BA in Intercultural Ministries & Business Dual Major

Advancing the Gospel
Church Planting Conversation

Faculty adapts ministry to reach the 21st-century world with a sharpened mind, evangelistic focus, and heart warmed toward God and others.

4th
4th
Ranked 4th among online Christian colleges
OCU ranks 4th among the “Top 8 online Christian Colleges and Universities in 2017” according to www.thebestcolleges.org. Ranking is by graduation, retention and acceptance rates, student-teacher ratios, tuition costs, years of accreditation, reputation, awards, and job placement records.
Charting a course into ministry
Ministry major John Flaugher

“I loved the coaches." John says, "They invested in us spiritually as they mentored and trained us to be the best athletes we could be. We qualified for national competitions and set records."

Religion & Ministry Academic Program

By combining Intercultural Ministries with a Business major, the student will obtain the additional skills and knowledge necessary to manage an organization in the twenty-first century with the recognition that our work is our ministry. This dual program in Business and Intercultural Ministries will prepare students for aspects of doing business and ministry in our world today. Courses that deal with finance, marketing, management, accounting, cross-cultural communication, world religions, and discipleship will be integrated to prepare students to fulfill the Great Commission by means of the global marketplace.

Objectives

On completion of the program, students should be able to:
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    Appreciate the uniqueness of Christianity in relation to other religions and assess the cultural influences.
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    Apply the basic principles of cross-cultural communication.
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    Analyze adjustments needed to effectively engage with a culture different from one’s own for doing business and ministry.
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    Apply management principles to manage people and processes within an organization.
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    Analyze an organization’s operation and provide recommendations for improvements.
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    Evaluate the financial condition and statements of a business and propose courses of action.

GENERAL EDUCATION CORE49 HOURS

Refer to the General Education core at the beginning of the Academic Programs section for specific courses that fulfill elective requirements.

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    Designed to support students experiencing academic, personal, and spiritual transition to Ohio Christian University. Academic advising, finances, time management, study skills, and resources available to students. Overview of what new students can expect from a university experience. Acclimation to the unique OCU community environment.
    Offered: Fall Prerequisites: None
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    Developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for achieving individual potential in all dimensions of wellness. Includes creation of short- and long-term fitness goals and fitness assessment activities for healthy habits. Required for all students.
    Offered: Spring Prerequisites: None
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    Weekly chapel services and other events designed to integrate spiritual, academic, and community life, and to engage the campus community in worship, biblically rooted teaching, and a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ.
     
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    Classroom introduction to the Christian Service program, including the rationale, policies, and procedures for Christian Service at Ohio Christian University, and field engagement in approved service learning experiences, including ministry and response to the needs of the community.
     
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    Field engagement in approved service learning experiences, including ministry and response to the needs of the community. This course does not have a scheduled class time. To earn credit, students independently arrange service opportunities with the approval of the Christian Service instructor, and submit online reports.
     

SF100 and CS071 requirements are prorated in certain instances.

REASONING SKILLS7 HOURS

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    Mathematics Elective3
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    Science Elective4

COMMUNICATION SKILLS9 HOURS

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    An introductory study of composition emphasizing writing as a process (prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing). Assignments focus on the different styles and uses of argument. Students gain and refine skills of developing a thesis, organizing content, controlling tone, and expressing ideas in clearly communicated language. In addition, students conduct library research and incorporate researched material into papers using APA format.
    Offered: Fall Prerequisite: None
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    An intermediate course designed to extend and refine students’ expository and creative writing experiences. Student writing will reflect university-level writing skills, such as principles of logical/critical thinking and reasoning, effective organization, APA research and documentation, and content-rich development of ideas.
    Offered: Spring Recommended: LA101
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    Communication Elective3

SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES 6 HOURS

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    A comprehensive survey of the field of psychology, including historical and theoretical foundations, with special emphasis on contemporary scientific research and empirical applications, within a Christian perspective and a biopsychosocial approach.
    Offered: Spring Prerequisite: None
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    The scientific study of society, institutions, and group interaction, with focus on the sociological imagination and core theories. Topics include the sociological perspective, the individual in society, stratification and social inequality, social intuitions, human ecology, and social change, with special attention to issues of diversity.
    Offered: Fall Prerequisite: None

