Courses | B.A. in Bible, Theology and Ministry
Below are the course requirements for this academic program. In addition to these program-specific requirements, all majors include Biola's traditional undergraduate core curriculum. For more program details, including a sample course sequence, visit Biola's academic catalog.
Retreat
Each year during the Fall Semester, the Biblical and Theological Studies division sponsors a retreat for the students of the Bible, Theology, and Ministry major in all its concentrations for the purpose of facilitating program-wide community building, communication, spiritual formation, team building, and academic advising. There is a non-refundable $180 fee assessed at the beginning of each academic year for this event. All students are expected to attend this event. Any student seeking an exception should contact the department.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program-Specific Core Curriculum Courses | ||
| Those selecting the concentrations in “Bible and Theology,” or in “Christian Ministries,” or in “Bible Exposition,” or in “Ministry and Leadership,” or in “Theology: Non-Greek,” or in “Pastoral Care and Counseling” meet the Core Curriculum Foreign Language requirement via the standard 8 credit methods. Those selecting the concentrations in “Bible, Theology, and Biblical Languages,” or in “Biblical and Pastoral Ministries,” or in “New Testament,” or in "Old Testament,” or in “Divinity,” or in “Theology: Greek” meet the Core Curriculum Foreign Language requirement by choosing either 12 credits of Greek or 9-12 credits of Hebrew as detailed in the concentration sections below. Each course is 3 credits. | ||
| Core Curriculum Bible Courses | ||
| All students must complete 30 credits of Biblical and Theological Studies, detailed below. Each course is 3 credits. | ||
| Biblical Interpretation and Spiritual Formation | ||
| Foundations of Christian Thought | ||
| Old Testament History and Literature | ||
| New Testament History and Literature | ||
| Theology I | ||
| Theology II (counted as part of the major below) | ||
| Gospel, Kingdom, and Culture | ||
BBST 300/400 | Bible/Theology Elective (counted as part of the major below) 1 | |
BBST 300/400 | Bible/Theology Elective | |
| Integration Seminar (counted as part of the major below) 2 | ||
| Program Core Courses | 12 | |
| The following are the program core courses for B.A. Bible, Theology, and Ministry majors regardless of the concentration chosen. | ||
| Foundations of Ministry | ||
| Principles of Interpretation 1 | ||
| Theology II | ||
| Integration Seminar 2 | ||
| Writing Competency Requirement can be met with ENGL 313 (Writing in the Disciplines). | ||
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| Select a concentration detailed below | 30-46 | |
| Total Credits | 42-58 | |
- 1
BBST 312 may be taken as the Core Curriculum BBST 300/400 Bible Elective.
- 2
BBST 465 Integration Seminar is a course offered in partnerships with various departments with a variety of different sections. Integration Seminar courses may be taken with different content for a maximum of 6 credits counted toward graduation. Those with the Christian Ministries concentration or with the Ministry and Leadership concentration are required to take BBST 4651 Integration Seminar: Christian Ministries.
Concentrations
Bible, Theology, and Biblical Languages
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses | 12 | |
| Concentration-Specific Core Curriculum Foreign Language Courses | ||
| Select one set of biblical language courses | ||
| Elementary Greek Grammar I | ||
| Elementary Greek Grammar II | ||
| Intermediate Greek Grammar and Exegesis I | ||
| Intermediate Greek Grammar and Exegesis II | ||
| OR | ||
| Elementary Hebrew Grammar I | ||
| Elementary Hebrew Grammar II | ||
| Intermediate Hebrew Grammar I | ||
| Intermediate Hebrew Grammar II | ||
| Concentration Courses | ||
| BBST 311 | Biblical Backgrounds | 3 |
| BBST 321 | Historical Theology | 3 |
| BBST 409 | Topics in Old Testament Ethics | 3 |
| BBST 413 | Biblical Theology Seminar | 3 |
| BBST 414 | Systematic Theology Seminar | 3 |
| BBST 455 | Romans | 3 |
| CEED 445 | Ministry Field Work | 3 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 9 credits of 300/400-level Biblical and Theological Studies (BBST) electives. | 9 | |
| Concentration Course Requirements: 30 credits | ||
| Core Curriculum Requirements | 69 | |
| General Electives | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
In addition to the major's core requirements (12), concentration requirements (30), and the Core Curriculum requirements (will vary, but includes the bulk of the Bible Minor and 12 credits of a biblical language, either Greek OR Hebrew), students with this concentration are encouraged to select a specialization or minor outside the department and/or sufficient electives to complete the minimum of 120 credits for the degree.
Bible and Theology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses | 12 | |
| Concentration Courses | ||
| BBST 311 | Biblical Backgrounds | 3 |
| BBST 321 | Historical Theology | 3 |
| BBST 409 | Topics in Old Testament Ethics | 3 |
| BBST 413 | Biblical Theology Seminar | 3 |
| BBST 455 | Romans | 3 |
| CEED 445 | Ministry Field Work | 3 |
| Ministry Pairing: choose 1 pair of courses | 6 | |
| Ministry Leadership pairing (2 courses) | ||
| Leadership Development | ||
| Christian Ministry Skills | ||
| OR | ||
| Teaching Scripture pairing (2 courses) | ||
| Psychology of Learning and Development | ||
| Biblical Interpretation and Teaching | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 9 credits of 300/400-level Biblical and Theological Studies (BBST) electives | 9 | |
| Concentration Course Requirements: 33 credits | ||
| Core Curriculum Requirements | 65 | |
| General Electives | 10 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
In addition to the major's core requirements (12), concentration requirements (33), and the Core Curriculum requirements (will vary, but includes the bulk of the Bible Minor and 4-8 credits of modern language), students with this concentration are encouraged to select a specialization or minor outside the department and/or sufficient electives to complete the minimum of 120 credits for the degree.
