Graduate Courses & Catalog

Fall

• GLE 500 Personal Leadership Development: There are many different concepts concerning leadership. This introductory course explores the principles of personal and spiritual leadership that are revealed in the Bible and exemplified in the lives of Jesus Christ, and subsequent spiritual leaders. In light of biblical leadership principles, this course will address the importance and process of establishing a personal leadership philosophy. Students will review selected writings from both sacred and secular authors, thus giving students a broad perspective of leadership, with primary emphasis placed on spiritual models.
• GLE 605 Leadership Ethics: This course looks at ethics from the point of view of biblical truth and from a biblical and historical perspective. Students explore the theology of ethics and leadership and consider how our biblical roots have been impacted by Modernism and Post Modern thought. Students get a chance to see how cultural norms and the Western culture’s view of ethics progressively change the definition of ethics. These viewpoints are then considered within a personal philosophy framework of leadership.
• GLE 525 Project Management: Effective project management knowledge, skills and values are critical to leading successfully in corporate project environments and to accomplish organizational objectives. This course will equip learners with knowledge, skills and values— by explaining core project management concepts and techniques. During the course, project management knowledge is enhanced through project management skill development that uses case study examples to demonstrate how project management best practices are applied within the context of the real world. The course is intended for students as well as for working professionals. The course is designed to present the essential skills students need to make effective contributions and to have an immediate impact on the accomplishment of projects in which they are involved. It prepares students with marketable and transferable proficiencies and sends them into the workforce ready to apply project management knowledge and skills. While professional certification is optional for participants in the course, the course is intentionally structured to encourage certification through the Project Management Institute. For students, the course will prepare them to take the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) examination. For working professionals with requisite project management experience, the course will prepare them to apply for and take the Project Management Professional (PMP) examination.
• GLE 630 Research in Leadership: This course is designed to provide students with the research skills needed to make better decisions. This includes research design, literature searching, and quantitative and qualitative research methods. It provides students with the skills they need to complete their capstone project or thesis.
• GLE 645/650 Thesis/Capstone: This course is one of two final capstone options available for the Strategic Leadership program. This course gives an opportunity for students to do an applied study and research project of their choice related to the field of strategic leadership that is practical for their situation. It will include a literature review plus an action research component which uses quantitative and/or qualitative research.

Spring

• GLE 550 Leadership Strategies and Change: This course is an investigation of the analytical process that enables leaders to make effective and efficient (strategic) organizational decisions for sustainable impact, with emphasis on the manner in which leaders can persuade members to bring about successful organizational change. It is a study of the methods and nature of strategic planning, including: the internal and external environments and opportunities leaders face in strategic planning; the leader’s task in responding to the variables within these environments; and the impact of these variables on strategic choices. Topics include how to assess critical variables impacting organizations, key factors in the change process, and communicating essential observations and recommendations.
• GLE 610 Global Leadership: This course is an investigation into cross-cultural competencies as essential components for meaningful human relationships and on a professional level for success as a leader. Leaders need to understand how to cope with the differing ideologies of our pluralistic, modern world. This course examines biblically-grounded principles and models that will enable the student to understand the extent and realities of cultural diversity, helping the student to be an effective leader in a multi-cultural context. This interdisciplinary study deals with the leadership implications and strategies of the religious, ideological, and cultural diversity that are evident in both local and global contexts.
• GLE 620 Interpersonal Management: This course develops a foundation in the theory and practice of interpersonal dynamics. The development of successful leadership requires an understanding of group dynamics and multiple dimensions of interpersonal relationships as they affect individuals, groups, and the organizational whole. This course provides opportunities to participate in and analyze group behavior, understand the evolution of the group’s life cycle, and become aware of the influence of non-verbal communication on members of a group in order to enhance an organization’s accomplishment of its mission. This course will address various models of interpersonal behavior to managerial and organizational issues, while enhancing interpersonal competence, especially team-building, motivation, listening, and assertiveness skills.
• GLE 525 Project Management: Effective project management knowledge, skills and values are critical to leading successfully in corporate project environments and to accomplish organizational objectives. This course will equip learners with knowledge, skills and values— by explaining core project management concepts and techniques. During the course, project management knowledge is enhanced through project management skill development that uses case study examples to demonstrate how project management best practices are applied within the context of the real world. The course is intended for students as well as for working professionals. The course is designed to present the essential skills students need to make effective contributions and to have an immediate impact on the accomplishment of projects in which they are involved. It prepares students with marketable and transferable proficiencies and sends them into the workforce ready to apply project management knowledge and skills. While professional certification is optional for participants in the course, the course is intentionally structured to encourage certification through the Project Management Institute. For students, the course will prepare them to take the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) examination. For working professionals with requisite project management experience, the course will prepare them to apply for and take the Project Management Professional (PMP) examination.
• GLE 645/650 Thesis/Capstone: This course is one of two final capstone options available for the Strategic Leadership program. This course gives an opportunity for students to do an applied study and research project of their choice related to the field of strategic leadership that is practical for their situation. It will include a literature review plus an action research component which uses quantitative and/or qualitative research.

