A Christian Liberal Arts Foundation
The Core at Arizona Christian University is a four-year journey that reclaims the Liberal Arts through a distinctly Christian lens. Over approximately 38 credits, students engage with great ideas, writings, art, music, and science — all rooted in a biblical worldview.
~38
Credits
4 Years
Duration
Integrated
Approach
Each year of The Core builds on the last, weaving together great books, biblical truth, and real-world application into a cohesive four-year experience.
Foundations
Community, Covenant, Commitments
Freshman year establishes the framework. Students explore biblical worldview, build community through learning cohorts, and develop foundational skills in writing, public speaking, science, and math — all through an integrated Christian lens.
Exploring the Story
Foundations Through 1500 AD
Sophomore year takes students through the great ideas, art, music, and writings of the ancient and medieval world. Paired with deeper Bible study, students explore the nature of God and what it means to be made in His image.
Engaging the World
1500 to Present
Junior year continues the humanities sequence from the Reformation to the modern era. Students wrestle with the ideas that shaped — and continue to shape — Western culture, while going deeper in their understanding of God's presence and kingdom.
Integration
Capstone & Vocational Reflection
Senior year brings The Core full circle. Students integrate everything they've learned with their major field of study through a capstone experience, complete the final Bible sequence, and reflect on their calling and vocation.
Integrated Learning
Core classes are thematically and biblically interwoven across disciplines, so ideas connect rather than stay siloed in individual courses.
Collaborative Teaching
Faculty, staff, and spiritual life mentors jointly design and deliver courses, bringing multiple perspectives into every classroom.
Learning Communities
Discipline-based cohorts foster strong peer connections from year one through graduation, creating lasting academic and personal bonds.
Active Pedagogy
Discussion, projects, portfolios, speeches, research, and digital artifacts engage students far beyond traditional lectures.
Measurable Outcomes
Graduates articulate their calling, understand Christian doctrine, think critically, and apply biblical worldview to culture and vocation.
The Core produces graduates who are equipped to think, communicate, serve, and lead with conviction.
Think Deeply
Engage thoughtfully with ideas about God, humanity, justice, beauty, and truth.
Communicate Persuasively
Write and speak with clarity, confidence, and cultural literacy.
Serve Faithfully
Live out faith through vocation and community with integrity and compassion.
Live Holistically
Integrate faith, intellect, and action into every area of life.
Discover how a Christian liberal arts foundation prepares you for a life of purpose and influence.