BA in Biblical Studies/MA in Family Ministry

Program Overview

The BA in Biblical Studies/MA in Family Ministry is an accelerated program that prepares students for ministry in various church and church-related settings. It provides a strong foundation in Bible, theology, and Christian history, equipping students with the skills and knowledge for effective ministry. The program includes undergraduate and graduate coursework, as well as ministry experiences, and offers concentrations in Christian Counseling, General, Leadership, and Special Needs Family Ministry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BA in Biblical Studies/MA in Family Ministry is an accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degree program jointly sponsored by the Mary C. Crowley College of Christian Faith and the Graduate School of Ministry. It is designed to prepare students to serve in a variety of church and church-related vocational contexts, including church staff positions, para-church ministries, and denominational service. The accelerated degree will provide students a seamless interface between undergraduate and graduate degrees. Through Christ-centered, quality higher education, students will focus on the theological, biblical, historical, and practical dimensions of Christian ministry for the 21st century.

Objectives:

• To provide students with a strong foundation in the Bible, theology, and Christian history.
• To equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective ministry in a variety of settings.
• To foster a commitment to Christ-centered living and service.
• To prepare students for further graduate study in ministry or related fields.

Program Description:

The BA in Biblical Studies/MA in Family Ministry is a 120-credit-hour program that can be completed in five years. The program includes 63 credit hours of undergraduate coursework, 6 credit hours of shared undergraduate/graduate coursework, and 30 credit hours of graduate coursework. The undergraduate coursework includes courses in Bible, theology, history, philosophy, English, mathematics, science, and social science. The shared undergraduate/graduate coursework includes courses in ministry foundations and applied hermeneutics. The graduate coursework includes courses in family ministry, ministry research and writing, ministry mentorship, and systematic theology. Students in the BA in Biblical Studies/MA in Family Ministry program will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of ministry experiences, including internships, mission trips, and service-learning projects. These experiences will provide students with the opportunity to apply their learning in real-world settings and to develop their skills as ministers.

Outline:

Undergraduate Requirements

• Developing A Christian Mind (DCM 2301)
• English (12 credit hours)
• Fine Arts (3 credit hours)
• Foreign Language (14 credit hours)
• Foundations for Excellence (1 credit hour)
• History (6 credit hours)
• Kinesiology (2 credit hours)
• Mathematics (3 credit hours)
• Natural Science (4 credit hours)
• Religion (9 credit hours)
• Social Science (6 credit hours)

Shared Undergraduate/Graduate Courses

• Foundations of Spiritual Life (MINS 5303)
• Applied Hermeneutics (THEO 5313)

BA in Biblical Studies Required Courses

• Introduction to Philosophy (PHIL 2301)
• Philosophy of Religion (PHIL 3303)
• Practicum in Religion (RELI 3382)
• Christianity in a Pluralistic World (RELI 4345)
• Systematic Theology (RELI 4350)
• American Church History (RELI 4371)
• Old Testament course (choose one)
• New Testament course (choose one)

MA in Family Ministry Courses

• Ministry with Children (MACH 5312)
• Early Childhood Ministry (MAEML 5313)
• Ministry to Students (MAFM 5316)
• Faith Formation in the Life Stages (MAFM 6353)
• Ministry to Families (MAFM 6316)

Concentrations:

• Christian Counseling
• General
• Leadership
• Special Needs Family Ministry

Assessment:

Students in the BA in Biblical Studies/MA in Family Ministry program will be assessed through a variety of methods, including exams, papers, presentations, and projects. Students will also be required to complete a portfolio of their work that demonstrates their progress in the program.

Teaching:

The BA in Biblical Studies/MA in Family Ministry program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are committed to providing students with a high-quality education. Faculty members use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities.

Careers:

Graduates of the BA in Biblical Studies/MA in Family Ministry program will be prepared for a variety of careers in ministry, including:

• Pastor
• Associate pastor
• Youth pastor
• Children's pastor
• Family life pastor
• Christian counselor
• Missionary
• Denominational worker
• Non-profit administrator