Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) - Online
Credential: Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Majors: Interdisciplinary Studies, Biblical Studies
Location: Online
Program Director: Mark Menga, PhD
Program Mission Statement: The Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) major provides versatility through study from a biblical perspective in more than one discipline. Opportunity is provided for students to explore diverse disciplines, while developing interdisciplinary knowledge, essential skills, and sharpening critical thinking and communication skills. Our students will apply a biblical worldview to their broad academic interests and career fields.
Program Description: The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) allows students to flexibly build a degree designed for their individual needs. Students gain core knowledge and skills from three fields (Biblical Studies major, plus two disciplines within the IDS major). LBC students earning this degree will also fulfill any needed General Education requirements. While single-subject majors focus on only one area, the IDS major can combine multiple areas of study. Students are presented with carefully selected pairs of disciplines from across the academic departments at LBC.
Program Learning Outcomes: As a result of this program, students will:
1. Develop interdisciplinary knowledge, understanding, and expertise, from a biblical perspective.
2. Demonstrate effectiveness in communication skills, including reading and writing.
3. Apply problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity across the chosen disciplines.
4. Articulate a biblical worldview as applied to interdisciplinary knowledge, approaches and fields of study.
Experiential Learning: None required.
Interdisciplinary Studies Curriculum Scope
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Interdisciplinary Studies Curricular Structure
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Credits
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Bible & Theology Core
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30
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Arts & Sciences Core
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37
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Interdisciplinary Studies (Core + Two Disciplines; 30 credits minimum)
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30 - 39
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Electives
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14 - 26
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Christian Service CSV 199, CSV 200
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0
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Program Total
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120
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Students choose two disciplines and take four to six courses from each. The following table shows an example of the courses that would be taken by a student taking Ministry Leadership and another discipline:
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Ministry Leadership and Business Administration (29 credits)
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Ministry Leadership and Communication (27 credits)
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Ministry Leadership and Sport Management (27 credits)
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CML 102 Foundations of Ministry
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CML 102 Foundations of Ministry
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CML 102 Foundations of Ministry
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CML 210 Fundamentals of Ministry Leadership
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CML 210 Fundamentals of Ministry Leadership
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CML 210 Fundamentals of Ministry Leadership
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MIN 201 Strategic Ministry Leadership
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MIN 201 Strategic Ministry Leadership
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MIN 201 Strategic Ministry Leadership
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CML 324 Spiritual Formation of Ministry Leaders
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CML 324 Spiritual Formation of Ministry Leaders
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CML 324 Spiritual Formation of Ministry Leaders
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BUS 102
Introduction to Business
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COM 102
Introduction to Communication
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SPM 105
Introduction to Sport Management
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BUS 103 Information Systems for Business
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COM 201 Communication Ethics
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SPM 140 Fundamentals of Coaching
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BUS 113 Foundations of Accounting
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COM 110 Principles & Practices
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SPM Major Elective
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BUS 302 Marketing
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Communication & Media Arts Elective
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SPM 412 Sociology of Sport
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BUS 205 Finance or BUS 307 Business Law
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Communication & Media Arts Elective
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SOC 305 Sport Psychology
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BUS 203 Leadership or BUS 207 Organizational Leadership
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Available discipline pairings include:
- Business Administration and Communication
- Business Administration and Ministry Leadership
- Business Administration and Political Science
- Business Administration and Sport Management
- Communication and Literature
- Communication and Ministry Leadership
- Communication and Political Science
- Communication and Sport Management
- Criminal Justice and Political Science
- History and Literature
- History and Political Science
- Literature and Political Science
- Ministry Leadership and Sport Management
Bible & Theology Courses (30 credits)
| BTH 101 | Foundations for Biblical and Theological Studies | 3 |
| BIB 103 | Creation & Covenants: OT I | 3 |
| BIB 104 | Israel's Life & Literature: OT II | 3 |
| BIB 203 | Life of Christ: NT I | 3 |
| BIB 204 | Early Church: NT II | 3 |
| THE 223 | Christian Narrative I: Creation & Fall | 3 |
| THE 224 | Christian Narrative II: Redemption | 3 |
| Bible/Theology Elective | 3 |
| Bible/Theology Elective | 3 |
| Bible/Theology Elective | 3 |
Arts & Sciences (37 credits)
HIS
| HIS History Elective | 3 |
| Human Culture Elective | 3 |
| LAN 104 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Arts & Sciences Elective | 3 |
| LAN 101 | Academic Writing, Research, and Rhetoric | 3 |
LIT
| Literature Elective (100/200 level) | 3 |
MAT
| Math Elective (100-200) | 3 |
SCI
| Science Elective (100/200 level) | 3 |
SCI
| Science Lab (100/200 level) | 1 |
| Arts & Sciences Elective | 3 |
| Arts & Sciences Elective | 3 |
| Arts & Sciences Elective | 3 |
| Arts & Sciences Elective | 3 |
Discipline Courses (30 – 39 credits)
Disciplines within the Interdisciplinary Studies major may be completed in any order, unless prescribed by the student success coach and/or Program Coordinator.
