Degree programs

At BUA, we’re bridging cultures and building lives through personalized,
affordable, culturally affirming Christian education for Hispanics
and those planning to work in cross-cultural settings.

Take one of three educational bridges to a career in church-based ministry or community service:

BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN BIBLICAL/THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
fully accredited, 4 year degree, designed to prepare graduates for vocational ministry or work in a humanity-serving profession; with professional electives in youth ministry, religious education, church planting, social work, church music or pastoral care & counseling

BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN CROSS-CULTURAL BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
Newly accredited for fall 2007! The Cross-Cultural Business Leadership degree trains students to be business and administrative leaders in cross-cultural settings. The major focuses on instilling necessary business skills such as accounting and finance, developing strong interpersonal and leadership skills, and preparing the student to be an ethical, contributing member of the community.

BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN SPANISH
Newly accredited for fall 2007! The bachelor of arts in Spanish focuses on three areas of study: (1) communicating in the Spanish language and developing fluency in both oral and written communication; (2) Spanish and Latin American literature;
(3) Iberian and Latin American history and culture. Students will experience Hispanic culture on campus and in the classroom, with opportunities to study and learn in Spanish-speaking countries as well. Students who earn a degree in Spanish may choose to pursue alternative teacher certification in order to teach Spanish in the public school classroom.

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE IN CROSS-CULTURAL STUDIES
2 year degree combining theology, cross-cultural studies, and general studies,
strong foundation for any humanity serving career

COLLEGE READINESS STUDIES
students build academic confidence through developmental reading,
writing, math and English as a Second Language (ESL)

Click here for a closer look at each of our degree programs (PDF)

Degree & Graduation Requirements

Instructional Principles

Four principles embody the philosophical perspective behind the University's academic program, and guide the faculty as they develop coursework and learning experiences:

Head — Students will receive the best training in Biblical/Theological education and professional development that resources can provide. Students will have a basic knowledge of Biblical background and content with a view to applying that knowledge professionally.
Heart — Students will develop effective attributes desirable for ministers. These attributes include a Biblical worldview and philosophy of living, a compassionate and caring personality that is essential for ministers, and an internal value system consistent with Christian living in the twenty-first century.
Hand — Students will be able to apply their learning in practical ministry. Students will be able to apply their knowledge and skills in practical ways that affect what they do in ministry.
Habitat — Students will develop life-long applications of their basic knowledge of the Bible in a relational context, mediated through a Christian value system, and applied in ministry. Learning will become a self perpetuating cycle fed from continuous learning and application to new situations through a series of living exchange relationships.

General Education Core Curriculum

The University provides quality coursework in the arts and sciences and other areas of study with a core of general education courses that emphasize competencies in basic and interpersonal skills, knowledge and comprehension, value-based aptitudes, and higher-order thinking skills.

General Education Core Curriculum Taxonomy: The following student-learning outcomes are incorporated into the general education core curriculum:

Basic Skills

Read with understanding
Write effectively
Apply mathematical concepts
Utilize technology

Value-Based

Accept responsibility for personal behavior
Clarify personal values
Demonstrate an understanding of ethical reasoning processes
Make ethical decisions
Participate in humanitarian activities
Tolerate differences of opinion
Become involved in citizenship activities
Demonstrate a positive attitude towards lifelong learning
Acknowledge an aesthetic appreciation of art, literature, music, etc.
Demonstrate self-confidence

Knowledge/Understanding

Analyze information
Acquire a historical perspective
Recognize the components of divergent literary styles
Apply scientific knowledge/skills
Acknowledge social mores different from their own
Demonstrate awareness of global issues/events
Broaden intellectual interests
Comprehend the impact of technology on society

Higher-Order Thinking Skills

Exercise intellectual curiosity
Synthesize knowledge from various sources
Think critically
Utilize methods of scholarly inquiry
Conduct meaningful self assessment
Exhibit characteristics of a self directed learner
Establish long-term or life goals

Interpersonal Skills

Communicate with others
Speak effectively
Listen to and understand what others say
Participate as an effective group member
Exercise leadership
Demonstrate openness to new concepts

Degree Requirements: Candidates for a B.A. Degree in Biblical/Theological Studies must satisfy certain basic requirements in addition to major course and elective requirements.

