ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE
60 credits - Fully online
OVERVIEW
The Associate of Arts (AA) degree is a fully online, two‑year program designed for students seeking a strong academic foundation taught from a biblical worldview. The general studies curriculum provides a well‑rounded liberal arts education, while the chosen specialization equips students for service in Christian ministry or education. The AA degree also serves as a solid academic foundation for students who plan to continue into a four‑year bachelor’s program. Throughout the coursework, emphasis is placed on integrating a biblical worldview,
cultivating Christian character, and reaching the heart for Christ. To expand their knowledge and skills, students select one of two specialization tracks:
Biblical Studies, focusing on foundational biblical knowledge, interpretation, and ministry readiness.
Christian Education, focusing on educational philosophy, instructional skills, and teaching from a biblical worldview.
Both tracks prepare students for further academic study and for meaningful service in their local church, school, or ministry context.
Note: The institution does not offer any programs that lead to professional licensure. A graduate of programs offered at CCU is not eligible to sit for licensure exams within the United States.
PURPOSE
The AA degree equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to serve in a ministry setting.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
Program learning outcomes are clearly defined, established, and measurable in the statements outlined below. The Associate degree will equip the student with practical skills to support introductory ministry employment in a Christian ministry or Christian school setting. The student will develop foundational written and oral communication skills that will benefit both personally and professionally. Program learning outcomes include the following:
The student will be able to:
Biblical Knowledge
Demonstrate foundational biblical proficiency interpreting and applying Scripture within academic work and personal reflection.Christian Character
Demonstrate Christ-like character by applying biblical principles in academic, relational, and ministry contexts.Critical Thinking
Analyze course concepts and evaluate ideas through a Biblical worldview, connecting learning to real-life application.Effective Communication
Communicate clearly in written, oral, and technological formats using appropriate research tools and academic standards.Ministry and Academic Readiness
Demonstrate foundational skills for Christian service and academic success through participation, collaboration, and responsible engagement in coursework.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The Associate of Arts degree is 60 credits and features 30 general education credits, 15 Bible/Theology credits, and 15 specialization credits. The method of instruction is 100% online, asynchronous format, with video conferencing.
SCOPE AND SEQUENCE
Associate of Arts courses do not have prerequisites, therefore, courses may be taken in any order to complete the program.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Individuals seeking admission to a Calvary Chapel University undergraduate program must:
Fill out and submit the online application through the Populi system
Pay a $50 application fee
Request official transcripts for high school and all college or university coursework. Verification of high school completion or an equivalent must be verified by the Registrar through official transcripts prior to admission, enrollment, and matriculation.
Demonstrate a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0
Complete Student Reference Requests
Official transcripts with a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 must be received and verified by the Registrar prior to course enrollment.
The spiritual requirements for admission involve demonstrating a commitment to Christ and to the authority of Scripture, and is evidenced by a lifestyle of consistent Christian character and the utilization of spiritual gifts for the building up of the Body of Christ.
NOTIFICATION OF ADMISSION
Once the Admissions Office receives a completed application, including official transcripts (verified by the Registrar), references, and fees, the Admissions Committee will make a decision regarding acceptance. Applicants can expect to receive notification within one week of the application being complete. Once an admission decision is made, applicants will receive information on registration, finances, and new student orientation. Upon acceptance at Calvary Chapel University, students must complete an Enrollment Agreement prior to course registration.
COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT
Applicant’s skills and competencies to succeed in a distance education environment are assessed prior to acceptance via official transcripts, the online application, and required admission materials, including a personal testimony to determine spiritual readiness.
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
2.0 GHz processor or higher
4 GB RAM
Screen Resolution 1024×768 recommended
Web Browser (Google Chrome or Apple Safari recommended)
High Speed Internet (with 1.5 Mbps upload/download recommended)
Speakers/Headphones
Microphone (external or built-in)
Webcam (internal or external)
SOFTWARE
Zoom Application
Operating System (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Google Suite (Google Docs)
Adobe Acrobat Reader (available free from the Adobe website)
ONLINE INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS
Courses are disseminated 100% online through Populi. The Associate of Arts degree will use instructional methods such as, but not limited to: video lectures, reading and writing assignments, discussion boards, quizzes, and tests.
ONLINE GRADING PRACTICES
Final tests or examinations are course-specific and assessed with a rubric. Passing grades are determined by each instructor and stated in the course syllabus. Within one week of assignment due dates, work is evaluated and a grade is posted in the online course grade book. Students can view their personal grades at any time. There is no mailing of institutional responses or evaluations of students’ work. All grading and communication with students is conducted within Populi, the online operating system.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for an Associate of Arts degree, a student must:
Complete the approved program consisting of 60 credits;
Complete a minimum of 15 credits through Calvary Chapel University
Earn a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0.
Meet all University financial obligations
Note: No grade below a C- will be applied toward an Associate’s degree at Calvary Chapel University. Please submit a Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of the final semester. In order for you to receive your diploma all financial obligations must be met.
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS REQUIRED COURSES (60 Total Credits)
GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES (30 total credits)
Each course below is 3 credits.
English Communication & Critical Thinking · 6 credits
COM101 · Speech Communication
ENG101 · Writing and Research
Natural Sciences & Mathematics · 6 credits
MAT111 · College Mathematics
BIO102 · Natural Science and Biology
Art & Humanities · 12 credits
ART101 · Visual and Performing Arts
THE220 · Christian Ethics
PHIL101 · Philosophy
APO391 · Introduction to Islam
Social & Behavioral Sciences · 6 credits
HIS201 · American History
HIS202 · American Government
BIBLE & THEOLOGY (15 total credits)
BC322 — Interpersonal Relationships — 3 credits
BIB201 — Old Testament Survey I — 3 credits
BIB202 — New Testament Survey I — 3 credits
CBL271 — Introduction to the Heart of a Christian Leader — 3 credits
THE401 — Fundamentals of Faith — 3 credits
DEGREE CREDIT SUMMARY
General Education - 30 credits
Bible & Theology - 15 credits
Specialization - 15 credits
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS TOTAL - 60 credits
SPECIALIZATION (CHOOSE ONE)
COURSES
All courses in the Associate of Arts degree program are undergraduate level.