Nov 22, 2024  
2020-2021 Academic Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Positive Human Development and Social Change, A.A. (Offered at Lee Arrendale location only)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs

Degree Mission Statement

The Mission of the Positive Human Development and Social Change degree program at Life University is to produce change makers by cultivating inner-, social- and systems-level skills and knowledge through a highly interdisciplinary, theory-practice based program that leads students to critical analysis and ethical engagement that promotes human, social and environmental flourishing.

Educational Model

The model integrates three major domains of inquiry, and three levels of knowledge processing, informally called the “three-in-three” educational model unique in the world of higher education. Students study and cultivate personal skills, such as emotional intelligence and ethical mindfulness; social skills such as compassion, empathy and empowering communication; and systems-level understanding, with concentration areas in positive business, positive psychology, contemplative practice, secular ethics, and peace and conflict studies. Alongside regular coursework, practice labs help students deepen their understanding from received knowledge to critical insight and finally embodied understanding.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will gain proficiency from a variety of disciplines in the theory, science and practice of emotional awareness, emotional intelligence and self-regulation; and in the discernment and cultivation of values, meaning and purpose conducive to individual flourishing.
  • Students will gain proficiency from a variety of disciplines in the theory, science and practice of social intelligence and prosocial proficiencies such as forgiveness and reconciliation, empathy, impartiality, and compassion.
  • Students will develop a sophisticated interdisciplinary understanding of complex systems (economic, cultural, social and political) and how these systems function individually and interdependently.
  • Students will gain proficiency in accessing creativity, problem solving capacities, and other practical skills necessary for engaged global citizenship through the cultivation of multiple intelligences, such as emotional, social, creative and intellectual.

Positive Human Development and Social Change Requirements


Area I: Communication and Humanities 15 Quarter Credit Hours
Area II: Science, Mathematics and Computers  15 Quarter Credit Hours
Area III:  Social Sciences 10 Quarter Credit Hours

Area I: Communication & Humanities (15 Quarter Credit hours)


A. Communication (10 Quarter Credit hours)


Grade of “C” or better is required.

Area II: Science, Mathematics & Computers (15 Quarter Credit hours)


Area III: Social Sciences (10 Quarter Credit hours required)


Area IV: Positive Human Development & Social Change Core (29 Quarter Credit hours)


Grade of “C” or better is required.

Area V: Secular Ethics and Spirituality Requirements (17 Quarter Credit hours)


Grade of “C” of better is required.

Additional Completion Requirements


  1. Satisfactory completion of all Positive Social Change and Psychology courses with a minimum grade of C.
  2. Completion of at least two years of prescribed study with at least 25% of coursework being earned at Life University
  3. Satisfactory completion of all courses with a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.0.
  4. Complete and file a Graduation Petition.
  5. Complete Student Affairs requirements:
    1. Registrar Office – Complete a formal academic records review
    2. Complete Exit Counseling, if applicable, online at www.StudentLoans.gov
    3. Student Accounting – rectify any account balance

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs