Choosing Your Program Of Study

     While advice and counseling are readily available, it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that enrollment in courses is appropriate to and necessary for program requirements. Should program requirements change, the College will offer the courses, or acceptable substitutes, so the student will have 10 years to complete any program of that catalogue in effect upon initial enrollment. During the student's academic career, not more than one official catalogue change may be granted.

Bachelor Theology Degree (B.TH.) / Christian Education Major / Pastoral Ministry Major / Children’s Ministry Major / Bible Minor / Christian Education Minor / Pastoral Ministry Minor / Youth Ministry Minor / Early Childhood Development Minor /
Bachelor Of Religious Education Degree (B.R.E.) / Lay Theology Certificate / Theology Certificate / Child And Youth Care Worker (CYCW) / Early Childhood Development (ECD)

Requirements And Limitations:

The following apply to all programs of study. Individual programs may change, or add to these:

1. The successful completion of all required courses.

2. A cumulative grade point average of 70% or better.

3. No more than one required course with a grade below 70% (minimum 60%) will be allowed to stand in the total courses needed for graduation.

4. No student will be allowed to participate in Commencement exercises until all academic requirements have been met, and financial and personal obligations as outlined by Gardner College policies have been satisfied.

Accreditation And Transferability

     Regarding the school as a whole: There is no accrediting body for schools of our size and type. Until four years ago, we were part of the Association of Canadian Bible Colleges, but that association no longer exists, because nearly all of the larger schools including Briercrest, Tyndale, Prairie, Canadian Bible College, and all the rest with over 100 students, have chosen to affiliate in other directions.

Child And Youth Care Worker (CYCW)

    The Child and Youth Care Worker program prepares individuals to work with maltreated and behavior disordered children and youth between the ages of 7 and 18. The Program offers two choices: a two-year Diploma, or a three-year Bachelor of Religious Education Degree. Some evening courses are available.

     The Child and Youth Care Worker Program is designed to help students understand pre-adolescent and adolescent development. Specific attention is given to assisting troubled pre-teens and teens. These young people may live in receiving and assessment centers, community based group homes, residential treatment centers or young offender facilities; or, they may reside with their families, but may be receiving specialized family support services.

      Graduates of this program may pursue a variety of careers including working in a group home, working with youth centers, or working with the handicapped. This program also offers a unique opportunity for parents of youth and those involved in a variety of forms of youth work to gain training in working with pre-adolescents and adolescents. This program is especially helpful to persons involved in church ministries with older children and youth.

      Community involvement will take the form of practicum experiences which will allow the student to combine theory and practice in the learning process.

Accreditation And Transferability: This program is recognized and accredited by the Alberta Child and Youth Care Association, so grads have been employed in many different aspects of child and youth care throughout Alberta. In fact, in Camrose, our students as well as our grads are sought out and preferred for many related job opportunities, both part time and full time. For our Grads to receive Certification in Alberta, the only further requirement is more practicum (fieldwork) hours to meet the Association’s standard. Students who have chosen to go further and get a bachelors degree in Child and Youth Care (offered in BC and Ontario) have been given credit and advanced standing in all subject areas except the religion-oriented course: Christian Education of Youth.

TWO YEAR DIPLOMA

SEMESTER ONE:
(3) ENG100 Communication
(3) ENG220 Literature
(3) PSY150 Psychology of Personhood
(3) CYCW111 Profession of Child and Youth Care
(3) PSY260 Basic Psychological Processes

SEMESTER TWO:
(3) ENG221 Composition
(3) ECD226 The Exceptional Child
(3) CYCW122 Substance Abuse and Related Health Issues
(3) CYCW121 Young Persons in Conflict with the Law
(3) ECD222 Human Development
(3) CYCW123 Fieldwork

SEMESTER THREE:
(6) CYCW213 Fieldwork
(3) PSY385 Abnormal Psychology
(3) CYCW211 Treatment Methods I
(3) SOC200 Introduction to Sociology

SEMESTER FOUR:
(3) AT351 Pastoral Counseling
(3) SOC201 Marriage and the Family
(6) CYCW223 Fieldwork
(3) CYCW221 Treatment Methods II

Additional Requirements and Limitations: two-year CYCW Diploma

1. Sixty-three hours of study.

2. The student must have successfully completed English 30 or English 33 to graduate.

Early Childhood Development (ECD)

     The Early Childhood Development Program is a licensed program, qualifying graduates for employment as early childhood professionals in a variety of settings that include day cares, pre-school programs, day-homes, church education programs, special needs programs, school programs (as assistants), school-age child care, and other health and social programs.

