Completing a Degree
Community expectation (evangelical or secular) does not ultimately determine the meaning of a degree from CIU. We are responsible to define our own purpose and establish our own achievement standards. All programs provide significant training for vocational Christian service. Criteria for granting a degree are designed to reflect the student's character and the student's competency in both general and professional areas.
Because of the whole life training character of the program and its basic objective, "To know Him and to make Him known," earning a degree at CIU involves more than merely meeting academic requirements. It also requires that a student reflect adequate achievement of the CIU objectives (including such non-academic areas as personal moral character, positive interpersonal and family relationships, and local church involvement).
Although non-academic objectives may not be measured with complete objectivity, we believe valid and useful assessment is possible and beneficial for student maturation.
To qualify for a degree doctrinally, a student must demonstrate an understanding of basic biblical doctrines and affirm the institution's doctrinal statement (with the exception of the final sentence, which is not a mandatory requirement) as an effective articulation of basic truths taught in Scripture. Recognizing the centrality and importance of Scripture as our ultimate authority to guide one through life, a student receiving a CIU degree must also affirm his or her belief in the doctrine of the inerrancy of the Scriptures.
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Lifelong Learning & Leadership Core
Principles for lifelong learning, spiritual formation and ministry, and leadership development are not found within a single discipline at CIU, rather we believe that leadership development for believers is inter-disciplinary, and they require a balance between knowledge, skill development, and life experiences. CIU believes every servant-leader needs foundational knowledge related to knowing oneself, the family, the Great Commission, Christ's Church, teaching and learning, personal character development, relational skills & ethics, the ability to handle the Word accurately, management principles, and living life victoriously because "His divine power has given useverything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him" (II Peter 1:3).
Integrated throughout the degree curriculum for the first major in Bible are strategic courses that are foundational to leadership development for general ministry. These studies provide basic knowledge on which practical ministry and leadership skills can be refined through the ministry skills development program. Credit for some of these courses is counted within other areas of the curriculum (Bible or General Education) for they function as formative, developmental, and are content specific outside any traditional leadership designation. While many courses could be identified here, the courses listed in the Lifelong Learning and Leadership Core Table provide strategic content for a ministrybased, leadership development core.
A student's second or professional major or minor requires additional course work and other curricular opportunities for learning that enhance professional development and leadership development within one's chosen vocation or calling. Spiritual formation, while addressed throughout degree coursework, practical ministry skills development, and relationships with faculty members, is more clearly focused within the student's relationship on campus through Student Life and in one's relationships within one's faith community and/or local church. This includes residence life experiences, chapel programming, small groups, and other campus related activities addressed in other places throughout this Academic Catalog and in the Student Handbook.
