Called to Teach, Grounded in Christ
The Bachelor of Arts in Educational Anthropology and Christian Studies at Saint Mary's Christian University is rooted in the conviction that great teaching flows from a life grounded in Christ. This programme equips students with rigorous pedagogical training while forming them in the Christian faith, preparing graduates to serve as educators, mentors, and servant leaders in schools, churches, and communities around the world.
The programme spans 24 carefully sequenced modules across 120 credit hours. Students study the full breadth of modern education, including pedagogy, curriculum design, educational psychology, inclusive education, and research methods. Woven throughout the curriculum are dedicated modules in Christian Life and Discipleship, Christian Theology and Doctrine, History of Christianity, and Religion, Ethics, and Contemporary Society. Faith is not an add-on; it is the foundation on which every module is built. Each module is available in three distinct learning modes (Read, Watch, and Listen) so students can choose the pathway that best suits their learning style, daily schedule, and cognitive preferences.
Assessment is equally flexible. Rather than forcing every student through identical examinations, the B.E.A.C.S offers seven assessment pathways: continuous comprehension checks, written assignments, practical scenarios, oral examinations, portfolios, project-based work, and traditional exams. Students also benefit from personalised tutoring technology that provides one-to-one support at any hour. This multi-pathway approach ensures that students demonstrate genuine mastery regardless of how they learn best, reflecting the reality that effective teaching requires fluency across multiple modes of communication and evaluation.
What You'll Learn
- Design, implement, and evaluate curricula grounded in evidence-based pedagogy and biblical principles
- Integrate a Christian worldview across subject areas and educational settings
- Create inclusive learning environments where every student is valued as a child of God
- Integrate educational technology meaningfully into teaching and assessment
- Articulate biblical foundations for servant leadership, stewardship, and vocation in education
- Conduct and interpret educational research to inform professional practice
- Prepare for ministry-adjacent roles in faith-based schools, church education programmes, and community outreach
- Demonstrate servant leadership, ethical reasoning, and cultural competence shaped by Scripture and Christian values
- Degree Bachelor of Arts in Educational Anthropology and Christian Studies
- Credit Hours 120
- Duration Flexible (self-paced)
- Format 100% Online
- Learning Modes 3
- Assessment Methods 7
- Start Dates Rolling Enrollment
- Tuition $250/credit hour
24 Modules at a Glance
A Christ-centred progression from foundational theory through advanced practice, Christian formation, and original research.
Foundations of Education
Historical and philosophical roots of education, including the Christian tradition of teaching and discipleship
Educational Psychology
How God designed the mind to learn, remember, and transfer knowledge
Principles and Practice of TESOL
Teaching English as a second language, with applications for mission work and ministry outreach
Second Language Acquisition Theory
Key theories of language learning and the gift of communication across cultures
TESOL Methodology and Materials Design
Methods, syllabus design, and materials for ESL ministry and teaching
Child and Adolescent Development
Cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual growth across developmental stages
Philosophy of Education
Classical, contemporary, and Christian philosophies of teaching and learning
Sociology of Education
Social class, inequality, and the biblical call to justice in education
Curriculum Design and Development
Models, frameworks, and faith-integrated curriculum alignment
Teaching Methodologies and Pedagogical Approaches
Direct instruction, inquiry, differentiation, and teaching as Christ taught
Classroom Management and Learning Environments
Grace-centred discipline, positive relationships, and inclusive climates
Assessment and Evaluation in Education
Formative, summative, and authentic assessment grounded in integrity and stewardship
Inclusive Education and Special Educational Needs
Honouring every learner as made in God's image through UDL and IEPs
Literacy and Language Development
Phonics, reading comprehension, writing, and nurturing a love of God's Word
Research Methods in Education
Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research in service of truth
Digital Technology in Education
AI, LMS platforms, and using technology as faithful stewards
Educational Leadership and Policy
Servant leadership, governance, and leading change in schools and ministries
Multicultural Education and Global Perspectives
Culturally responsive teaching and the Great Commission in education
Professional Practice and Reflective Teaching
Reflection, calling, CPD, and building a Christ-centred teaching portfolio
Innovation and Future Directions in Education
Emerging trends, AI, neuroscience, and a faith-informed capstone project
Christian Life and Discipleship
Following Jesus, prayer, scripture, and spiritual formation
Christian Theology and Doctrine
Trinity, Christology, soteriology, and ecclesiology
History of Christianity
From the apostolic age to the modern global church
Religion, Ethics, and Contemporary Society
Christian ethics, bioethics, social justice, and public life
Three Learning Pathways
Every module is available in all three modes. Switch freely at any time, even mid-lesson. Your progress carries over seamlessly.
