Free General Education Courses

Christian Leaders Ministries makes available free General Education Courses. These free courses can be used for college credit at the Christian Leaders Institute or for non-college credit at Christian Leaders Institute.

If you are interested, you must enroll in a student account at Christian Leaders Institute that administers these classes. You will automatically be enrolled in the Christian Leaders Institute’s Getting Started Class that will take you less than two hours to complete. It opens the door to a formal education journey that meets your needs and budget. After you complete the Getting Started Class, you are free to enroll in, complete, and get credit for as many free general education courses as offered.

College Credit: If you want college credit, you must enroll in the Christian Leaders Institute Admissions Class. Small fees apply.

Non-college Credit: Take courses and get award credentials at the Christian Leaders Institute. The digital credentials are free. Recognition awards have small fees.

General education courses focus on subjects that meet the general education requirement of collegiate study.

Astronomy – SCI 201 (3 Credits)

In this course, you will learn the science of astronomy, exploring many aspects of the universe ranging from the motion we observe in the night sky to the properties of the planets that make up our solar system to the surprising conclusions we can draw from the study of distant galaxies. At every turn, you will learn how the heavens are declaring the glory of God for us all to marvel at and enjoy.

Outcomes:

Glorify the Creator with greater awareness of the marvels of his universe.
Understand the methods and observational instruments of astronomy.
Know the key properties of the sun, moon, and various planets in the solar system.
Know scientific observations and theories about stars and galaxies.
Know and evaluate cosmological theories such as the Big Bang, the expanding universe, and relativity, while recognizing the limits of knowledge.

Practical Mathematics – MAT 151 (3 credits)

This course teaches several basic concepts in mathematics, applying them to practical matters, particularly those involving business and/or ministry activity. It also spends time teaching how to use a spreadsheet, with the Microsoft EXCEL spreadsheet as the example, to do a number of things that are useful in personal, business and ministry financial activity. The financial and business aspects of this course are embedded in a Biblical framework of how a Christian should view material possessions and how the Scriptures define the ethics of business that a Christian should show.

Outcomes:

At the end of this course it is expected that the student will have learned some mathematical principles and some basic skills with spreadsheets to make it possible to use those mathematical principles to perform financial and business calculations. The student will also have learned what Scripture says about the proper attitude toward money, material possessions and performing business activities.

College Algebra – MAT 201 (3 credits)

Some people say that “mathematics is the language of God” because the natural world is so beautifully described by mathematical relationships. This course explores the mathematics of algebra, a fundamental building block of all advanced mathematics. The course begins with a review of fundamentals and continues into the study of expressions, equations, inequalities, graphing, and applications to geometry.

Outcomes:

Solidify knowledge of some math basics: exponents, square roots, the order of operations, fractions, and decimals.
Know how to write algebraic expressions, set up equations and inequalities, and solve them.
Master basics of graphing using the coordinate plane.
Understand expressions with exponents and scientific notation.
Know operations with polynomials: adding, subtracting, multiplying, and factoring.
Grasp properties of triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem.
Value and use mathematics to discern God-given patterns in creation and to manage creation wisely.

Introduction to Biology – SCI 210 (3 Credits)

This class introduces the basics of the scientific method, biological organization, cell structures and functions, DNA and genetics, evolutionary theory, bacteria and viruses, ecology, and animal behavior.

Outcomes:

Understand the scientific method and principles of biology.
Identify the characteristics of life, biomolecules, and organic compounds.
Know key cell structures and their main functions.
Understand cell reproduction, DNA replication, and genetics.
Understand and evaluate evolutionary theory from a Christian perspective.
Explore the structure and impact of microorganisms: bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Understand ecological systems and animal behaviors.
Glorify God as the wise, powerful, loving Creator and Sustainer of all living things.

Introduction to Psychology – PSY 121 (3 credits)

This class explores how psychologists try to study, understand, predict, and influence human experience and behavior. This class seeks to analyze and evaluate these psychological perspectives through a Christian worldview.

Outcomes:

Know the history of psychology, the development of the field of psychology, and its relevance to daily life.
Describe the biopsychosocial-spiritual nature of psychological processes.
Evaluate the development of self in the social context.
Differentiate between the psychological problems, disorders, and use of treatments.
Analyze situations, think critically about the subject matter, and creatively problem solve.
Analyze the role of spirituality in the study of psychology and related fields.