Summer

• GLE 600 History and Theory of Organizational Leadership (online): This course examines the history and development of organizational theory, organizational design, and current practice regarding organizational structures and the dynamics of individual and collective behavior within organizations. A synthesis and integration of major traditions in organizational theory will help the student evaluate the impact of environment on organizational structure, culture, and leadership. Emphasis on the role of leadership and cultural values are considered from a Christian worldview. Emphasis will be placed on grounding theoretical concepts in personal and practical applications so students can better understand the chaotic and constantly changing world of organizations.
• GLE 615 Organizational Behavior and Analysis (online): This course investigates the impact that individuals, groups, and organizational structure and culture have on behavior within organizations, and how this knowledge can be applied toward improving an organization’s effectiveness. The course also examines role behavior, group dynamics, team development, motivation, conflict, job stress and satisfaction, and decision-making, and the relationship between the organization and the leader.
• GLE 645/650 Thesis/Capstone: This course is one of two final capstone options available for the Strategic Leadership program. This course gives an opportunity for students to do an applied study and research project of their choice related to the field of strategic leadership that is practical for their situation. It will include a literature review plus an action research component which uses quantitative and/or qualitative research.

All classes are offered online and on-campus rotationally.

Leadership Core

1. GLE 500 Personal Leadership Development
2. GLE 501 Intro to Research (0 credits)
3. GLE 550 Leadership Strategies and Change
4. GLE 600 History & Theory of Organizational Leadership
5. GLE 605 Leadership Ethics
6. GLE 610 Global Leadership
7. GLE 615 Organizational Behavior and Analysis
8. GLE 620 Interpersonal Management
9. GLE 630 Research in Leadership

Track-Specific Courses

9. GCL 550 Church Administration and Finance for Dynamic Growth
10. GCL 543 Contemporary Pastoral Techniques
11. GBT 625 Renewal History and Theology
12. GLE 645/650 Church Leadership Thesis/Project

All courses are three credits and offered online unless noted.

Leadership Core

1. GLE 500 Personal Leadership Development
2. GLE 501 Intro to Research (0 credits)
3. GLE 525 Project Management
4. GLE 550 Leadership Strategies and Change
5. GLE 600 History & Theory of Organizational Leadership
6. GLE 605 Leadership Ethics
7. GLE 610 Global Leadership
8. GLE 615 Organizational Behavior and Analysis
9. GLE 630 Research in Leadership

Track-Specific Courses

Select any 9 Credits

• GBA 515 Financial Statement Analysis
• GBA 525 Sales and Marketing
• GBA 540 Nonprofit Administration
• GBA 574 Operations Management
• GBA 602 Business Law
• GLE 620 Interpersonal Management

12. GLE 645/650 Business Leadership Thesis/Project

All courses are three credits and online unless noted.