     The Early Childhood Program addresses the development growth of children from infancy to Grade 3. Required courses emphasize observation of children, child health, interpersonal relationships and communications, the value of learning through play, family and community resources, and provision of developmentally appropriate activities through practical experiences within community sites.

      The department offers several choices: a one-year Certificate, a two-year Diploma, or a three-year Bachelor of Religious Education Degree. Some evening classes are available.

      Graduates who have completed the certificate program qualify for Level 2 (Basic), and those who have completed either Diploma or Degree Program qualify for Level 3 (Advanced) certification pursuant to the requirements of the Alberta Day Care Regulations.

Accreditation And Transferability: The entire program and all its constituent courses are accredited and recognized by the Alberta Private Vocational Schools and all other provincial associations relating to ECD training. Gardner’s ECD grads have found employment in the related field in all of BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan with no further training necessary.

ONE YEAR CERTIFICATE

SEMESTER ONE
(3) ECD111 Practicum/Integration Seminar I
(3) ECD112 Child Growth and Development I
(3) ECD119 Learning Through Play
(3) ECD114 Health, Nutrition and Safety
(3) ENG100 Communications

SEMESTER TWO
(3) ECD121 Practicum/Integration Seminar II
(3) ECD123 Curriculum Development I
(3) ECD122 Child Growth and Development II
(3) ECD126 Interpersonal Relationships and Child Guidance
(3) ECD127 Interdisciplinary Planning

Additional Requirements and Limitations: -- ECD one-year Certificate

1. Thirty hours of study. (Each course is worth 3 hours.)

2. The student must have successfully completed English 30 or English 33, prior to commencing this program.
   

3. If the student is continuing on into the two-year diploma program, the college reserves the right to not grant this certificate.
   

TWO YEAR DIPLOMA

SEMESTER THREE
(3) ECD211 Practicum/Integration Seminar III
(3) SOC200 Introduction to Sociology
(3) ECD213 The Role of the Early Childhood Administrator
(3) ECD215 Children's Literature
(3) ECD216 Curriculum Development II
(3) PSY260 Basic Psychological Processes


SEMESTER FOUR
(3) ECD221 Practicum/Integration Seminar IV
(3) ECD222 Human Development
(3) ECD224 Home, School and Community
(3) ECD226 Exceptional Child
(3) ECD227 School Age Care
(3) ECD228 The Church and Child Care

Additional Requirements : - EDC two-year Diploma

1. Sixty-six hours of study (Each course is 3 hours.)

Bachelor Of Religious Education Degree (B.R.E.)

      The Bachelor of Religious Education program provides the student with the option of a baccalaureate degree in the area of either Early Childhood Development or Child and Youth Care Worker. The foundation of the program is the two-year diploma program in their chosen field. The program requires the student to complete all 63 hours of their diploma program.

In addition, the student must complete an additional 34 hours according to the following:

Required (25 hours)

(1) PE100 Physical Education
(3) ENG220 Literature
(3) HST279 Canadian History 1867 to the Present
(3) PSY150 Psychology of personhood

...plus one of

(3) MH100 Music History

...or

(3) MU150 Introduction to Worship and Song Leading
(3) B100 Survey of the Literature of the Old Testament
(3) B101 Survey of the Literature of the New Testament
(3) AT101 Christian Life and Work
(3) CD101 Church of God Studies*

*CD101 can be waived for those who are not from a Church of God heritage, but students who waive CD101 must pick up three hours of studies from the list of electives.