Develop personally in skills and abilities vital to meaningful careers, lifelong learning, and service to God and others.

Introduction to Economics – ECN 201 (3 credits)

This class teaches principles of economics based on the Austrian school of economics and applies these principles to practical entrepreneurship. This gives ministry-minded leaders valuable skills for reaching more people for Christ and providing for their families.

Outcomes:

Apply Christian truths to economic issues and entrepreneurial calling.
Know basic economic concepts of supply, demand, market, profit, loss, and incentive.
Understand the role of freedom, personal character, and vocation in entrepreneurship.
Identify economic models that hamper freedom and entrepreneurship.

Discern and develop one’s own capacity for starting and growing a business

Church Planting-Applied Marketing – MIN 313 (4 credits)

This class takes many principles of marketing and integrates them with a biblical framework for planting sustainable, reproducible churches. (This class can be used as a marketing core requirement for the Degree program or as an elective in all programs. You can only use this course once in your program.)

Outcomes:

Form godly character and spiritual mentality to become a church planter.
Understand the need and opportunity for planting more churches.
Develop vision, strategy, and skills for healthy, sustainable church planting.
Identify and overcome hindrances to church planting.
Consider various church planting models and evaluate a target community.
Know how to cultivate leaders, form small groups, build stewardship, publicize a church launch, and accomplish other practical aspects of church planting.

College Writing – ENG 121 (3 credits)

This course provides training in college-level essay writing and research writing, rooted in critical and analytical reading. Degree-seeking students of Christian Leaders Institute should also enroll at the same time in College Writing Lab, a companion course to College Writing.

Objectives

Acquire strategies to read efficiently and identify a text’s important ideas
Activate intellectual skills to understand and critically evaluate the assertions of a text
Develop basic writing strategies (research, planning, summarizing, organizing, avoiding plagiarism, referencing and proofreading)
Become proficient in key elements of essay writing (argument and discussion, cause and effect, definitions, style)
Pursue economy of language (precision, clarity, conciseness, academic vocabulary, word choice)
Learn to structure and develop an academic research paper (thesis development, evaluating sources, organizing, revising, and APA documentation)

College Writing Lab – ENG 122 (1 credit)

College Writing Lab is a companion course to College Writing. Degree-seeking students of Christian Leaders Institute should enroll in both classes at the same time. In this lab, students write and submit essays and research papers that apply the principles taught in College Writing. Together, these companion courses teach college-level essay writing and research writing rooted in critical and analytical reading.

Course Objectives:

Acquire strategies to read efficiently and identify a text’s important ideas
Activate intellectual skills to understand and critically evaluate the assertions of a text
Develop basic writing strategies (research, planning, summarizing, organizing, avoiding plagiarism, referencing, and proofreading)
Become proficient in key elements of essay writing (argument and discussion, cause and effect, definitions, style)
Pursue economy of language (precision, clarity, conciseness, academic vocabulary, word choice)
Learn to structure and develop an academic research paper (thesis development, evaluating sources, organizing, revising, and APA documentation)

Introduction to Philosophy – PHI 211 (3 credits)

This class examines big questions philosophers have asked about reality, being, God, cosmology, reason, mind, heart human identity, time, and ethics. The class will explore various answers offered by secular and Christian thinkers in various cultures throughout history.

Outcomes:

Identify some areas of perennial inquiry by philosophers, such as ontology (being), epistemology (knowing), logic (valid argumentation), ethics (morality), the universe, and time (cosmology).
Know some major philosophers throughout history and their contribution to philosophy.
Understand and evaluate some of the most influential claims of various philosophers.
Discern how concepts and ideas are rooted in different world views and cultural assumptions.
Grasp and articulate distinctively Christian answers to important philosophical questions.

Old Testament Literature, History, and Theology – BIB 330 (3 credits)

This class examines the literature of the Old Testament with careful attention to the historical, cultural, geographical, religious, and literary elements of ancient Near Eastern societies. This course will also show the influence of Old Testament literature on the New Testament and on Western culture. (This class can be used as a core requirement for the Degree program or as an elective in all programs. You can only use this course once in your program.)