Christian Ministries
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses | 12 | |
| Concentration Courses | ||
| CEED 242 | Psychology of Learning and Development | 3 |
| CEED 254 | Leadership Development | 3 |
| CEED 255 | Foundations of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| CEED 260 | Interpersonal and Cross-Cultural Relationships in Christian Ministry | 3 |
| CEED 312 | Christian Ministry Skills | 3 |
| CEED 313 | Christian Ministry Discipleship | 3 |
| CEED 326 | Counseling Methods | 3 |
| CEED 330 | Biblical Interpretation and Teaching | 3 |
| CEED 415 | Organization and Administration of Christian Ministries | 3 |
| CEED 465 | Internship in Christian Ministries | 7 |
| Specialization Courses | ||
| Select a specialization from the options detailed below | 6 | |
| Concentration Course Requirements: 40 credits | ||
| Core Curriculum Requirements | 65 | |
| General Electives | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
In addition to the major's core requirements (12), concentration requirements (40), and the Core Curriculum requirements (will vary, but includes the bulk of the Bible Minor and 4-8 credits of modern language), students with this concentration must take sufficient electives to complete the minimum of 120 credits for the degree.
Specialization Options
A student with a Christian Ministries concentration must choose one of the five specializations reflecting a broad variety of ministry options in this field: Children and Family, Diversified, Early Childhood Education, Nonprofit Leadership, or Youth. The Diversified specialization allows the student to design a program that best suits his/her vocational interests.
Children and family
Vocational opportunities with this specialization include children’s director or minister in a local church, a staff member with organizations that minister to children in the United States or on a mission field, or a writer of programming materials and curriculum for use with children and preschoolers.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CEED 433 | Family Ministries in the Church | 3 |
| CEED 479 | Programming for Christian Ministries | 3 |
Diversified
This option is for those who wish to design a specialization unique to their interests. Students interested in areas such as ministry-based camping, counseling, music and worship arts, intercultural ministry, media ministry, and the like will find an opportunity to integrate ministry training with those particular fields of study. Students in the BBCL 4+1 accelerated master's program have this specialty with two graduate-level electives taken in the senior year.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Electives in potential ministry area (e.g., music, media, art, etc.) | 3 | |
| CEED 400-level elective | 3 | |
Early Childhood Education
This specialization seeks to provide an introduction to the administration of education-based ministry programs specifically focused on early childhood.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two of the following 3-credit courses: | 6 | |
| Child Development: Birth through Adolescence (prerequisite waived by student's completion of CEED 242) | ||
| Early Childhood Curriculum | ||
| School/Family/Community Partnerships in Early Childhood Urban Settings | ||
| Classroom Management in Early Childhood Settings | ||
| Observation and Assessment of Young Children | ||
Nonprofit Leadership
Vocational opportunities with this specialization include service in ministry settings that require key, practical business competencies and skills greater than the traditional church ministry role.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BUSN 240 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| BUSN 480 | Non-Profit Management (BUSN 240 is a prerequisite for this course) | 3 |
Youth
Vocational opportunities for the youth specialization would include a local church youth director or minister, a club director for youth parachurch agencies, a youth camp director, a Christian education director in a church that emphasizes youth or an assistant or associate pastor with responsibilities for youth.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CEED 441 | Adolescent Culture and Development | 3 |
| CEED 479 | Programming for Christian Ministries | 3 |
B.A. to M.A. Programs
Biblical and Pastoral Ministry
Built upon the Bible, Theology, and Biblical Languages concentration (see above), this concentration is designed to prepare students to pursue the accelerated BA-MA in Biblical and Pastoral Ministry. Upon successful completion of the Biblical and Pastoral Ministry concentration, students may enter into the Biblical and Pastoral Ministry specialization in the M.A. in Christian Ministry and Leadership (M.A.C.M.L.), and complete it in an accelerated format. The Biblical and Pastoral Ministry concentration is a specialized concentration that allows students to begin taking graduate courses in the senior year, and thus complete a B.A. and an M.A. faster.
Admission into Biola University does not guarantee admission into the Biblical and Pastoral Ministry concentration of the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry. Entry into this concentration requires the student to do the following:
- Students can begin their Biola education in this concentration; current Biola students can submit an application to the undergraduate division of Biblical and Theological Studies to change into this concentration.
- Students are encouraged to be involved in some form of Christian service demonstrating a sense of call or desire to pursue ministry.
The senior year of this concentration includes both graduate and undergraduate courses. In order to begin the senior year portion of the concentration, students must complete the following:
- Maintain adequate involvement in the program's co-curricular mentoring and spiritual formation activities.
- Continued involvement in Christian service.
- Failure to earn a B or higher in one or more of the following courses will result in the student not receiving advanced standing credit in the M.A.C.M.L.B.P.M.: BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209, BBST 210, BBST 251, BBST 312, BBST 354, BBST 413, BBST 414, two BBST 300/400 electives; and the biblical language sequence (i.e., in Greek: BLGR 101, BLGR 102, BLGR 201, BLGR 202; or in Hebrew: BLHE 101, BLHE 102, BLHE 201, BLHE 202/TTOT 722).
- Apply and be admitted to Talbot's M.A. in Christian Ministry and Leadership with a specialization in Biblical and Pastoral Ministry program. One of the required letters of recommendation must come from the director of the accelerated master's degree programs.
Students who are not admitted into Talbot's M.A.C.M.L.B.P.M. may continue in the Bible, Theology, and Biblical Languages concentration in the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry program, where no credits will be lost or wasted.
