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Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies

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Graduates of Grand Canyon University's Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies program will utilize biblical studies as the foundation, and an understanding of theology, philosophy, and Christian history as the framework, for communicating Christ to various audiences. In addition to spiritual formation and exegetical skills essential to Christian studies, graduates will be able to employ communication, leadership, and organizational skills necessary for effective ministry.

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.

Competency Requirements GCU Course Options Total Credits
University Foundations 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. Students with fewer than 24 credits will fulfill the University Foundations requirement with a specified lower-division course. An upper-division selection will be made available to students that enter the university with more than 24 credits. UNV-103/303, University Success: 4 credits 4 credits
Effective Communication 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. UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4 credits

ENG-105, English Composition I: 4 credits

ENG-106, English Composition II: 4 credits		 9-12 credits
Christian Worldview Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV 101. CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4 credits 4 credits
Critical Thinking 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 (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher. PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4 credits

MAT-134, Applications of Algebra: 4 credits

BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4 credits		 11-12 credits
Global Awareness, Perspective and Ethics 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, crosscultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). HIS-221, Themes in U. S. History: 4 credits

PSY-100, Psychology in Everyday Life: 4 credits

SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4 credits

If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.		 6-8 credits

Courses

Course Number Course Title Course Description Credits
BIB-104 Old Testament Historical Perspectives This course is an introductory historical survey of the Old Testament. Attention is given to the study of the Bible itself, its institutions, its literature, and the history of the national life of the Hebrew people from earliest times to the close of the Old Testament period. The course also explores the impact of the Old Testament on the development of Christianity and Christian values. 4
BIB-105 New Testament Historical Perspectives This course is an introductory historical survey of the New Testament, beginning with the interbiblical period. The main emphasis of this course is the Gospels and Acts, and the development of Christian faith and perspectives throughout this historical period. 4
INT-244 World Religions This course is a study of the major contemporary religions of the world including Abrahamic religions, Eastern religions, and other religions. The course covers religious texts, historical background, and current beliefs and practices. Emphasis is given to the ideological foundations of a Christian worldview, a comparison of worldviews, and the application of worldviews within a global society. 4
PHI-305 Ethical Thinking in the Liberal Arts This course considers the role that ethical thinking plays in the liberal arts. Topics are set in historic, literary, artistic, political, philosophical, religious, social, and scientific perspectives. The impact and contributions of leaders in these fields are also considered. 4
MIN-350 Spiritual Formation for Christian Leaders This writing-intensive course is a study of the basic disciplines of Christian discipleship, focusing on the formation of character, values, disciplines, and habits, especially related to the inner development of spirituality. The study makes use of some of the Christian devotional classics. Beyond personal spiritual development, this course addresses students' preparation for being spiritual leaders, encouragers, and/or disciplers of others. Prerequisites: BIB 104 and BIB 105. 4
BIB-351 Moses and the Prophets This course examines the tradition of the Pentateuch tradition and its elaboration in the prophetic tradition. The scriptural record of beginnings and of early Hebrew history, religion, and law is the foundation for the study, with corresponding attention given to Old Testament prophetic writings. Aspects of the prophetic study include the messianic element, the occasion of writing, authorship, content, and interpretation. Prerequisite: BIB 104. 4
BIB-354 Jesus and His Interpreters This course focuses on the teachings and major events in the life of Jesus and the elaboration on those teachings in Paul's writings. Special attention is given to the person, teachings, and work of Jesus. Some pertinent issues in Pauline studies, such as the Judaizer conflict, the effect of Paul's conversion on his thinking and writing, and the sequence of his letters will be examined for their role in the development of the Gospel tradition. Prerequisite: BIB 105. 4
BIB-355 Biblical Interpretation and Application 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. Prerequisites: ENG 105, BIB 104, and BIB 105. 4
HTH-359 Systematic Theology This course is a systematic study of the major doctrines of the Christian religion, including revelation and the Bible, the Trinity, the doctrine of man, the atonement, salvation and Christian growth, the church and it ordinances, and eschatology, examining the biblical foundation for these teachings and their development over time. The course also discusses the relationship between Christianity and other world religions and the relationship between Christian theology and philosophy. Prerequisites: BIB 351 and BIB 354. 4
HTH-379 History of Christianity This course addresses the significant movements and turning points within the church from New Testament times through the Reformation and into modern day America and the world. Special emphasis is given to the ancient Christian church, the church fathers, heresies, monasticism, the Papacy, the practices and problems of the church, the Protestant Reformation, the Catholic Counter-Reformation, and the mission movement-both Catholic and Protestant. Attention is also given to the relationship between Christianity and culture, as Christianity in its geographical expansion through the course of history has interfaced with various cultures ranging from the Jewish world, to the Greco-Roman world, to the barbarian cultures of northern Europe, to the varying cultures encountered as Christianity spread to the New World and then to African and Asian cultures. Prerequisites: BIB 104 and BIB 105. 4
HTH-469 Contemporary Theology This course begins with a brief background of the development of Protestant liberal theology starting with Schleiermacher. Then attention is given to the 20th century schools of theological thought: neo-Orthodox, existential, process, theology of hope, Latin American liberation theology, African-American liberation theology, feminist liberation theology, new Catholic theology, theological expressions of Christianity in Africa and Asia, narrative/post modern approaches to theology, and variations and popular expressions in Protestant theology particularly in America. Even as Christianity must be clothed in various cultures, so the various contemporary theologies attempt to relate theological truth in ways that are relevant to particular cultures or sub-cultures. In the process of studying each contemporary theology, attention will also be given to how that theology is expressed in cultural clothing. Prerequisite: HTH 359. 4
CHL-465 Christian Leadership in the 21st Century This course is an examination of Christian leadership with an emphasis on ethics, community, the environment, and the intricacies of cross-cultural leadership. The course helps students identify administrative skills necessary for leading a successful organization, examine how their Christian values influence their actions and decisions as they live out their faith in their vocations and positions, develop a framework for practicing global citizenship, and initiate an informed dialogue concerning the nature of leadership in other cultures and in diverse situations. Prerequisites: BIB 351, BIB 354, MIN 350, and HTH 469. 4
Required Course Total Credit:48


