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Course Descriptions
BIBLICAL STUDIES
BI 132 Old Testament Survey I (2)
A survey study of the history of the Old Testament covering the Pentateuch. The emphasis will be in the development and growth of the Jewish nation and humanity’s relationship with God. The study will also include historical and cultural information and how to interpret the Old Testament.
BI 133 Old Testament Survey II (2)
A survey of the history of the Old Testament covering the historical and poetic books from Joshua through the Song of Solomon. Special emphasis will be given to the historical and cultural backgrounds of the books studied.
BI 134 Old Testament Survey III (2)
A survey of the history of the Old Testament covering the Major and Minor Prophets; special emphasis will be given to the historical and cultural backgrounds of the books studied. The emphasis will be on the growth of the Jewish nation and man’s relationship to God and the study will include geographical and cultural information in order to help the cadet understand that era in history.
BI 160 Biblical Interpretation I (2)
This course is designed to introduce students to the study of the Bible, including its history and foundational principles of biblical interpretation. Students will learn to interpret scripture through the Interpretive Journey, covering background, meaning, and application. Competency in the process will be demonstrated through interpretive exercises and a final exam, demonstrating their familiarity and mastery of the methodology.
BI 161 Biblical Interpretation II (2)
This course revisits the concepts introduced in Biblical Interpretation I and explores how we perform in-depth research in the six key areas of study (background, language, literature, contextualization, theology, and application). In Biblical Interpretation II, the student will discover how to analyze a passage of scripture exegetically, based on principles of a hermeneutical method.
BI 232 New Testament Survey I (2)
This course will survey the synoptic Gospels and Acts of the Apostles including cultural, social, religious, and political backgrounds. This survey also includes the important role these scriptures play in Christian faith and practice.
BI 233 New Testament Survey II (2)
A survey of the writings of Paul contained in the New Testament. An emphasis is placed on the historical context and the continuing message and meaning today.
BI 234 New Testament Survey III (2)
A survey of the New Testament writing of John and the General Epistles. An emphasis is placed on the social, cultural, political, and religious backgrounds. This survey includes the important role these scriptures play in Christian faith and practice.
BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
BU 101 Corps Administration I (2)
This course will give cadets an introduction to many of the skills and knowledge needed to effectively carry out the administrative duties of a Corps Officer.
BU 102 Corps Administration II (2)
This course will teach cadets the fundamental knowledge, skills, and practices needed to construct meaningful budgets and strategic plans for corps administration.
BU 201 Corps Administration III (3)
This course will give cadets the knowledge base and skill practice to be a good representative of The Salvation Army in their appointment. The skills taught in this course will be used extensively in developing sustainable funding for Salvation Army programs.
BU 202 Corps Administration IV (2)
This course will focus on the role of people in the successful administration of a corps. Attention will be given to recruitment of employees, volunteers, board and council members, as well as the relationship with each of these groups. Community partnerships and collaboration efforts will also be highlighted. In addition, topic of safety and risk management will be explored.
BU 203 Corps Administration V (2)
This course will build upon knowledge and skills learned in previous courses in the sequence to explore the topics of Minutes, expected administrative tasks, and audits.
GENERAL EDUCATION: English & Communications
ENG 120 College Writing and Research Skills (3)
College Writing and Research Skills prepares cadets to write at a college level. This includes clear, well-formatted, well-developed, well-organized, and grammatically correct writing. Development of a research topic and the creation of effective strategies for finding relevant information are discussed and practiced. The following skills are emphasized: understanding the research process; selecting appropriate print and electronic sources; effectively using Web, specialized databases and CFOT Library electronic resources to find information; and evaluating, organizing, using MLA format and to correctly citing the information found. These writing skills will be practiced with various forms of writing including research papers, journal articles, correspondence, testimony, proposal, and reflection.
COM 168 Homiletics I (2)
This course serves as the foundational Bible Study and Homiletics class. It is designed to introduce cadets to the principles and tools of biblical exegesis and sermon preparation. Cadets will learn to draw meaning and application from the biblical text in light of historical and literary contextual considerations. It will include an introduction to sermon development and structure as well as experience in sermon writing and delivery.
COM 169 Homiletics II (2)
This course is the second in a three-course Homiletics program, and will focus on the history and philosophy of preaching, different methods of sermon preparation and delivery, as well as refining the tools and methods learned in the introductory class. This course will also discuss tools on addressing specific audiences and congregations.
COM 200 Homiletics III (1)
This course is an intermediate course that will build on the principles and skills taught in prerequisite courses. This course will focus on sermon series and preaching calendars as well as preaching for special occasions. A synthesis of oral and written communication skills will be developed toward more effective exegetical exposition of Biblical texts.
GENERAL EDUCATION: Natural & Social Sciences
PSY 156 Introduction to Psychology (2)
This is an introductory course in the study of human behavior and mental processes. This course will survey several frameworks of psychological theories and principles along with their methodologies, with an emphasis on their application to ministry and the individual. Cadets will also learn about the various theories used to explain the causation and treatment of addictions. They will learn about The Salvation Army’s response to addictions and how they can better help those struggling with addictions.
