This 126-credit hour degree program is designed for the student who chooses to earn a BA degree that provides a broad, multi-disciplinary degree in order to be well prepared for jobs that have a minimum requirement of a BA degree. A BA degree in Liberal Studies leads to an extensive general education that is Christ-centered, prepares them for future jobs as leaders and teachers in their communities, and provides them with the opportunity to select a more specific area of focus by choosing a minor to complement their individual interests and talents.
Program Learning Outcomes for Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies Degree
Completion of a BA degree in Liberal Studies will prepare students to:
- Demonstrate a transformed life grounded in a biblical worldview manifested by love for God and others and the practice of spiritual disciplines.
- Express foundational understanding within the broad areas of the disciplines that address multiple perspectives, natural world phenomena, and creative endeavors.
- Demonstrate proficiency in integrating and applying critical thinking ability in solving complex problems.
- Apply appropriate knowledge, cross cultural skills, biblical worldview and leadership qualities into serving and transforming the community.
Available MINORS:
- Bible Translation
- Bible and Theology
- Christian Ministry
- Education
- International Business
- Recreational Ministry
Multidisciplinary Minor
This 63-credit hour degree program is designed for the student who desires to learn, but is not yet ready to prepare for a specific career. An AA in Liberal Studies lets these students pursue a generalized education while fulfilling basic educational requirements. Students will also have an opportunity to explore possible educational and career opportunities while earning a solid background in general education. All passing coursework from this degree may be transferred to the Bachelor of Arts program.
Program Learning Outcomes for Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies Degree
Completion of an AA degree in Liberal Studies will prepare students to:
- Articulate examples of a transformed life grounded in a basic understanding of a biblical worldview, manifested by love for God and others.
- Express basic understanding of multiple perspectives, the natural world, and creative endeavors.
- Demonstrate basic critical thinking skills in solving complex problems.
- Understand appropriate knowledge, cross cultural concepts, basic biblical worldview, and leadership qualities in serving the community.
The Certificate in Basic English (CBE) is an accredited two-semester program (24 credit hours), and designed for low- intermediate to the advanced level for speakers of other languages. The program offers students an immersion experience, taught by professionals covering grammar, conversation, listening, reading and writing. Speakers of other languages who wish to improve their English communication skills enroll in the CBE program. It offers a wonderful opportunity to share and exchange opinions with teachers and students from different cultures and backgrounds, since students from other PIU programs may be enrolled in CBE courses.
Learning about the lives and experiences of others in the class and throughout Pacific Islands University will help broaden students’ views and practice reflective thinking – giving students many advantages in terms of personal, academic and professional development. The program and courses are open to qualified students who desire or need to improve their ability to speak and write English for personal or career purposes, and to help further their education.
Admission into the CBE program requires a basic knowledge of English, and a minimum score of 400 on the paper-based TOEFL test (or 32 on the internet-based TOEFL test). If no TOEFL scores are available, the results of the PIU English Placement Test can be used to determine proper placement. The program is designed to help students scoring between 400 and 434 on the paper-based TOEFL test (or 32-40 on the internet-based TOEFL test) to improve and raise their score to 500 or higher (or 61+ on the internet-based TOEFL test), which may allow them to apply for admission into a regular academic PIU degree program. In short, the primary purpose of the program is to prepare students for further academic studies.
For students determined to be at an advanced English reading, writing, and speaking level (paper- based test score of 435-470 or 40-52 on the internet-based TOEFL test), there is the option to additionally enroll in ENGL 091R or ENGL 092R. These courses are designed to further improve the skills needed and demanded at college level. See the Undergraduate Course Descriptions for details. (Possible total: 30 credit hours)
Students admitted to the Certificate in Basic English program are NOT automatically admitted to a degree program upon completion of the certificate. They must reapply for admission to additional programs. The CBE program courses are at a remedial level, and therefore, not transferable for college level credit. Courses can be repeated for remedial credit. Students will receive their Certificate in Basic English after proving themselves successful by receiving a grade of B or better in all remedial English classes in the most recent term and by attaining a score of 500 or higher on the PIU English Placement Test. The PIU English test is re-administered near the end of each semester to measure students’ growth in each of the four major areas of English: written skills; listening comprehension skills, grammar; and vocabulary and reading comprehension.