Biblical Ministries, B.S.
Mission
The B.S. in Biblical Ministries exists to provide adult learners with training in biblical interpretation, theological understanding, and practical ministry skills for effective service in their local contexts.
Degree Program
The Bachelor of Science in Biblical Ministries is a program aimed at enabling adult learners to earn a bachelor’s degree and providing them with training for ministry in their local contexts. Intended for adults who already possess ministry experience and some college credits, this 100% online program provides a faster time to completion by utilizing Biola’s trimester system, thus enabling students to take courses year-round and allowing them to complete their degrees in as little as 24 months (assuming all of their general education requirements are completed before entering the program). The program combines excellent education in biblical and theological studies as well as training in practical ministry skills with professors from Biola’s Talbot School of Theology.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Biblical Ministries, students will be able to:
- Identify the basic contents of all books of the Old and New Testaments, including the ancient world contexts of the Bible. Apply the biblical teaching for Christian faith and practice (ULO 1, 2).
- Appraise the biblical, philosophical, and theological foundations of ministries within churches and parachurch organizations (ULO 1).
- Demonstrate skills in ministry leadership functions (e.g. teaching, evangelism/discipleship, counseling and administration skills) (ULO 3).
- Formulate perspectives of God, self and others in order to internalize commitments and values for an integrated professional life and ministry (ULO 2).
Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.
Admission Requirements
- Must be a believer in the Christian faith (the applicant's statement of faith will be articulated in the personal essay section of the application).
- Must have at least a 2.5 cumulative college GPA.
- Must have graduated from high school or earned an equivalent degree (GED).
- Preference will be given to students with at least three years' work experience.
- Students with fewer than 15 semester credits post high school must apply as transfer students and meet the Admissions requirements for first time college students. In addition, students are required to:
- Submit SAT/ACT scores, or
- If no test scores, the Post Traditional Test-Optional Rubric process will be used.
Credit for Prior Learning
The following courses may be fulfilled by credit for prior learning experience and prior learning assessment (PLA) in the Biblical Ministries program: CEED 255, CEED 312, CEED 445, BBST 365 (Methods of Bible Study only). Contact Student Success or the academic department for more information.
Curriculum Requirements
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Program-Specific Core Curriculum Courses | ||
The Core Curriculum requirement for Kinesiology and Health Science has been waived for this major. | ||
Bible Requirement | ||
Biblical Interpretation and Spiritual Formation | ||
Foundations of Christian Thought | ||
Old Testament History and Literature | ||
New Testament History and Literature | ||
Theology I | ||
Theology II | ||
Early Christian History - Acts | ||
or BBST 316 | Gospel of John | |
or BBST 326 | Lukan Writings | |
or BBST 336 | Synoptic Gospels | |
Bible Theology and Integration (Methods of Bible Study) 1 | ||
Integration Seminar (Christian Ministries) 2 | ||
Select a 3-credit BBST 300/400 approved elective | ||
Program Courses | ||
CEED 150 | Foundations of Ministry | 3 |
CEED 254 | Leadership Development | 3 |
CEED 255 | Foundations of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
CEED 312 | Christian Ministry Skills | 3 |
CEED 313 | Christian Ministry Discipleship | 3 |
CEED 326 | Counseling Methods | 3 |
CEED 330 | Biblical Interpretation and Teaching | 3 |
CEED 415 | Organization and Administration of Christian Ministries | 3 |
CEED 445 | Ministry Field Work | 3 |
Select 6 credits of upper-division BBST or CEED elective courses | 6 | |
Total Credits | 33 |
1 | BBST 365 is a course with a variety of different sections. Biblical Ministries majors are required to take the specific section entitled "Methods of Bible Study." |
2 | BBST 465 is a course offered in partnerships with various departments with a variety of different sections. Those with the Biblical Ministries major are required to take the specific section entitled "Christian Ministries." |