AA/BA in Leadership Studies

Upon the successful completion of the prescribed course of study, the graduates of the Department of Leadership Studies will be able to:

• Articulate an understanding of the dynamics of biblical leadership personifying a life of integrity and making a difference globally.
• Demonstrate an understanding of leadership theory and ethical, reflective decision making to manage and lead a ministry or nonprofit organization with integrity.
• Demonstrate broad leadership skills that are transferable in any organization and the market place.
• Illustrate a global perspective on leadership which values diversity and embraces new trends in leadership locally and outside the borders.
• Articulate and demonstrate knowledge of innovative 21st Century ministry models and the benefits of strategic planning.
• Effectively communicate orally and in writing, presenting and defending various positions and thoughts on subject matter.
• Understand varied schools of thought concerning gender differences in leadership, which includes a theological and psychological perspective as well as societal norms.

Associate of Arts in Leadership Studies - 66 Credits

ABA degree is a 2 year program with 4 components:

Leadership Courses  – 18 credit hours (6 courses)

• LS 101 Developing the Healthy Leader
• LS 205 Enhancing Leadership Through Technology
• LS 300 Dynamics of Global Leadership
• BUS 325 Business Ethics
• LS 318 Dynamics of Biblical Leadership
• LS 339 Conflict Management

Bible/Theology – 12 credit hours (4 courses)

• Bi 117 Biblical Literature
• TH 203 Systematic Theology I
• Th 213 Systematic Theology II
• Bi/Th Elective

Bi Elective - 9 credits hours (3 courses)

Choose any 3 courses with Bi/Th prefix

General Studies – 21 credit hours (7 courses)

• E 101 English Grammar
• E 102 English Composition (Prereq: E 101)
• Ath 115 Foundations for University Life and Ministry
• SS 112 Interpersonal Cross-cultural Communication
• Math 117 Basic Concepts of Mathematics
• SC 260 Basic Computers/Word Processing
• Sc 366 Principles of Science

Leadership Electives – 6 credit hours (2 courses)

Any two courses with a LS course type

Bachelor Arts in Leadership Studies - 129 Credits

Leadership Courses – 36 credit hours (12 courses)

• *LS 205 Enhancing Leadership Through Technology
• LS 300 Dynamics of Global Leadership
• BUS 325 Business Ethics 
• *LS 318 Dynamics of Biblical Leadership
• LS 339 Conflict Management
• *LS 375 Innovative Ministry for the 21st Century
• LS 382 Personality Profiles and Models for Leadership
• *LS 384 Exploring Gender Differences
• *LS 454 Leadership Coaching
• LS 462 Enhancing Leadership Through Technology
• LS 463 Internship: Leadership
• LS 465 Strategic Planning and Decision Making

Bible/Theology – 30 credit hours (10 courses)

• Bi 105 Pentateuch
• Bi 111 Life of Christ
• Bi 117 Biblical Literature
• TH 203 Systematic Theology I
• Th 213 Systematic Theology II
• Th 313 Systematic Theology III
• Bi 323 New Testament Literature
• Th 325 Apologetics
• Bi/Th Elective
• Bi/Th Elective

General Studies – 33 credit hours (11 courses)

• E 101 English Grammar
• E 102 English Composition (Prereq.: E 101)
• Sp 107 Effective Oral Communication
• SS 112 Interpersonal Cross Cultural Communication
• Math 117 Basic Concepts of Mathematics
• Hist 228 Survey of American History
• Hist 253 Survey of World History
• SC 260 Basic Computers and Word Processing
• E 351 Literature of the Western World
• SC 366 Principles of Science
• Hist 414 Church History

Core Courses – 21 credit hours (7 courses)

• Ath 115 Foundations for University Life and Ministry
• LS 101 Developing the Healthy Leader
• Ath 205 Principles of Spiritual Growth
• Ath 248 Urban Evangelism
• SS 225 Marriage and Family
• ACCT 101 Accounting and Financial Management
• LS 427 Principles of Organizational Administration

Communication – 3 credit hours (1 course)
Choose any speech or language course

General Electives – 6 credit hours (2 courses)
Any two courses from any category

Accounting and Financial Management – ACCT 101 and 102

This course addresses basic accounting principles, practices, and financial management. Students will learn how to interpret financial statements, maintain fiduciary responsibilities, and budget for the nonprofit sector.