SCI 204 Contemporary Health & Wellness (2)
This course presents eight major organ systems (musculo-skeletal, vascular, lymphatic, nervous and special sensory, digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive) in the human body with an objective of learning about their normal function. Common diseases of the organ systems (and some treatment approaches) will also be presented, but the emphasis is on understanding normative function. The course is further designed to provide a critical analysis of factors, which affect personal and community health, as well as provides practical methods of engaging in healthy habits. Primary emphasis is placed on the health and wellness of the officer.
SOC 200 Introduction to Sociology (2)
This course introduces cadets to sociological modes of thinking about the events, relationships, and social phenomena which form the fabric of American life and much of our history. It examines the ways in which people affect, and are affected by, their society. Cadets will learn how to apply a sociological perspective to social service provision in a Salvation Army context, drawing upon social work theory, analytical frameworks, contemporary program models, and Salvation Army standards for ethics and practice. Using these tools, cadets will assess interpersonal and organizational behaviors and identities, as well as develop programs that are strategic, sustainable, and inclusive.
GENERAL EDUCATION: Worship Arts
MU 185 Worship and Music in The Salvation Army (2)
This course is designed to introduce the cadet to the significant role that music plays within the worship and evangelical practices of The Salvation Army. With an appreciation for both the unique music mediums of The Salvation Army and contemporary worship styles and technologies, this course will introduce the cadets to the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to maximize and lead in the use of music in worship.
MU 315 Ukulele (1)
This course provides an introduction to ukulele chord notation and its application to playing this instrument, tuning, and playing techniques. The elementary player will be introduced to basic pieces and will proceed through exercises of advancing difficulty. Chord structures, strumming patterns, finger picking, and playing from chord and lead/lyric sheets will also be introduced. Cadets will develop ukulele skills to use in accompaniment and/or in leading worship.
MU 362 Brass Technique (1)
This course either begins or continues the brass player's development of tone, technique, articulation, and other musical, technical, and functional skills. It uses scales, exercises, studies, and solo/chamber ensemble works representing both Salvationist and broader Christian repertoire.
MU 364 Vocal Technique (1)
This course is designed to help those with vocal skills to become more proficient performers. It will include topics such as choice of music, platform etiquette, style of music, interpretation, and technical instruction. One solo and one group in class presentation will be required as part of this course. One solo or group Chapel/M&M participation will be required as part of this course.
MU 372 Playing Piano for Worship I (1)
This course provides an introduction to music notation and its application to playing the piano and proceeds through pieces and exercises of advancing difficulty for the elementary player. Concepts of music theory and musicianship are emphasized. The Simplified Piano Tunebook of The Salvation Army will be introduced, as will chord structures, accompaniment patterns and playing using chord symbols and lead/lyric sheets.
MU 387 Playing Guitar for Worship I (1)
This course provides an introduction to chord/lead sheet notation, standard guitar tuning, guitar playing techniques, and applied musicality. Playing techniques will include chord structures, strum patterns, dynamics, and stylistic considerations
MU 390 Playing Guitar for Worship II (1)
This course is a continuation of Guitar for Worship and introduces more advanced guitar techniques like 16th note rhythms and finger picking. A more robust repertoire of accompaniment styles is applied to pieces and exercises of advancing difficulty for the elementary player, using major and minor Scales, barre chords, slash chords, and 7 chords.
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
MI 100 Spiritual Formation I (1)
This first course of the Spiritual Formation program focuses on the development of the cadet’s spiritual life with God. The course centers on a beginning working knowledge of spiritual formation leading to a focus on the cadet’s inward life, and the development of a lifetime pursuit of learning, spiritual growth and maturity. This course aims to encourage cadets to engage in meaningful praxis by providing ample opportunities for cadets to engage in spiritual exercise, inward disciplines, character formation, and small group practice for personal application and for leadership in the church.
MI 200 Spiritual Formation II (1)
This third course of the Spiritual Formation program focuses on the dynamic of spiritual formation pertaining to the cadet's inward, outward and corporate life with God and others. This course aims to encourage cadets to engage in meaningful praxis by providing ample opportunities for cadets to participate in spiritual exercises pertaining to inward, outward and corporate disciplines. Throughout this course, cadets will examine and experience how private and corporate formation throughout Church history, has invited believers into thriving community with God and others.
MISSION AND MINISTRY
MI 150 Introduction to Public Ministry (3)
Public Ministries presents to the cadet the many and varied possibilities of worship and ministry. This course is designed to give The Salvation Army requirements, as well as allow freedom of worship in traditional Salvation Army and worship settings.
MI 177 Evangelism & Discipleship (3)
This course develops a biblically informed approach to evangelism and discipleship as a central purpose of the Church, from a Wesleyan perspective. This course examines the necessary building blocks to produce an evangelistic, disciple-making church/community with a significant focus on understanding the process of spiritual formation individually and corporately. Special attention will be placed on interpersonal relationships and strategy for effectively communicating the truth of the Gospel in contemporary culture.