Read
Text-based lessons using RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) speed-reading technology, presenting content word-by-word at configurable speeds up to 850 words per minute. Research shows a 13% comprehension improvement for ADHD learners. Ideal for experienced readers and anyone who processes text faster than the spoken word.
Watch
Interactive video lessons with narrated slideshows, segmented lesson parts, and comprehension checkpoints. Each lesson is divided into logical segments and pauses to verify understanding before advancing. Ideal for visual learners who benefit from structured, step-by-step progression.
Listen
Full podcast-style audio with a synchronised scrolling transcript, chapter markers, and lock-screen playback controls. Study during your commute, workout, or household chores. Chapter markers let you navigate directly to any section. Perfect for auditory learners and anyone who needs to study on the move.
Seven Assessment Pathways
Demonstrate your mastery in the way that best reflects your strengths. All pathways meet the same rigorous academic standards.
Continuous Comprehension
Checkpoint questions appear between lesson parts, verifying understanding in real time. Your comprehension score accumulates across every module.
Written Assignments
Essays, research papers, and reflective journals assessed by faculty. Develop critical analysis, academic writing, and rigorous argumentation.
Practical Scenarios
Apply knowledge to real-world classroom situations, case studies, and simulated teaching challenges under realistic conditions.
Oral Examinations
Voice-based viva sessions where you explain concepts, defend positions, and demonstrate depth of understanding through conversation.
Portfolio-Based
Curate your best work across multiple modules into a professional teaching portfolio with lesson plans, reflections, and evidence of growth.
Project-Based
Design and execute substantial educational projects, from curriculum units to community initiatives, culminating in a capstone research project.
Traditional Examinations
Timed written exams for students who prefer a conventional format. Proctored online and designed to evaluate comprehensive knowledge.
Continuous Comprehension
Checkpoint questions appear between lesson parts, verifying understanding in real time. Your comprehension score accumulates across every module.
Written Assignments
Essays, research papers, and reflective journals assessed by faculty. Develop critical analysis, academic writing, and rigorous argumentation.
Practical Scenarios
Apply knowledge to real-world classroom situations, case studies, and simulated teaching challenges under realistic conditions.
Oral Examinations
Voice-based viva sessions where you explain concepts, defend positions, and demonstrate depth of understanding through conversation.
Portfolio-Based
Curate your best work across multiple modules into a professional teaching portfolio with lesson plans, reflections, and evidence of growth.
Project-Based
Design and execute substantial educational projects, from curriculum units to community initiatives, culminating in a capstone research project.
Traditional Examinations
Timed written exams for students who prefer a conventional format. Proctored online and designed to evaluate comprehensive knowledge.
One-to-One Support, Whenever You Need It
Research has long shown that students who receive individual tutoring dramatically outperform those in conventional classrooms. At Saint Mary's, every student has access to a personal AI voice tutor available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are no appointments to book, no waiting, and no limits on how many questions you can ask.
The tutor communicates through both voice and text, understands the exact lesson content you are studying, and adapts its explanations to your demonstrated level of understanding. It never judges you for asking the same question twice, or twenty times.
When you pause a lesson to ask a question, the tutor uses Socratic questioning to guide you toward understanding rather than simply providing answers. It detects misconceptions, offers alternative explanations, provides examples calibrated to your background, and verifies comprehension before you move on.
Always Available
- 24/7 availability, no appointments
- Voice and text interaction
- Context-aware of your current lesson
- Adapts to your level of understanding
- Socratic questioning method
- Unlimited patience and encouragement
Who This Degree Is For
Those Called by God to Teach
If you sense God calling you to educate, guide, and disciple the next generation, this programme was designed for you. Combine rigorous academic training with deep spiritual formation to fulfil your calling with excellence and faithfulness.
Ministry Leaders & Church Educators
Called to teach within your church or faith community. This programme equips you with both theological grounding and professional pedagogy to lead Sunday schools, youth ministries, discipleship programmes, and faith-based education initiatives.
