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Academic Programs
Christian Undergraduate
University Education at
Redeemer University College
Redeemer University College offers a number of undergraduate degree
and certificate programs. The courses in these academic programs
involve learning which is Scripturally-directed, based on Reformed
Christian perspectives and focused on the various disciplines in the
arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. In the degree
programs, such an education is provided through:
• core requirements, consisting of foundational courses forming the
context for all other learning, and courses in a variety of disciplines
in the arts and sciences, providing a general education;
• courses in a particular area of specialization, leading to a greater
depth of knowledge and understanding through more intensive
study; and
• courses chosen by the student in any area, allowing the pursuit of
particular interests and the fulfillment of specific needs.
Core Requirements
The foundational courses are made up of studies in religion and theology,
systematic philosophy, and the history of Western culture, which serve as
the point of departure for other studies at the university.
The courses in religion and theology enable students to search and
understand the Scriptures and to discern the basic dimensions of a
Biblical view of life and the world.
The courses in philosophy as well as the capstone course in a major
focus on foundational aspects of knowledge and on interdisciplinary
relationships, helping students to see that religiously based assumptions
are involved in all scholarship and helping to develop the outlines of
a philosophical position which seeks to reflect a Biblical view of the
world.
The courses in history examine the development of Western culture
with particular emphasis on the complex process of cultural formation
and the role of ultimate beliefs, and especially the Christian faith,
thereby deepening students’ awareness of the origins and nature of the
society and world in which they live.
The general courses are made up of studies in composition and
literature, the fine arts, physical education, the natural sciences,
and the social sciences. These courses provide students with a broad
educational background and basic knowledge and skills.
The courses in the fine arts, the social sciences, and the natural
sciences provide students with an introduction to a number of
disciplines in the arts and sciences, presenting to them the basic
concepts and conclusions of a discipline and confronting them with
alternative approaches, methodological issues, and foundational
questions. Students are thereby enabled to develop their own critical
appreciation of scholarship in a variety of disciplines.
The courses in composition and literature, and physical education
ensure that students possess the basic competencies required for sound
scholarship and effective communication in their program of studies.
Concentration
Students are required to have two distinct areas of concentration in
their program at Redeemer. Normally, this means students complete
a major and a minor or a double major. The minor concentration
is optional only in the Business program. Courses in a major and
minor area of concentration enable students to develop more fully
their knowledge, insight, and abilities in the context of a particular
discipline. Through this more intensive study, the perspective and
capabilities gained in the foundational and general educational courses
can be deepened and refined. Study in both a major and a minor
concentration prevents overspecialization, enabling students to work in
two chosen areas.
The areas of major and minor concentration which a student selects
are related to the program of studies in which the student registers.
Some programs allow a number of major/minor options while in others
the major and minor may be prescribed. The course requirements for
majors and minors are listed under each department in the section of
the calendar on Courses of Instruction. Students may only complete
one concentration per department (i.e. a student may not complete a
Physical Education major and a Recreation minor) due to the overlap
in courses.
Electives
Courses chosen by the student outside of the core and concentration
requirements provide some opportunity for building a unique and
individualized program which can serve particular needs and interests.
In some programs, majors and minors, the number of electives is
reduced by cognate requirements or by required professional courses.
Degree Programs
As authorized under its provincial charter, Redeemer University
College offers five degree programs leading to a Bachelor’s Degree
with the designation Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science. A
Bachelor of Education degree is available either as a concurrent or
consecutive program. Students admitted to the university start in the
Bachelor of Arts, four-year general degree program and may apply to
enter one of the following four-year arts or science programs during
year one or two:
• Four-Year General
• Four-Year Major
• Concurrent Education* (with Arts or Science degree)
• Honours
• Combined Honours
* The concurrent program includes a four-year general/major/
honours degree (Arts or Science) and a 15 course program in
education leading to the Bachelor of Education degree. The teacher
education program can also be completed as a two-year consecutive
program upon the completion of a Bachelor’s Degree (see page 63).
Prior to 1998, Redeemer offered a Bachelor of Christian Studies degree.
The Senate has approved the Bachelor of Christian Studies degree as the
equivalent of the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree.
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