Business Communications and Writing – BUS 121

Business communications will give a comprehensive view of various communication media used in business. It will cover the external and internal role of communication as it relates to positively positioning a business. The course will focus on both oral and written communication. (Prerequisite: English 101)

Conflict Management- LS 339

This course will teach the student how to implement biblical conflict resolution in sacred and secular arenas, how to prevent unnecessary conflict in these arenas, and how to become conflict competent leaders in any setting.  The student will learn how to identify and deal with conflict in organizations, examine how to prevent or reduce much of the pain and suffering caused by conflict, and learn to tell the difference between constructive, healthy conflict and destructive, unhealthy conflict. 

Developing the Healthy Leader - LS 101

The student will analyze issues of the soul (mind, emotions and will).  This analysis will be accomplished by examining their emotions, their perception, their beliefs, the scriptures and scientific studies.  Additionally, the student will study how a healthy leader’s thoughts and actions are manifested in practical principles. (Revised)

Dynamics of Biblical Leadership LS 318

This course communicates the dynamics and distinctive of biblical leadership, contrasting it with the secular view of leadership. It the reviews the grounds and essential for leadership in the context of the local church and the marketplace.

Dynamics of Global Leadership - LS 300 (Effective Spring 2011)

Globalization is evolving, bringing with it new challenges and opportunities that impact the religious and business world. Leaders are called upon to work in nations other than their own or to lead at home in global settings.  This course will equip leaders with global perspectives and strategies to help them lead successfully in that dynamic environment.   It will examine strategies of world-class leaders in business and ministry organizations as well as characteristics of global leaders.  The growth and shift in Christianity from the western world to the southern world and how it impacts leaders’ ability to do multicultural programming will be explored.

Enhancing Leadership through Technology - LS 205 (Effective Spring 2011)

This course is designed to expose students to various forms of technology that will increase their leadership effectiveness.  Students will learn how to apply technologies as an enhancement to their leadership in either the ministry or marketplace sectors. Elective.

Exploring Gender Differences - LS 384

This course will examine some of the varied schools of thought concerning gender differences in leadership. Primary emphasis will be given to leadership roles and functions within the church setting and marketplace.  Theological, psychological and societal norms will be investigated to allow the students to formulate an informed position on the subject of gender as it relates to leadership both within the church and in the larger community.

Innovative Ministry for The 21st Century - LS 375

This course will focus on critical issues in ministry and developing solutions and creative approaches for the 21st century.  The course is divided into three segments.  Segment one will focus on youth leadership development; segment two will focus on renewal, re-visioning and team building; and segment three will focus student –based learning wherein students will identify and present issues and solutions of their choosing.  (Replaces Effective Ministry Management.)

 Internship: Leadership - LS 463

This course is designed to be the capstone for students’ matriculation through the Leadership Studies major.  Attention will be given to the practical use of learned, acquired and developed leadership skills by the student in a field setting.  Second-semester Junior or Senior level students will choose a field setting (either on their own or with some assistance from the Leadership Department faculty) and participate actively in a pre-determined leadership capacity.  Emphasis is placed on leadership skill development.  Students are required to complete an on-site project.  This course will also help students evaluate who they are as leaders in the body of Christ how students can integrate this awareness into their personhood and praxis as 21st century leaders.  The student must apply for the internship at the work location a semester prior to registering for the internship. Internships are only completed in the spring or fall semesters.

Leadership Coaching - LS 454

Leadership Coaching is designed to familiarize the student with the coaching profession with the caveat that coaching can be a lifestyle. Coaching will be defined in the course and compared to similar disciplines. Students will examine various models of coaching. The student will be exposed to credentialing requirements and premier coaching agencies. Considerable attention will be devoted to discovering the need for and leading change (self and others). Students will practice techniques with peers and discover the role of core values and attitudes in coaching.

Leadership Principles in Business - LS 462

There is a split today between church and business, and all are negatively impacted by this. There is distance between some of the fundamental beliefs and attitudes of these two groups.    In this exciting and eye opening class, you will reinforce your understanding that your faith is all inclusive and your understanding that you go to work for the same reason you go to church: to praise God. Hopefully, this course will result in your recognizing that part of your ministry must be engaging in church-business dialogue and forming linkages between the two groups so that we can end the divide.  (Revised)

Nonprofit Development and Management – LS 202

This course will help students identify the components necessary to start and manage a nonprofit organization, either secular or faith-based. We will define the role of the board and what makes nonprofits different from for-profits.  This course will include fundamentals of fundraising, principles of management and leadership and human resource development. Students will complete a ministry/business plan. (Leadership Elective)

Executive Leadership – LS 490/491

This course will focus on how to become a transformational leader that transforms organizations, communities, and/or nations. Transforming communities involves affecting one of the seven (7) spheres of the society: politics and government, education, business, celebration (arts and culture), music and drama and entertainment, and sports), social services, media (print and electronic), and the religious sector.

