Journey Liberal Arts Core

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. – John 8:32

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An Academic Hero's Quest

Every great story begins with an invitation to adventure, a call to leave the familiar and embark on a transformative quest. The Lipscomb Liberal Arts Core, called Journey, frames students' academic experience as a quest for truth, wisdom, and purpose—one where integrated skills build upon each other through sustained inquiry.

Like the classic hero's journey, Lipscomb's Journey begins with our Compass First Year Seminar, where students join a fellowship of seekers. As they progress through the foundational themes—Seek, Discover, Know, and Flourish—students develop increasingly sophisticated research skills while faculty mentors guide them through intellectual challenges that spark deeper questions and foster persistent curiosity through transformative experiences.

Journey's ultimate destination isn't merely academic achievement but personal growth in a Christ-centered community. In our Virtue, Flourishing & Vocation courses, students integrate their new skills and knowledge with their calling, preparing to apply their wisdom in their chosen fields. Each stage builds upon the last, developing not just isolated competencies but an integrated framework of skills, character, and wisdom. Lipscomb students wrestle with big questions in a flourishing community throughout their Core Journey as they embody John 8:32: "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Compass First Year Seminar

This course invites you to join the academic world, stirring curiosity and expanding your horizons. Lipscomb will encourage you to embrace the journey with all the challenges and uncertainties ahead. You'll be reassured that beginning is part of the call, a normal step in moving toward discovery. Faculty step in as mentors, offering knowledge, support and inspiration. We share what we hope for you throughout your life at Lipscomb and help you see who you will become.

POWERS — The Power of Words Rhetorical Sequence

Lipscomb's two POWERS courses (Writing to Discover & Communicating to Influence) are designed to help students develop as ethical citizens and professionals. Fully committed, you will dive into new ideas and experiences, pushing beyond your comfort zone. Through coursework and campus life, you will encounter new perspectives, make allies and face obstacles that challenge assumptions and foster resilience. Preparing for significant academic challenges, you will reflect on what you need to succeed, discovering the tools and strengths you possess. Along the journey, you are taught how to effectively communicate with various audiences through multiple modalities while discussing ethical considerations for this communication.

Virtue, Flourishing and Vocation

Taken during your junior or senior year, this capstone course requires you to apply your academic learning, faith and ethical reasoning from earlier Journey courses and implement your knowledge in your field of study. You will bring your newfound wisdom back to familiar contexts. Then, apply the foundation of the liberal arts to your vocation. Facing a final challenge, you will demonstrate the depth of your learning in addition to the grasp of your vocation, integrating your journey’s truths. Now transformed, you will emerge from the journey as a prepared, insightful individual, who is equipped to flourish in the world and make an impact.

Core Framework

In addition to the requirements above, additional requirements are required for the for the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Professional Studies, and Bachelor of Science degrees. Learn more about specific details including information applicable to transfer students in the General Education requirement section in the Academic Catalog.