Eastern University

Accounting

Accounting is often called the "language" of business, and accountants provide much of the data used in business decision-making. The Bachelor of Science in Accounting is designed to prepare the graduate to go directly into public accounting, corporate or small business sectors, or to continue on to graduate school for an MBA or similar degree in any area of business.

Anthropology

Anthropology is the comparative study of people and cultures around the world. The purpose of the B.A. in Anthropology is to give cross-cultural understanding and competence to students who desire to contribute to Christ's Kingdom at home and abroad, preparing them for work in international agencies, social services, church ministry, and graduate study.

Applied Artificial Intelligence

Eastern University offers a Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence, listed among the university's graduate programs. Full program requirements are published in the online catalog.

Applied Behavior Analysis

Individuals who already hold a master's degree in counseling or another related field may complete courses toward licensure or other professional credentials. Those needing 12 or more credits may earn a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Applied Behavior Analysis Certification. Individualized programs of study are approved when applicants are admitted to the program.

Biblical Studies

The Department of Theology offers a major in Biblical Studies that can be completed with or without a concentration in biblical languages. Coursework is grouped into foundational, canonical, elective, and culminating senior experience categories, and the major is ideal for students interested in a deeper understanding of Christianity and the integration of faith and reason.

Biochemical Studies

The B.A. in Biochemical Studies is the optimal pathway for pre-pharmacy and other pre-professional tracks, including partnerships with Temple and Howard Universities.

Biochemistry

The B.S. in Biochemistry offers modern studies at the interface of chemistry and biology and is an excellent pathway for pre-med. The program is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).

Biological Studies

The B.A. in Biological Studies prepares students for direct immediate entrance into biology-related careers such as laboratory or field research, scientific writing, and medical sales.

Biology

The B.S. in Biology provides an excellent track for pre-med and biomedical studies to prepare for medical or graduate school, field work in ecology and environmental areas, or secondary science education. The program provides a solid background in biology while cultivating the development of the inquiring mind from a Christian worldview.

Business Administration

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration graduates are equipped with an integrated spectrum of theoretical and practical business knowledge designed to qualify them to assume a responsible position within the world of business. Students gain knowledge in the basic business disciplines of accounting, economics, management, finance, marketing, and business law. The major is offered at the St. Davids campus and in a seven-week fully online format.

Chemistry

The B.S. in Chemistry offers classic and innovative development of theory and laboratory skills. Through rigorous studies of chemical principles, hands-on laboratory analysis and original research, the department equips students to be careful thinkers, creative problem solvers, clear communicators, and skilled experimentalists.

Chemistry-Business

The B.S. in Chemistry-Business provides practical training in business skills and technical knowledge, and can be combined with an accelerated MBA track at Eastern.

Communication Studies

The Communication Studies major encourages and equips students to become competent, creative, and ethical communicators who integrate faith, reason, and justice into each communication act. Each student completes a core focused on the history, theory, scholarship, and professional practices of the discipline and selects a concentration in Interpersonal Communication, Digital Media, Journalism, or Strategic Communication.

Computer Science

The B.S. in Computer Science requires coursework in programming, data structures, databases, networking, programming languages, operating systems, computer architecture, artificial intelligence, and analysis of algorithms, plus data science, calculus, statistics, and discrete mathematics.

Contextual Leadership

Palmer Theological Seminary's Doctor of Ministry in Contextual Leadership trains Christian leaders to nourish the connection between healthy spiritual life and sustained vitality in ministry. Requirements consist of four modules of coursework completed online over two years, a qualifying assessment interview, and a summative Project Thesis defended in the third year. To be recommended for the D.Min. degree, the candidate must satisfactorily earn 36 credit hours.

Counseling Psychology

The Counseling Psychology program is a 60-credit degree which offers a framework for understanding human experience and the deepest motivation of human behavior. Students receive a sound theoretical foundation and practical instruction in applying counseling skills that help clients regain hope and create change in their lives. The core credits meet all the educational requirements specified by the Pennsylvania Board for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC).

