Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Christian Studies Degree

Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies

Offered By: College of Theology

Earn Your Bachelor of Arts Degree in Christian Studies Degree Online or On-Campus

Do you feel called to share your love of Christ with others? Learn how to become an effective communicator and an inspiring servant leader when you enroll in the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies degree program at Grand Canyon University. This Christian studies major program provides a framework of foundational knowledge in biblical studies, theology, philosophy and Christian history.

Offered by the College of Theology, the BA in Christian Studies degree takes a modern approach to ministry education. Students learn contemporary theories of communication and organizational leadership as they deepen their relationship with Christ. There is an emphasis on Christian character formation and modern ethical issues.

Gain the Skills to Minister Effectively in the Christian Studies Degree Program

Prepare to turn your calling into a career with a Christian studies bachelor’s degree, offered both online and on-campus by GCU. Explore Christian discipleship and develop a firm understanding of the major teachings of the Christian faith. Study other worldviews and world religions from the perspective of the Christian faith.

GCU strives to graduate students who are competent communicators and accomplished critical thinkers, capable of sharing the word of God with a variety of audiences. In courses such as Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, Pentateuch, Christian Character Formation and Christian Theology I, you will acquire the following core competencies:

  • An understanding of the Old and New Testaments, with an emphasis on major historical periods, theological themes, biblical narrative and genres
  • An appreciation for theological methodology, the person of Jesus Christ and the doctrines of revelation, God, humanity and sin
  • Exegetical knowledge of the Pentateuch, with an emphasis on the application of hermeneutical principles, textual issues and major theological themes
  • A framework of Christian character that encompasses biblical truths, spiritual disciplines, virtues and habits that form the process of discipleship, with an emphasis on the doctrine of sanctification

How GCU Prepares Christian Leaders

After acquiring foundational knowledge in Christian doctrine and character formation, Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies students move on to study global Christianity. This includes modern mission efforts, contemporary trends and best practices for mission strategies.

As students near graduation, they take the intensive Ministerial Communication course. This course emphasizes the development of speaking and listening skills within the ministerial context, including preaching, teaching, interpersonal communication and small group discussion. The undergraduate Christian studies degree program concludes with Christian Ethics, which is a writing-intensive course in which students explore personal morality and contemporary issues.

Christian Studies Degree Jobs and Outlook

A Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies degree may prepare you to pursue a role as a member of the church leadership. Church leaders have the opportunity to make a positive difference in their religious communities and the larger community outside the church. Shape and influence religious learning programs and activities in your church community, and become a mentor to children, youths and families. Other career possibilities that may be related to this degree program include:

  • Domestic or foreign missionary
  • Ministry director
  • Christian school teacher
  • Nonprofit worker

Some graduates may choose to expand their career qualifications further by enrolling in an advanced Christian study program like a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry or a Master of Arts in Youth and Family Ministry. The Grand Canyon Theological Seminary prepares future Christian leaders for a lifetime of devoted service in ministry to others.

Frequently Asked Questions for a Christian Studies Major

What is a Christian studies degree?

A Christian studies degree helps teach and prepare students for a career of service focused toward spreading the Word of God. Students learn church history, systematic theology and best communication practices so to know how to teach others the same faithful message.

What’s the benefit of a Christian studies degree?

The benefit of Christian study is to not only prepare yourself for a career of service in your faith, but to also strengthen your knowledge of Christian history, theology and discipleship. Along the way, you also benefit from vocational and communication practices so you can defend your stance on the Christian faith and become confident in your Christian study.

What kind of Christian studies degrees are there?

Whether it is referred to as a Christian studies degree or a bachelor’s degree in religious studies, there are many different focuses for you to choose from based on what kind of ministry in which you choose to serve. GCU includes emphases in biblical studies, global ministry, philosophy, worship leadership or youth ministry.

What jobs can I get with a Christian studies degree?

