ASSOCIATES & BACHELOR DEGREE PROGRAMS
Program Description:
The Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies (AABS) is a two-year undergraduate degree program designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of the Bible, its historical context, theological significance, and its impact on culture and society. This program is suitable for individuals who wish to gain a basic knowledge of biblical studies and explore its relevance to their personal faith or career aspirations.
Program Objectives:
- To introduce students to the fundamental concepts and texts of the Bible.
- To provide a historical and cultural context for biblical narratives and events.
- To foster critical thinking skills for interpreting and analyzing biblical texts.
- To explore the basic theological themes present in the Bible.
- To encourage an understanding of the Bible’s influence on literature, art, and culture.
- To develop effective communication skills in discussing biblical topics.
Program Curriculum:
The Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies (AABS) program typically spans two years and includes a combination of general education requirements and core courses in biblical studies.
Below is a sample curriculum outline:
Year 1: Foundations
- Introduction to Biblical Studies
- Old Testament Survey
- New Testament Survey
- English Composition
- Elective (e.g., Introduction to World Religions)
Year 2: Exploration
- Biblical Exegesis and Interpretation
- Theology of the Bible
- Ethics and Morality in Biblical Perspective
- Elective (e.g., Comparative Religion)
- Elective (e.g., Literature and the Bible)
Program Admission Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completed application form
- Transcripts from previous educational institutions (if applicable)
- Letters of recommendation (if applicable)
- Personal statement of purpose (optional)
Career Opportunities:
Graduates with an Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies (AABS) may pursue entry-level positions in various fields, including but not limited to:
- Church ministry or pastoral roles
- Religious education
- Youth ministry
- Community outreach programs
- Non-profit organizations with religious affiliations
- Entry-level positions in religious publishing or media
Program Description:
The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies (BABS) is an undergraduate degree program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Bible, its historical context, theological significance, and its impact on culture, society, and religious traditions. This program is ideal for individuals who have a deep interest in religious studies, theology, and the biblical text and seek to explore its historical, literary, and theological dimensions.
Program Objectives:
- To develop a foundational knowledge of the Bible, including its historical, cultural, and literary context.
- To foster critical thinking skills and the ability to interpret and analyze biblical texts from a variety of perspectives.
- To explore the theological themes and ethical principles present in the Bible and their relevance to contemporary issues.
- To understand the historical development of religious traditions and their impact on society.
- To develop effective communication skills in written and oral forms to convey complex theological ideas.
- To encourage interfaith dialogue and an appreciation for diverse religious perspectives.
Program Curriculum:
The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies (BABS) program typically spans four years and includes a combination of general education requirements, core courses in biblical studies, and elective courses.
Below is a sample curriculum outline:
Year 1: Foundation
- Introduction to Biblical Studies
- World Religions
- English Composition
- History of Ancient Civilizations
- Elective (e.g., Introduction to Philosophy)
Year 2: Historical Context
- Old Testament Survey
- New Testament Survey
- Ancient Near Eastern History
- Introduction to Theology
- Elective (e.g., Comparative Religion)
Year 3: In-Depth Study
- Biblical Exegesis and Interpretation
- Biblical Hebrew or Greek (Language Study)
- Theology of the Bible
- Ethics and Morality in Biblical Perspective
- Elective (e.g., Biblical Archaeology)
Year 4: Specialization and Integration
- Advanced Topics in Biblical Studies
- Christian Apologetics or Comparative Religious Ethics
- Capstone Project in Biblical Studies
- Electives (e.g., Religious Leadership, World Religions Today)
- Internship or Fieldwork (Optional)
Program Admission Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completed application form
- Transcripts from previous educational institutions
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement of purpose
- Interview (if required)
Career Opportunities: Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies can pursue various career paths, including but not limited to:
- Religious educator or teacher
- Clergy or pastoral roles
- Chaplaincy
- Non-profit and humanitarian organizations
- Faith-based counseling
- Religious journalism or writing
- Further studies in theology, divinity, or related fields
Program Description:
The Bachelor of Arts in Ministry (BAMin) program is designed to prepare students for a rewarding and impactful career in ministry. Rooted in a strong foundation of theological and practical knowledge, this undergraduate degree program equips students with the skills, ethics, and spiritual understanding necessary to serve as effective ministers in various religious and community settings.
Program Goals:
- To develop a deep understanding of religious texts, traditions, and theology.
- To foster ethical and moral leadership qualities.
- To provide practical skills for effective ministry and community engagement.
- To promote interfaith understanding and dialogue.
- To encourage personal and spiritual growth.
Program Duration:
The BAMin program is typically completed in four years of full-time study, with a minimum of 120 credit hours required for graduation.