Electives (9 hours)

(3) AT200 Personal Evangelism
(3) AT201 Apologetics
(3) AT250 Introduction to Missions
(3) AT270 Church Growth
(3) B150 Studies in the Gospel of John and the Johannine letters.
(3) B151 Studies in Romans and Galatians
(3) B200 Biblical Interpretation of the Old Testament
(3) B201 Biblical Interpretation of the New Testament
(3) B250 The Synoptic Gospels and Acts
(3) B251 Studies in the Pauline Letters
(3) CD391 Biblical Theology
(3) CE100 Introduction to the Educational Ministry of the Church
(3) CE231 Faith Development
(3) IDS300 Practicum in developing Team Ministries
(1) MV100 College Choir**
(1) MV190-196 Private Voice**
(1) MG190-196 Private Instruments (guitar, piano, or…)**

**Not more than four hours total may be taken with these music electives

Planning notes: The B.R.E. program works simplest by completing the diploma courses first then adding a year of the above courses. However, if the student prefers to integrate their studies by taking courses from all disciplines in all three years, then they should work out a detailed three-year plan in consultation with their faculty advisor.

Additional REQUIREMENTS for the BRE

1. Ninety-eight hours of study

2. The student must have successfully completed English 30 or 33 prior to commencement.

THEOLOGY

Lay Theology Certificate

      This program is designed for the student who is not interested in pursuing a specific program as outlined by the College. Such students are invited, with consultation with their Faculty Advisor, to design their own program to consist of a minimum of thirty hours. For such a program, successfully completed with an average of 70% or higher, the student will receive a Lay Theology Certificate.

      This option may prove especially attractive to those students whose primary interest is to complete a liberal arts degree while being resident at Gardner College.

      This option may also prove attractive to mature persons interested in pursuing religious studies without pursuing a degree. This one year of study would allow such a person to design their own learning experience in the context of learning at Gardner College.

      This program does not qualify for some provincial loan programs.

Note: Not more than 75% of course work for this program shall be from any one field of study or from any one professor at the College. This is to ensure that the student in the Lay Certificate Program will receive a broad base of educational experiences during their study at Gardner.

Theology Certificate

      This program is designed to serve as the foundational education base for all Theology programs at Gardner College. This program could stand alone as a one year educational experience in Theology, as it is designed to provide some very practical work in areas which will help the student in offering service to the church and in personal growth. However, all these courses would be given in the A. Th. Diploma and the B. Th. Degree should a student decide to further their education at Gardner.

This program, standing alone, does not qualify for some provincial loan programs.

SEMESTER ONE
(3) PSY150 Psychology of Personhood
(3) MU150 Introduction to Worship and Song Leading
(3) B100 Survey of Old Testament
(3) B150 Gospel of John and Johannine Letters
(1) PE100 Physical Education
(3) ENG220 Literature

SEMESTER TWO
(3) CD101 Church of God Studies *
(3) B101 Survey of New Testament
(3) AT101 Christian Life and Work
(3) ENG221 Composition**
(3) B151 Romans and Galatians
an elective course, 1 hr minimum

* CD101 can be waived for those who are not from a Church of God heritage but students who waive CD101 will be required to pick up three hours of studies in some other area of Church Doctrine.
** Students who fail to pass ENG221 will be required to take the course ENG100 before attempting to repeat this course.

Additional Requirements and limitations -- Theology Certificate

1. Thirty-two hours of study.

Bachelor Theology Degree (B.TH.)

      The Bachelor of Theology Degree is offered as a general base of learning so as to provide a proper balance of practical training and an understanding of Biblical, theological and human thought. This is done with the dual goal of preparing persons for ministry, but also of preparing persons for graduate training at the Seminary level, which we believe to be essential for ministry.

      The Bachelor of Theology Degree is structured such that students may choose a major and a minor area of concentration, thus getting a rounded educational base for ministry and/or future studies. It is recognized that for reasons of personal interest and personal goals, some students will choose not to complete a minor. This is possible, providing the student completes an additional 24 hours of study in electives suited to their ministry goals. The details for each program are listed under the caption defining that program.

Accreditation And Transferability: Our BTH grads have been accepted into every seminary in Canada and the US where they have applied, including: Tyndale, Regent, Providence, Briercrest, Taylor, and many other denominational seminaries (e.g. Presbyterian Seminary in Memphis, Tennessee). As well, Anderson University (in Anderson, Indiana), and other Universities in the US connected to the Church of God Movement, have given our students advanced standing when transferring during their Bachelor degrees. Within Canada, universities do not recognize Theology programs from Colleges, or give credit for religion-oriented courses. EXCEPTIONS: advanced standing and credit has been given on an individual course basis for nearly all of Gardner’s Humanities courses: English, Psychology, History, Philosophy, Sociology, Physical Education, and some of our religion courses if transferring into Religious Studies. For this to happen, the student needs to find out the requirements of the receiving school, and may need to submit a syllabus and course description from Gardner. In every case where this has been done, credit has been given.

