The foundation of the education programs at Missouri Baptist University is thus shaped by a faith perspective, a theoretical orientation towards active learning, and a recognition of identified education competencies. Students first encounter this foundation in the Liberal Arts General Education program that the University provides and it is continued in the students’ specialization in the Education Division. Mastery of the liberal arts and development of the whole person intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually provide the foundation for the teacher education program.

Missouri Baptist University is committed to education in the liberal arts tradition. The General Education program emphasizes a high level of academic achievement in a major field of study and places strong emphasis on a broad, cohesive, and firm foundation in the arts, language, natural, social and behavioral sciences, and literature and humanities. The University faculty and administration believe that without this foundation, students may be well educated to perform a task, yet be limited in ability to understand, participate in, and contribute to the cultural, social, and political life of their society.

General education has been defined as the foundation of the higher education curriculum. It is designed to provide a coherent intellectual experience through which students are introduced to
1. fundamental knowledge, skills, and values essential in the study of the academic disciplines;
2. enrichment of the spiritual, intellectual, and cultural life of the student; and
3. the development of the educated person in service to the community and the world.

In conjunction with the Missouri Baptist University Statement of Mission and Purposes, the MBU General Education curriculum has the following purposes and goals:
1. Students will be apprised of the fundamental principles, concepts, and methods essential for
the acquisition of knowledge basic to a liberal arts education; mathematics, physical and
natural sciences, social sciences, the arts, humanities, and composition.
2. Students will develop skills necessary to connect and apply knowledge across disciplines.
3. Students will enhance their understanding of, and develop an appreciation for, diverse human
cultures.
4. Students will hone their skills relative to thinking and solving problems critically, analytically,
and creatively.
5. Students will improve their skills necessary for applying ethical principles to inquiry.
6. Students will increase their level of understanding and sophistication when rationally
evaluating, interpreting, and reporting data.
7. Students will establish and strengthen a foundation for successfully integrating information
technology across disciplines.
8. Students will develop and enhance their self-perception as they relate to a global environment
(socially, aesthetically, politically, and physically).

To aid in laying this foundation a General Education program has been designed to encourage exploration into the liberal arts; to provide exposure to new knowledge and subject fields; and to furnish broad-based, cohesive academic guidelines integrating disciplines.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Every MBU student seeking a baccalaureate degree must complete the following General Education program before graduation:

Communication Skills: 3 courses (at least 9 hours)
Fine Arts and Humanities: 3 courses (at least 9 hours)
Natural Science: 1 course from the biological sciences and 1 course form chemistry or physical science (at least 7-8 hours); candidates for teaching certificates must have a laboratory experience in each natural science field
Mathematics: one course (at least 3 hours)
Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 courses from at least two social science disciplines: Cultural Anthropology, Economics, History, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology (at least 9 hours)

Total Hours of General Education: at least 37-38

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The General Education program is complemented by specific requirements for each of the five baccalaureate degree programs. The student must complete all requirements for the degree plan selected before graduation. The completion of the General Education requirements and the Degree requirements comprise a cohesive liberal arts basis, preparing students for study in professional subject disciplines.

MBU candidates for certification in secondary teaching fields must complete a degree in their chosen field of study. Candidates for certification in early childhood education, elementary education, special education, and middle school education complete a Bachelor of Science in Education.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION

Total Hours: at least 32-48

The Bachelor of Science in Education degree is reserved for students seeking teacher certification at the early childhood, elementary, and middle childhood levels.

Humanities: 3 courses, as listed below (at least 9 hours)
Mathematics: 1 course (at least 3 hours) beyond the general education requirement including, but not limited to MATH 243 Probability and Statistics
Social and Behavioral Sciences: 21 hours
Kinesiology and Health Sciences: 5 hours (At least 2 hours must be activity courses, unless waived for documented medical reasons.)

Computer Literacy: 1 course (at least 3 hours) OR proof of demonstrated competency (determined by a college administered assessment test)
Interdisciplinary Studies: 1-2 courses (3-4 hours)