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Home > Academics > Academic Programs > Christian Studies (BA)

Christian Studies (BA) Program Overview

Follow your calling to become a compassionate leader in a church or Christian organization by earning a B.A. in Christian Studies with a concentration in Ministry Leadership from Bluefield University. As a leader, you will learn practical skills in how to serve members of your church community or serve on the mission field. Perhaps, you want to create your own path ministering to the rural poor or populations who need spiritual leadership. The Christian Studies degree prepares you to reach your potential as a Christian leader.

In the Christian Ministry courses, you engage in an in-depth study of the Bible while learning practical skills in ministering to others. Through courses like introduction to the ministry, introduction to preaching, and introduction to missions, you will learn the fundamentals of how to lead congregations and groups. The program includes opportunities for you to practice your skills through internships and local and international mission opportunities.

With your degree, you will be able to work in a variety of positions within religious and nonprofit organizations. Your dream may be to serve on the mission field, serve as a youth minister, or work with people facing traumatic life events. You may already be serving a congregation as a pastor and need formal training in Christian leadership. Achieve your dream as a Christian leader with a Christian Studies degree.

Available Concentrations

Ministry & Leadership

Biblical & Theological Studies

The Academic Catalog is the student guide to all policies and procedures for Bluefield University.

Tuition: $395 Per Credit Hour
On-Campus Tuition & Fees
Next Start: June 28, 2023 (Online)
Next Start: August 16, 2023 (On-Campus)
Time to Complete: 4 years

Learn how to save on your degree

Courses & Requirements

Bachelor's Degree (BA)
General Education (52 Credits)

General Education requirements may be fulfilled in more specific courses for certain majors. Students seeking a BA degree must complete 6 credit hours of intermediate language studies.

  • Bluefield Core (9* Credits)
  • Composition (6 Credits)
  • Christian Studies (3*- 6** Credits)
  • Fine Arts (3 Credits)
  • History (6 Credits)
  • Literature (3 Credits)
  • Macroeconomics (3 Credits)
  • Math (3*- 6** Credits)
  • Science (4 Credits)
  • Social Science (3 Credits)
  • Speech (3 Credits)

* On-Campus   ** Online

Major Requirements (27 Credits)
  • Advanced Bible
  • Introduction to Philosophy
  • Engaging the Bible
  • Introduction to Ministry
  • Spiritual Formation
  • Introduction to Christian Theology
  • World Religions
  • Church History
  • Senior Seminar
Concentration (21 Credits)

Choose your Concentration (2 Available)

  • Concentration – Ministry Leadership (15 Credits)
    • (Choose 5 Courses)
      • Introduction to Preaching
      • Introduction to Missions
      • Ministry Leadership
      • Philosophy of Youth Ministry
      • Youth Ministry Internship
      • Johannine Literature
      • Worship Forms & Practices
      • Congregational Christian Song
      • Introduction to Church Music Administration
      • Internship in Church Music Administration
      • Drama in Ministry
  • Concentration – Biblical & Theological Studies (15 Credits)
    • (Choose 5 Courses)
      • Studies in the Prophets
      • Studies in the Psalms & Wisdom Literature
      • Formation & History of the Hebrew Kingdom
      • Johannine Literature
      • Exilic & Post-Exilic History of Jews
      • The Synoptic Gospels & Acts
      • Pauline Literature
      • History of the Christian Church I OR History of the Christian Church II
      • Philosophy of Religion
      • Anti-Semitism, Christianity, & the Holocaust
      • Christian Ethics
      • Medieval History
      • The Renaissance & Reformation
  • Concentration Electives (6 Credits)
Electives (20 Credits)
Total Credits: 120

Career opportunities available to graduates of this program include:

Youth Minister
Faith Leader
Ministry Director
Missionary
Church Administrator

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Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

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