Gardner College is offering the Bachelor of Theology Degree with

Majors in:

• Children’s Ministry

• Christian Education

• Pastoral Ministry
  

Minors in:

• Bible

• Christian Education

• Early Childhood Development

• Music

• Pastoral Ministry

• Youth Ministry

Children’s Ministries Major
This program combines the practical training of the two year diploma in Early Childhood Education with the core program in theology. It prepares the student for a variety of ministry opportunities in working with children in both a day care setting and in varied children’s ministries through the agencies of the church. The program also provides the undergraduate foundation for graduate study at seminary level.

Christian Education Major/Minor
This program provides the student with the necessary tools and techniques for effective ministry in Christian education, administration and direction of a variety of programs in the local church. The program also provides the undergraduate foundation for graduate study at seminary level.

Pastoral Ministry Major/Minor
This program prepares the student for either the pastoral ministry and/or seminary graduate education. Course selection provides a general base of learning so as to provide a proper balance of practical training and an understanding of Biblical, theological and human thought. The program also provides the undergraduate foundation for graduate study at seminary level.

Bible Minor
This minor allows the student to develop skills in biblical study and biblical interpretation. Designed to aid the student in developing both hermeneutical skills and also skills in presentation of biblical study, this minor involves maximizing the biblical studies courses available at Gardner, and serves, along with the major, to provide both a good foundation for ministry as well as the undergraduate foundation for graduate study at seminary level.

Early Childhood Development Minor
This minor allows the student to earn his/her first year certificate in Early Childhood Development - leading to a Level II Certificate from Alberta Family and Social Services. The Early Childhood Development minor, along with the major, provides both a good foundation for ministry as well as the undergraduate foundation for graduate study at seminary level.

Music Minor
This minor allows the student to develop his/her skills in the field of music. Designed to aid the student in developing both teaching and presentation skills in music, this minor allows the student to get foundational studies in the ministry of music. The music minor, along with the major, provides both a good foundation for ministry as well as the undergraduate foundation for graduate study at seminary level.

Youth Ministry
This major combines courses from both the Christian Education Program and the Child/Youth Care Worker Program. This combination allows a student to equip him/herself for offering youth ministry in the context of the local congregation. The minor works well with either a major in pastoral ministry or Christian Education. This minor, along with the major, provides a good foundation for ministry as well as the undergraduate foundation for graduate study at seminary level.

The requirements for a BACHELOR THEOLOGY DEGREE follow the outline given below:

60hrs in Core Courses
36hrs in Major Concentration
21hrs in Minor Concentration or Electives* (see note iii. below)
12hrs of Internship (AT 310)
2hrs of Senior Seminar (IDS401)
_______________________
131 Total Hours

The requirements are detailed below, and on the following pages for the Core Courses and the Major and Minor Concentrations.

Additional Requirements and limitations: B.Th. Degree

1. One hundred and thirty-one hours of study

2. A cumulative grade point average of 75% or better.

3. * No more than 9 credits will be allowed in electives from the following courses:
   
   AT90 (Revised - See Notes Below) (Student Leadership) max. 3 allowed
   Private Instrument max. 4 allowed
   Private Voice max. 4 allowed
   College Singers/Tour (MV100-400, MV101-401) max. 4 allowed
   
   (*Students are welcome to enroll in all of these courses during their program but additional credits beyond the 9 allowed will not be credited towards the Bachelor of Theology Degree.)

B.TH. YEAR ONE

(as revised 08/03/26)

August - Mission Trip (optional) High School Student Welcome on Trip

Students interested in going on the Mission Trip in August 2008 must make arrangements prior to August 16, please contact Michael Blackmer at chogpreacher@yahoo.ca Students are expected to be on campus August 16, 2008 for departure August 17, 2008. Come and experience life someplace else.