Leadership Core

1. GLE 500 Personal Leadership Development
2. GLE 501 Intro to Research (0 credits)
3. GLE 550 Leadership Strategies and Change
4. GLE 600 History & Theory of Organizational Leadership
5. GLE 605 Leadership Ethics
6. GLE 615 Organizational Behavior and Analysis
7. GLE 620 Interpersonal Management
8. GLE 630 Research in Leadership

Track-Specific Courses

8. Professional Development (choose three, 2 credits each):
   • GWL 620 Voice
   • GWL 621 Rhythm Instruments
   • GWL 622 Orchestral Instruments
   • GWL 623 Music Theory
   • GWL 624 Arranging
   • GWL 625 Worship Leading
   • GWL 626 Live Audio Production
   • GWL 627 Music Production Software
   • GWL 628 Songwriting
   • GWL 629 Conducting
   • GWL 630 Special Topics

9. GWL 550 Examining Roles in Worship Leadership
10. GWL 600 Biblical Theology of Worship
11. GWL 605 Multicultural Worship
12. GLE 645/650 Worship Leadership Thesis/Project

All classes are three credits and offered online unless noted.

Fall 1

• GBT 500 OT History and Theology: This course offers an introductory study of the historical background and literary structure of the books of the Old Testament with specific attention to theological trajectories.  Attention will be given to potential problem areas of the history, literature, and theology of these texts, and matters of various critical approaches to the texts, but will focus upon narratological and theological readings in canonical contexts toward faithfully hearing the Old Testament as Christian scripture.
• GBT 505 NT History and Theology: This is a course concentrating on three areas: (1) The contribution of Greek, Roman and Jewish political history, culture, literature, and religious life that gives context to the New Testament era; (2) An introduction to the origin and history of the New Testament canon considering its languages, writing materials, manuscripts, versions and the science of interpretation; (3) A survey of the literature of the New Testament stressing the major features of each book and emphasizing the practical value of these books in our modern world.

SPRING 1

• GBT 510 Biblical Languages for Exegesis: This course will introduce the student to foundational aspects of the nature and handling of scripture, focusing on an understanding of inspiration and authority of scripture, canon, transmission, historical and literary context, genre, higher and lower criticism, and interpretation.  The biblical languages, Bible translation, and proper use of commentaries and Bible software will be explored. The emphasis will be on practical experience in analyzing and explaining the intention of the biblical author, building skills, and expressing what is learned in both the academic and the pastoral setting.
• GBT 535 Reading the Bible as Literature: Students will be introduced to the study of the Bible as historic and theological literature. Focusing on one book of the Bible, students will examine and re-examine biblical texts in light of criteria for textuality, genre, setting, characterization, etc. Students will be coached to appreciate the historically conditioned artistry and complexity of biblical writing and to be able to use the acquired reading tools in other works of Scripture.

Summer 1

• GBT 600 History of Biblical Scholarship: The Enlightenment opened the door for a plethora of methodologies to examine the biblical text as a historical and cultural object. Many of these methodologies form the foundation for the modern scientific study of the Bible. This course will survey the important figures and influential ideas in the development of the history of critical biblical scholarship, giving special attention to the 19-20^th centuries.
• GBT 610 Theological Interpretation of Scripture: Building on the foundation of GBT 600, this course will examine the theological use of Scripture in the church.  Students will explore further the history of hermeneutical traditions and the debate between the interpretation of the Bible as a historical and cultural artifact, and as a source for theology.  Students will evaluate various theological rubrics of biblical interpretation such as the Rule of Faith, canonical interpretation, narrative theology, and others. They will also become familiar with modern scholarship in the Theological Interpretation of Scripture movement.  Special emphasis will be given to Pentecostal and Charismatic theological hermeneutics.
• GBT 625 Renewal History and Theology (also available Summer 2): Pentecostals and Charismatics are sometimes placed under the broader category of Renewal studies. This course will explore the history and theological underpinnings of Pentecostal and Charismatic movements from the late 19th century through the 21st century. Special attention will be given to Renewal Hermeneutics.