HUMANITIES 11 HOURS

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    Fine Arts Elective 2
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    Literature Elective3
Choose one of the following:
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    The development of Christianity from its inception to the Great Schism of 1054, including leading characters and major turning points of history.
    Offered: Fall Prerequisites: OT101, NT102
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    The development of Christianity from the Great Schism of 1054 to the present, including leading characters and major turning points of history.
    Offered: Spring Prerequisites: OT101, NT102
Choose one of the following:
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    Overview of philosophical vocabulary and concepts, and a historical survey of the development of western philosophy. Basic understanding of the main currents in western thought and their relationships to each other.
    Offered: Fall Prerequisite: None
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    Introduction to logic and ethics including methodologies for applying those disciplines in Christian ministry and other vocations. Induction and deduction, principles of clean statement and valid reasoning, and fallacies. Moral theories of philosophical schools and their relationship to the development of a biblical ethic.
    Offered: Spring Prerequisite: None

GENERAL EDUCATION ELECTIVE3 HOURS

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    Basic family organization from courtship through the adjustments of the family in the modern home, within a Christian perspective, including development of the full potential of our human sexuality.
    Offered: Fall Prerequisites: SO101, PS102

BIBLICAL LITERATURE, RELIGION, AND THEOLOGY 11 HOURS

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    Introduction to the New Testament narrative and teachings that constitute the Gospel message about Jesus Christ. Special attention to the narratives found within the four Gospels, their relationship to one another and the Book of Acts. Basic instruction in inductive Bible study method. Note: NT102 is a prerequisite for all other New Testament courses.
    Offered: Spring Prerequisite: None
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    Introduction to the Old Testament narrative with special attention to the Torah (the first five books). Emphasis on historical backgrounds, origins of the Israelite nation, and Hebrew worship. Note: OT101 is a prerequisite for all other Old Testament courses.
    Offered: Fall Prerequisite: None
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    Introduction to worldview and a survey of the plurality of worldviews in western culture. Special attention to the Christian worldview and how competing worldviews challenge and reinforce it. Basic instruction in creedal Christianity assists students in understanding and embracing the uniqueness of Christianity, enabling more effective communication of the Christian faith.
    Offered: Every semester Prerequisite: None
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    The doctrine of entire sanctification in light of Scripture, examined within the Wesleyan tradition and other theological schools of thought.
    Offered: Every semester Prerequisites: Graduating seniors standing; TH100, TH401, or TH402

INTERCULTURAL MINISTRIES MAJOR39 HOURS

BIBLE AND THEOLOGY 14 HOURS

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    An introduction to the basic principles and methods of observation, interpretation, and application in the study of the Bible.
    Offered: Every semester Prerequisite: None Note: GB100 is a prerequisite for all 200-level or higher Bible courses.
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    Principles of biblical interpretation. Examination of the presuppositions and practice of the Grammatical-Historical-Theological Hermeneutic with application to selected biblical texts. Historical survey of Jewish and Christian exegetical systems.
    Offered: Fall Prerequisites: TH100, OT101, NT102 Course Fee* *One-time software fee, charged the first time a student takes any hermeneutics or advanced biblical languages course. This $500 fee purchases a lifetime license for a biblical languages research library.
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    The contemporary theological situation is considered. The significance and importance of Wesleyan theology are studied. The doctrines of theism, creation, sin, and divine revelation are emphasized.
    Offered: Fall Prerequisites: TH100, OT101, NT102, Junior standing
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    The deity of Christ and the personality and work of the Holy Spirit are emphasized. The doctrines of conversion, entire sanctification, and eschatology are considered.
    Offered: Spring Prerequisites: TH100, OT101, NT102, Jr. standing
Choose one of the following:
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    The first five books of the Old Testament with special emphasis on historical backgrounds, beginnings of the Israelite nation, and Hebrew worship. Outlines, analysis, and exposition of significant sections.
    Offered: Fall Prerequisite: OT101
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    The synoptic relationship of the first three Gospels, and the major themes and theological features of the fourth Gospel.
    Offered: Spring Prerequisite: NT102