Working Professionals
Seeking a career change into teaching without giving up your income. Study at your own pace around your work schedule, with no fixed class times or mandatory attendance.
Parents & Caregivers
Balancing family and education. Listen to lessons during school runs, study after bedtime, pause whenever life demands your attention, and resume without losing progress.
Neurodivergent Learners
RSVP speed reading shows 13% comprehension improvement for ADHD learners. Three learning modes, adaptive pacing, patient tutoring, and flexible assessment accommodate how your brain actually works.
International Students
Study from anywhere in the world without visa requirements, relocation costs, or time zone constraints. The 100% online format with rolling enrolment means you start when you are ready.
Recent School Leavers
Begin your teaching career with a degree that combines Christian formation with comprehensive pedagogical training. Graduate ready for the modern classroom and for faith-based schools alike.
Where This Degree Takes You
K-12 Teaching
Enter the classroom as a qualified educator in primary or secondary schools. The B.E.A.C.S provides the pedagogical foundation, subject-area knowledge, and practical skills that school districts require, with a deep understanding of how to reach every learner.
Educational Leadership & Administration
Advance into department head, curriculum coordinator, assistant principal, or school administration roles. The leadership and policy modules prepare you to shape educational institutions from within.
Christian School & Church Education
Teach or lead in faith-based schools, Sunday school programmes, and church education ministries. The religious studies modules equip you to integrate biblical teaching with sound pedagogy in a Christian setting.
Missions & International Ministry
Serve in educational missions, community development programmes, and international Christian organisations. The combination of educational training and religious studies prepares you to teach and disciple across cultures.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Educational Anthropology and Christian Studies is competitive and follows a holistic review process. We assess each applicant's academic preparedness, personal statement, and professional or academic references to ensure readiness for university-level study. While standardised test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE) are not required, applicants must demonstrate a strong academic foundation and a clear commitment to the field of education.
- High school diploma or equivalent: GED, international secondary school certificate, or recognised equivalent with a minimum 2.5 GPA (or international equivalent)
- English proficiency: TOEFL (minimum 79 iBT), IELTS (minimum 6.0), prior degree taught in English, or successful completion of St. Mary's's internal English assessment
- Statement of purpose: A 500 to 750 word essay outlining your academic interests, career objectives, and motivation for pursuing this programme
- One academic reference: From a teacher, professor, or academic professional who can attest to your readiness for undergraduate study
- Official transcripts: From all previously attended secondary and post-secondary institutions
Employer-sponsored and scholarship applicants: Candidates applying through employer sponsorship or in receipt of a private scholarship may be admitted on the basis of an admissions interview in place of the standard application criteria.
Holistic review: All applications are evaluated on the basis of academic record, personal statement, and reference. Standardised test scores are welcomed but not required.
Transfer Credits
Already have college credits? We accept transfer credits from accredited institutions worldwide. Transfer up to 90 credits of your existing coursework toward the B.E.A.C.S and potentially save up to $22,500 in tuition.
Use our credit transfer calculator to get an instant estimate of how your prior education applies.
Credit Transfer CalculatorResearch Foundation
The St. Mary's learning model is grounded in decades of educational research on tutoring effectiveness and adaptive learning.
Bloom, B. S. (1984)
"The 2 Sigma Problem: The Search for Methods of Group Instruction as Effective as One-to-One Tutoring." Published in Educational Researcher, this landmark study demonstrated that individual tutoring produces a two standard deviation improvement in student achievement. This foundational insight informs our personalised tutoring approach.
Wang, R. et al. (2024)
Research on large language model-based tutoring systems demonstrating that AI tutors can match or exceed the effectiveness of human tutors in specific educational contexts, particularly when combined with adaptive learning paths and immediate feedback loops.
VanLehn, K. (2011)
"The Relative Effectiveness of Human Tutoring, Intelligent Tutoring Systems, and Other Tutoring Systems." A meta-analysis published in Educational Psychologist that established the comparative efficacy of intelligent tutoring systems across multiple learning domains.
Answer the Call to Teach
Take the first step toward a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Anthropology and Christian Studies. Rooted in Scripture, designed for the way you actually learn, and built to prepare you for a life of faithful service in education and ministry.
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