Fall 2 (pick 2 – see concentration description at the bottom)

• a. GBT 515 Biblical Hebrew 1A: The basic elements of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of biblical Hebrew are studied to provide foundational knowledge of the primary language of the Old Testament.
• b. GBT 520 Biblical Hebrew 1B: The basic elements of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of biblical Hebrew are further studied to provide foundational knowledge of the primary language of the Old Testament.
• i. GBT 560 Synoptic Gospels: The interdependence of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke will be examined, along with each Gospel’s unique emphases and themes. This course will also utilize important methodological procedures for the scientific study of the literature of the Gospels, including form-criticism, redaction-criticism, narrative-criticism, and source-criticism. On a rotating basis, one of the Synoptic Gospels will form the primary foundation around which the class will be structured.
• j. GBT 565 Acts: This course focuses on the narrative framework of Acts along with the major historical and critical questions involved in the interpretation of Acts, including genre, authorship, and audience. This course will also examine the theological themes of Acts and how they informed the theology of the early church. Special attention will be given to Pentecostal interpretations of Luke-Acts.

Spring 2 (pick 2 – see concentration description at the bottom)

• c. GBT 525 Biblical Greek 1A: As the introductory course in the Greek language series, this class will involve a study of Biblical Greek grammar and the introductory vocabulary of the Greek New Testament.
• d. GBT 530 Biblical Greek 1B: Continuing the trajectory of Biblical Greek IA, this class will involve a study of Biblical Greek grammar and the introductory vocabulary of the Greek New Testament.
• e. GBT 540 Pentateuch or any OT book study: The first five books of the Bible are studied. Major themes and their theological implications will be explored.
• f. GBT 545 Former Prophets: This course will examine the portrayal of God’s people in the Promised Land from the initial conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian Exile. Students will explore the theological purpose of the presentation of Israel/Judah’s history in the former prophets (Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings).

Summer 2

• GBT 625 Renewal History and Theology: Pentecostals and Charismatics are sometimes placed under the broader category of Renewal studies. This course will explore the history and theological underpinnings of Pentecostal and Charismatic movements from the late 19th century through the 21st century. Special attention will be given to Renewal Hermeneutics.
• GBT 640 Thesis

Concentration Options:

• General: Take any 4 electives a-j
• Biblical Languages: Take a-d
• New Testament: Take c-d &i-j
• Old Testament: Take a-b & e-f

Biblical Theology Core

1. GBT 500 OT History and Theology
2. GBT 505 NT History and Theology
3. GBT 510 Introduction to Exegesis
4. GBT 535 Reading the Bible as Literature
5. GBT 600 History of Biblical Scholarship
6. GBT 610 Theological Interpretation of Scripture
7. GBT 625 Renewal History and Theology
8. GBT 640 Thesis

Track-Specific Courses

1. GBT 515 Biblical Hebrew 1A
2. GBT 520 Biblical Hebrew 1B
3. GBT 525 Biblical Greek 1A
4. GBT 530 Biblical Greek 1B

Biblical Theology Core

1. GBT 500 OT History and Theology
2. GBT 505 NT History and Theology
3. GBT 510 Introduction to Exegesis
4. GBT 535 Reading the Bible as Literature
5. GBT 600 History of Biblical Scholarship
6. GBT 610 Theological Interpretation of Scripture
7. GBT 625 Renewal History and Theology
8. GBT 640 Thesis

Track-Specific Courses

1. GBT 525 Biblical Greek 1A
2. GBT 530 Biblical Greek 1B
3. GBT 560 Synoptic Gospels
4. GBT 565 Acts

Biblical Theology Core

1. GBT 500 OT History and Theology
2. GBT 505 NT History and Theology
3. GBT 510 Introduction to Exegesis
4. GBT 535 Reading the Bible as Literature
5. GBT 600 History of Biblical Scholarship
6. GBT 610 Theological Interpretation of Scripture
7. GBT 625 Renewal History and Theology
8. GBT 640 Thesis

Track-Specific Courses

1. GBT 515 Biblical Hebrew 1A
2. GBT 520 Biblical Hebrew 1B
3. GBT 540 Pentateuch
4. GBT 545 Former Prophets

• GBT-550 Wisdom Literature
• GBT-555 Latter Prophets
• GBT-570 Pauline Epistles
• GBT-575 General Epistles
• GBT-580 Johannine Literature
• GBT-590 Topics in Biblical Literature
• GBT-630 Advanced Readings