Outcomes:

Recall the basic historical content of the Old Testament (OT).
Comprehend the origin and transmission of the OT text.
Understand and praise God’s character and actions in history.
Comprehend OT cultural issues and their relevance to postmodern culture.
Analyze, interpret, and apply the meaning of OT texts from multiple perspectives.
Critically evaluate and integrate your thinking with current OT research and historical and archaeological discoveries.
Distill, formulate and integrate your view of God and his working with individuals/nations throughout history in the development of his kingdom in heaven and on earth.
Appreciate God’s use of and interaction with human culture and the value of the various disciplines of the liberal arts as supported by the OT.
Comprehend, reflect on, understand, and apply OT community and moral/ethical constructs. Embrace a worldview that includes a commitment to caring for the creation/environment and upholding basic human rights.

World History – HIS 220 (3 credits)

This class surveys the history of various peoples and major civilizations of the world before 1500 A.D.

Outcomes:

Know important leaders and events that have shaped various regions and civilizations.
Broaden awareness of diversity in cultures and their histories.
Understand the factors that strengthen or weaken a civilization.
Discern how culture is formed and affected by its history.
Know sources and methods of historical investigation and evaluation.

Management by the Book – BUS 321 (3 credits)

This class integrates biblical insights on leadership with contemporary principles of management, applying best practices for ministry contexts. It includes an in-depth study of leadership insights found in the book of Philemon.

Outcomes:

Identify major insights of contemporary leadership and management theory that apply to leadership in ministry settings.
Know key biblical stories and principles for leadership and management.
Apply the principles of team building, motivation, delegation, communication, and integrity.
Discern how to be a godly change agent while being aware of existing power structures and decision-making processes.

Understand and practice tactful leadership as displayed in the book of Philemon.

United States History – HIS 110 (3 credits)

This class examines major developments in United States history since 1865.

Outcomes

Know important persons and events in American history from the Civil War to the present.
Identify key political, social, economic, and cultural developments during this period.
Discern how contemporary America is rooted in its past.
Understand varying opinions and perspectives among historians.
Develop one’s own ability to evaluate the positive or negative impact of historical figures and trends.

Introduction to Sociology – SOC 201 (3 credits)

This class explores the academic discipline of sociology and evaluates claims of sociology from a biblical perspective.

Outcomes:

Grasp a working knowledge of the academic content of the subject of introductory sociology, covering the foundations of sociology, an introduction to the discipline, relevant study methodologies, and dominant theoretical perspectives.
Gain insights into the human condition so as to know how to love those they are reaching and serving.
Learn discernment skills that allow for the articulation of Christian values in the context of non-Christian worldview assessments of human experience. Christians are called to be in the world, but not of the world.
Learn terms and ideas that are frequently covered by media outlets.
Be introduced to the field of sociology study.

Be introduced to the expectations of Social Workers or Human Resources personnel in their communities.

Basic Writing – ENG 101 (2 credits)

Writers are needed for bringing more revival! We need better writers. Never before in history have so many people had access to publishing platforms. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of poor writing: poor in technical aspects, but also inhospitable, thoughtless, and even violent. This course will help students become better writers. It is not a course about understanding the building blocks of writing (words, sentences, and grammar) but about understanding the architecture and process required to turn those materials into a solid structure. Each lesson builds on the previous one, walking students through a specific writing process that will yield a publishable work, but which is repeatable for future projects.

At the end of the course, students will follow the principles from this course to produce a writing project using one of the five topic options provided.

Outcomes:

Understand the architecture and process required to produce solid writing.
Participate confidently and clearly in the wider public conversations through writing.
Produce publishable work by applying the principles and steps taught in this course

Introduction to Communication – COM 101 (3 credits)

This class shares insights on effective communication that will aid you in your communication skills as a Christian leader.

Outcomes:

Identify major insights of communication that can be applied to leadership in ministry settings.
2. Apply the principles of team building, motivation, delegation, communication, and integrity.
3. Discern how to be a godly change agent through the use of healthy communication.
4. Understand and practice tactful and compelling communication.
Discern electronic and virtual communication best practices

Logic and Critical Thinking – PHI 201 (3 Credits)

This course improves your God-given ability to think. You learn how to use logic and critical thinking to formulate clear, sound arguments, evaluate others’ reasoning and evidence, and detect fallacies in flawed arguments. You will learn key elements of argument structure, inductive reasoning, probability, deductive reasoning, formal logic, and categorical logic.

