Faith and Academics: How Indiana Wesleyan University Integrates Christian Values Into Education
If you are seeking a Christian higher education experience, look no further than Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU). Our administrators and educators recognize that by integrating faith in education, we can help all our students achieve a higher level of personal, professional, and spiritual success.
Read on to discover our mission, values, and robust range of student resources.
The Mission and Philosophy of Indiana Wesleyan University
At Indiana Wesleyan University, our mission is to provide all students with a Christ-centered academic community—one in which they can explore the topics and ideas that interest them most—all while improving their relationship with Christ. We consider our campus to have a unique atmosphere that is both welcoming and inclusive, and we are proud to offer academic programs that emphasize character formation in education.
A Christian-Centered Approach to Education
By blending faith with academics, we are able to offer a Christ-centered approach to education. The values that anchor our programs and define our campus community include:
- Kindness – With an emphasis on generosity and compassion, we pride ourselves on having a kind and welcoming campus environment.
- Humility – We encourage members of our campus community to avoid arrogance and to prioritize humility in all their actions.
- Belonging – We all belong in the eyes of Christ; therefore, we all belong on our campus. We recognize that each individual has unique gifts that can be used in service to Christ and others.
- Integrity – Above all, we encourage our students to be honest, transparent, and ethical in all actions.
- Courage – Bravery and strength can be used to overcome even the most challenging situations. We encourage members of our campus community to have courage and stand up for their faith.
- Innovation – We believe that, through creativity and ingenuity, we can come up with innovative solutions to the most complex challenges of our modern world.
- Agility – We encourage our students and faculty members to be resilient and to adapt accordingly, as nothing is impossible through Christ.
The Role of Faith in Shaping Student Experience
College is a time of transition—of growth and development. By choosing to invest in a Christian education at IWU, you will find that faith plays an integral role in shaping your experience and helping you grow into the leader you are destined to be.
We provide our students with opportunities to explore their faith deeper through Christian mentorship programs and help them see the world through the lens of their faith, allowing them to feel connected to this community and closer to Christ.
Programs That Blend Faith With Academics
In addition, Indiana Wesleyan University offers excellent academic programs anchored by rigorous curricula, with all of our degree programs effortlessly weaving faith into the learning experience. On the surface, it may not seem like there is a deep connection between faith and accounting or cybersecurity, but our values-based educational experience allows you to see that your faith can guide you in all that you do.
Faith-Based Curriculum Across Disciplines
Across all academic disciplines, we feature faith-based curriculum programs that allow students to complete coursework that is rooted in scripture and enhanced by Christian values. Our faith-based curriculum programs play a central role in Christian leadership development, supporting our students in becoming experts in their chosen field while simultaneously growing into Christ-centered professionals who are ready to take on today's complex challenges.
Chapel and Worship Opportunities
Students are encouraged to engage in worship opportunities on campus, including attending chapel services on a regular basis. By worshiping together as a community, we help anchor our students in their faith and provide them with a space where they can deepen their relationship with Christ.
Typically, chapel services at Indiana Wesleyan University take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and on-campus students are required to attend chapel 15 times throughout the year. Other worship opportunities on campus include small groups, small worship gatherings, faith integration groups, and Summit experiences.
Faculty and Mentorship Guided by Christian Values
The faculty members who work on campus and teach our courses are guided by their own Christian values. They lead classes with integrity and a sense of moral purpose that helps guide the students on campus. All our faculty members are passionate about providing a Christ-centered education for our students, and they are actively involved in Christian mentorship programs designed to help students grow in their own understanding of their faith.
Initiatives That Promote Faith Integration
As part of our commitment to the identified Indiana Wesleyan University Christian values, we have created several strategic initiatives to promote faith integration on campus. Along with offering Christian-based academic programs, we believe that students should actively explore their faith in all aspects of their lives.