As a Christian studies major, there are a variety of career options based upon your strengths and where you feel called to serve. You could be called to lead a local church as a pastor or Christian leader, or you could become a missionary where you work in local communities or across the world in developing nations. Studying as a Christian studies major can help prepare you for a number of faith-based organizations or mission work, wherever that may be.

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TOTAL CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 120
Campus: 15 weeks
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Online: 7 weeks
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TRANSFER CREDITS:
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
TUITION RATE:
Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]
Online: $410 per credit [More Info]

Course List

General Education Requirements:
34-40 credits
Major:
48 credits
Open Elective Credits:
32-38 credits
Degree Requirements:
120 credits

General Education Requirements

General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.

Requirements

Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.

Course Options

  • UNV-103, University Success: 4
  • UNV-303, University Success: 4

Requirements

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.

Course Options

  • ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
  • UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
  • ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
  • COM-263, Elements of Intercultural Communication: 4

Requirements

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.

Course Options

  • CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
  • CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4

Requirements

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments. Students are required to take 3 credits of college mathematics or higher.

Course Options

  • MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4

Requirements

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.

Course Options

  • PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
  • INT-244, World Religions: 4
  • SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4

Core Courses

Course Description

This course introduces the text of the Old Testament with emphasis on the biblical narrative, genres, major historical periods, and theological themes.

Course Description

This course introduces the text of the New Testament with emphasis on the biblical narrative, genres, major historical periods, and theological themes.

Course Description

This course is a study of theological methodology and the doctrines of revelation, God, humanity, sin, and the person of Jesus Christ with emphasis on the biblical bases for each doctrine.

Course Description

This writing-intensive course helps equip students to understand and use basic principles of biblical hermeneutics, including an introduction to the nature of Bible interpretation and the application to contemporary issues. The majority of the course focuses on developing practical procedures and step-by-step skills in exegesis of Scripture. Prerequisite: BIB-106.

Course Description

This course is an exegetical study of the first major division of the Old Testament with an emphasis on the application of hermeneutical principles. The class focuses on the interpretation of selected passages from the Pentateuch. Attention is also given to textual issues and major theological themes. Prerequisites: BIB-106 and BIB-355.

Course Description

This course is a study of theological methodology and the doctrines of the works of Jesus Christ, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and last times with emphasis on the biblical bases for each doctrine.

Course Description

This course examines the biblical truths, spiritual disciplines, virtues, and habits that contribute to the process of discipleship, form Christian character, and result in Christ-likeness. Special attention is given to the doctrine of sanctification and teaching related to ministerial ethics and the cultivation of Christ-like character. Prerequisites: BIB-106 and BIB-107 or BIB-100.

Course Description

This writing intensive course is a survey of global Christianity that examines the mission and purposes of God and His people among the nations. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of recent mission movements, best practices for mission strategies, and contemporary trends in global Christianity. Prerequisite: HTH-201.

Course Description

This course is an exegetical study of the initial books of the New Testament with an emphasis on the application of hermeneutical principles. The class focuses on the interpretation of selected passages from the Gospels and Acts. Attention is also given to textual issues and major theological themes. Prerequisites: BIB-107 and BIB-355.

Course Description

This course surveys the major developments within the history of Christianity that have shaped Christian doctrine. Emphasis is placed on key events, personalities, theological developments, and movements. Prerequisites: HTH-201 and HTH-202.

Course Description

This course is a study of the theory and methods of oral communication with emphasis on the development of speaking and listening skills for application in ministerial contexts such as preaching, teaching, small group discussion, and interpersonal communication. Prerequisites: BIB-106, BIB-107, and BIB-355.

Course Description

This writing-intensive course systematically studies the biblical, theological, and philosophical foundations of Christian ethics as compared with other ethical systems that shape public discourse on ethical issues. Emphasis is placed on personal morality and an exploration of contemporary issues relevant to the church's public witness.

Locations

GCU Campus Student


Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.

GCU Online Student


Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.

* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.

* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.

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