Semester One - September to December

(3) B100 Survey of the Old Testament
(3) B150 Gospel of John & Johannine Letters
(3) AT100 Spiritual Formation (new course)
(3) CE100 Teaching Principles and Methods
(3) FE110 Field Education I (AT150 CrossCultural Ministry)

Total Semester One Credits 15

Semester Two - January to April

(3) B101 Survey of the New Testament
(3) B151 Studies in Galatians and Romans
(3) AT101 Missional Living
(3) AT151 Introduction to Counseling
(3) FE111 Field Education II (AT150 Cross-Cultural Ministry)

Total Semester Two Credits 15

May – Mission Trip
May – August -Refuge teams (optional)
RS101 Walking with Jesus  (3 credits, if taken)

B.TH. YEAR TWO

August – Mission Trip (optional)

Semester One - September to December

(3) B200 Biblical Interpretation of the OT
(3) B250 The Synoptic Gospels & Acts
(3) ENG100 Communication
(3) CD200 Church of God Studies
(3) FE210 Field Education III

Total Semester One Credits 15

Semester Two - January to April

(3) B201 Biblical Interpretation of the NT
(3) B251 Studies in the Pauline Letters
(3) AT201 Introduction to Preaching
(3) ENG221 Composition
(3) CD201 Church History
(3) FE211 Field Education IV

Total Semester Two Credits 18

May – Mission Trip (optional)
May - August – Refuge teams (optional)

B.TH. YEAR THREE

Student MUST be involved in S.H.A.P.E. (Sustaining Health and Pastoral Excellence)

Semester One - September to December

(15) AT310 Internship

Total Semester One Credits 15

Semester Two - January to April

(3) B351 Study in Old Testament Prophets
(3) AT301 Apologetics
(3) CD350 Introduction to Theology
(3) AT351 Missional Church Development (new course)
(3) FE311 Field Education VI

Total Semester Two Credits 15

B.TH. YEAR FOUR

Student MUST be involved in S.H.A.P.E. (Sustaining Health and Pastoral Excellence)

Semester One - September to December

(3) B470 Apocalyptic Literature
(3) CD400 Contemporary Theology
(3) CD470 Ethics
(3) B450 Wisdom & Poetical OT Literature
(3) AT400 Theology of Worship (new course)         
(3) FE410 Field Education VII

Total Semester One Credits 18

Semester Two - January to April

(3) AT401 Pastoral Administration & Methodology
(3) CD451 Biblical Theology
(3) CD401 Systematic Theology
(3) IDS401 Senior Seminar
(3) FE411 Field Education VIII

Total Semester Two Credits 15

YEAR ONE          30                                  
YEAR TWO         33                                  
YEAR THREE       30                                  
PHYS.ED.             1
YEAR FOUR        33

Total BTH Credits - 127  
   

Christian Education Major (36 Credits)

Required (24 credits):

(3) CE100 Introduction to Educational Ministries of the Church
(3) CE101 Teaching Principles and Methods
(3) CE201 Christian Education of Children
(3) CE200 Christian Education of Youth
(3) CE300 Christian Education of Adults
(3) IDS400 Pastoral Administration
(3) CD200 Introduction to Christian Theology I
(3) CD210 Introduction to Christian Theology II

Choose an additional 12 credits from the following:

(3) CD231 Faith Development
(3) IDS300 Practicum in Team Ministries
(3) CD350 Contemporary Theology
(3) AT400 Faith and Culture
(3) AT402 Pastoral Methods
(3) AT200 Personal Evangelism
(3) CD370 Ethics

Pastoral Ministry Major (36 credits)

Required (27 credits):

(3) AT200 Personal Evangelism
(3) AT201 Apologetics
(3) AT300 Homiletics
(3) AT301 Hermeneutics
(3) AT350 Pastoral Counseling
(3) AT401 Pastoral Methods
(3) IDS400 Pastoral Administration
(3) CD200 Introduction to Christian Theology I
(3) CD201 Introduction to Christian Theology II

Choose an additional 9 credits from the following:

(3) AT250 Introduction to Missions
(3) AT270 Church Growth
(3) CD300 Church History
(3) CD350 Contemporary Theology
(3) CD370 Ethics
(3) AT400 Faith and Culture
(3) IDS300 Practicum in Developing Team Ministries

Children’s Ministry Major

      In addition to all of the required courses for the two year ECD Diploma and the core B.TH courses (there is significant overlap), the student will be required to take:

(3) CE100 Introduction to Educational Ministries
(3) CE101 Teaching Principles
(3) CE231 Faith Development
(3) IDS400 Pastoral Administration

*Practicum required for the two year diploma will stand as the 21 ECD (24 CYCW) hours of elective credits. Therefore, the student is not required to take electives or a minor. Student is still required to do an internship related to children’s ministries. It is recommended that the student complete courses for the two year ECD diploma before registering in required B.Th. Courses.

