Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies - Biblical Studies Degree
What Is a Biblical Studies Degree?
Future Christian leaders who desire to know and love Christ are invited to apply to the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Biblical Studies program. This biblical studies degree emphasis, offered online and on campus by Grand Canyon University (GCU), entails an intensive survey of Christian doctrine, Christian history and theology with a focus on biblical interpretation and genre studies in the Old and New Testaments. Students undergo an in-depth exploration of the Bible and learn to rightly handle the Word of God through the teaching and preaching of Scripture within a church or other ministry context.
Offered by the College of Theology, the biblical studies degree online prepares future servant leaders to effectively and humbly communicate the Word of God to a variety of audiences. Students are encouraged to explore issues pertaining to personal morality. While developing a solid grasp on the Christian worldview, students gain an understanding of other major world religions.
What You Will Learn with a Biblical Studies Degree
GCU students studying the Christian faith on campus are immersed within a warm, welcoming community of likeminded peers and instructors, all of whom are seeking to grow closer to God. In addition to closely studying the major teachings and doctrines of the Christian faith, biblical studies degree online and on-campus students explore effective teaching styles and methodologies.
Graduates of the on-campus or online biblical studies degree emphasis will be prepared to effectively minister to a diverse range of audiences, including church congregations, small groups and student groups. In courses such as Gospels and Acts, Biblical Interpretation and Application, Pentateuch and Hebrew Prophets, students will explore these core curriculum areas:
- Interpretation of selected passages from the Gospels and Acts in light of major theological themes
- Pre-exilic, exilic and post-exilic prophets, including their ministry and message, studied with consideration for the social, political and religious conditions of their times
- The use of the basic principles of biblical hermeneutics, including their application to contemporary issues
- The development of literature, composition and theological themes pertaining to the Hebrew poetry and wisdom literature in the Old Testament
- The story of Jesus as it unfolds within the four Gospels, the continued work of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts and the life of the early church through the lens of the NT epistles
There is an emphasis on Christian character formation and the study of ethical decision-making for modern Christians. Under the thoughtful guidance of knowledgeable instructors, students develop their speaking and listening skills within various ministerial contexts.
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Careers With a Biblical Studies Degree
Follow your faith toward a career path that allows you to share God’s Word in meaningful, impactful ways. Graduates of this online and on-campus bachelor’s in Christian studies with a biblical studies degree emphasis are prepared to pursue a variety of positions as servant leaders within the Christian church. Some may feel called to work as domestic or foreign missionaries, Bible school teachers or worship coordinators. Other career possibilities that may be related to this degree program include the following:
- Religious activities and educational director
- Postsecondary philosophy and religion teacher
In addition to a having a fulfilling, faith-based career, clergy leaders saw a median annual wage of $51,940 in May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1
Some graduates of the on-campus and online biblical studies degree may choose to bring the Christian perspective to other career paths, such as by becoming social workers or family therapists. Some jobs may require additional academic qualifications, which may include certification or licensure. Upon graduating with a BA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Biblical Studies, some future Christian leaders may elect to delve more deeply into Christian doctrine by applying to the Grand Canyon Theological Seminary.
1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Clergy as of May 2020. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as clergy. It does not reflect workers’ earnings in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. The median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path.
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 is a study of Hebrew poetry and wisdom literature in the Old Testament. Attention is given to the development of the literature as well as an investigation of each book's composition and theological themes. Prerequisite: BIB-355.
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 offers a critical study of the pre-exilic, exilic, and post-exilic prophets, with special consideration given to the social, political, and religious conditions of their times. Attention is given to the ministry and message of the prophets, in their day and today. Prerequisite: 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 course provides an overview of the Apostle Paul's letters to the early New Testament churches. Special attention is given to the nature of Paul's ministry; the theological, social, and practical issues he addressed; and how these texts are relevant for faithful Christian living. Prerequisite: 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.
Course Description
This course covers Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1-3 John, and Jude as they relate to the theological and ethical content of Christianity. Students examine the nature, message, and historical context of the books. Prerequisite: BIB-355.
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.
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.