A Christian Worldview of Liberal Arts and the G.O.O.D. Life

The humanities are integral to Cornerstone’s liberal arts approach, exploring culture, literature, history, and philosophy through a Christian worldview. Developed by our renowned Christian worldview scholars, students consider how to apply G.O.O.D. Life Biblical principles to inspire their spiritual growth and to profoundly influence society, industry and ministry for Jesus Christ. Our G.O.O.D. Life foundations guide students to answer life’s biggest questions from a rich Biblical perspective to shape Christ-centered moral leaders.

• God: Who is God? What is His beauty, goodness and greatness?
• Others: What does it mean to live in a community with responsibility and grace?
• Ourselves: Who am I? What is the beauty and frailty of being human?
• Dual Citizenship: What is my role as a citizen of heaven and earth?
• Life: How do we live, know, and love the good life, valuing truth, beauty, and goodness?

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.

Integrated Comprehensive Science Major

Gain broad knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science, along with strategies to promote inquiry and curiosity in the classroom. Courses may include:

• ECO-241: Environmental Science – Explore the interdisciplinary nature of environmental issues by examining ecological principles, policy, and human impact, with topics including air and water quality, energy, waste, sustainability, and environmental legislation (includes lab).
• SCI-262: Geology – Examine Earth’s materials and processes, integrating interdisciplinary science and a Christian worldview, to explore natural disasters, resource distribution, and geographic boundaries.
• SCI-263: Atmosphere and Weather – Explore atmospheric composition, weather systems, and forecasting models using materials from the American Meteorological Society’s Online Weather Studies.
• SCI-465: Secondary Science Methods – Prepare to effectively design, deliver, and assess science instruction using a variety of instructional models and teaching strategies.

Integrated Science Major

Acquire broad knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science to teach and inspire scientific thinking through inquiry-based learning. Courses may include:

• CHM-212: Principles of Organic & Biochem – Study carbon compounds and biomolecules, emphasizing structure-function relationships and including lab work in synthesis and analysis of natural and synthetic products.
• BIO-233: Zoology – Learn principles of animal biology with a focus on invertebrates, covering development, classification, and interactions.
• ECO-241: Environmental Science – Explore the interdisciplinary nature of environmental issues by examining ecological principles, policy, and human impact, with topics including air and water quality, energy, waste, sustainability, and environmental legislation.
• SCI-261: Astronomy – Explore the planets, moons, stars, and galaxies through observation and calculation-based lab exercises.

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.