PROGRAM OF STUDY

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biblical/Theological Studies

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biblical/Theological Studies program provides training for ministry leadership. Through biblical, theological, contextual, professional, and general education studies, students are equipped for a wide variety of church and mission-related leadership positions. Each student majors in Biblical/Theological Studies and selects a minor from one of the following Professional Studies areas: Religious Education, Youth Ministry, Church Music, Pastoral Ministry, Church Planting, Pastoral Care, and Social Work, and Interdisciplinary Studies.

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts degree program have used this course of study as a basis for graduate study at theological seminaries and schools of theology accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.

Independent coursework is allowed for academic studies in a specific topical area that goes beyond current course offerings. Coursework will be designed and supervised by an appropriately credentialed faculty member. A course proposal should be submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Course expectations should equal or exceed the effort required in a course of equivalent credit.

DEGREE AND 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

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

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

Value-Based
• Accept responsibility for personal behavior
• Clarify personal values
• Demonstrate an understanding of ethical reasoning processe
• 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

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

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.

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:

1. Exhibit competency in the general studies necessary for the practical aspects of life and career in a technologically advanced and ethnically diverse world community.

2. Possess a comprehensive knowledge of the Bible and its historical, theological, ethical, and philosophical perspectives as a foundation for life and ministry.

3. Understand biblical and systematic theology to stimulate intellectual inquiry and further understanding of themselves and their community.

4. Nurture a growing and comprehensive understanding and adherence to biblical values, forming a commitment to a strong personal ethic in personal and professional relationships.

5. Know the historical and theological development of the church and the Baptist heritage.

6. Practice functional basic church ministry skills to maintain professional competency in the ministry.

7. Communicate the Gospel message clearly through effective study and exegesis of the Bible, the written and spoken word, and in personal witnessing.

8. Exhibit leadership skill for use in life and ministry.

9. Grow in Christ-like character to develop and use spiritual gifts in service to God, the church, and the world.

10. Apply skills and knowledge in multicultural and multilingual environments, retaining individual cultural distinctives, 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.

Religious Education Minor

The Religious Education minor provides theoretical and practical ministry skills to those students anticipating service in the Christian education ministry of the church. Students choosing to study in this program may be anticipating service in such positions as minister of religious education, minister to children, minister to adults, or service as a coordinator of Bible study or discipleship training programs. By completing the course work for the Religious Education minor, the student will be able to:

1. Integrate biblical, historical, and contemporary educational principles into a personal philosophy of education.

2. Apply principles of learning appropriate to different age groups (i.e., preschool, children, youth, and adults) to the teaching of Scriptures.

3. Demonstrate administrative, organizational, and leadership skills in a religious education ministry setting.

4. Utilize appropriate counseling skills.

5. Utilize conflict resolution and negotiation strategies for their Religious Education ministry.

6. Identify and utilize teaching strategies that may be applied to a church educational ministry.

7. Develop a comprehensive Religious Education Program that takes into consideration ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic factors.

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 to their chosen vocation.

Future or current youth pastors, youth workers, camp counselors, or ministers to families may enroll in the Youth Ministry minor to assist in preparation for local and global multicultural ministry. By completing the course work for the Youth Ministry minor, the student will be able to:

1. Identify trends and characteristics of contemporary youth culture.

2. Apply principles of learning appropriate to youth work in the teaching of Scriptures.

3. Identify and utilize teaching strategies that may be applied to youth ministry.

4. Design and implement leadership development strategies applicable to working with youth and their families.

5. Develop a comprehensive youth ministry program that takes into consideration ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic factors.

6. Utilize appropriate counseling skills.

7. Utilize conflict resolution and negotiation strategies for youth ministry.

Church Music Minor

The minor in Church Music seeks to develop practical and theoretical knowledge for those desiring to serve the church through leadership in worship and Christian music.

By completing the course work for the Church Music minor, the student will be able to:

1. Discuss current trends in church music and worship.

2. Analyze current developments in church music in light of the historical development of the Christian church, its music, and its worship.

3. Develop a coherent theological foundation for the music and worship ministries of the church.

4. Acquire basic skills in music theory, history, and literature.

5. Demonstrate basic competency in playing an instrument or participating in a vocal ministry activity (i.e., choir, ensemble, rondalla, praise team, or solos).

6. Plan and implement a functional church music program appropriate to the cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic makeup of the local church.

Pastoral Ministry Minor

The Pastoral Ministry program is designed to provide foundational training to those wishing to serve the Christian community in a pastoral role. Students trained in Pastoral Ministry may find fulfillment of their calling through service as a senior or associate pastor of a local church, missionary, denominational worker, or lay minister. By completing the course work for the Pastoral Ministry minor, the student will be able to:

1. Identify the ministry needs of a local congregation and facilitate the planning and implementation of programs designed to meet those needs.

2. Demonstrate the leadership ability to serve effectively in the local church (i.e., lead in the outreach, organization, and mission enterprises of the church).