MI 214 Pastoral Care (3)
The aim of this course is to allow cadets to acquire the fundamental skills needed to provide pastoral counseling within the Corps or other Army settings. The course will emphasize the nature of pastoral counseling, basic communication, interview skills, increased self-awareness and will acquaint the cadets with common issues faced by counselors in a pastoral setting. The primary focus of the class will be on the application and practice of basic counseling skills.
MI 235 Mission in Culture (2)
This course is designed to provide a biblical and theological basis for intercultural ministry and the theological implications for the Church as a believing and practicing body. In this course, the cadet will develop an understanding and sensitivity to other cultures and a framework for multicultural ministries within The Salvation Army.
MI 260 Pastoral Leadership (2)
This course is designed to assist cadets in knowing and understanding the officer’s call, philosophy of ministry, and the officer as spiritual leader. The course will also assist cadets in knowing and understanding the role of pastoral care in ministry.
MI 296, 297 & 298 Virtual Corps Practicum (3)
The Virtual Corps Practicum (VCP) course is designed to simulate real-life situations that a Salvation Army Corps Officer may experience. Utilizing online technology and traditional classroom settings, each cadet will employ their educational experiences in Salvation Army day-to-day operations through a virtual practicum. The focus of Virtual Corps Practicum will be on areas of the cadet’s education beyond those received during their practicum experiences in Mission & Ministry.
MINISTRY FORMATION
MF 178 Christmas Intensive I (3)
First-year cadets will participate in the College for Officer Training Christmas program (to include kettle work, caroling, and special Christmas programming).
MF 180 Ministry Formation I (3)
This course will take concepts learned in the classroom and apply them to real-life ministry through the Mission & Ministry program. Included will be teaching Bible classes, practicing evangelism, casework, community relations, addiction treatment ministry, children’s ministries, Community Care, Men’s & Women’s Ministries. This course is supervised by the Mission & Ministry Department.
MF 270 Summer Internship: Spiritual Formation (1)
This second course of Spiritual Formation continues to focus on the development of the cadet’s spiritual life with God. This course will center on the inward disciplines of solitude and journaling, guiding the cadet to an understanding of the disciplines, as well as meaningful praxis by providing the cadet with opportunities to engage in spiritual exercises for personal application while on the field. This course will also introduce the cadet to dynamic of spiritual formation pertaining to the cadet’s outward and corporate life with God and others, providing exercises that will invite them to share their journeys of transformation in community.
MF 272 Summer Internship: Business and Communications (3)
This course involves the cadet in field work under the direct supervision of an active field officer. Emphasis is placed in the area of business and missions in the assigned corps setting.
MF 279 Christmas Intensive II (3)
This course is designed to provide intensive instruction in the philosophy behind and methodology of Salvation Army Christmas Programming. Cadets will be familiarized with the purpose, as well as the planning and administration of the various programs and events that are associated with the Christmas season. In addition to the classroom instruction, cadets will receive an opportunity to apply the information learned in the context of a local corps and/or ARC facility. This portion of their training will be provided directly by field officers and supervised by the Mission and Ministry Department.
MF 280 Ministry Formation II (3)
This course will take concepts learned in the classroom and apply them to real-life ministry through the Mission & Ministry program. Included will be preaching, teaching Bible classes, practicing evangelism, casework, community relations, addiction treatment ministry, children’s ministries, Community Care, Men’s & Women’s Ministries. This course is supervised by the Mission & Ministry Department.
THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
EC 142 Theology I (2)
Theology I is an introduction to the methods of study in theology with an emphasis on the Wesleyan approach. Further topics will include the study of the Trinity, Christology, and pneumatology with an emphasis on the nature of God, and the corresponding doctrines of The Salvation Army.
EC 143 Theology II (2)
A general overview of the nature of human beings, the study of work of God in salvation, and the necessary response of man to God’s action in Christ, the redemptive work of God, with an emphasis on the corresponding doctrines of The Salvation Army.
EC 144 Theology III (2)
A general overview to living the Christian life including the maintenance of salvation, sanctification, eschatology, and after-life issues with an emphasis of the corresponding doctrines of The Salvation Army.
EC 238 Comparative Beliefs (2)
This course offers a comparative study of world religions. The focus of the course is to acquire a broad overview of world religions by analysis of theological, philosophical, and insight into these religions through a cultural lens. Cadets will examine sacred texts, art, and iconography as well as religious experience and practice. Religions considered primarily are: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism, as well as other faiths, an overview of cults, and a final analysis of religion and how it affects world views.
EC 361 Ethics (2)
This course is designed to aid the cadet in the development of a Christian social ethic that is grounded in the moral life and teachings of Jesus, the biblical vision of the Kingdom of God, and the centrality of discipleship in the development of a transformational social ethic.
EC ??? Historical Theology I (2)
TBD
EC ??? Historical Theology II (2)
TBD
SPRING ELECTIVES
BI ??? Elijah & Elisha, 1 Kings 17-2 Kings 13 (2)
Other electives TBA
Reviewed/Updated: July 2025