INTERCULTURAL MINISTRIES 25 HOURS

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    Introduction to the field of language: what it is, how it is articulated, how it is written, and the influence that language has in societal interactions. Methods for attaining competency in a language other than the mother tongue.
    Offered: Spring, odd semester Prerequisite: None
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    Principles of a profit-making enterprise integrated with opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, including how transacting business can be a witnessing tool. How business can be used for tent-making ministry where conventional missionary opportunities are not possible.
    Offered: Even spring Prerequisite: None
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    Introduction to the biblical and theological foundations of missions, an overview of missions history, survey of the world’s religions, and a foundation for response to God’s leading. Note: MI100 is a prerequisite for all 300- and 400-level MI courses.
    Offered: Every semester Prerequisite: None
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    The biblical and theological basis for missions as found in the Old Testament creation narratives, the history of Israel, Israel’s worship, the prophetic witness and in the New Testament, Jesus’ Incarnation, the great commission passages, Pentecost, and the writings and work of Paul.
    Offered: Spring, even semester Prerequisite: MI100
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    Principles of communication, cross-cultural barriers to communication, and techniques and skills for cross-cultural communication.
    Offered: Fall, even semester Prerequisites: MI100; SP200, CM301, or MG112
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    A seminar-course analysis of global Christianity, contemporary cultures, new frontiers in mission theory and theology, and the direction of Christian missions.
    Offered: Fall, even semester Prerequisite: MI100, Junior standing
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    Readings and research in the internal, organizational and practical aspects of missions, including candidate selection, funding, interpersonal relationships, family and ministry tensions, and development of a personal philosophy of missions.
    Offered: Spring, odd semester Prerequisite: MI100 Applied music courses are listed at the end of the MU section.
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    The elements of culture and processes of enculturation, with study primitive cultures in today’s world. Appreciation for the diversity of lifestyles and intentional objectivity are indispensable corollaries.
    Offered: Fall, odd semester Prerequisite: MI100, SO101
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    A comparative study of major world religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity.
    Offered: Fall, odd semester Prerequisite: TH100

PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENT0 HOURS

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    Students interact with faculty and peers, learn about upcoming department events, and ask questions. Religion Faculty and returning students welcome new members, helping orient them to their programs. Students meet faculty advisors, and learn about career and networking opportunities available from the Religion department.
    Offered: Fall Prerequisite: None
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    An opportunity to interact with successful ministry practitioners. Student’s accomplishments are recognized in a public forum.
    Offered: Spring Prerequisite: None
Choose one of the following 2 events:
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    Students engage with successful practitioners in the field of ministry during chapel, classes, and an evening meal.
    Offered: Every semester Prerequisite: None
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    Discussions of theological topics designed to engage students in critical thinking and clear, effective speaking about theological issues.
    Offered: Every semester Prerequisite: None

BUSINESS MAJOR 30 HOURS

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    Financial principles and accepted practices for managers, including banking, money, credit, financial instruments, investments, financial planning, internal and external auditing, profit, stocks, bonds, and financial forms.
    Offered: Spring, even semester Prerequisite: None
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    Accounting, cost, finance, and information systems for strategic business and financial decisions of a business enterprise.
    Offered: Spring Prerequisite: None
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    Economic principles related to supply and demand, consumer behavior, market dynamics, income distribution, government influence, and comparative economic systems with major focus on free enterprise and capitalism.
    Offered: Fall Prerequisite: None
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    Economic principles related to global and national economies, income accounting, unemployment, inflation, fiscal policy, public debt, monetary systems, and economic growth or retraction.
    Offered: Spring Prerequisite: None
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    Foundations of business, including environment, planning, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, distribution, finances, and ethics. Introduction to business terms and concepts.
    Offered: Fall Prerequisite: None
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    Integrated analysis of the role of marketing within the total organization, including analysis of factors affecting consumer behavior, the identification of marketing variables, the development and use of marketing strategies, and the discussion of international marketing.
    Offered: Fall Prerequisite: None
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    Management theories, principles, and philosophies, and the difference between management and leadership. This interdisciplinary course addresses the importance of a Christian worldview for leaders and managers as they influence, plan, organize, control, and lead for effectiveness.
    Offered: Spring Prerequisite: MG101
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    MG244 Logistics and Supply Chain Management 3
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    Fundamental principles and practices of law and how it impacts business situations, including Christian ethics and proper business conduct, and the dynamic interaction between the individual, organization, and society.
    Offered: Fall Prerequisite: MG101
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    System concepts, methodologies, and tools to strategically plan and effectively manage core competencies, and to integrate technology into the planning process. (Also known as Business Capstone.)
    Offered: Spring Prerequisite: AC222 or SM206 (see Business program page)

PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENT0 HOURS

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    Roundtables with business leaders in small, medium, and large businesses demonstrate how theory and practice come together in the actual experiences of significant business people. Students interact and network with these business leaders during and after the roundtables.
    Offered: Every semester Prerequisite: None Pass/Fail
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    Students engage with significant experts and nationally recognized thought leaders hosted by the School of Business & Government.
    Offered: Every semester Prerequisite: None Pass/Fail
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    Offers students an opportunity to hear from accomplished business and leadership experts and see how a Christian worldview is applied in business and other leadership roles.
    Offered: Spring Prerequisite: None Pass/Fail
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    MG230 Career Development Seminar (6 events)0
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    Students interact with business leaders from investment firms and other businesses on Wall Street to discuss how investment theory and practice coincide.
    Offered: Spring Prerequisite: None Pass/Fail

ELECTIVES 3 HOURS

Any credit-bearing course, 100-level or above

Program Total120 Hours

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