Secondary Education

EDU-220: Foundations of Education & Clinical Experience

EDU-344: Content Area Literacy & Field Experience

EDU-364: Equitable & Inclusive Education

EDU-365: Responsive Teaching & Learning Clinical Experience

EDU-381: The Learner and Learning

EDU-386: Classroom Management & Teacher Assistant Practicum

The Cornerstone Core™ Statement

The Cornerstone Core offers a groundbreaking general education unlike any other college or university in America. Faith, civic understanding and career preparation are fully integrated into one coherent formation. Developed by our renowned Christian worldview scholars, this focused 33-credit-hour curriculum develops both depth of character and clarity of thinking. The Cornerstone Core new general education curriculum is an antidote to the rising popularity of relativism, skepticism, doubt and moral ambiguity. Graduates are prepared to succeed in their professions and strengthen the institutions and communities they serve as Biblically grounded moral leaders to influence the world for Jesus Christ.

Students in every major study three areas:

The Beauty of Christianity

The Wisdom of the American Experience

Marketplace Intelligence

English Major

Cultivate a passion for language by building strong skills in literature, writing, and communication — paired with creative, student-focused strategies that inspire the next generation of readers and writers. Courses may include:

• LIN-225: Introduction to Linguistics – Learn the nature, structure, and diversity of human language through scientific analysis, covering topics such as language acquisition, variation, change, and the relationship between language and the brain.
• ENG-319: Advanced Grammar – Examines English grammar through descriptive and prescriptive approaches, using traditional, structural, and transformational analysis methods.
• EDU-436: Teaching Secondary Writing & Language – Develop evidence-based strategies to cultivate adolescents’ writing and language skills through engaging, student-centered methods, with practical application in a concurrent classroom practicum.
• ENG-463: Teaching Secondary Reading – Engage adolescent learners in effective reading and critical thinking through evidence-based strategies, with practical application in a concurrent classroom practicum.

Mathematics Major

Build a deep understanding of mathematics and gain the tools to teach algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics in ways that engage students and bring math to life in the classroom. Courses may include:

• MAT-243: Discrete Mathematics – Learn fundamental concepts in combinatorics, probability, and algorithms through the study of core principles in discrete mathematics.
• MAT-251: Probability & Statistics – This calculus-based course covers probability using both discrete and continuous variable models, inference, and data analysis techniques, with emphasis on statistical software and applications in economics and science.
• MAT-341: Modern Algebra – Examine group theory through binary operations, isomorphisms, cyclic and abelian groups, homomorphisms, cosets, group actions, and Sylow’s Theorems.
• MAT-471: Secondary Math Methods – Learn to design and deliver standards-based math instruction including the foundational basics of History of Mathematical development, logical thinking, and rigorous demonstration in areas such as algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus, using educational theory, curriculum development, and a variety of tools and technologies.

Social Studies Major

Gain a broad foundation in history, government, economics, and geography to engage students in understanding human society, civic responsibility, and global perspectives from a Christian worldview. Courses may include:

• SSC-161: World Geography – Discover the physical, cultural, economic, and political characteristics of global regions to foster understanding and appreciation of the world’s diverse peoples and environments.
• HIS-211: Michigan History – Learn the state’s development from the territorial period to the present, focusing on its economic, political, constitutional, social, and religious history.
• SSC-262: Geography of North America – Explore the continent’s physical landscape and cultural development through a regional study of land use, resources, economy, urban systems, and spatial analysis.
• SSC-464: Secondary Social Studies Methods – Develop social studies effective planning, instructional strategies, and evaluation methods, while examining foundational philosophies and current issues in the discipline through a Christian worldview.

Spanish Certification

Develop strong language skills and cultural understanding to prepare you to teach Spanish with confidence through engaging, student-centered instruction that brings the language and its cultures to life. Courses may include:

• SPA-316: Conversation in the City – Immerse in Spanish-language conversations through real-life interactions with Latin American/Latino families, exploring topics like faith, culture, and daily life in the local community.
• SPA-317: Cultural Perspectives – Explore the beliefs, values, and traditions of Spanish-speaking cultures around the world. Through discussion and reflection, students will compare commonalities and differences to learn respectful strategies for cross-cultural communication from a Christian worldview.
• SPA-412: Spanish Civilization & Culture – Gain comprehensive insights into Peninsular society, examining how history, traditions, and cultural influences have shaped Spanish national identity and character.
• SPA-465: World Language Teaching Methodology – Develop effective methods for teaching language skills and components, with practice in lesson planning, material selection, and integrating technology into ESL or Spanish instruction.

What might make this degree a good fit for me? Cornerstone University’s Spanish K-12 Certification program offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends language mastery, educational best practices, and faith integration. Graduates are prepared to inspire a love for language and culture in K-12 classrooms, fostering meaningful cross-cultural connections.