For more information on the graduate curriculum, see the M.A.C.M.L, Biblical and Pastoral Ministry specialization.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses | 12 | |
| Concentration-Specific Core Curriculum Foreign Language Courses | ||
| Elementary Greek Grammar I | ||
| Elementary Greek Grammar II | ||
| Intermediate Greek Grammar and Exegesis I | ||
| Intermediate Greek Grammar and Exegesis II | ||
| OR | ||
| Elementary Hebrew Grammar I | ||
| Elementary Hebrew Grammar II | ||
| Intermediate Hebrew Grammar I | ||
| Intermediate Hebrew Grammar II (taken as TTOT 722 in the sophomore, junior, or senior year) | ||
| Concentration Courses | ||
| BBST 311 | Biblical Backgrounds | 3 |
| BBST 321 | Historical Theology | 3 |
| BBST 409 | Topics in Old Testament Ethics | 3 |
| BBST 413 | Biblical Theology Seminar | 3 |
| BBST 414 | Systematic Theology Seminar | 3 |
| BBST 455 | Romans | 3 |
| BBST 490 | Practicum: Accelerated Bible Programs 1 | 2 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 6 credits of 300/400-level Biblical and Theological Studies (BBST) electives | 6 | |
| Seniors in the Biblical and Pastoral Ministry concentration take the following graduate courses during their senior year: | ||
| TTNT 604 | Exegesis in the Gospels | 3 |
| or TTNT 605 | Exegesis in the Epistles | |
| or TTOT 722 | Hebrew Exegesis | |
| TTPT 591 | Field Apprenticeship I | 1 |
| TTPT 592 | Field Apprenticeship II | 0 |
| TTPT 609 | Expository Preaching | 3 |
| TTSF 501 | Introduction to Spiritual Theology and Formation | 3 |
| TTSF 503 | Personal Foundations for Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| TTSF 505 | Talbot Spiritual Direction I | 0 |
| TTTH 521 | Theology I: God, Scripture, Creation | 3 |
| Concentration Course Requirements: 42 credits | ||
| Core Curriculum Requirements | 66-69 | |
| Total Credits | 120-123 | |
- 1
BBST 490 must be taken twice as a 1-credit course.
With the major's core requirements (12), concentration requirements (42), plus the Core Curriculum requirements (which may vary but includes the bulk of the Bible Minor and 12 credits of a biblical language), students with this concentration will earn a minimum of 120-123 credits for the degree. (Biola’s undergraduate degree minimum is 120 credits).
Old Testament
Built upon the Bible, Theology, and Biblical Languages concentration (see above), this concentration is designed to prepare students to pursue the accelerated BA-MA in Old Testament. Upon successful completion of the Old Testament concentration, students may enter into the M.A. in Old Testament, and complete it in an accelerated format. The Old Testament concentration is a specialized concentration that allows students to begin taking graduate courses in the senior year, and thus complete a B.A. and an M.A. faster.
Admission into Biola University does not guarantee admission into the Old Testament concentration of the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry. Entry into this concentration requires the student to do the following:
- Students can begin their Biola education in this concentration; current Biola students can submit an application to the undergraduate division of Biblical and Theological Studies to change into this concentration.
- Students are encouraged to be involved in some form of Christian service demonstrating a sense of call or desire to pursue ministry.
The senior year of this concentration includes both graduate and undergraduate courses. In order to begin the senior year portion of the concentration, students must complete the following:
- Maintain adequate involvement in the program's co-curricular mentoring and spiritual formation activities.
- Continued involvement in Christian service.
- Failure to earn a B or higher in one or more of the following courses will result in the student not receiving advanced standing credit in the M.A. in Old Testament: BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209, BBST 210, BBST 251, BBST 312, BBST 354, BBST 413, BBST 414, two BBST 300/400 electives; BLHE 101, BLHE 102, BLHE 201, BLHE 202/TTOT 722.
- Apply and be admitted to Talbot's M.A. in Old Testament program. One of the required letters of recommendation must come from the director of the accelerated master's degree programs.
Students who are not admitted into Talbot's M.A. in Old Testament may continue in the Old Testament concentration in the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry program, where no credits will be lost or wasted.
For more information on the graduate curriculum, see the M.A. in Old Testament.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses | 12 | |
| Concentration-Specific Core Curriculum Foreign Language Courses | ||
| Elementary Hebrew Grammar I | ||
| Elementary Hebrew Grammar II | ||
| Intermediate Hebrew Grammar I | ||
| Intermediate Hebrew Grammar II (taken as TTOT 722 in the sophomore, junior, or senior year) | ||
| Concentration Courses | ||
| BBST 311 | Biblical Backgrounds | 3 |
| BBST 321 | Historical Theology | 3 |
| BBST 409 | Topics in Old Testament Ethics | 3 |
| BBST 413 | Biblical Theology Seminar | 3 |
| BBST 414 | Systematic Theology Seminar | 3 |
| BBST 455 | Romans | 3 |
| BBST 490 | Practicum: Accelerated Bible Programs 1 | 2 |
| CEED 445 | Ministry Field Work | 3 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 6 credits of 300/400-level Biblical and Theological Studies (BBST) electives | 6 | |
| Seniors in the Old Testament concentration take the following graduate courses during their senior year: | ||
| TTSF 501 | Introduction to Spiritual Theology and Formation | 3 |
| TTSF 503 | Personal Foundations for Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| TTSF 505 | Talbot Spiritual Direction I | 0 |
| TTTH 521 | Theology I: God, Scripture, Creation | 3 |
| TTTH 623 | Theology III: Spirit, Church, Last Things | 3 |
| TTOT 722 | Hebrew Exegesis (may be taken in the sophomore, junior, or senior year) | 3 |
| Concentration Course Requirements: 44 credits | ||
| Core Curriculum Requirements | 66 | |
| Total Credits | 122 | |
- 1
BBST 490 must be taken twice as a 1-credit course.
With the major's core requirements (12), concentration requirements (44), plus the Core Curriculum requirements (which may vary but includes the bulk of the Bible Minor and 12 credits of a biblical language), students with this concentration will earn a minimum of 122 credits for the degree. (Biola’s undergraduate degree minimum is 120 credits).
