Biblical Studies, B.A.

Location(s): West Palm Beach Campus (Day)

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120 Credit Hours

The Biblical Studies major equips students with the knowledge, skills, and character essential for a strong biblical foundation for ministry. Students focus on three major areas of focus: (1) in-depth knowledge of the biblical text; (2) skills for interpretation and application of the Bible; and (3) translation skills in Biblical Hebrew and/or Koine Greek, the original languages of the Bible.

While many students completing this major may pursue graduate or seminary education, others may utilize their training upon graduation to serve in churches (i.e., pastoral ministry, teaching ministry, etc.) as well as in parachurch ministries (i.e., Christian education, publishing, intercultural ministry, evangelism, chaplaincy, family ministries, etc.).

Program Learning Outcomes

“Expected student learning outcomes specify the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes students are expected to attain in courses or in a program.” Page 69. Resource Manual for the Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), 2018.

Demonstrate knowledge of essential themes and content of biblical writings.
Apply interpretive skills to biblical texts.
Cultivate character consistent with Christian faith, as expressed in biblical texts.

Graduation Requirements

Conferral of a Baccalaureate degree in this program of study is determined by successful completion of the Baccalaureate Graduation Requirements outlined here .

NOTE: Students must earn 39 upper level (3000-4000) credit hours in order to graduate. A total of at least 21 of these upper level credit hours must be completed in the selected major.

Visit this program’s information page for additional program-specific requirements.

Faith, Roots, and Reason (General Education) Requirements - 43 Credit Hours

The Faith, Roots, and Reason (General Education) Global Studies requirement is fulfilled through another course in this major. Only 40 of the 43 credit hours of the Faith, Roots, and Reason (General Education) program will still be required for the completion of this program.

As part of the remaining 40 credit hours of Faith, Roots, and Reason (General Education) requirements, students must elect to complete MLS 4063 - Church in Society from the Social Science menu.

Biblical Studies Required Courses - 42 Credit Hours

School of Ministry Traditional Core - 21 Credit Hours

BIB 3233 - Interpreting the Old Testament
BIB 3243 - Interpreting the New Testament
ICS 3503 - World Religions (fulfills the Faith, Roots, and Reason (General Education) Global Studies requirement)
MLS 2043 - Spiritual Formation
THL 3173 - History of Christianity
THL 4033 - Systematic Theology
MLS 2013 - Introduction to Christian Ministry

Language Courses - 12 Credit Hours

Biblical Studies Courses - 9 Credit Hours

Select three:

Additional Required Credit Hours - 38 Credit Hours

These additional hours may be fulfilled by a minor, second major, general electives taken concurrently, previous coursework taken at PBA or through transfer credits.

Sample Degree Plan:

Biblical Studies Degree Plan

Early Graduate Admission

Early Graduate Admission: Graduation Requirements for Biblical Studies Majors

Note:

No more than one-third of a student’s required credits for a major or a minor in the School of Ministry may come from transfer or transient credits.

Students seeking early graduate admission (EGA) to PBA’s Master of Divinity or M.Div./MBA Degree must meet all the requirements for their School of Ministry major, in addition to completing the Faith, Roots, and Reason core for all majors. For students accepted for EGA, up to thirty-five (35) graduate hours can be applied toward the completion of the B.A. degree.