Personality Profiles Models for Leadership- LS 382

This course focuses on the amalgamation of the leader’s personality and the leader’s type into the leader’s style and method of leading followers and developing other leaders.  The course centers on the historical development of leadership styles and the impact of personality on leadership development.  Biblical and secular leaders will be examined as models.  Emphasis will be on achievement in the contest of each leader’s personality bent.  The course will also tackle current and controversial topics in leadership and personality.

Resource Development Strategies – LS 303

The course examines practical ways to develop and implement a fundraising development plan. Discussions include grant writing, events, and capital campaigns, projects in developing countries, donor relations, and cost-effective marketing materials.

Servant and Transformational Leadership - LS 282

Servant leadership focuses on serving the follower and transformational leadership focuses on developing the follower so as to align with the organization’s objectives.  This course is designed to provide a Biblical and contemporary understanding of the influence of servant and transformational leadership.  Leaders are guided into maximizing their potential using the paradigm of a biblical and contemporary servant and transformational leader.  (Revised)

Strategic Planning and Decision Making - LS 465

This course is designed to help students become strategic planners and thinkers in their organizations and their lives. Students will learn proven strategic planning models, how to apply these models, how to access their effectiveness and how to continuously improve this important process.  The course covers strategic planning in both public and nonprofit organizations including churches. (Revised)

 Global Leadership - Study-Abroad Program- LS 475

This is a short-term (1 – 2 weeks) study abroad program that will give students a global perspective on religion, leadership and business as they travel to Cape Town, South Africa. Students will have an opportunity to be immersed in local culture through the living arrangements for the week. Students will also participate in local churches through praise and worship, speaking and community involvement. There will be an opportunity to learn about leadership through a visit to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. As a relaxation component to the trip, students will spend a more at Table Mountain and then watch the sunset at one of Cape Town’s beautiful beaches. Students will engage in classroom activities on the main campus before and after the trip to South Africa.

Coaching Essentials –LS 203

Upon completion of this course students should be able to:

• Articulate techniques and strategies for coaching
• Articulate coaching, counseling, mentoring, and consulting overlaps, contrasts, and benefits
• Demonstrate limited knowledge of proper coaching formats

Whole Life Coaching – LS 257

Upon completion of this course students should be able to:

• Identify his or her own strengths and weaknesses
• Cultivate an awareness of his or her assumptions, presumptions, and world view, and its impact on their coaching
• Understand and diagram life journey patterns and biases; and understand the importance of ongoing personal growth to successful coaching

Essentials of Practical Leadership Coaching- LS 323

 Upon completion of this course students should be able to:

• Identify common coaching themes and understand the what and why of challenges common to all leadership organizations
• Discover pathways for assisting those they are coaching into a comprehensive understanding of their challenges
• Identify theoretical paradigms leading to greater effectiveness in coaching individuals and organizations

Coaching Specialties –LS 393

Upon completion of this course students should be able to:

• Discover paradigms, processes, and best practices of experienced coaches in specific coaching niches
• Identify his or her personalized coaching niche

The Business of Coaching- LS 407

 Upon completion of this course students should be able to:

Contemplate his or her future plans for organizing deliverables and delivery systems

• Think strategically regarding building a coaching business
• Organize his or her coaching business (product and delivery system) in a systemized sequential manner

Coaching the Coach- LS 455

Upon completion of this course students should be able to:

• Coach as well as train other coaches
• Organize his or her trainer processes and systems
• Enhance his or her services by having a pedagogy of coaching

Advanced Assessments and Professional Certification- LS 487

 Upon completion of this course students should be able to:

• Identify and learn the purpose, value, and execution of a variety of assessment tools
• Advance his or her Beulah Heights University and Dream Releaser Coaching credentials to internationally recognized coaching agencies

 Introduction to Criminal Justice - CJ 120

This course will provide an overview of the criminal justice system. This course will also examine the contributions and interrelations of the police, courts, and department of corrections. 

Introduction to Law Enforcement CJ 220

This course will provide students with the fundamentals of law enforcement. Students will learn the chronology of policing, from the pre-American experience to current events. The class will also focus on police activities and current trends and issues in law enforcement. 

