Degree Overview: Bachelor Degree Program in Christian Studies
Majors Overview January 28, 2015Those interested in the Bible, Christianity, and theology should look into bachelor’s degree programs in Christian studies. Graduates will have the ability to spread the word of the Bible with others along with a strong theological and biblical foundation.
Bachelor Degree Program in Christian Studies
Private Christian-affiliated schools typically offer four-year bachelor’s degree programs with a particular focus on Christian studies. A stronger grasp of Christian history and the Bible will be provided to students enrolled in these programs; they will be ready to transfer to a graduate degree program in divinity or entry-level careers in the church.
Schools also offer similar bachelor’s degree programs in Christian studies:
•Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theology
•Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Christian Ministries
•Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Youth Ministry
•Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Biblical and Theology Studies
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Christian Studies are among the degree options offered.
Some programs offer concentrations within the major, such as Christian communication, Christian ministry, biblical studies, or church administration. Coursework is devised to expose students to the historical and religious aspects of the Bible.
Education about other ethical, historical, theological, and biblical sources considered germane to spirituality will be taught to students. Those interested in the ministry are typically attracted to these programs.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma. Students seeking admission to some programs may also be required to complete prerequisite coursework in English composition.
Coursework
Completion of coursework in a foreign language may be mandatory for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Christian Studies degree program. Also required is a minimum number of courses in the sciences or mathematics.
Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Old Testament studies
•Baptist history
•Supervised ministry studies
•Biblical studies and interpretation
•Christian doctrine
•New Testament studies
Career Choices
Those interested in becoming church support staff would benefit by enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program in Christian studies. Those interested in becoming ordained may need to satisfy specific requirements of the church of their denomination. The process may or may not include a graduate degree.
Continuing Education Information
Graduates of the bachelor’s degree program may seek continuing education via enrollment in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program, whereby they can qualify themselves for ordination within their church.
Students may also apply some of the undergraduate foreign language coursework to a doctoral program. Schools offer doctorates in ministry or religion; some schools offer specializations in Christian counseling or leadership.
