Coordinator of the Evening Ministry Program, Terriel Byrd, Ph.D.
Coordinator of the Online Ministry Program, Karelynne Ayayo, Th.D.
Coordinator of the Orlando Ministry Program, D. Eric Lowdermilk, D.Th.
The Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies (BACS) program at Palm Beach Atlantic University provides non-traditional learners an opportunity to earn a bachelor degree in Christian thought and practice. The overall goal of the program is to offer a quality, flexible degree-completion curriculum that:
- Deepens understanding of Scripture and Christian thought;
- Encourages engagement in ethical reflection on issues arising in contemporary society;
- Equips in basic disciplines of Christian discipleship and service;
- Develops written and oral communication skills;
- Instills a commitment to be critically reflective, self-directed, life-long learners;
- Promotes an appreciation of the multicultural environment in which students live and work.
The BACS program enables local learners who have full-time employment or other daytime responsibilities to complete their B.A. degree through a combination of evening and online courses. The corresponding EBACS program provides an entirely online setting for non-traditional students who wish to complete their B.A. degree while at a geographical distance or with increased flexibility in scheduling. All students in the BACS program will be required to take some of their courses online. Students in the EBACS program are expected to complete all coursework online. Some courses that are required for the Christian Studies major are available only during the summer term.
Program Structure
The required curriculum for the major is composed primarily of three-credit hour courses normally offered during eight-week subterms. The accelerated program (whether on-ground or online) is designed with the expectation that students will complete 30 credits each academic year: 12 credits each fall, 12 credits each spring, and 6 credits each summer. Students who opt for a different load might encounter difficulties with their degree plans.
On-ground courses are taught during evening class sessions, generally four hours in duration and meeting once a week. Online courses are delivered electronically through the University’s Learning Management System. Each online course is primarily, although not entirely, asynchronous. Students view lessons and complete assignments at the time of their choosing within stated course deadlines, which typically follow a weekly rhythm. Each online course also requires students to attend several synchronous virtual class sessions through designated technology. Generally for each 8-week course, students should expect to attend two or three of these live virtual Conference meetings on designated days and times, which are published in advance. Students commit to these online Conference days and times during the course registration process.
Students enrolled in the B.A. in Christian Studies program take many of their General Education core requirements through the Catherine T. MacArthur School of Leadership, and they may select their free electives from the various course offerings in the Evening and Online catalog provided that they meet the course prerequisites.
To qualify for graduation, students must earn a minimum of 120 credits, including a minimum of 42 upper-level credits (courses numbered 3000 and above). The curriculum is divided between the Technology requirement, General Education requirements, Christian Studies major requirements, and Free Electives.
The Free Elective field is comprised of transfer credits that do not meet specific requirements, Professional Education Credits (PECs), and other elected courses. Professional Education Credits consist of credit awarded to adult students for work and life experience. Students must apply for PEC credits within their first semester of enrollment at PBA.
Courses in the Christian Studies major directly reflect the learning objectives stated in the mission of the School of Ministry. MIN 3723 Worship is the capstone course for the program in which students formulate the theological basis and application for worship in the church. This course should be taken as near as possible to the final term of study at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Students should pay particular attention to the School of Ministry Attendance Policy.
Major in Christian Studies Curriculum Requirements
120 Credit Hours
Note: Students who are enrolled in the fully online program should select the corresponding E-courses when registering (for example: EMIN 1003 rather than MIN 1003).