These are a few of the initiatives that enhance spiritual life at Indiana Wesleyan University:
Service Learning and Missions Programs
Service learning and mission programs allow students to travel to international destinations to serve others as Christ taught us and put their faith into action. These cross-cultural, immersive programs give students an opportunity to learn more about the world around them, all while deepening their faith and highlighting the importance of service within the Christian lifestyle. Through service learning and mission programs, all students are encouraged to use their gifts and talents in order to serve those in need around the world.
Faith and Leadership Development
We offer a wide variety of engaging Christian leadership development programs that allow students a chance to develop in-demand leadership skills through the lens of their faith. From certificate programs to undergraduate and graduate degree programs that focus on Christian leadership, we have faith-based programs that equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead with integrity, honesty, and compassion.
Spiritual Life and Discipleship Programs
Spiritual growth and development rests at the core of the IWU experience, which is why so many of our students participate in our discipleship programs. Some opportunities that students have on our campus include:
- Becoming a Spiritual Life Leader, where they can create programming for themselves and other students to enjoy.
- Participating in the Chapel Engagement Team, where they can work to encourage as many students as possible to participate actively in chapel services.
- Serving as a Small Group Leader, where they can encourage discussion among the small groups on campus and foster connections with other students in the campus community.
Fostering a Christian Community at IWU
By actively working to help our students develop meaningful connections with their campus community, we are able to nurture and foster a Christ-centered environment at Indiana Wesleyan University. We recognize that all of our students have individual gifts and talents, and we strive to provide opportunities for learners of all backgrounds and interests, with opportunities to serve others as they grow in their faith.
A Campus Environment Rooted in Faith
Faith plays a central role in our campus environment. From regular chapel services to spiritual formation classes in academic settings, we practice what we preach on a daily basis. In everything we do, we highlight the importance of living the scriptures and staying committed to our Christian values. We encourage all of our students to do the same so that they can grow into the Christian leaders we need to help us navigate the future.
Faith-Based Student Organizations
We are proud to host several faith-based student organizations on campus, all of which allow our students to connect with their peers in a social environment and discover new ways to live out their faith together. Some of our faith-based student organizations include:
- Delight Ministries – A women's ministry on campus that focuses on Bible study.
- Awaken Ministries – A student organization that plans engaging and inviting worship services on campus throughout the year.
- IWU Students for Life – A student organization that advocates for respect for life from conception until natural death.
- Mixedish – A student organization that promotes the power and beauty of diversity and aims to create a culture of inclusivity on campus.
These are just a few examples of the faith-based student organizations active on our campus. We encourage all students to find an organization that aligns with their personal interests and values, as these offer the opportunity to feel like a valued part of our larger campus community.
Academic Excellence in a Faith-Based Framework
Our degree programs are recognized for their academic excellence, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue their chosen career path.
Achieving High Academic Standards with Christian Integrity
Utilizing a faith-based framework, we are able to implement and adhere to high academic standards that encourage students to be devoted to their studies and prioritize academic success. Our values-based educational experience allows students to pursue their chosen program within the framework Christ intended.
Preparing Graduates for Faith-Focused Careers
With an emphasis on Christian values in education, we prepare graduates for careers in which they can thrive professionally while staying true to their faith. No matter which one of our 280 degree programs you choose to pursue, you will be able to graduate with a sense of purpose and integrity that allows you to live out your faith each day in your professional life and beyond.
Learn More About How We Prioritize Christian Values in Education at Indiana Wesleyan University
Emphasizing Christian values in education, Indiana Wesleyan University offers a vast range of degree programs, Christian service opportunities, and student organizations—allowing students to grow in their faith as they explore their personal and professional passions.
Find your way forward. Request more information about faith and academics at IWU today.
Sources
https://www.indwes.edu/find-your-program
https://www.cccu.org/magazine/defining-the-integration-of-faith-and-learning/
https://indwes.presence.io/organizations
https://www.indwes.edu/about/life-at-iwu/
https://www.indwes.edu/about/offices/global-engagement/
https://www.indwes.edu/academics/caps/school-of-integrated-learning-and-development/
