Biblical Studies
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies is designed to familiarize students with the Bible’s content and ideas, the church’s reflection upon it, methods of interpretation, and the application of Scripture in church and culture. Key to the program are skills for lifelong study and communication of God’s Word. The program has adequate flexibility to allow students to select a minor based on appropriate career planning, or to create an individualized study plan with faculty advisors to complement personal strengths, gifting, and passions.
This major prepares students for seminary education or graduate work in theology or related disciplines; furthermore, it provides a strong foundation for ministry in church, para-church, and mission settings. Finally, this program provides undergraduate education to meet basic ministry licensure requirements with the Christian & Missionary Alliance and several other denominations.
The Instruction for our BA in Biblical Studies comes from our respected faculty at A.W. Tozer Theological Seminary. Undergraduates may benefit from seminary courses periodically available in youth ministry, ministry, church-planting, intercultural studies, and international community development. Also, a dual degree configuration (BA/MA), known as the Tozer Advanced Program, can expedite students interested in moving seamlessly into a master’s program.
“WHAT WE THINK ABOUT WHEN WE ARE FREE TO THINK ABOUT WHAT WE WILL – THAT IS WHAT WE ARE OR WILL SOON BECOME.” – A.W. TOZER
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret Christian Scripture derived from sound interpretive or hermeneutical skills, and from an understanding of worldview development, theology, and personal life application.
- Demonstrate the ability to interface with believers and non-believers as a Christian minister with a well-developed understanding of the liberal arts.
- Be prepared to obtain initial licensure within his/her denomination or church group having demonstrated basic ministry skills in theology, communications, worship, leadership, and global studies and/or prepare for entry into a seminary or graduate program for ministry credentialing.
- Demonstrate Christian Character and ethical maturity commensurate with a ministry position in a church, mission organization, or not-for-profit organization.
Course Requirements
- Cultural Anthropology
- World Religions
- Personal Health of the Leader
- Spiritual Formation in Christian Tradition
- Biblical Interpretation
- Greek I
- Greek II
- Pentateuch
ELECTIVE CREDITS (19)
Bible and Theology Minor
Requires Courses
- Literature of Old Testament
- Literature of New Testament
- Engage Faith & Society
- Biblical Interpretation
- Christian Theology
TOTAL CREDITS (21)
Cross-Cultural Studies Minor (Missions)
Required Courses
- Cultural Anthropology
- Biblical Interpretation
- Contemporary Issues in Missions
- Issues in Missionary Life
- History of World Mission
- World Religions
- Cross-Cultural Preparation and Internship
TOTAL CREDITS (21)
Ministry Minor
Required Courses
- Preaching the Word
- Youth Culture and Issues
- Spiritual Formation in Christian Tradition
- Leadership in Ministry
- Christian Theology
- Family Life and Ministry
- Spiritual Formation in Christian Tradition -OR- Small Groups
TOTAL CREDITS (21)
Youth Ministry Minor
Required Courses
- Small Group Ministry
- Youth Ministry I
- Youth Ministry II
- Youth Culture and Issues
TOTAL CREDITS (21)
Associate’s Degree in Bible and Theology
Simpson University also offers an A.A. in Bible and Theology. Please reach out to Admissions for more information!