Bible Minor (21 Credits)

Required:

(3) B200 The Synoptic Gospels and Acts
(3) B251 Studies in Pauline Literature
(3) B270 Study in Old Testament Prophets
(3) B370 Apocalyptic Literature
(3) CD391 Biblical Theology

Choose from an additional 9 credits:

Bible Electives (Upper Division)
Christian Theology Electives (Upper Division)

Christian Education Minor (21 Credits)

Required:

(3) CE100 Introduction to Educational Ministry of the Church
(3) CE101 Teaching Principles and Methods
(3) CE210 Christian Education of Children
(3) CE200 Christian Education of Youth
(3) CE 231 Faith Development
(3) CE300 Christian Education of Adults
(3) IDS300 Practicum in Developing Team Ministries*

*(Credit cannot be given in both major and minor for this course. Student should choose a different elective in the major to fulfill credit requirements.)

Pastoral Ministry Minor (21 Credits)

Required:

(3) AT250 Introduction to Missions
(3) AT270 Church Growth
(3) AT300 Homiletics
(3) AT301 Hermeneutics
(3) AT351 Pastoral Counseling
(3) AT200 Personal Evangelism*
(3) AT401 Pastoral Methods*

*(Credit cannot be given in both major and minor for this course. Student should choose a different elective to fulfill credit requirements for major.)

Youth Ministry Minor (21 Credits)

Required:

(3) CE200 Christian Education of Youth*
(3) CE231 Faith Development*
(3) CYCW111 Profession of Child and Youth Care Worker
(3) CYCW121 Young Persons in Conflict with the Law
(3) CYCW122 Substance Abuse and Related Health Issues
(3) ECD222 Human Development
(3) PSY385 Abnormal Psychology

*Students taking these courses as part of the requirements for Christian Education major may substitute CYCW211 (Treatment Methods I) and CYCW221 (Treatment Methods II) for these courses.

Early Childhood Development Minor (27 Credits)

Required:

Early Childhood Development Certificate as outlined in catalogue.
*There is overlap with ENG100 for required B.Th. Courses.
*Please note that the minor in Early childhood requires an additional 6 credits over and above the standard 21 credits in other disciplines.

NOTES: Regarding AT90 STUDENT LEADERSHIP Revised January 10, 2005

The policy for student leadership credits is as follows:

AT90 STUDENT COUNCIL LEADERSHIP:

      One credit will be awarded to student council members who enroll in AT90 for Student Leadership credits. The student must meet the following criteria to earn the credit

1. Be an elected or appointed member of student council in both semesters of the school year in which credit is given

2. Register in AT90 for the winter term (January-April)

3. Attend all student council meetings.

4. Take an active and responsible role in the position for which they have been elected or appointed.

      A grade will be assigned by the staff or faculty member serving as Student Council Advisor. This grade will be an evaluation of the student's leadership in regards to items (iii.) and (iv.) above.

AT91 STUDENT MINISTRY

FIRM MINISTRY TRIPS:

      One credit will be awarded to students who participate in FIRM ministry trips and who enroll in AT91 for Student Ministry credits. The student must meet the following criteria to earn the credit.

1. Commit to and participate in a minimum of three (3) FIRM ministry trips in the fall semester of the school year in which credit is given.

2. Register in AT91 for the winter term (January-April)

3. Commit to and participate in a minimum of four (4) FIRM ministry trips in the winter semester of the school year in which credit is given.

4. Under the leadership of the Recruitment Director (or faculty responsible for FIRM trips), prepare and complete the responsibilities assigned to the student for the FIRM trip.

      A grade will be assigned by the staff or faculty member serving as FIRM coordinator. This grade will be an evaluation of the student's commitment to and preparation for the FIRM ministry.

      To earn credits for student leadership or student ministry, you need to fulfill requirements in the fall semester, enroll in AT90 and or AT91 in January, and complete your requirements January to April (or May if on Tour).