complete all of the requirements discussed below. Specific requirements for satisfactory completion of each course of study within the Department of Religious Studies are as follows:
 
1. Complete a minimum of 64 semester hours.
2. Satisfactorily complete the curriculum requirements on the model plan of study.
3. Earn a cumulative academic average of not less than 2.0 in all courses taken at the College.
4. Earn a cumulative average of not less than 2.0 in all courses taken in the School of Religious Studies.
5. Earn a cumulative average of not less than 2.0 in all courses taken in the major field.
6. Complete in residence not less than ½ of the credit hours which fulfill core and major requirements.
7. Complete in residence, unless permission is granted otherwise, the final semester’s coursework.
8. File an Application for Graduation.
9. Complete all exit surveys and questionnaires.
 
TRANSFER CREDIT HOURS

The College transfer policies will be observed within the School of Religious Studies (please review the appropriate pages of the catalog.). The School of Religious Studies does not accept for credit for the following:
 

1. Remedial or developmental courses.
2. Courses in which the grades earned are less than “C” (2.0).
3. Courses from community/junior colleges to transfer as junior or senior level courses.
4. Courses taken at institutions not accredited by a nationally recognized, regional accrediting agency such as the Higher Learning Commission – North Central Association for Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA).

OTHER SCHOOL POLICIES
Course Load –　In order to ensure that students will have a maximum chance of successfully pursuing their studies, the maximum permissible course load for all majors will depend on current cumulative grade point average and the discretion of the department Dean or Chairperson. The following course load limitation will apply.

Cumulative GPA Maximum Hours

Below 2.00 12
2.00 – 2.49 15
2.50 – 2.99 18
3.00 – 4.00 21 (Approval from the Dean or Chairperson)
 
Students seeking a major or minor in the department must have a program evaluation by the department chairperson. Prospective majors must meet minimum school admission requirements in order to receive a plan of study. Transfer students interested in earning a degree in the department must satisfy residency requirements, in addition to meeting the requirements specified for core and major areas. The Transfer Student Policy stated in this catalog should be reviewed for additional clarification.

For specific information regarding Model Plans of Study, please contact the School of Religious Studies at
(501) 244-5163.