Criminal Justice

The mission of the Criminal Justice program is to provide students with an education grounded in the liberal arts that prepares them for entry-level careers, career advancement, or graduate study. Anchored in the Christian worldview, the program is driven by a restorative justice perspective that emphasizes prevention and restoration. The major is offered in both traditional and accelerated formats.

Dance

The B.A. in Dance combines dance technique, dance education, dance history, and dance performance coursework with independent work culminating in a senior seminar and senior project or performance.

Data Analytics

Eastern University offers a Master of Science in Data Analytics, listed among the university's graduate programs. Full program requirements are published in the online catalog.

Data Analytics

Eastern University offers a graduate Certificate in Data Analytics, listed among the university's graduate programs. Full program requirements are published in the online catalog.

Data Science

Eastern University's Master of Science in Data Science offers an innovative approach to learning the art and science of data science in as little as 10 months. In 30 credits, students become equipped with abilities employers desire: cutting-edge technical skills combined with enhanced decision-making ability and discernment. Students are trained to apply mathematical and statistical thinking and computer programming skills to both theoretical and applied problems.

Data Science

Eastern University offers a graduate Certificate in Data Science, listed among the university's graduate programs. Full program requirements are published in the online catalog.

Data Science

The B.S. in Data Science combines calculus, statistics, and computer science foundations with courses in data science, statistics using R, data management, applied data science, and the ethical and philosophical issues in computing.

Data Science and Business Administration (Dual Degree)

Eastern University's dual MS in Data Science and MBA degree merges the technical aspects of data science with the strategic acumen of business administration. The self-paced, asynchronous nature of the coursework allows students to engage with both technical and nontechnical material concurrently within a flexible timeframe. Students graduate with both degrees, and courses in both programs can be taken simultaneously.

Divinity

The Master of Divinity is the first professional, theological degree for persons who expect to engage in some form of ordained ministry. The coursework consists of 78 credit hours and requires at least three years of study. Two tracks are available: the Pastoral Leadership track designed primarily for those seeking denominational ordination, and the Adaptive Leadership track that offers significant flexibility for those with different ministry callings.

Divinity and Organizational Management (Dual Degree)

Palmer Theological Seminary offers students the opportunity to earn credit toward a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree in conjunction with pursuing a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Organizational Management through Eastern University's College of Business and Leadership. This arrangement enables full-time students to earn both degrees in four years and at less cost than if they pursued the degrees separately. Sixty-six credit hours are taken in the Seminary's M.Div.

Divinity and Organizational Management, OpenSeminary (Dual Degree)

Palmer Theological Seminary offers students the opportunity to earn credit toward a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree in conjunction with pursuing a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Organizational Management through Eastern University's College of Business and Leadership, in a fully online format. This arrangement enables full-time students to earn two degrees in as little as four years and at less cost than if they pursued the degrees separately.

Divinity and Theological and Cultural Anthropology (Dual Degree)

Christian ministry involves cross-cultural interaction and understanding, whether at home or abroad. This innovative dual degree program combines Eastern University's online MA in Theological and Cultural Anthropology with Palmer Seminary's Master of Divinity program, online or on-campus. Together, these two degrees equip students with the ability to work effectively at the intersection of faith and culture.

Divinity (OpenSeminary)

This 100% online Master of Divinity program builds on the OpenSeminary Master of Practical Theology. Beyond the first 36 credits of core modules taken using the OpenSeminary model alongside students in the M.P.T. program, online M.Div. students must complete another 42 credits of foundational and elective courses to reach a total of 78 credits.

Early Childhood Education

Those desiring to teach PK-4th grade should select this major, which includes student teaching and leads to Pennsylvania teaching certification. Certification courses for special education or ESL can be combined with the major, and the degree is also offered in an accelerated format for working adults.