New Testament
Built upon the Bible, Theology, and Biblical Languages concentration (see above), this concentration is designed to prepare students to pursue the accelerated BA-MA in New Testament. Upon successful completion of the New Testament concentration, students may enter into the M.A. in New Testament and complete it in an accelerated format. The New Testament concentration is a specialized concentration that allows students to begin taking graduate courses in the senior year, and thus complete a B.A. and an M.A. faster.
Admission into Biola University does not guarantee admission into the New Testament concentration of the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry. Entry into this concentration requires the student to do the following:
- Students can begin their Biola education in this concentration; current Biola students can submit an application to the undergraduate division of Biblical and Theological Studies to change into this concentration.
- Students are encouraged to be involved in some form of Christian service demonstrating a sense of call or desire to pursue ministry.
The senior year of this concentration includes both graduate and undergraduate courses. In order to begin the senior year portion of the concentration, students must complete the following:
- Maintain adequate involvement in the program's co-curricular mentoring and spiritual formation activities.
- Continued involvement in Christian service.
- Failure to earn a B or higher in one or more of the following courses will result in the student not receiving advanced standing credit in the M.A. in New Testament: BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209, BBST 210, BBST 251, BBST 312, BBST 354, BBST 413, BBST 414, two BBST 300/400 electives; BLGR 101, BLGR 102, BLGR 201, BLGR 202.
- Apply and be admitted to Talbot's M.A. in New Testament program. One of the required letters of recommendation must come from the director of the accelerated master's degree programs.
Students who are not admitted into Talbot's M.A. in New Testament may continue in the New Testament concentration in the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry program, where no credits will be lost or wasted.
For more information on the graduate curriculum, see the M.A. in New Testament.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses | 12 | |
| Concentration-Specific Core Curriculum Foreign Language Courses | ||
| Elementary Greek Grammar I | ||
| Elementary Greek Grammar II | ||
| Intermediate Greek Grammar and Exegesis I | ||
| Intermediate Greek Grammar and Exegesis II | ||
| Concentration Courses | ||
| BBST 311 | Biblical Backgrounds | 3 |
| BBST 321 | Historical Theology | 3 |
| BBST 409 | Topics in Old Testament Ethics | 3 |
| BBST 413 | Biblical Theology Seminar | 3 |
| BBST 414 | Systematic Theology Seminar | 3 |
| BBST 455 | Romans | 3 |
| BBST 490 | Practicum: Accelerated Bible Programs 1 | 2 |
| CEED 445 | Ministry Field Work | 3 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 6 credits of 300/400-level Biblical and Theological Studies (BBST) electives | 6 | |
| Seniors in the New Testament concentration take the following graduate courses during their senior year: | ||
| TTNT 604 | Exegesis in the Gospels | 3 |
| TTSF 501 | Introduction to Spiritual Theology and Formation | 3 |
| TTSF 503 | Personal Foundations for Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| TTSF 505 | Talbot Spiritual Direction I | 0 |
| TTTH 623 | Theology III: Spirit, Church, Last Things | 3 |
| Concentration Course Requirements: 41 credits | ||
| Core Curriculum Requirements | 69 | |
| Total Credits | 122 | |
- 1
BBST 490 must be taken twice as a 1-credit course.
With the major's core requirements (12), concentration requirements (41), plus the Core Curriculum requirements (which may vary but includes the bulk of the Bible Minor and 12 credits of a biblical language), students with this concentration will earn a minimum of 122 credits for the degree. (Biola’s undergraduate degree minimum is 120 credits).
Bible Exposition
Built upon the Bible and Theology concentration (see above), this concentration is designed to prepare students to pursue the accelerated BA-MA in Bible Exposition. Upon successful completion of the Bible Exposition concentration, students may enter into the M.A. in Bible Exposition and complete it in an accelerated format. The Bible Exposition concentration is a specialized concentration that allows students to begin taking graduate courses in the senior year, and thus complete a B.A. and an M.A. faster.
Admission into Biola University does not guarantee admission into the Bible Exposition concentration of the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry. Entry into this concentration requires the student to do the following:
- Students can begin their Biola education in this concentration; current Biola students can submit an application to the undergraduate division of Biblical and Theological Studies to change into this concentration.
- Students are encouraged to be involved in some form of Christian service demonstrating a sense of call or desire to pursue ministry.
The senior year of this concentration includes both graduate and undergraduate courses. In order to begin the senior year portion of the concentration, students must complete the following:
- Maintain adequate involvement in the program's co-curricular mentoring and spiritual formation activities.
- Continued involvement in Christian service.
- Failure to earn a B or higher in one or more of the following courses will result in the student not receiving advanced standing credit in the M.A. in Bible Exposition: BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209, BBST 251, BBST 312, BBST 354, BBST 413, BBST 455, one BBST NT elective, two BBST OT electives; and one BBST 300/400 elective.
- Apply and be admitted to Talbot's M.A. in Bible Exposition program. One of the required letters of recommendation must come from the director of the accelerated master's degree programs.
Students who are not admitted into Talbot's M.A. in Bible Exposition may continue in the Bible and Theology concentration in the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry program, where no credits will be lost or wasted.
