Description of the Bachelor of Arts Program

The Bachelor of Arts program is a postsecondary professional degree program designed to equip students for effective Christian ministry in local churches, missions, or denominational service. This program requires a high school diploma or equivalency certificate, an ACT or SAT score, and the completion of 120 semester hours of academic credit for graduation.

Educational Objectives of the Bachelor of Arts Program

The Bachelor of Arts program is designed to promote growth in students toward personal maturity and professional ministry competence. The objectives of the program are accomplished through classroom instruction, the modeling of professors, the expression of community service through the GO! Program, chapel services, and student organizations.

1. To develop an understanding of the Bible and its relevance for today
2. To develop a comprehensive theological framework within which to interpret God’s message to man’s need
3. To develop a functional philosophy of Christian ministry in contemporary society
4. To develop personal spiritual vitality and Christian character through Bible study, prayer, and devotional reading
5. To develop appropriate skills required to preach, teach, and otherwise communicate the Word of God
6. To develop appropriate skills required to exercise leadership positions in the church and denomination
7. To develop the appropriate skills required to communicate the gospel and plant churches cross-culturally
8. To develop a Great Commission worldview to encourage involvement in missions endeavors and support
9. To develop a personal commitment to and involvement in evangelism nationally and internationally

Foundational Studies

The Bachelor of Arts program seeks to guide students to understand and interpret the Christian faith in light of its biblical, theological, and historical dimensions and to utilize insights gained from these disciplines for the effective practice of ministry in the church, community, and world.

Essential Skills for Ministry

The Bachelor of Arts program seeks to guide students to understand, develop, and utilize the essential skills for ministry in the effective performance of leadership roles in the church, including pastoral ministry, Christian education, missionary service, and biblical counseling.

Personal Growth and Professional Development

The Bachelor of Arts program seeks to guide students to develop lifelong patterns of continuing personal spiritual growth and professional development.

Major Concentrations

Both degrees in the Bachelor of Arts program contain a major component. Students choose a major concentration of study to complete their degree. The two major concentrations are:

Double Major

Students may choose to double major by completing all major courses in both fields. Most majors require a minor (8 courses). These eight minor courses plus the remaining (up to four) courses in the same area of study will complete the second major.

Dual Degrees

A student may have two baccalaureate degrees conferred when the requirement of both have been met, provided the student has a minimum of 30 hours over and above that required for the first degree.

Minor Concentrations

Both degrees in the Bachelor of Arts program contain a minor component. Students choose a minor concentration of study to complement their major studies. The minor concentrations are:

 Note: Students in the BACS degree must take the BACS minor.