Great Northern University

Applied Linguistics

The Certificate in Linguistics provides the student with a strong foundation in linguistic analysis, field research methods, and an ability to examine and describe the sociolinguistic or literary status of dialects, creoles, or minority languages. The program adds distinctiveness and breadth to any degree and is applicable to many career paths, including Bible translation, language teaching, education, or language acquisition.

Bible

The Bible Certificate trains students to interpret the Bible historically, theologically, canonically, and practically. This program is designed for those who desire foundational training in studying the Bible, whether for personal growth or for growth in a particular ministry (Sunday School teacher, small group leader, local church elder, etc.).

Biblical and Theological Studies

This program trains students to read Scripture historically, theologically, and practically. In addition to the Bible and Theology core requirements for all majors, students in the Biblical and Theological Studies major will take an additional core of 18 credits, and additional credits in a concentration of their choosing (Bible or Theology).

Business Leadership

The Business Leadership major is designed to provide individuals with a broad understanding of leadership. This program utilizes an interdisciplinary approach with a particular focus on the following leadership theories: business, steward, trait, transformational, and servant. In addition, the framework for this program is leaders, followers, and environments.

Christian Ministry

The Christian Ministry degree is developed around biblically based, academically sound, and practical experience-oriented learning that helps students identify and prepare for future ministry. Graduates develop a solid foundation and skill set for effective ministry in the local church, para-church ministries, as well as preparation for graduate studies in a variety of theological and ministry-related fields.

Communication

The Communication major equips students to communicate the gospel around the globe. Graduates will effectively use the art of persuasion to inform local, national, and global issues from a Christian perspective using communication strategies. Students will be able to identify and evaluate the dynamic relationships involved in the rhetorical acts of personal, career, and ministry communication.

Eastern Europe Area Studies

The Certificate in Eastern Europe Area Studies provides the student with a strong foundation in the historical, cultural, and linguistic characteristics of Eastern European peoples, with an emphasis on developing an awareness of the distinctive character of the worldviews present in Slavic nations today. The program adds distinctiveness and breadth to any B.A.

Language and Culture Studies

The BA in Language and Culture Studies uses an interdisciplinary approach that integrates two related areas of study: linguistics and language acquisition. Students may elect to pursue one of two different concentrations: Applied Linguistics, for students interested in Bible or professional translation; and TESOL, for students who desire to teach English cross-culturally (EFL or ESL).

Psychology

The Psychology major equips students to critically examine human behavior and mental processes. This program offers a solid foundation and skill set for working relationally with others and prepares students for graduate school should they be interested in pursuing a career in mental health. By the end of the program, students will be able to articulate how the human experience is impacted by the overlapping factors of psychology, biology, culture, and spirituality.

TESOL/TEFL

The TESFL Certificate provides an internationally recognized certificate in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), with application to TESL teaching. The Certificate provides a strong understanding of the principles of cross-cultural English language teaching, classroom management, and lesson planning.

Youth and Family Ministry

The Youth and Family Ministry Certificate adds distinctiveness and breadth to any B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies, Leadership, Psychology, or Intercultural studies degree, and is applicable to any related career path, including Ministry Training, Biblical Education, Pastoral Ministry, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or graduate studies in any related field.