 Introduction to Criminal Law CJ 230 Pre-requisite Introduction to Criminal Justice

This course will cover criminal offenses by statutory and common law definition/classification. Students will be introduced to criminal procedures, prosecution, defense, court procedures and decision-making. This course will also explore historical developments and contemporary forms of criminal definitions. 

Ethics in Criminal Justice -CJ 320

This course will provide an exploration of standards and codes of professional responsibility in criminal Justice Professions (Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, ABA Standards of Professional Responsibility, American Jail Association Code of Ethics for Jail Officers, and the American Correctional Association Code of Ethics). Students will learn about remaining impartial, respecting the badge and the office, use of excessive force, intimidation, deception, and hostility towards groups. 

Research methods in Criminal Justice- CJ330

This course will explore the qualitative and quantitative research methods that are associated with measuring criminology and criminal justice reality. 

The Constitution and the Criminal Justice System – CJ 340

This course will examine the criminal justice system as it relates to the constitution of the United States. The course will examine the history of legal doctrine concerning the current criminal justice system. Students will examine the ways the United States has dealt with the problem of criminal behavior over time. 

Criminal Justice Administration -CJ 420

This course will focus on the role of race and gender in the Criminal Justice system. The topics to be explored include the criminal justice system, systems of social control and their policies and practices, victimology, and juvenile justice. 

Special Topics in Criminal Justice -CJ 430 Prerequisite: Research methods in Criminal Justice

In this course, students will examine varied topics in the field of criminal justice. Students will choose a topic of interest to create their capstone project. This course will also allow students to focus on the contemporary study of criminal justice as well as their professional development. 

Professional Studies

Counseling

Counseling Issues of Death: The Terminally Ill and Grieving - Co 374

This course teaches how to counsel grieving persons. It covers the areas of fear, attitudes towards death, and helps the therapist deal with his/her own attitudes and feelings.

Counseling the Battered and the Abused - Co 378

This course looks at the signs and symptoms of abuse and then teaches how to effectively counsel those suffering with the aftereffects of the trauma. Effort is made to understand the mindset of the victims and how victims deal with the abuse through rationalization and other means. One part of the course focuses specifically on sexual abuse.

Counseling Theory - Co 268

This course is a study of basic counseling theories, principles, and techniques. Attention is given to their application for pastors, churches, and other affiliated counseling settings.

Crisis Counseling - Co 413

This course is designed to help students formulate a theology of ministry, which will allow them to respond to crisis situations. The nature of crisis in real life situations is surveyed and effective pastoral counseling responses rooted in Christian theology and pastoral care are critiqued.

Cross-cultural Counseling - Co 376

This course teaches the issues of such cross-cultural counseling as the problem of similarities and differences between people. It looks at the universal, cultural, and personal aspects of mankind, and models and approaches to cross-cultural counseling with the goal of developing a unique and more effective model.

Human Growth and Development - Psy 333

This course is the study of the origins and patterns of our behavior from infancy to adulthood, studying the stages of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development. This is a foundational course for those involved in Christian education, counseling, or pastoral care.

Introduction to Counseling and Psychology - Co 109

This entry-level course studies the contributions of modern psychology to the Christian’s perspective of man. The course will focus on the pastor’s responsibility in counseling. It covers the psychological principles that underlie human behavior and gains skill in understanding people.

Missions

Contextualization of the Gospel - Mi 435

The virtually borderless church of the 21st century must learn how to effectively take the Gospel into other cultures and how to separate the Gospel message from its own cultural wrappings. This exciting course will enable the great commission Christian to make the Gospel relevant and attractive in new cultures without compromising its message or allowing dilution by syncretism.

Journey of Israel – Mi 390

MOST I (Missions Overseas Short Term) - Mi 255

This intensive training course is designed to be a “boot camp” for short term missions overseas. It includes fifty (50) plus hours of instruction by guest teachers who are experienced senior missions personnel on the cutting edge of world missions today.

MOST II (Missions Overseas Short Term) - Mi 257

This advanced level workshop in short-term missions in a specific country is offered each year. It is available to senior pastors, local church directors, and to those who have completed the MOST basic course. It focuses on short-term opportunities in a specific country. In addition, the completion of a research project is required.

MOST Trip (Missions Overseas Short Term) - Mi 256

This course provides the opportunity to serve on a short-term mission assignment for one week in another country. This practicum gives field experience under a senior missionary and is open to those who have completed at least one of the MOST courses. Guidance is given for raising funds.