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Offered by the College of Theology, the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Biblical Studies can prepare future servant leaders to effectively and humbly communicate the Word of God to a variety of audiences. You will be encouraged to explore issues pertaining to personal morality. While being guided to develop a solid grasp on the Christian worldview, you will also have opportunities to examine other major world religions.
The biblical studies courses, offered online and on campus by Grand Canyon University, entail 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. You will undergo an in-depth exploration of the Bible and be taught to rightly handle the Word of God through the teaching and preaching of Scripture within a church or other ministry context.
While you are conducting your biblical studies online or on campus, you will have the opportunity to benefit from a learning community of peers and instructors, all of whom are seeking to grow closer to God.
With GCU, you have the opportunity to complete your BA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Biblical Studies courses online. Completing your courses in an online format can provide you with the flexibility you may need to incorporate your studies into your busy lifestyle. You will also have access to online learning resources and support that can help you as you study the Word of God and work to deepen your faith throughout the program.
You can choose to complete your bachelor’s degree in person on GCU’s 300+ acre campus. Study and take advantage of all that GCU has to offer. On-campus learning offers access to various facilities to help guide you in success throughout your program. You can also enjoy other GCU perks, such as dining options and fitness centers.
Throughout your courses, you may explore effective teaching styles and methodologies. 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, you will be encouraged to develop your speaking and listening skills within various ministerial contexts.
As a graduate of the Christian studies degree, you will have been taught 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, these core curriculum areas are explored:
Foundations
Interpretation of selected passages from the Gospels and Acts in light of major theological themes
Impact
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
Importance
The use of the basic principles of biblical hermeneutics, including their application to contemporary issues
Reading
The development of literature, composition and theological themes pertaining to the Hebrew poetry and wisdom literature in the Old Testament
History
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 New Testament epistles
Follow your faith toward a career path that allows you to share God’s Word in meaningful, impactful ways. When you graduate with a bachelor’s in Christian studies with a biblical studies emphasis, you can be prepared to pursue a variety of positions as a servant leader within the Christian church. No degree program can guarantee a specific career outcome.
However, some graduates may feel called to work in the areas of domestic or foreign missions or Bible school and worship education. Other career possibilities that may be related to this degree program include the following:
In addition, clergy saw a median annual wage of $58,920 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
Graduates with a biblical studies focus 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. Future Christian leaders may elect to delve more deeply into Christian doctrine by applying to the Grand Canyon Theological Seminary.
GCU is a private, institutionally accredited Christian university. Accreditation is a designation that speaks to the quality of instruction in our degree programs. GCU’s professors and adjunct instructors strive to deliver curriculum that can prepare you to pursue your choice of career path. To learn more about accreditation, visit our university accreditation page.
Before deciding to apply for enrollment in biblical studies courses, it’s a good idea to learn more about the field and what you can expect from a degree program. The following frequently asked questions and answers can offer insight to consider as you plan your future.
Only you can determine if a Christian studies degree may be worth it for you. However, there are at least two ways of approaching the question. The first approach is professional in nature. If you’re interested in pursuing a faith-based career, such as a leadership position within a ministry, then an academic background in biblical studies may enable you to accomplish this. Secondly, on a personal level, this type of degree program gives you the opportunity to take an in-depth exploration of biblical topics and how the teachings of God may be applied to various situations in modern life. If you desire to know and love God, then this degree program may indeed be worth it for you.
Expand your knowledge of the Christian faith and prepare to pursue a faith-oriented career path with a BA in Christian Studies. Fill out the form to learn more.
1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Clergy as of May 2023, retrieved April 24, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 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. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