For more information on the graduate curriculum, see the M.A. in Bible Exposition.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses | 12 | |
| Concentration Courses | ||
| BBST 311 | Biblical Backgrounds | 3 |
| BBST 321 | Historical Theology | 3 |
| BBST 409 | Topics in Old Testament Ethics | 3 |
| BBST 413 | Biblical Theology Seminar | 3 |
| BBST 455 | Romans | 3 |
| BBST 490 | Practicum: Accelerated Bible Programs 1 | 2 |
| CEED 445 | Ministry Field Work | 3 |
| Ministry Pairing: choose 1 pair of courses | 6 | |
| Ministry Leadership pairing (2 courses) | ||
| Leadership Development | ||
| Christian Ministry Skills | ||
| OR | ||
| Teaching Scripture pairing (2 courses) | ||
| Psychology of Learning and Development | ||
| Biblical Interpretation and Teaching | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 6 credits of 300/400-level Biblical and Theological Studies (BBST) electives | 6 | |
| Seniors in the Bible Exposition concentration take the following graduate courses during their senior year: | ||
| TTBE 530 | Elementary Principles of the Biblical Languages | 3 |
| TTSF 501 | Introduction to Spiritual Theology and Formation | 3 |
| TTSF 503 | Personal Foundations for Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| TTSF 505 | Talbot Spiritual Direction I | 0 |
| TTTH 623 | Theology III: Spirit, Church, Last Things | 3 |
| Concentration Course Requirements: 44 credits | ||
| Core Curriculum Requirements | 65 | |
| Total Credits | 121 | |
- 1
BBST 490 must be taken twice as a 1-credit course.
With the major's core requirements (12), concentration requirements (44), plus the Core Curriculum requirements (which may vary), students with this concentration will earn a minimum of 120-121 credits for the degree. (Biola’s undergraduate degree minimum is 120 credits).
Ministry and Leadership
Built upon the Christian Ministries concentration (see above), this concentration is designed to prepare students to pursue the accelerated BA-MA in Ministry and Leadership. Upon successful completion of the Ministry and Leadership concentration, students may enter into the M.A. in Christian Ministry and Leadership (M.A.C.M.L.), and complete it in an accelerated format. The Ministry and Leadership concentration is a specialized concentration that allows students to begin taking graduate courses in the senior year, and thus complete a B.A. and an M.A. faster.
Admission into Biola University does not guarantee admission into the Ministry and Leadership concentration of the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry. Entry into this concentration requires the student to do the following:
- Students can begin their Biola education in this concentration; current Biola students can submit an application to the undergraduate division of Biblical and Theological Studies to change into this concentration.
- Students are encouraged to be involved in some form of Christian service demonstrating a sense of call or desire to pursue ministry.
The senior year of this concentration includes both graduate and undergraduate courses. In order to begin the senior year portion of the concentration, students must complete the following:
- Maintain adequate involvement in the program's co-curricular mentoring and spiritual formation activities.
- Continued involvement in Christian service.
- Failure to earn a B or higher in one or more of the following courses will result in the student not receiving advanced standing credit in the M.A.C.M.L.: BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209, BBST 210, BBST 251, BBST 312, BBST 354, CEED 242, CEED 255, CEED 312, CEED 313, CEED 330, CEED 465; and one BBST 300/400 elective.
- Apply and be admitted to Talbot's M.A.C.M.L. in Ministry and Leadership program. One of the required letters of recommendation must come from the director of the accelerated master's degree programs.
Students who are not admitted into Talbot's M.A.C.M.L. in Ministry and Leadership may continue in the Christian Ministries concentration in the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry program, where no credits will be lost or wasted.
For more information on the graduate curriculum, see the M.A.C.M.L., Ministry and Leadership specialization.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses | 12 | |
| Concentration Courses | ||
| CEED 242 | Psychology of Learning and Development | 3 |
| CEED 254 | Leadership Development | 3 |
| CEED 255 | Foundations of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| CEED 260 | Interpersonal and Cross-Cultural Relationships in Christian Ministry | 3 |
| CEED 312 | Christian Ministry Skills | 3 |
| CEED 313 | Christian Ministry Discipleship | 3 |
| CEED 326 | Counseling Methods | 3 |
| CEED 330 | Biblical Interpretation and Teaching | 3 |
| CEED 415 | Organization and Administration of Christian Ministries | 3 |
| CEED 465 | Internship in Christian Ministries | 7 |
| Seniors in the Ministry and Leadership concentration take the following graduate courses during their senior year: | ||
| TTSF 501 | Introduction to Spiritual Theology and Formation | 3 |
| TTSF 503 | Personal Foundations for Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| TTSF 505 | Talbot Spiritual Direction I | 0 |
| The 6-credit Diversified specialization in this concentration consists of two graduate-level electives taken in the senior year. | ||
| Select one of the following in the Evangelism, Missions, & Inter-cultural Ministry category: | 3 | |
| Church Growth and Church Planting in the USA | ||
| The Asian Church in the American Society | ||
| Select one the following in the Ministry Skills category: | 3 | |
| Youth Ministry in Contemporary Culture | ||
| Adult and Family Ministries in the Local Church | ||
| Small Group Ministries | ||
| Concentration Course Requirements: 46 credits | ||
| Core Curriculum Requirements | 65 | |
| Total Credits | 123 | |
With the major's core requirements (12), concentration requirements (46), plus the Core Curriculum requirements (which may vary), students with this concentration will earn a minimum of 120 credits for the degree.
Theology: Greek Track
Built upon the Bible, Theology, and Biblical Languages concentration (see above), this concentration is designed to prepare students to pursue the accelerated BA-MA in Theology. Upon successful completion of the Theology concentration, students may enter into the M.A. in Theology and complete it in an accelerated format. The Theology: Greek Track concentration is a specialized concentration that allows students to begin taking graduate courses in the senior year, and thus complete a B.A. and an M.A. faster.
Admission into Biola University does not guarantee admission into the Theology: Greek Track concentration of the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry. Entry into this concentration requires the student to do the following:
- Students can begin their Biola education in this concentration; current Biola students can submit an application to the undergraduate division of Biblical and Theological Studies to change into this concentration.
- Students are encouraged to be involved in some form of Christian service demonstrating a sense of call or desire to pursue ministry.
The senior year of this concentration includes both graduate and undergraduate courses. In order to begin the senior year portion of the concentration, students must complete the following:
- Maintain adequate involvement in the program's co-curricular mentoring and spiritual formation activities.
- Continued involvement in Christian service.