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


Disclosure

Books & Supplies (Per Program) Tuition & Fees (Per Program) Room & Board
(Per Semester, If Applicable)		 On Time Graduation Rate Median Private Loan Debt Median TIV Loan Debt Median Institutional Financing Plan Debt
Non-Traditional Traditional Non-Traditional Traditional Non-Traditional Traditional Non-Traditional Traditional Non-Traditional Traditional Non-Traditional Traditional
$1,400 $3,200 $54,550 $66,150 $2,965 100% N/A N/A N/A $27,167 N/A N/A N/A

Program SOC

OccupationsSOC Code and Link
Clergy 21-2011.00
Directors, Religious Activities and Education 21-2021.00
Miscellaneous Religious Workers 21-2099.00
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1126.00

* Program subject to change.

  1. It is the policy of the University to collect and remit sales, use, excise and/or gross receipts taxes in compliance with state and local taxing jurisdiction regulations which require the University to remit tax where applicable. These regulations vary by location. Please note: It is also the policy of the University to require payment of sales, use, excise, and/or gross receipts tax. Payment of tax is ultimately the student's financial responsibility to the University regardless of financing arrangements.

    Per Hawaii requirements: It is hereby stated that students residing in the State of Hawaii will be charged Hawaii General Excise Tax on all transactions. Students living in the District of Oahu will be charged 4.5%. Students residing in other Hawaii districts will be charged 4.0%.
  2. Book costs are based on an average. Costs may increase or decrease depending on electronic availability or publisher's book costs.
  3. Room and board costs may be higher or lower depending on housing and meal plan choice. This number is based on an average for students on campus.
  4. Some Non-Traditional programs may be offered on the ground campus or on-line.
  5. N/A identifies that a program is not offered in that modality or that fewer than 10 students graduated within the reported timeframe.
  6. Tuition and Fees for each program are based on current rates. Future Tuition and Fee Rates may vary. Tuition was calculated using the number of credit hours in the program times the current tuition rate.
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