3. Demonstrate the pastoral skills necessary to serve the local church effectively (i.e., performing weddings, baptisms, funerals, and new member visitation).

4. Communicate the Word of God both in teaching and preaching.

5. Develop a church growth program for the church that takes into consideration the ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic factors in a given community.

6. Utilize appropriate counseling skills.

7. Use effectively administrative, organizational, and leadership skills in a pastoral ministry setting.

8. Utilize conflict resolution and negotiation strategies as they relate to the pastoral task.

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. By completing the course work for the Church Planting Minor, the student will be able to:

1. Assess the characteristics of a community for the establishment of an effective local church.

2. Develop a church planting program that takes into consideration the historical and biblical models of church planting.

3. Exhibit practical skills and strategies for modern church planting, especially in a multicultural or Hispanic context.

4. Design and implement strategies for the development of local leadership in the context of church planting.

5. Communicate the Word of God both in teaching and preaching.

6. Utilize appropriate counseling skills.

7. Utilize conflict resolution and negotiation strategies for the church planting mission.

Pastoral Care & Counseling Minor

Pastoral Care studies provide practical training to those interested in nurturing and developing the skills needed to become 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. By completing the course work for the Pastoral Care minor, the student will be able to:

1. Develop basic skills for clinical pastoral care in the hospital setting.

2. Develop basic skills for doing clinical pastoral care in the church setting.

3. Demonstrate the skills to communicate the Word of God and the love of God to people who are experiencing conflict and crisis in their lives.

4. Utilize appropriate counseling skills as they apply to counseling people in crisis.

5. Develop the competencies required for ecclesiastical endorsement as chaplains through immersion experiences in diverse clinical settings.

Social Work Minor

The Social Work professional minor program is designed to provide foundational training to those wishing to serve Christ in ministries to the community anchored in the local church but not limited to it. Students trained in Social Work may find fulfillment of their calling through service as pastors, community ministry leaders, missionaries working among the poor, church planters in areas where the primary outreach to the community is through ESL ministries, medical and dental ministries, and other social ministries focused on meeting social needs. By completing the course work for the Social Work minor, the student will be able to:

1. Apply the theoretical and practical foundations of social work to assist congregations and Christian organizations in working with individuals, families, groups, and organization in alleviating human suffering.

2. Identify the community ministry needs of a given community and facilitate the planning and implementation of programs designed to meet those needs.

3. Develop a community ministry program for the church that takes into consideration the ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic factors in a given community.

4. Identify and utilize teaching strategies that may be applied to working effectively in the community through social ministries.

5. Utilize appropriate counseling skills to be able to work with people in need.

6. Apply effectively administrative, organizational, and leadership skills in a community ministry settings.

7. Utilize conflict resolution and negotiation strategies as they relate to the task of ministering to the community through social ministries.

Interdisciplinary Studies Minor

Students may choose any five of the courses offered in the other professional studies minor to fulfill the requirements for these professional studies minor.

Graduation Requirements and Process

Affiliation and Accreditation

Students graduating from the University must meet the following requirements:

• Manifest the highest morals, values, and Christian testimony to enhance the work of the Kingdom and encourage others to come to Christ;
• Complete the prescribed course of study and maintain a passing grade average (as certified by Vice President for Academic Affairs);
• Meet all financial obligations (as certified by Vice President for Administration & Finance);
• Attend at least 85% of chapel services (as certified by Vice President for Student Development);
• Comply with required ministry service (as certified by Director of Christian Service Program); and
• Receive authorization of the Board of Trustees for the conferral of diplomas.

  Application for Graduation

  Diplomas are not awarded automatically. A candidate for an award must submit an application for graduation. Applications may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office. Completed applications should be returned to the Registrar’s Office by February 15th for May graduation. The application and administrative certifications will be presented to the Board of Trustees for authorization.

  Graduation Rate

  The six-year graduation rate for the 1999 freshman class was 39%. The freshman class of 2000 has currently a five-year graduation rate of 56%.

  Christian Service Program

  To graduate, students must demonstrate one ministry service unit per semester as certified by the Director of Christian Service Program. A unit is defined as 10-12 ministry service experiences (normally one hour per week) per semester. Students are to be active in local churches. Students are to submit regular reports to the Director of the Christian Service Program on their involvement in the church and other ministries. This responsibility is a University requirement and may or may not be compensated.

  Students should participate in the Christian Service Program for the duration of their enrollment at BUA, or for eight regular semesters (or twenty-four online terms), whichever is less.

  Chapel Attendance

  To graduate, students must present a certificate of chapel attendance attesting to at least 85% attendance each semester. The Vice President for Student Development maintains chapel attendance records and provides a record of individual chapel attendance at the end of each semester.

  Catalog Restrictions

  A student pursuing a course of study may choose to graduate in compliance with the requirements of the Catalog in effect at the time of entrance to the University or those of any subsequent edition, provided that degree requirements are completed within five years from the ending date of the effective period of the selected Catalog. Each Catalog is effective from August 1st of the year of publication through July 31st of the next calendar year.