Category	Course	Required Hours
Written Communication	ENGL 1301 ENGL 1302	6 hours
Oral Communication	SPCH 1311	3 hours
Computer Literacy	COSC 1300	3 hours
Social and Behavioral Sciences	ANTH 2351 EDUC 1300 GOVT 2304 HIST 2321 HIST 2322 PSYC 2301	18 hours
Science and Mathematics	MATH 1332 ENVR 1401	7 hours
Wellness/Physical Education	PHED 1304	3 hours
	Total	46 hours

Biblical Theological Major and Contextual Ministry Studies — Student Learning Outcomes

The curriculum and associated experiences at the University assist students in maturing and advancing in biblical and general knowledge, ministry skills, and Christian character. Following the course of study, and depending on vocational goals, graduating students with a major in Biblical/Theological Studies should —

Exhibit competency in the general studies necessary for the practical aspects of life and career in a technologically advanced and ethnically diverse world community.
Possess a comprehensive knowledge of the Bible and its historical, theological, ethical, and philosophical perspectives as a foundation for life and ministry.
Understand Biblical and systematic theology to stimulated to future intellectual inquiry and further understanding of themselves and their community.
Nurture a growing and comprehensive understanding and adherence to Biblical values, forming a commitment to a strong personal ethic in all personal and professional relationships.
Know the historical and theological development of the church and the Baptist heritage.
Practice functional basic church ministry to maintain professional competency in the ministry.
Communicate the Gospel message clearly through effective study and exegesis of the Bible, the written and spoken word, and personal witnessing.
Exhibit leadership skill for use in life and ministry.
Grow in Christ-like character to use their spiritual gifts in service to God, the church, and the world.
Apply skills and knowledge in multicultural and multilingual environments, retaining individual cultural distinctions, and exercising cross-cultural competencies in service to the world community.

Professional Studies Minors — Student Learning Outcomes

Students seeking the Bachelor of Arts degree choose one of six Professional Studies Minors to meet their educational and vocational goals. The Professional Studies Minors are based upon traditional needs of the local Christian church and associated ministries.

In selecting a minor, students should carefully consider their personal calling in ministry, areas of interest and enthusiasm, vision for ministry, and service to the community of faith. Reflection, together with counseling by the academic advisor, will assist in determining the minor best suited to the student for service in the Kingdom of God. Students should consider declaring a specific program of study at the end of the third semester of full-time study.

As a vital part of all Professional Studies Minors, students participate in the Christian Service Program. Each semester, students put into practice the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills developed in the classroom. This supervised practicum helps to mature students in the Christian faith, develops a stronger Christian worldview, and aids in assessing student progress in ministry preparation.

Youth Ministry Minor

Students enrolled in the Youth Ministry minor receive training to assist those seeking to serve in Christian ministry to youth by developing and applying theoretical and practical skills relating to their chosen vocation. Current or prospective youth pastors, youth workers, camp counselors, and ministers to families enroll in the Youth Ministry minor to prepare for multicultural ministry by learning —

To understand and apply contemporary methods of ministry to youth in the local church and community.
To develop skills and strategies for identifying and training emergent leaders in church youth ministries.
To recognize and effectively address issues of personal and family emotional, spiritual, and psychological development among those served by the youth minister.

Church Music Minor

The Church Music minor develops practical and theoretical knowledge for service through leadership in worship and Christian music. The ongoing dialogue over church music, especially worship formats and musical styles, requires that ministers of music, worship leaders, and church vocalists and instrumentalists be prepared to minister in the varied tapestry of the multicultural world. Students enrolled in the Church Music minor will learn —

To appreciate and practice historical and contemporary forms of Christian musical expression and their roles in Christian worship.
To develop and improve musical and worship leadership skills applicable to Christian service, especially in the Hispanic context.
To understand, apply, and create a program for developing educational skills for modern church music ministry.

Pastoral Ministry Minor

The Pastoral Ministry minor provides foundational training for service in the Christian community in a pastoral role. Students trained in Pastoral Ministry may find fulfillment of their calling through service as senior or associate pastor of a local church, missionary, denominational worker, or lay minister. This area of concentration is designed —

To assist in developing leadership and pastoral skills necessary to serve the local church.
To provide a theoretical foundation and practical resources for pastoral ministry to the local congregation.
To provide insight and assistance in the oral and written proclamation of the Gospel.

Church Planting Minor

The Church Planting program will assist those seeking to serve the Christian community through the development of new church starts. Students anticipating ministry roles as pastors, missionaries, staff members of new church starts, or visionary lay leaders with service focused on the Great Commission will find fulfillment in this program, structured —

To provide an understanding of Biblical and theoretical models and methods of creating new churches.
To assist in developing the spiritual and relational characteristics needed to engage in effective church planting.
To provide practical skills and strategies for modern church planting, especially in a multicultural or Hispanic context.

Pastoral Care Minor

Pastoral Care studies provide practical training to those interested in nurturing and developing the self and becoming a resource for growth and healing in others. The minor is designed for students planning to serve as chaplains or ministers in specialized care settings, structured —

To guide students in developing the practical skills of clinical pastoral care.
To experience loving Christian care and service through multiple long-term service opportunities.
To train in a clinical setting those seeking ecclesiastical endorsement as chaplains.