- Failure to earn a B or higher in one or more of the following courses will result in the student not receiving advanced standing credit in the M.A. in Theology: BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209, BBST 210, BBST 251, BBST 312, BBST 354, BBST 413, BBST 414, two BBST 300/400 electives; and BLGR 101, BLGR 102, BLGR 201, BLGR 202.
- Apply and be admitted to Talbot's M.A. in Theology program. One of the required letters of recommendation must come from the director of the accelerated master's degree programs.
Students who are not admitted into Talbot's M.A. in Theology may continue in the Bible, Theology, and Biblical Languages concentration in the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry program, where no credits will be lost or wasted.
For more information on the graduate curriculum, see the M.A. in Theology.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses | 12 | |
| Concentration-Specific Core Curriculum Foreign Language Courses | ||
| Elementary Greek Grammar I | ||
| Elementary Greek Grammar II | ||
| Intermediate Greek Grammar and Exegesis I | ||
| Intermediate Greek Grammar and Exegesis II | ||
| Concentration Courses | ||
| BBST 311 | Biblical Backgrounds | 3 |
| BBST 321 | Historical Theology | 3 |
| BBST 409 | Topics in Old Testament Ethics | 3 |
| BBST 413 | Biblical Theology Seminar | 3 |
| BBST 414 | Systematic Theology Seminar | 3 |
| BBST 455 | Romans | 3 |
| BBST 490 | Practicum: Accelerated Bible Programs 1 | 2 |
| CEED 445 | Ministry Field Work | 3 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 6 credits of 300/400-level Biblical and Theological Studies (BBST) electives | 6 | |
| Seniors in the Theology Greek track concentration take the following graduate courses during their senior year: | ||
| TTBE 517 | Hermeneutics and Bible Study Methods | 3 |
| or TTTH 521 | Theology I: God, Scripture, Creation | |
| TTSF 501 | Introduction to Spiritual Theology and Formation | 3 |
| TTSF 503 | Personal Foundations for Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| TTSF 505 | Talbot Spiritual Direction I | 0 |
| TTTH 623 | Theology III: Spirit, Church, Last Things | 3 |
| Concentration Course Requirements: 41 credits | ||
| Core Curriculum Requirements | 69 | |
| Total Credits | 122 | |
- 1
BBST 490 must be taken twice as a 1-credit course.
Theology: Non-Greek Track
Built upon Bible and Theology concentration (see above), this concentration is designed to prepare students to pursue the accelerated BA-MA in Theology. Upon successful completion of the Theology: Non-Greek Track concentration, students may enter into the M.A. in Theology and complete it in an accelerated format. The Theology: Non-Greek Track concentration is a specialized concentration that allows students to begin taking graduate courses in the senior year, and thus complete a B.A. and an M.A. faster.
Admission into Biola University does not guarantee admission into the Theology: Non-Greek Track concentration of the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry. Entry into this concentration requires the student to do the following:
- Students can begin their Biola education in this concentration; current Biola students can submit an application to the undergraduate division of Biblical and Theological Studies to change into this concentration.
- Students are encouraged to be involved in some form of Christian service demonstrating a sense of call or desire to pursue ministry.
The senior year of this concentration includes both graduate and undergraduate courses. In order to begin the senior year portion of the concentration, students must complete the following:
- Maintain adequate involvement in the program's co-curricular mentoring and spiritual formation activities.
- Continued involvement in Christian service.
- Failure to earn a B or higher in one or more of the following courses will result in the student not receiving advanced standing credit in the M.A. in Theology: BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209, BBST 210, BBST 251, BBST 312, BBST 354, BBST 413, BBST 414, and two BBST 300/400 electives.
- Apply and be admitted to Talbot's M.A. in Theology program. One of the required letters of recommendation must come from the director of the accelerated master's degree programs.
Students who are not admitted into Talbot's M.A. in Theology: Non-Greek Track may continue in the Bible & Theology concentration in the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry program, where no credits will be lost or wasted.
For more information on the graduate curriculum, see the M.A. in Theology.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses | 12 | |
| Concentration Courses | ||
| BBST 311 | Biblical Backgrounds | 3 |
| BBST 321 | Historical Theology | 3 |
| BBST 409 | Topics in Old Testament Ethics | 3 |
| BBST 413 | Biblical Theology Seminar | 3 |
| BBST 455 | Romans | 3 |
| BBST 490 | Practicum: Accelerated Bible Programs 1 | 2 |
| CEED 445 | Ministry Field Work | 3 |
| Ministry Pairing: choose 1 pair of courses | 6 | |
| Ministry Leadership pairing (2 courses) | ||
| Leadership Development | ||
| Christian Ministry Skills | ||
| OR | ||
| Teaching Scripture pairing (2 courses) | ||
| Psychology of Learning and Development | ||
| Biblical Interpretation and Teaching | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 6 credits of 300/400-level Biblical and Theological Studies (BBST) electives | 6 | |
| Seniors in the Theology non-Greek track concentration take the following graduate courses during their senior year: | ||
| TTBE 530 | Elementary Principles of the Biblical Languages | 3 |
| TTSF 501 | Introduction to Spiritual Theology and Formation | 3 |
| TTSF 503 | Personal Foundations for Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| TTSF 505 | Talbot Spiritual Direction I | 0 |
| TTTH 623 | Theology III: Spirit, Church, Last Things | 3 |
| Concentration Course Requirements: 44 credits | ||
| Core Curriculum Requirements | 65 | |
| Total Credits | 121 | |
- 1
BBST 490 must be taken twice as a 1-credit course.
With the major's core requirements (12), concentration requirements (44), plus the Core Curriculum requirements (which may vary but includes the bulk of the Bible Minor and 8 credits of a foreign language), students with this concentration will earn a minimum of 120-121 credits for the degree. (Biola’s undergraduate degree minimum is 120 credits).
