General Education Program

General Education Requirements

The School of Professional Studies’ general education programs includes a set of professional studies core courses and other courses that cover a wide range of disciplines and provide a strong liberal arts foundation to accompany any of the SPS majors. Students earning a bachelor of arts (BA) degree in any School of Professional Studies major must earn 44 semester hours of general education courses. These may be taken at North Park University or transferred to the University from a previous institution.

Professional Studies Core Courses

All students in the School of Professional Studies will begin their coursework at North Park by taking two core courses that are designed to prepare adult students for the college classroom. They must be successfully completed before you taken any courses for your chosen major.

Foundation Seminar (4 sh)

The primary goal of this course is to provide students with a foundation for directing their own learning, developing vocational awareness, and establishing a career plan that aligns with their personal characteristics. Students will identify appropriate academic majors, occupational and employment opportunities, and evaluate career options through research to achieve academic and professional goals. The course emphasizes the ongoing nature of career development and aims to help students build a fulfilling work life as part of their overall plan for personal development. Students will gain the necessary skills to navigate the challenges of making career choices in a complex, global economy, and design learning plans that align with their personal and professional aspirations. In addition, this course serves as an orientation to expectations of baccalaureate education in general, School of Professional Studies in particular, and North Park learning resources. This is a required course for all incoming School of Professional Studies students. Student must pass the course with a minimum grade of C- to successfully fulfill this requirement.

Research Writing Designation (4 sh)

The focus of this course is helping students develop effective written communication skills, both academic and professional. The course provides instruction and practice in writing as a process, writing to learn methods, audience analysis, argumentation, clear and concise expression of ideas, and library research so that students develop information literacy and appropriate methods of documentation. Students are provided with resources, strategies, and opportunities to develop the critical thinking, rhetorical analysis, and revision skills necessary to write complex arguments. Student must pass the course with a minimum grade of C- to successfully fulfill this requirement.

General Education Courses

Students may choose from the following courses to fulfill their remaining required semester hours, provided they meet the required semester hours for each category represented.

Human Society (8 sh)
Each of the following courses fulfills 4 sh: 

Focus on macro (external) and micro (internal) environments of business, and monetary and fiscal policy as applied to interest rates, growth, income and prices. The expanding role of the international economy is discussed. The ethics of business and governmental policymaking are examined.


This course will cover best practices on using social media and mobile marketing to drive digital traffic and develop a competitive, e-commerce presence. Additionally, the course will focus on emerging digital technologies including development of web sites, cloud-based streaming, proliferation of software applications, payment platforms, and protection of consumers' financial data. Lastly, this course will examine changing societal factors impacting the digital world will be covered, including the mobile, "always-on" culture and tracking of customer behavior.


Christian Life and Thought (4 sh)
Each of the following courses fulfills 4 sh:

The life and teachings of Jesus studied with reference to current research. Explores the "quest for the historical Jesus," the historicity of the gospels, and the method and message of Jesus' teachings.


This course explores the foundational Biblical tenants and multiple facets of Servant Leadership in theory and in practice. Students will gleam examples from the Bible, Jesus, history and current research to determine the qualities and characteristics of a servant leader and discover how to best integrate these principles in a personal leadership style. Students will explore the six central areas of Servant Leadership which include; love, self-sacrifice, humility empowerment, modeling, and service. They will examine these areas through the lenses of the heart, head, hands and habits of a Servant Leader and learn how to lead like Jesus. Finally, students will be challenged not only to understand the key ideas associated with Servant Leadership but also to assess and apply those ideas to his/her life using a Biblical approach and Servant leadership examples of Jesus, who has over 2.1 billion followers making him the undisputed greatest leader of all time!


A study of the moral implications of the Christian faith, with emphasis on their integration into personal belief.


Study of the common features and distinctive motifs that characterize some of the main religious traditions; Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and others. Emphasis on development of a methodology for reading and interpreting the world's religions.

