B.A. in Bible, Theology and Ministry
Overview
As Christians, we’re called to love God, love people and live faithfully according to God’s Word. Through Biola’s Bible, theology, and ministry major, you’ll develop the tools you need to effectively study Scripture and theology, expanding upon your spiritual gifts and ministry skills. You will be prepared for leadership roles in church ministry, missions, parachurch ministries, teaching, or graduate studies in seminary.
This program also offers five different accelerated master’s degree pathways, which means you can finish your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years or less. If you are interested in a fully online learning experience, consider the B.S. in Biblical Ministries degree or B.S. in Bible, Theology, and Apologetics degree.
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Concentrations
- Bible and TheologyThe Bible and theology concentration takes a deep dive into Scripture and theological teaching, honing your understanding of God’s Word so you’re well-equipped to work and minister in various settings. There is no additional biblical languages requirement in this concentration. This concentration has a specific accelerated master’s program option leading to an M.A. (Bible Exposition) — allowing you to earn a B.A. and an M.A. together in 5 years or less.
- Bible, Theology and Biblical LanguagesIn the Bible, theology and biblical languages concentration, you’ll learn to study Scripture in one of the biblical languages: Old Testament Hebrew or New Testament Greek. This, in addition to in-depth theological training, equips you to know and teach the truth of God’s Word. This concentration has four accelerated master’s program options, including M.A. (New Testament), M.A. (Old Testament) and M.A. in Christian Ministry and Leadership (Preaching and Pastoral Ministry), and M.Div. — allowing you to earn a bachelor's and and master's degrees together in 5 years or less.
- Christian MinistriesThe Christian ministries concentration is designed to develop your abilities and spiritual gifts for leadership in parachurch organizations or specialized ministries within the church. Along the way, you’ll gain biblical wisdom and practical insights to help disciple the specific groups to which you have been called — whether children, youth, adults, families or others. This concentration has a specific accelerated master’s program option leading to an M.A. in Christian Ministry and Leadership (Christian Ministry and Leadership) — allowing you to earn a B.A. and an M.A. together in 5 years or less.
Why Choose Bible, Theology and Ministry at Biola?
In addition to its strong curriculum and expert faculty members, Biola’s Bible, theology, and ministry program offers several key advantages:
- The program is housed within Biola’s Talbot School of Theology, one of the nation’s leading seminaries.
- This program offers several accelerated master’s degree pathways, which means you can complete your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 5 years or less.
- The flexibility of electives allows you to design a program that is custom-fit to your specific academic and ministry objectives.
- Small class sizes give you an opportunity to form deep relationships with your professors and fellow students.
- In a recent Payscale survey, pastors and ministry leaders were more likely than any other vocation to find their work highly satisfying (90%) and highly meaningful (98%).
- All full-time teaching faculty have earned doctorate degrees and have served the church in a variety of ministry roles.
- Biola ranks first overall on The Best Schools’ list of “25 Best Schools for Studying the Bible."
- Our Southern California location puts you in close proximity to countless ministry and internship opportunities.
What Will I Study?
Throughout the Bible, theology, and ministry program, you will engage in coursework that helps you develop your skills as a ministry leader and thoughtful interpreter of the Word of God, preparing you for a lifetime of ministry.
- Foundational Old and New Testament knowledge
- Principles for interpreting Scripture
- Personal spiritual formation
- An overview of theology
- Principles of evangelism, missions, and discipleship
- Practical ministry skills
- Equipping lay leadership
Since being here at Biola, I’ve picked up on some things that set Biola apart, perhaps most notably the emphasis on spiritual formation. Rather than having a lot of new knowledge in our brains but no new transformation in our souls, I am loving the way Biola is deeply concerned with the people we are becoming. No matter what our vocations are, Biola wants to prepare us to impact the world for Christ, just like our mission statement says.
If you want to work in church ministry, this should be the only option you consider. It is the best preparation you can receive in the undergrad setting for vocational ministry.
Christian Ministries, B.A. '15
Come with an expectation that you will hear from God. Be faithful in your studies. Apply what you learn and you will blessed.
Biblical and Theological Studies, B.A. '13