Early Childhood Studies

The B.S. in Early Childhood Studies is designed to help working adults expand career opportunities in the child care field with options for certification from PK to 4th grade. Early Childhood Studies does not include student teaching, so no certification is earned during the program, but the degree allows students to work toward certification after graduation.

Early Childhood Studies

The 64-credit associate's program is designed to offer adult learners the opportunity to earn the associate of arts degree, level B on the PA Career Pathway. This program is offered in an accelerated format and combines liberal arts general education with early childhood education coursework.

Education

The Master of Education has a strong commitment to academic quality while integrating faith, reason, and justice into a student's teaching and learning experiences. The program prepares teachers to work with students from diverse backgrounds and develop responsive curricula that highlights inclusion practices.

Education Studies

The B.S. in Education Studies is a non-certification education major built on foundations of education, special education, assessment, inclusive education, educational psychology, and trauma-informed practices, plus education electives.

English

In the English Department, students read and interpret everything from television commercials to Shakespeare, developing analytical skills alongside a poetic sensitivity to language. There are two concentrations within the English major, Literature and Writing, and graduates pursue occupations in law, publishing, advertising, education, business, social work, activism, and public relations.

Environmental Science

The B.S. in Environmental Science provides training for field biology and regulatory policy work. Students combine biology, chemistry, geology, and policy coursework with recommended field courses at the Au Sable Institute.

Exercise Science

The Exercise Science program prepares students for entry-level exercise science careers involving people on a broad continuum of health and physical fitness in a wide variety of settings. The rigorous curriculum builds on health, fitness concepts, and nutrition and advances to exercise biochemistry, physiology, and prescription. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Global Studies and Service

Global Studies and Service is offered as a Bachelor of Arts through the Department of Social Transformation, with concentrations available in Anthropology and Missiology.

Healthcare Administration

Eastern University offers a graduate Certificate in Healthcare Administration, listed among the university's graduate programs. Full program requirements are published in the online catalog.

Health Science

The B.A. in Health Science combines anatomy and physiology, health promotion, nutrition, medical terminology, medical ethics, research methods, and health and disease coursework with professional development and an internship in health science.

History

The B.A. in History requires coursework spanning ancient Europe, modern Europe, American history, and regional or topical fields, along with historiography and a culminating course in historical interpretation and integration. A minimum grade of C in the introductory world civilization survey is required of all History majors.

Individualized

A traditional baccalaureate student with fewer than 60 earned credits may propose an individualized major leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree. The major must be developed with and sponsored by a full-time Eastern faculty member, focus on a central theme not expressed in existing majors, draw from several disciplines, and range in credits from 33 to 60.

Liberal Arts

The associate's program is designed to offer adult learners the opportunity to earn the liberal arts degree, requiring a minimum of 61 total credits. This program is offered in an accelerated format.

Marketing

The Bachelor of Science in Marketing is designed to provide students with a strong marketing foundation through courses that address the primary functional concerns of marketing in organizations both large and small, for profit and non-profit. The major stresses academic preparation in promotions, advertising, brand management, sales, sales management, marketing research, e-commerce, and information technology aspects of marketing.

Marriage and Family Therapy

Eastern University offers a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy through its graduate programs. The program prepares students for clinical practice with couples and families.

Marriage and Family Therapy

Eastern University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy, listed among the university's doctoral programs. Full program requirements are published in the online catalog.

Marriage and Family Therapy

The 60-credit Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy equips church leaders and mental health practitioners through studies in marriage and family systems theory, theological issues, and psychology to create positive change in families, individuals, and church communities. This degree is designed for individuals looking to advance their leadership skills and clinical practice through the interdisciplinary exploration of practical theology and clinical practice.

Mathematics

The B.A. in Mathematics covers the calculus sequence, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, advanced calculus, and foundations and philosophy of mathematics, with additional upper-level electives and supporting computer science and physics coursework. A Pre-Engineering concentration allows students to combine the Eastern B.A. with an M.S. from Villanova University in one of seven engineering tracks.