Biblical Studies (4 sh)
Fulfills 4 sh:

An introductory survey of the history and theology of the Biblical narrative as it informs Christian faith today. Particular emphasis on the theological unity of the Bible's message.

Art & Aesthetic Interpretation (2 sh)
Each of the following courses fulfills 2-3 sh:


An exploration of relationships between film and society through the study of film aesthetics, film history, and film criticism. Emphasis will be placed on the criticism of narrative films. Critical skills will be developed through discussion, assigned readings, research, and writing.

Health and Well-Being (2 sh)
Each of the following courses fulfills 2 sh: 

Examination of the traditional domains of mind, body and spirit, while exploring a holistic approach to the integration of those domains. This course will help students create a personal framework, which will serve them for life. Familiar habits that may lead to ill health will be challenged. Attitudes that respect the wisdom of the body will be cultivated. The interactions among the body, mind, and spirit will be explored. Contemporary interpretations of what contributes to wellness will be examined and applied in the service of identifying and implementing lasting lifestyle changes.

Comprehensive instruction in adult fitness and wellness strategies and activities. Particular attention will be paid to practical applications of fitness theories, appropriate nutritional behaviors, and examinations of commonly encountered health and wellness challenges encountered by adults. Includes applied exercise and activity components to assure comprehensive learning and fullness of appreciation for achieving personal fitness and wellness goals.

Analytical & Quantitative Reasoning (4 sh)
Each of the following courses fulfills 4 sh: 

This course introduces students to modern statistical practice, focusing on the analysis of data. The most commonly used descriptive and inferential methods are covered. Students develop analytic skills for working with data to gain understanding of real-world problems in a variety of fields, and critical thinking skills regarding the role of statistics in the modern world.

Ethical Reasoning (2 sh) Integrated into majors
Each of the following courses fulfills 4 sh: 

The practicum includes observation and hands-on experience within an appropriate agency. The student will develop and/or work on a larger institutional-wide project. It involves reflection and application of theory and research learned in the classroom to practical situations in the work setting. The student will apply counseling theory and methods utilizing traditional and multicultural perspectives to inform their practice. The practicum is designed to increase the student's knowledge related to the available resources in communities, churches, hospitals and social service agencies. The practicum is one full semester in length.


A study of the moral implications of the Christian faith, with emphasis on their integration into personal belief.

An introduction to ethics and to ethical decision-making. A basic overview of value systems and ethical paradigms, utilizing a seminar format. Discussion of how values and ethics may be applied to the issues and dilemmas of the business world.

Natural Sciences (4 sh) Must include lab component

Each of the following courses fulfills 2 sh: 

Fundamental concepts in chemistry are presented, with specific emphasis given to environmental issues, including the chemistries of air, water, climate, and energy sources, among other topics. Designed for non-physical science majors. Does not fulfill chemistry requirements for biology majors or the prerequisites for medical schools. Lecture and laboratory included.



A general course in nutrition that will evaluate the eating habits of the student and suggest how to improve their diet. The digestive process, the role of macronutrients and micronutrients, and weight control will be explored. Nutrition will be examined from pregnancy through the elderly years. Eating disorders, food safety and the general problem of malnutrition throughout our world will be addressed. Independent laboratory activities will be assigned weekly to supplement lecture presentations.

Each of the following courses fulfills 4 sh: 

Intercultural & Global Competence (8 sh)
Each of the following courses fulfills 4 sh: 

This is a course designed to introduce students to international business and the role of multinational corporations (MNC) in today's global economy. The course will address international business issues that need to be understood by managers of organizations with worldwide operations and/or plans to commence foreign operations. The course focuses on, international business issues such as; political, cultural, social, legal, economic, financial, trade and investment, regional trading blocks, role of nation state, and multi-national institutions. By the end of the course, students should gain a global perspective and be aware of the potential of international business in today's fast changing competitive business environment.


