What Will You Emphasize? ...

Finding it tough to decide between programs? Is there another area of ministry that you’re interested in but don’t know how to fit it into your program of studies? We have a solution for you: Don’t decide… emphasize!!

Look to the Stars

When you see this symbol on this web site, it means you can take the program you are viewing as an Emphasis in another program. If that interests you, be sure to ask the Recruitment Director or your Program Director for more information on setting up an Emphasis program to best suit your needs.

How It Works

Adding an emphasis to your degree means that you will take a minimum of 18 credit hours in your area of emphasis. This basically works out to having a semester in your area of emphasis except it is spread out over four years. An emphasis is a bit more than a minor, but is less than a major. The great thing about this is that for the most part you can fill the requirements of the emphasis and have them count toward your program.

For example: let’s say you are enrolled in Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies with a Youth Ministry emphasis. For your program you have a Professional Studies Elective you need to fill so you choose Urban Ministry (a requirement of the Youth Ministry emphasis). This course then counts as your elective for Pastoral Studies and towards your emphasis. In most cases you won’t even have to take more than a couple extra courses. Definitely a worthwhile investment! 

 

So, What Are the Details?

Check out the options available! You can add an emphasis in Youth Ministry, Pastoral Studies, Intercultural Studies, Music Studies or Children and Family Ministries.

Listed below are the requirements for each emphasis:

Children and Family Ministries Emphasis

All 4 Year Children and Family Ministries (CFM) Degrees are actually Emphasis programs. You cannot take a 4 Year CFM Degree at Vanguard, but you can take a CFM Emphasis in any of our 4 Year Degrees!

Click here to read more about the CFM Emphasis options in the CFM Program Profile section. >>

 

Intercultural Studies Emphasis

Pastoral Studies Emphasis
  • Cross Cultural Studies
  • Perspectives
  • Cross Cultural Practicum

Plus three of the following:

  • Senior Missions Integrative Seminar*
  • Applied Cultural Anthropology*
  • Issues in Missions Theology*
  • Team Evangelism and Discipleship
  • Language Studies I and/or II (you may choose TESOL or a specific language)
  • Second Cross Cultural Studies Practicum

   *Minimally must include one of these courses

                           

Total: 18 cr. hours

                           

  •  Pastoral Letters
  • Pastoral Life
  • Pastoral Leadership Issues
  • Pastoral Studies Practicum

Plus:

Music Degree Students:

  • Expository Preaching

And one of the following:

  • Managing Ministries
  • Senior Preaching Seminar
  • Second Pastoral Studies Practicum

 Youth Ministry/ Intercultural Studies  Students:

  •  Senior Preaching Seminar
  • Managing Ministries
  •  OR Second Pastoral Studies Practicum

Total: 18 cr. hours

 

Worship Studies Emphasis

Youth Ministry Emphasis
  •  Theory I
  • Theory II
  • History of Gospel Music
  • Philosophy of Worship
  • Practics of Worship
  • Choir
  • Applied Music (2 cr.)

 Total: 20 cr. hours
  • Foundations of Youth and Family Ministry
  •  Senior Youth Integrative Seminar
  •  Understanding Adolescent Development
  •  Youth Ministry Practicum
  • Urban Ministry
  • OR Second Youth Ministry Practicum
  • Youth Issues and Problem Solving
  • OR Team Evangelism and Discipleship

Total: 18 cr. hours

                             

Note: Emphasis Practicum’s can run in conjunction with Program Practicum’s. For example: doing youth ministry in a local church (Pastoral Studies with Youth Emphasis) or church planting overseas (Intercultural Studies with pastoral emphasis).

All Practicum’s must be approved by both the Program Director and the Emphasis Director.

 

Where Do I Go From Here? 

An emphasis program must be arranged with your Program Director and the Academic department. If you have any questions or would like more information , you can email the College by clicking here, stop by the Academic Department or talk with your Program Director.