Middle Level Education

The B.S. in Middle Level Education prepares students to teach 4th through 8th grade. Certification requires students to finish a concentration and focus areas outside the Middle Level Education major, in either one or two content areas.

Ministry Leadership

The Ministry Leadership program prepares students for dynamic ministry and transformative leadership in multiple contexts, with professors who have rich real-world experience. The B.A. is offered both on campus in a traditional format and online through Lifeflex.

Music

The B.A. in Music requires an audition and a core of music theory, aural skills, music history, conducting, piano, voice, and ensemble coursework. Students then select a concentration such as General, Composition/Electronic Music, Contemporary Music, Performance, or Worship Arts.

Music Education

Music Education is offered as a Bachelor of Science and combines the music core with applied study, instrumental and choral methods, conducting, and professionally related education coursework including student teaching. The program may require an extra semester due to student teaching requirements.

Nursing

The School of Nursing prepares undergraduate nursing students for thoughtful and productive lives of Christian faith, leadership, and service as generalist nurses and members of the global nursing community. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is fully approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

Nursing (Nurse Educator)

The Master of Science in Nursing program prepares advanced practice nurses for thoughtful and productive lives of Christian faith, teaching, scholarship, and service as nurse educators and innovative leaders of the global nursing community.

Organizational Leadership

Eastern University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership, listed among the university's doctoral programs. Full program requirements are published in the online catalog.

Organizational Leadership

Eastern University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership, listed among the university's undergraduate majors and degrees. Coursework carries the LEAD prefix and addresses theoretical and practical topics of organizational leadership.

Organizational Management

For diverse professionals with a vision to impact the world around them through business and leadership, the Eastern University LifeFlex Organizational Management MBA program is a fully accredited, fully online, innovative learning community offering radically affordable and flexible self-paced development experiences grounded in faith, reason, and justice. All MBA students must earn a minimum of 30 credits and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Philosophy

The B.A. in Philosophy requires introductory and logic coursework, philosophy and literature, the history of philosophy sequence, four philosophy electives, and a culminating senior experience course in hermeneutics or the Christian mind.

Political Science

The B.A. in Political Science, offered through the Department of Social Transformation, requires coursework in American government, comparative government, international relations, political theory, research, and faith and politics, plus upper-level political science electives.

Practical Theology (OpenSeminary)

This 100% online degree program is based on the OpenSeminary model for graduate theological education. The Master of Practical Theology draws on the best practices and theories explored and implemented by the churches and the academy, and equips students to reflect critically and constructively on their desire to join God in his work in the world. The M.P.T.

Professional Counseling

Individuals who already hold a master's degree in counseling or another related field may complete courses toward licensure or other professional credentials. Those needing 12 or more credits may earn a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Professional Counseling. Individualized programs of study are approved when applicants are admitted to the program.

Project Management

Eastern University offers a graduate Certificate in Project Management, listed among the university's graduate programs. Full program requirements are published in the online catalog.

Psychology

The B.A. in Psychology requires general psychology, developmental psychology, statistics, biopsychology, psychopathology, personality, and research methods, along with a senior thesis or internship and five psychology electives.

School Counseling

With a focus on training elementary and secondary counselors who function as advocates for their students and promote the best interests of children within the school and larger community, this 48-credit degree qualifies graduates for certification as school counselors with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Successful completion of the PRAXIS exam is also required.

School Counseling

Individuals who already hold a master's degree in another related field may enter the school counseling program to complete a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in school counseling. Individualized programs of study are approved when applicants are admitted to the CAGS program.

School Health Services

The Master of Education in School Health Services is committed to preparing professionals to function effectively in settings in which children and youth are served. The mission of the program is to produce outstanding health professionals who are committed to meeting the needs of a diverse population and to their holistic development.