Application of principles and methods which address social issues and problems related to diverse populations. Topics addressed may include law and justice, health and health care, education, and inter-group relations. Engages the student in the applications of principles and methods of counseling and social services. The student develops abilities in the areas prevention and social level interventions. Systemic and ecological theories of human behavior as they pertain to the individual and community will be discussed. The student will develop skills in interviewing, assessment, and evaluation with diverse populations.






Study of the common features and distinctive motifs that characterize some of the main religious traditions; Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and others. Emphasis on development of a methodology for reading and interpreting the world's religions.

CPL: Language Exam (4-8 sh)

Writing Intensive Designation (4 sh) Integrated into majors
Each of the following courses fulfills 4 sh: 

This course addresses functional, strategic, and competitive roles of digital business systems and technology in organizations. Topics include an introduction to hardware and software, types of information systems, the analysis and improvement of information systems, management of databases and information systems, technology evaluation methodologies, and workplace issues related to technology.

This course will cover best practices on using social media and mobile marketing to drive digital traffic and develop a competitive, e-commerce presence. Additionally, the course will focus on emerging digital technologies including development of web sites, cloud-based streaming, proliferation of software applications, payment platforms, and protection of consumers' financial data. Lastly, this course will examine changing societal factors impacting the digital world will be covered, including the mobile, "always-on" culture and tracking of customer behavior.


Provides a capstone experience for the business administration and organizational and management and leadership major. As such it will summarize and synthesize the various disciplines of management and will assist the student in creating a strategic future for the (business) organization. The course will examine the key dimensions of strategic management: mission determination, environmental scanning, organizational analysis, strategy selection and organizational implementation. Students will complete a summary project requiring individual and team research, quantitative data gathering and qualitative analysis in service of creating a new direction for an existing organization. Throughout, the ethical dimensions of decision-making and implementation will be emphasized. The course will allow students to apply the lessons of strategic thinking to their own career direction.


Designed to expose the student to how the scientific enterprise is applied to research on human development. A three-pronged focus includes research design, data collection, and the use of statistics in the analysis and interpretation of data.


Uses a case-finding approach in a study of biopsychosocial disorders across the lifespan, particularly their assessment and treatment. Traditional categories of psychological disturbance will be discussed as well as issues associated with the duality of illness and wellness, and the legal and ethical implications of mental dysfunction.


Addresses the four main processes that nonprofits use to interact with internal and external audiences for the purpose of building public and financial support for their missions: 1) Marketing; 2) Fundraising; 3) Social Enterprise; and 4) Advocacy/Government Relations. Current trends and best practices in nonprofit marketing and fundraising. Provides an overview of current approaches to earned-income generation, along with the potential and pitfalls of these methods. Identifies and addresses ethical issues related to fundraising, marketing, earned-income, and lobbying.


Communicating in the workplace with emphasis on written, verbal, non-verbal, and other visual modes of communication. The processes of imparting and receiving information are emphasized. Business writing, the use of visual aids, and professional presentation methods are put into practice. Ethical behavior in communications is examined.

The environment of marketing, including market identification and selection, the concepts of marketing mix, target markets, and the product life cycle as applied to the global economy, are fundamental to the course. Company mission and Maslow's hierarchy are implemented to determine organizational fit. Consumer behavior, organizational markets, product planning and development, and the essentials of marketing communication are presented and analyzed. Service and non-profit marketing procedures are included. The ethics of marketing and processes are examined.

Capstone Seminar

This capstone seminar is required for all SPS students and is to be taken in the semester of graduation. Through discussion and synthesis of both general education and major outcomes, participants will reflect on their own learning, assess their academic and professional growth, examine the development of their transferable skills, and complete a professional portfolio. In addition, students will be offered a variety of resources to help them consider ways of continuing their personal and professional growth, as well as ongoing service, as life-long learners. Finally, students will be asked to provide feedback on their major, the SPS program, and various university-wide services that have been part of their experience.

Major Course Requirements

General education courses accompany the individual course requirements of a student’s chosen major. You can view the course requirements and descriptions for each of the majors on their program requirements pages: