Bachelor’s in Christian Studies Degree
Bachelor’s in Christian Studies Degree
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Do you feel called to share your love of Christ with others? The Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies degree program at Grand Canyon University encourages you to grow closer to God while preparing to pursue potential careers related to ministry. These Christian studies major program provides a framework of foundational knowledge in biblical studies, theology, philosophy and Christian history while teaching communication skills and the principles of servant leadership. Heed your calling to deepen your faith and reaffirm your commitment to emulating a Christ-like character at our Christian university.
Offered by the College of Theology, the BA in Christian Studies degree takes a modern approach to ministry preparation. You will explore contemporary theories of communication and organizational leadership as you deepen your relationship with Christ. There is a focus on Christian character formation and modern ethical issues, along with a commitment to biblically grounded doctrine and application.
Prepare to explore Christian discipleship and be guided to develop a firm understanding of the core teachings of the Christian faith. You will examine other worldviews and world religions from the Christian perspective. We encourage our students to live a life of service with an eye toward becoming biblically faithful, doctrinally sound and compassionate leaders who serve the community. As you prepare for a potential career related to Christian ministry, you will also have opportunities to participate in GCU’s community service and outreach programs if you choose to earn your degree on campus.
Earn Your Degree Online or on Campus
We're committed to making higher education accessible to more students online regardless of geographic location and current responsibilities. You can also immerse yourself in a Christian learning environment on campus as you take Christian studies classes and participate in worship and Bible studies.
This degree is available through online courses, which you might find more flexible and convenient for your schedule. On GCU’s learning management platform, you can connect with peers and instructors, engage in academically stimulating discussions and access your coursework from virtually anywhere.
If you prefer a traditional campus experience, you could earn this degree as an on-campus student. GCU’s campus in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, serves as a true oasis, connecting students and knowledgeable instructors who are united in their mission to serve Christ.
After being taught foundational knowledge in Christian doctrine and character formation, you will reflect upon global Christianity. This includes modern mission efforts, contemporary trends and best practices for mission strategies.
You will also explore these core competencies and skills:
Communication skills within a ministerial context
Ethics from the Christian perspective
Spiritual formation
Biblical engagement with contemporary issues
Formation of Christian character
Biblical interpretation
Examine Foundations of the Old and New Testaments
We strive to graduate students who are competent communicators and accomplished critical thinkers, capable of sharing the Word of God with a variety of audiences.
In a variety of Christian studies courses, we will cover the following topics:
Specialized Christian Studies Degree Options Focused on Your Interests
At GCU, our Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies offers a variety of emphases to help you specialize in a particular area of theology. These emphases range from biblical studies to global ministry. Our Christian studies programs can prepare you for a range of careers in a variety of settings by teaching soft skills and encouraging you to deepen your faith.
A bachelor’s 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. In your program, you can work to gain the ability to shape and influence educational programs and activities in your church and become a mentor to youths and families.
GCU is an institutionally accredited university, continually accredited by The Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Theology shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering a BA in Christian Studies, you may have some questions about the degree program and possible outcomes. The following FAQs and answers may address them.
A BA in Christian Studies degree can help teach and prepare students for a career of service focused toward spreading the Word of God. Students are taught about a range of Christ-centered topics, including church history, systematic theology and best communication practices, with the goal of preparing graduates to teach others the same faithful message.
The intended 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 may also benefit from being able to defend your stance on the Christian faith and become confident in your Christian study.
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. For example, you may wish to choose an emphasis in youth ministry if you prefer to work with young people or global ministry if you aim to spread the Word of God throughout the world. Other emphases include biblical studies, philosophy and worship leadership.
If you are dedicated to your Christian faith and have a desire to grow closer to God or are thinking about pursuing a career in religious service, then a Christian studies bachelor’s degree might be the right choice for you.
As a Christian studies major, there are a variety of career options you might consider pursuing, depending on your particular talents and interests and where you feel called to serve. You could be called to lead a local church as a pastor or other Christian leader, or you could become a missionary, which would enable you to work in local communities or across the world in developing nations. Earning a bachelor’s in Christian studies may prepare you for a number of faith-based organizations or mission work.
Pursue a Career Serving Christ
Reaffirm your faith in God and pursue a career related to Christian ministry.