School Psychology

Eastern University offers a Master of Science in School Psychology, training students to become competent, broadly educated school psychologists who use a scientist-practitioner model when delivering services within PK to grade 12 school settings. Completion of the program requires earning a 48-credit master's degree in school psychology (16 core courses), including two semesters (6 credits) of practicum experiences.

School Psychology

The 15-credit Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in School Psychology is post-master's graduate work completed after the 48-credit master's degree, for a total of 63 graduate credits, and includes a two-semester (6-credit) internship. The degree and CAGS certificate qualify the graduate for certification as a school psychologist with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Social Work

The Master of Social Work degree at Eastern University prepares students for advanced careers and leadership positions in the profession. Drawing upon a trauma-informed perspective, the program equips students with advanced generalist social work skills. Classroom learning is applied in real-world agency settings where practice competencies are enhanced under the mentorship of experienced practitioners.

Social Work

Rooted in Christian values, the BSW program equips students with the knowledge and skills to serve vulnerable populations with compassion and mercy while upholding integrity and cultural humility. A central feature is 12 credit hours of practicum in a social service agency supervised by a social work professional. Eastern has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education for the baccalaureate Social Work major since 1974.

Sociology

The B.A. in Sociology combines core coursework in social problems, social statistics, socialization, stratification, research methodology, and sociological theory with a senior seminar and internship or thesis. An integrated Sociology/Social Work double major is also available.

Spanish

The B.A. in Spanish requires advanced coursework in conversation, composition, phonetics, and Spanish and Latin American literature beyond the intermediate level. One semester of study abroad is required for the major, and majors demonstrate oral proficiency before graduation through the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview by computer.

Special Education

Those desiring to teach Special Education PK-12 should select this major. Required coursework covers emotional and behavioral disorders, autistic spectrum disorders, early intervention and transition planning, reading and learning differences, and techniques for low incidence learners, culminating in student teaching.

Teaching

Templeton's 30-credit Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) offers a distinctively Christian and Classical Liberal Arts approach to training teachers for any type of school, but especially those involved in the renewal of classical education. The program introduces teachers to the methods, materials, and ends of Classical Liberal Arts education, as well as the results of current research in psychology and pedagogy.

Theatre

The B.A. in Theatre combines required major courses in acting, stagecraft and design, script analysis, directing, and theatre history with a senior seminar and capstone showcase. Students then choose a Performance, Directing, or Musical Theatre concentration.

Theological and Cultural Anthropology

The MA in Theological and Cultural Anthropology prepares students to teach anthropology, enter doctoral programs, serve in cross-cultural Christian ministry, and/or find jobs in business, government, or services that are related to international work. Courses in anthropology, the comparative study of cultures, are combined with courses in theology to create a faith-based program that addresses both theoretical and practical concerns in the field.

Theological Studies

Palmer Theological Seminary's graduate-level certificate program empowers students to reflect theologically and grow spiritually. The 4-course certificate is designed to deepen a sense of call and equip students with tools for ongoing ministerial formation, with generous scholarships available. The in-person program at the St. Davids campus is 9 months and 12 credits.

Theological Studies

The Master of Theological Studies, delivered on campus with General Studies and Concentration options, is for students interested in theological education for a variety of educational and personal goals. This degree program seeks to provide a meaningful grounding in the theological disciplines for further graduate study. The degree consists of 48 credit hours, and requirements are typically completed in two years of full-time study.

Theological Studies

The Department of Theology offers a major in Theological Studies built on foundational, systematic, elective, and culminating senior experience coursework. Because the major requires only thirty-six hours and many courses overlap with Eastern's core requirements, students frequently double major.

Theological Studies in Latino/a Ministries

The Spanish language Master of Theological Studies in Latino/a Ministries degree is a two-year blended online program that provides a meaningful grounding in theological disciplines to prepare Spanish-speaking students for thoughtful and productive holistic ministry and leadership in churches, organizations, and community life in Latin America and the USA. The program consists of twelve courses in spiritual formation, theology, biblical studies, church history, ethics, and practice of ministry.