Pastoral Care and Counseling
Built upon the Bible and Theology concentration (see above), this concentration is designed to prepare students to pursue the accelerated BA-MA in Pastoral Care and Counseling. Upon successful completion of the Pastoral Care and Counseling concentration, students may enter into the M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling (M.A.C.M.L.) and complete it in an accelerated format. The Pastoral Care and Counseling concentration is a specialized concentration that allows students to begin taking graduate courses in the senior year, and thus complete a B.A. and an M.A. faster.
Admission into Biola University does not guarantee admission into the Pastoral Care and Counseling concentration of the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry. Entry into this concentration requires the student to do the following:
- Students can begin their Biola education in this concentration; current Biola students can submit an application to the undergraduate division of Biblical and Theological Studies to change into this concentration.
- Students are encouraged to be involved in some form of Christian service demonstrating a sense of call or desire to pursue ministry.
The senior year of this concentration includes both graduate and undergraduate courses. In order to begin the senior year portion of the concentration, students must complete the following:
- Maintain adequate involvement in the program's co-curricular mentoring and spiritual formation activities.
- Continued involvement in Christian service.
- Failure to earn a B or higher in one or more of the following courses will result in the student not receiving advanced standing credit in the M.A. in Pastoral Care and Counseling: BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209, BBST 210, BBST 251, BBST 312, BBST 354, BBST 413, and two BBST 300/400 electives.
- Apply and be admitted to Talbot's M.A.C.M.L. in Pastoral Care and Counseling program. One of the required letters of recommendation must come from the director of the accelerated master's degree programs.
Students who are not admitted into Talbot's M.A.C.M.L. in Pastoral Care and Counseling may continue in the Bible and Theology concentration in the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry program, where no credits will be lost or wasted.
For more information on the graduate curriculum, see the M.A.C.M.L., Pastoral Care and Counseling specialization.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses | 12 | |
| Concentration Courses | ||
| BBST 311 | Biblical Backgrounds | 3 |
| BBST 321 | Historical Theology | 3 |
| BBST 409 | Topics in Old Testament Ethics | 3 |
| BBST 413 | Biblical Theology Seminar | 3 |
| BBST 455 | Romans | 3 |
| BBST 490 | Practicum: Accelerated Bible Programs 1 | 2 |
| CEED 445 | Ministry Field Work | 3 |
| Ministry Pairing: choose 1 pair of courses | 6 | |
| Ministry Leadership pairing (2 courses) | ||
| Leadership Development | ||
| Christian Ministry Skills | ||
| OR | ||
| Teaching Scripture pairing (2 courses) | ||
| Psychology of Learning and Development | ||
| Biblical Interpretation and Teaching | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 6 credits of 300/400-level Biblical and Theological Studies (BBST) electives | 6 | |
| Seniors in the Pastoral Care and Counseling concentration take the following graduate courses during their senior year: | ||
| TTPT 693 | Pastoral Care and Counseling Internship I | 1 |
| TTPT 702 | Intermediate Pastoral Counseling | 3 |
| TTPT 707 | Foundations of Pastoral Care and Counseling | 2 |
| TTSF 501 | Introduction to Spiritual Theology and Formation | 3 |
| TTSF 503 | Personal Foundations for Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| TTSF 505 | Talbot Spiritual Direction I | 0 |
| Concentration Course Requirements: 44 credits | ||
| Core Curriculum Requirements | 65 | |
| Total Credits | 121 | |
- 1
BBST 490 must be taken twice as a 1-credit course.
With the major's core requirements (12), concentration requirements (44), plus the Core Curriculum requirements (which may vary), students with this concentration will earn a minimum of 120-121 credits for the degree. (Biola’s undergraduate degree minimum is 120 credits).
Philosophy
As of Fall 2024, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.
Built upon the Bible and Theology concentration (see above), this concentration is designed to prepare students to pursue the accelerated BA-MA in Philosophy. Upon successful completion of the Philosophy concentration, students may enter into the M.A. in Philosophy and complete it in an accelerated format. The Philosophy concentration is a specialized concentration that allows students to begin taking graduate courses in the senior year, and thus complete a B.A. and an M.A. faster.
Admission into Biola University does not guarantee admission into the Philosophy concentration of the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry. Entry into this concentration requires the student to do the following:
- Students can begin their Biola education in this concentration; current Biola students can submit an application to the undergraduate division of Biblical and Theological Studies to change into this concentration.
- Students are encouraged to be involved in some form of Christian service demonstrating a sense of call or desire to pursue ministry.
The senior year of this concentration includes both graduate and undergraduate courses. In order to begin the senior year portion of the concentration, students must complete the following:
- Maintain adequate involvement in the program's co-curricular mentoring and spiritual formation activities.
- Continued involvement in Christian service.
- Failure to earn a "B" or higher in one or more of the following courses will result in the student not receiving advanced standing credit in the M.A. in Philosophy: BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209, BBST 210, BBST 251, BBST 312, BBST 354, BBST 413, BBST 455; and two BBST 300/400 electives.
- Apply and be admitted to Talbot's M.A. in Philosophy program. One of the required letters of recommendation must come from the director of the accelerated master's degree programs.
Students who are not admitted into Talbot's M.A. in Philosophy may continue in the Bible and Theology concentration in the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry program, where no credits will be lost or wasted.