Discipline courses must be taken in the order prescribed by the academic department, following any pre-requisite requirements, unless permission is granted by the Program Coordinator, course professor, or academic department chair (or designee) to take courses out of sequence.
The following table shows the courses required for each discipline in the Interdisciplinary Studies program.
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Business Administration
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Communication
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Criminal Justice
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History
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Literature
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Ministry Leadership
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Political Science
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Sport Management
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BUS 102 Introduction to Business
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COM 102 Introduction to Communication
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CRJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
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History Elective HIS 201, HIS 202, HIS 203, HIS 204, HIS 205, HIS 210, HIS 224, and 300 and 400 level HIS courses.
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Literature Elective
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CML 102 Foundations of Ministry
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POL Core, 3 of the 4 required: POL 100, POL 202, POL 211, POL 250
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SPM 105 Introduction to Sport Management
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BUS 103 Information Systems for Business
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COM 201 Communication Ethics
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CRJ 203 American Judicial System
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History Elective
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Literature Elective
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CML 210 Fundamentals of Ministry Leadership
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POL Core #2
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SPM 140 Fundamentals of Coaching
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BUS 113 Foundations of Accounting
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COM 110 Principles & Practices
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CRJ 211 Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice
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History Elective
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Literature Elective (300/400)
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MIN 201 Strategic Ministry Leadership
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POL Core #3
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SPM 412 Sociology of Sport
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BUS 302 Marketing
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Communication & Media Arts Elective
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Criminal Justice Elective: CRJ 202, CRJ 250, CRJ 304, CRJ 310, CRJ 380, CRJ 422, CRJ 381, SWK 204, SWK 213
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History Elective (300/400) -HIS 301, HIS 302, HIS 303, HIS 304, HIS 305, HIS 310, HIS 480, HUM 422 CP: The Modern Age
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Literature Elective (300/400)
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CML 324 Spiritual Formation of Ministry Leaders
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Major Elective: HIS 204, HIS 301, POL 201, POL 203, POL 310, POL 320*, POL 380, SWK 202*
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SOC 305 Sport Psychology
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| BUS 205 Finance or BUS 307 Business Law |
Communication & Media Arts Elective
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Criminal Justice Elective
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History Elective (300/400)
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Literature Elective (300/400)
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Major Elective: HIS 204, HIS 301, POL 201, POL 203, POL 310, POL 320*, POL 380, SWK 202*
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SPM Major Elective
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BUS 203 Leadership or BUS 207 Organizational Leadership
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*courses may have additional prerequisites
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Electives (18-26 credits)
| FAS 100 | Foundations for Academic Success | 3 |
| Electives | |
FAS 100 Foundations for Academic Success is required for all students unless they are transferring in 45 or more credits, not including Life Experience Credits. Students should take this course at the beginning of their program.
Electives can possibly be filled through Life Experience Credits.
Christian Service (0 credit)
Christian Service provides an important part of the overall education program of the college. Its function is to assist students in experiencing various forms of practical ministry, proclaiming Christ by serving Him in the Church and society.
CSV 199 and
CSV 200
Program Director: Mark Menga, PhD, Regent University, Communication
Dr. Mark Menga has been shaping minds at the intersection of communication, media, and faith. His expertise in analyzing how visual media impacts the soul has equipped countless students to think critically about modern media through a biblical worldview. Through his leadership and teaching, students have developed strong foundations in communication theory, media analysis, and cultural engagement.
Dr. Menga researches how Christians consume and create popular culture, and how popular culture portrays Christianity. His doctoral work explored digital dualism and the representation of the immaterial human soul through animated characters in American cinema. This fascination with the intersection of faith and media continues to inform his teaching and mentoring approach, helping students navigate their own media consumption and creation journeys.
Working closely with students is the most rewarding aspect of Dr. Menga's role. He delights in seeing students discover their unique gifts and develop their professional voices while maintaining their spiritual integrity. His open-door policy and commitment to individual mentoring create an environment where students feel supported in both their academic and personal growth.
Dr. Menga actively engages in developing cutting-edge curriculum that responds to the rapidly evolving media landscape. His approach integrates contemporary communication theory with practical applications, preparing students for the challenges of modern media environments. Through intentional mentoring and thoughtful program design, he helps students discover how their communication skills can serve both professional excellence and kingdom purposes.
When not in the classroom or meeting with students, Dr. Menga enjoys life in Lancaster, PA with his wife and son. Their family adventures often include outdoor activities and quality time with relatives. These personal experiences enrich his understanding of media's role in family and community life, bringing a practical dimension to his academic expertise.
Faculty:
Dr. Mark Menga, PhD