Welcome to the Department of General Studies. This is one of three departments under Summit University’s School of Theology. Keep reading for information about our General Studies programs and courses and how to apply.

The Department of General Studies offers students several options for immersing themselves in SU’s curriculum.  One option is to take single courses, either for credit or as an auditing student.  Another option is to compose your own General Studies Certificate Program.

Individual Courses

For Credit

Summit University welcomes students who would like to take individual courses in the Department of General Studies.  Taking a course for credit means you will complete all assignments, exercises and tests included in the course. Choose from a variety of 1-, 2- and 3-credit courses as they become available.

Complete credits simply for your own academic satisfaction, or pre-plan for a certificate program that you might want to enroll in at a future date.

If you’re currently pursuing a degree, explore the possibility of taking an SU course on a spiritual subject to supplement and deepen your program at your college or university.

For Audit

Are you interested in a particular subject matter offered by SU Online yet do not want to receive a grade or earn credits? You may apply to audit General Studies courses each semester for a reduced tuition fee of $85 plus a $20 tech support fee per credit hour. (See Tuition and Fees for more information.)

Students who audit have access to all course materials, interact with the instructor, and participate in course forum discussions. They are not required to complete assignments or take exams, are not graded, and textbooks are optional. No Certificate of Completion and no credits are awarded for auditing courses.

To learn more about auditing courses, click here.

General Studies Certificate Program

Build your own General Studies certificate from a spectrum of courses. This 18-credit program has one required 3-credit course, RELS 1080 Understanding the Teachings of the Ascended Masters.   Students select the additional 15 credits according to their unique interests.  Almost any combination of courses will be acceptable.  Focus on a specific topic area or go broad for a well-balanced certificate.

What you need to know about the General Studies Certificate Program

The following links will help you learn more about the General Studies Certificate Program:

• Course catalog
• Academic calendar
• Faculty
• Technology and computer literacy requirements
• Tuition fees

Get started today!

Are you ready to begin your General Studies journey? Click the button below to learn how you can apply to join our Summit University online community and start taking courses today.

Available Courses for Credit or Audit*

Single Courses for Credit or Audit*

Select any course from the list below.

• COMS 1101 – Public Speaking (1 cr.)
• EDUC 1233 – Foundations of a Home-Centered Spiritual Culture (1 cr.)
• EDUC 1380 – Outreach Principles and Techniques in The Summit
  Lighthouse (1 cr.)
• ENGL 1225 – English Writing Skills (1 cr.)
• ENGL 1275 – Writing for Social Media (1 cr.)
• ENGL 1281 – Writers Guild Training – Fundamentals (2 cr.)
• LEAD 1101 – Principles and Practice of Servant Leadership (3 cr.)
• LEAD 1105 – Practical Leadership Skills 1 (1 cr.)
• LEAD 2105 – Practical Leadership Skills 2 (1 cr.)
• MINS 2380 – The Universal Principles of Spiritual Community (1 cr., only available to audit)
• MINS 2603 – Foundations of Family Ministry (1 cr.)
• MINS 2770 – The Holy Spirit: Fire from Heaven (1 cr.)
• POLI 1101 – Spiritual Principles of Government (3 cr.)
• PSYS 1201 – Spiritual Psychology 1 (3 cr.)
• PSYS 2201 – Spiritual Psychology 2 (3 cr.)
• RELS 1005 – Survey of the World Religions (2 cr.)
• RELS 1080 – Understanding the Teachings of the Ascended Masters (3
  cr.)
• RELS 1085 – Survey of The Summit Lighthouse (1 cr.)
• RELS 1180 – The Science of the Spoken Word (1 cr.)
• SOCW 2603 – Basics of Senior Care (1 cr.)
• SOCW 2605 – End-of-Life Care in The Summit Lighthouse (1 cr.)

General Studies Certificate Program*

Required Course (3 credits)

• RELS 1080 – Understanding the Teachings of the Ascended Masters (3 cr.)

Electives (15 credits)

• COMS 1101 – Public Speaking (1 cr.)
• EDUC 1233 – Foundations of a Home-Centered Spiritual Culture (1 cr.)
• EDUC 1380 – Outreach Principles and Techniques in The Summit
  Lighthouse (1 cr.)
• ENGL 1225 – English Writing Skills (1 cr.)
• ENGL 1275 – Writing for Social Media (1 cr.)
• ENGL 1281 – Writers Guild Training – Fundamentals (2 cr.)
• LEAD 1101 – Principles and Practice of Servant Leadership (3 cr.)
• LEAD 1105 – Practical Leadership Skills 1 (1 cr.)
• LEAD 2105 – Practical Leadership Skills 2 (1 cr.)
• MINS 2603 – Foundations of Family Ministry (1 cr.)
• MINS 2770 – The Holy Spirit: Fire from Heaven (1 cr.)
• POLI 1101 – Spiritual Principles of Government (3 cr.)
• PSYS 1201 – Spiritual Psychology 1 (3 cr.)
• PSYS 2201 – Spiritual Psychology 2 (3 cr.)
• RELS 1005 – Survey of the World Religions (2 cr.)
• RELS 1085 – Survey of The Summit Lighthouse (1 cr.)
• RELS 1180 – The Science of the Spoken Word (1 cr.)
• SOCW 2603 – Basics of Senior Care (1 cr.)
• SOCW 2605 – End-of-Life Care in The Summit Lighthouse (1 cr.)

To see a description of theses courses, visit the Course Catalog.

*See the academic calendar for when specific courses will be offered. Course numberings, titles and availability are subject to change without prior notice.  The course listing will expand as Summit University adds classes to its curriculum.