Curriculum:
Year 1: Foundation of Ministry (30 credits)
- Introduction to Theology (3 credits)
- Old Testament Studies (3 credits)
- New Testament Studies (3 credits)
- Introduction to Christian Ethics (3 credits)
- World Religions (3 credits)
- Introduction to Ministry (3 credits)
- Communication Skills for Ministry (3 credits)
- Introduction to Counseling and Pastoral Care (3 credits)
- Introduction to Church History (3 credits)
- Electives (6 credits)
Year 2: Theological Studies (30 credits)
- Systematic Theology (3 credits)
- Biblical Hermeneutics (3 credits)
- Comparative Religion (3 credits)
- Christian Ethics and Social Justice (3 credits)
- Preaching and Worship (3 credits)
- Christian Leadership and Administration (3 credits)
- Pastoral Counseling (3 credits)
- Church History II (3 credits)
- Electives (9 credits)
Year 3: Practical Ministry (30 credits)
- Homiletics (3 credits)
- Pastoral Care and Counseling (3 credits)
- Church Planting and Growth (3 credits)
- Youth and Family Ministry (3 credits)
- Community Engagement and Service (3 credits)
- Worship Leadership (3 credits)
- Interfaith Dialogue and Engagement (3 credits)
- Internship/Field Experience (6 credits)
- Electives (6 credits)
Year 4: Capstone and Specialization (30 credits)
- Capstone Project in Ministry (6 credits)
- Specialization Electives (12 credits)
- Advanced Leadership and Ethics (3 credits)
- Theology of Ministry (3 credits)
- Global Perspectives in Ministry (3 credits)
- Senior Seminar in Ministry (3 credits)
- Electives (3 credits)
Specialization Options:
Students can choose a specialization to focus their studies further, such as Pastoral Ministry, Youth Ministry, Counseling Ministry, or Interfaith Ministry, by taking specialized electives.
Internship:
During their third year, students are required to complete an internship or field experience in a ministry or community setting to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world context.
Graduation Requirements:
To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry (BAMin), students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, complete all required courses and credits, successfully fulfill the internship requirement, and present a satisfactory capstone project.
This program prepares graduates for roles such as pastors, youth ministers, counselors, chaplains, community organizers, and more, allowing them to make a positive impact on their communities and the world through their ministry.
Program Description:
The Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies (BATS) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of theology, religious studies, and related disciplines. This program aims to equip students with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and ethical perspectives necessary to engage with theological and religious issues in a diverse and interconnected world. Graduates of this program will be prepared for a wide range of careers in religious leadership, education, counseling, and more.
Program Duration:
4 years (8 semesters)
Program Structure:
Year 1: Foundations of Theological Studies
- Semester 1:
- Introduction to Theology
- World Religions
- Biblical Studies I: Old Testament
- Academic Writing and Research Skills
- Semester 2:
- Systematic Theology
- Comparative Religion
- Biblical Studies II: New Testament
- Ethics and Moral Philosophy
Year 2: Theological History and Traditions
- Semester 3:
- History of Christian Theology
- Islam and Islamic Theology
- Philosophy of Religion
- Elective: Introduction to Counseling Skills
- Semester 4:
- Eastern Religions and Philosophy
- Jewish Thought and Theology
- Christian Ethics
- Elective: Introduction to Pastoral Care
Year 3: Contemporary Issues and Interfaith Dialogue
- Semester 5:
- Contemporary Theological Trends
- Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation
- Religious and Social Justice
- Elective: Comparative Ethics
- Semester 6:
- Modern Trends in Christian Identity
- Religious Pluralism
- Worldviews and Ethics
- Elective: Religion in the Modern World
Year 4: Capstone and Specialization
- Semester 7:
- Theological Research Seminar
- Capstone Project
- Specialization Elective I (e.g., Apologetics, Biblical Exegesis, Church History)
- Elective: Leadership in Religious Organizations
- Semester 8:
- Theology in Practice (Internship)
- Capstone Presentation
- Specialization Elective II
- Elective: Religion and Public Policy
Program Electives:
Students will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of electives throughout their program to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. Electives may include courses on specific religious traditions, advanced theology, spiritual practices, and more.
Internship:
During the final semester, students will participate in an internship in a religious or community organization of their choice to gain practical experience in a real-world setting.
Capstone Project:
The capstone project will allow students to engage in original research or practical application of their theological knowledge under the guidance of a faculty advisor. This project will culminate in a presentation to the faculty and peers.
Graduation Requirements:
To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies (BATS), students must successfully complete all required courses, electives, internships, and the capstone project. They must also maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 throughout the program.
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of this program will be well-prepared for various careers in theological education, religious leadership, counseling, interfaith work, social justice advocacy, and more. Additionally, this program provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing advanced degrees in theology, divinity, or related fields.