Outcomes
1. Understand the essential concepts, principles, and methods of logical reasoning
2. Be able to detect and avoid fallacious reasoning in the arguments of others and in your own arguments
3. Be capable of formulating and evaluating both deductive and inductive arguments
4. Appreciate the value of critical reasoning and precision in the use of language
5. Continue to develop habits of thinking and communicating with logical rigor and clarity

Sexual Ethics – PHI 330 (3 Credits)

This course provides an overview of a biblical and theological approach to questions of marriage, sexuality, and gender. This includes questions of marriage and singleness, bioethical questions surrounding procreation, contraception, and assisted reproductive technologies, and questions surrounding sexual and gender identities. These matters are engaged from both an intellectual and pastoral standpoint with the goal of understanding both Scripture and our contemporary culture so that we can better minister in the present cultural moment.

Outcomes

1. Understand our life stories of:

Singleness
Marriage
Family
Sexuality

And how they are meant to put the Gospel story of Jesus on display

2. Recognize how the biblical story of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation shape singleness, marriage, family, and sexuality

3. Be equipped to understand how to navigate difficult conversations around sex, bioethics, and LGBT+ people

Comparative Religions – PHI 350 (2 Credits)

Overview
This course teaches you how to approach the study of the religions of the world. There are five major faiths that will be discussed by Prof Roy Clouser: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Outcomes

The student will learn a sampling of the words used in each faith and will gain an understanding of the basic ideas of each faith.
The student will develop a perspective from which he/she can interact with people who have a differing faith and do so with the confidence in knowing something of the teachings of the other faith.
The student will gain an appreciation for her/his own faith as it relates to other religions in the world today.
The student will be able to discuss the concept of the divine as each faith expresses it, the content of a small sample of sacred writings from each faith, and give a reason for the faith that each student holds.

Macroeconomics – ECN 302 (3 CreditS)

This course introduces economic analysis of individual, business, and industry choices in the market economy. Topics include the price mechanism, supply and demand, optimizing economic behavior, costs and revenue, market structures, factor markets, income distribution, market failure, and government intervention. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and evaluate consumer and business alternatives in order to achieve economic objectives efficiently.

Course Outcomes:

Understand that economics is about the allocation of scarce resources, that scarcity forces choice, trade-offs exist, and that every choice has an opportunity cost. Demonstrate these concepts using a production possibility frontier diagram.
Understand how comparative advantage provides the basis for gains through trade.
List the determinants of the demand and supply for a good in a competitive market and explain how that demand and supply together determine equilibrium price.
Understand the role of prices in allocating scarce resources in market economies and explain the consequences of price controls.
Define an externality and a public good and explain why the presence of externalities and public goods make markets inefficient. Analyze various government policies aimed at solving these inefficiencies.
Understand the costs of production and how profit-maximizing firms determine how much to produce. Be able to distinguish between long-run decisions and short-run decisions.
Distinguish between perfect competition and imperfect competition and be able to explain the welfare loss in non-competitive markets.

Pre-college Level Classes

The English Literacy for Beginners classes is for those whom English is a second language or for those who feel that they need some support in their English skills to take college-level courses successfully.

English Literacy for Beginners 1 (4 Credits)

This course is designed to bring the student from zero English Reading and Writing skills to a 3rd-grade level.

Outcomes:

If you have advanced English proficiency skills already, this class will teach you how to help others and will be a relatively easy class. If you need to strengthen your skills, this class may be more challenging, but in the end, you will improve and you will learn how to teach English proficiency to others.
This class will also help you advance in your English vocabulary. This is important in English literacy and proficiency.
The class will finally look at how to help you learn how to do well on tests and quizzes. We want you to do well, so we will give you the secrets of good test-taking.

English Literacy for Beginners 2 (4 Credits)

This course is designed to bring the student from a fourth grade level in English reading and writing skills to a 6th-grade level.

Outcomes: Same outcomes as Literacy for Beginners 1 advancing to 6th-grade level.

English Literacy for Beginners 3 (4 Credits)

This course is designed to bring the student from a 7th grade level in English reading and writing skills to the mid-high school level.

Outcomes: Same outcomes as Literacy for Beginners 1 advancing to the mid-high school level.