For more information on the graduate curriculum, see the M.A. in Philosophy.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses | 12 | |
| Concentration Courses | ||
| BBST 311 | Biblical Backgrounds | 3 |
| BBST 321 | Historical Theology | 3 |
| BBST 409 | Topics in Old Testament Ethics | 3 |
| BBST 413 | Biblical Theology Seminar | 3 |
| BBST 455 | Romans | 3 |
| BBST 490 | Practicum: Accelerated Bible Programs 1 | 2 |
| CEED 254 | Leadership Development | 3 |
| CEED 330 | Biblical Interpretation and Teaching | 3 |
| CEED 445 | Ministry Field Work | 3 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 6 credits of 300/400-level Biblical and Theological Studies (BBST) electives | 6 | |
| Seniors in the Philosophy concentration may take the following graduate courses during their senior year: | ||
| TTPH 523 | Metaphysics I | 3 |
| TTPH 544 | Epistemology I | 3 |
| TTSF 501 | Introduction to Spiritual Theology and Formation | 3 |
| TTSF 503 | Personal Foundations for Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| TTSF 505 | Talbot Spiritual Direction I | 0 |
| Concentration Course Requirements: 44 credits | ||
| Core Curriculum Requirements | 65 | |
| Total Credits | 121 | |
- 1
BBST 490 must be taken twice as a 1-credit course.
With the major's core requirements (12), concentration requirements (44), plus the Core Curriculum requirements (which may vary), students with this concentration will earn a minimum of 120-121 credits for the degree. (Biola’s undergraduate degree minimum is 120 credits).
B.A. to M.Div. Program
Divinity
Built upon the Bible, Theology, and Biblical Languages concentration (see above), this concentration is designed to prepare students to pursue the accelerated BA-MDiv with a Pastoral and General Ministries specialization. Upon successful completion of the Divinity concentration, students may enter into the Pastoral and General Ministries specialization in the M.Div. and complete it in an accelerated format. The Divinity concentration is a specialized concentration that allows students to begin taking graduate courses in the senior year, and thus complete a B.A. and an M.Div. faster. As a 3+2 accelerated program, courses are scheduled such that students can complete the B.A. in three years utilizing summer courses and finishing the M.Div. in an additional 2 years.
Admission into Biola University does not guarantee admission into the Divinity concentration of the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry. Entry into this concentration requires the student to do the following:
- Students can begin their Biola education in this concentration; current Biola students can submit an application to the undergraduate division of Biblical and Theological Studies to change into this concentration.
- Students are encouraged to be involved in some form of Christian service demonstrating a sense of call or desire to pursue ministry.
The senior year of this concentration includes both graduate and undergraduate courses. In order to begin the senior year portion of the concentration, students must complete the following:
- Maintain adequate involvement in the program's co-curricular mentoring and spiritual formation activities.
- Continued involvement in Christian service.
- Failure to earn a B or higher in one or more of the following courses will result in the student not receiving advanced standing credit in the M.Div.: BBST 103, BBST 165, BBST 209, BBST 210, BBST 251, BBST 312, BBST 354, BBST 413, BBST 414, two BBST 300/400 electives (one must be in Apologetics); and the biblical language sequence (i.e., in Greek: BLGR 101, BLGR 102, BLGR 201, BLGR 202; or in Hebrew: BLHE 101, BLHE 102, BLHE 201, BLHE 202/TTOT 722).
- Apply and be admitted to Talbot's M.Div. with a specialization in Pastoral and General Ministries program. One of the required letters of recommendation must come from the director of the accelerated master's degree programs.
Students who are not admitted into Talbot's M.Div. may continue in the Bible, Theology, and Biblical Languages concentration in the B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry program, where no credits will be lost or wasted. With only a few alterations, a student could opt for Talbot's M.A. in Christian Ministry and Leadership with the Biblical and Pastoral Ministry specialization (see the BPPM concentration above).
For more information on the graduate curriculum, see the M.Div., Pastoral and General Ministries specialization.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program Courses | 12 | |
| Concentration-Specific Core Curriculum Foreign Language Courses | ||
| Elementary Greek Grammar I | ||
| Elementary Greek Grammar II | ||
| Intermediate Greek Grammar and Exegesis I | ||
| Intermediate Greek Grammar and Exegesis II | ||
| OR | ||
| Elementary Hebrew Grammar I | ||
| Elementary Hebrew Grammar II | ||
| Intermediate Hebrew Grammar I | ||
| Intermediate Hebrew Grammar II (taken as TTOT 722 in the sophomore, junior, or senior year) | ||
| Concentration Courses | ||
| BBST 311 | Biblical Backgrounds | 3 |
| BBST 321 | Historical Theology | 3 |
| BBST 409 | Topics in Old Testament Ethics | 3 |
| BBST 413 | Biblical Theology Seminar | 3 |
| BBST 414 | Systematic Theology Seminar | 3 |
| BBST 455 | Romans | 3 |
| BBST 490 | Practicum: Accelerated Bible Programs 1 | 2 |
| Seniors in the Divinity concentration take the following graduate courses during their senior year: | ||
| TTNT 604 | Exegesis in the Gospels | 3 |
| or TTNT 605 | Exegesis in the Epistles | |
| TTNT 621 | Life of Christ | 3 |
| or TTNT 757 | Johannine Theology | |
| TTOT 722 | Hebrew Exegesis | 2 |
| TTPH 602 | Apologetics | 3 |
| TTPT 591 | Field Apprenticeship I | 1 |
| TTPT 592 | Field Apprenticeship II | 0 |
| TTPT 609 | Expository Preaching | 3 |
| or TTPT 610 | Contemporary Biblical Preaching | |
| TTSF 501 | Introduction to Spiritual Theology and Formation | 3 |
| TTSF 503 | Personal Foundations for Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| TTSF 505 | Talbot Spiritual Direction I | 0 |
| TTTH 771 | Theology Seminar (Character of God) 2 | 3 |
| Concentration Course Requirements: 44 credits | ||
| Core Curriculum Requirements | 66-69 | |
| Total Credits | 122-125 | |
- 1
BBST 490 must be taken twice as a 1-credit course.
- 2
Not required for Torrey students. See department for more information.
With the major's core requirements (12), concentration requirements (44), plus the Core Curriculum requirements (which may vary but includes the bulk of the Bible Minor and 12 credits of a biblical language), students with this concentration will earn a minimum of 122-125 credits for the degree. (Biola’s undergraduate degree minimum is 120 credits).