Dive deep into the meaning of Scripture with a blend of biblical studies and systematic theology.

“Go therefore, and teach all nations…” ~Matthew 28:19

Those who wish to study and communicate the truth of the Bible in its original context will enjoy the bachelors degree in Biblical Studies major or minor in the Department of Theology. You will gain in-depth knowledge about the Bible as well the skills to interpret the Bible responsibly, and to communicate the nature of God’s Word to others. This degree is especially appropriate for those who want to serve the body of Christ in a teaching and preaching role as a minister in a church, or as a missionary, someone in parachurch ministry, or whatever setting to which God calls you.

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Biblical Studies Degree Plans

The Biblical Studies degree is 45 credit hours long, with 18 hours of core classes, 12 hours of Biblical Studies classes, 6 hours of biblical languages, 4 hours of Spiritual Formation, 3 hours of electives, 6 hours of language, and 2 hours of Senior Seminar. The core courses for the major are New Testament Theology, Old Testament Theology, History of Christianity, Hermeneutics, Systematic Theology, the Christian Vocation, and the Senior Seminar.  We also offer a wide variety of Biblical Studies classes which allow you to tailor your studies to your interests, such as Jesus and the Gospels, Romans, Revelation, Paul and His Letters, and Isaiah.

This program will give you a solid foundation in the Bible and prepare you for a variety of ministries. It will also prepare you for graduate studies such as in our Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS), Master of Arts in Christian Leadership (MACL), or a Master of Divinity (MDiv).

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Scholarships for the Biblical Studies Degree

HCU offers several types of scholarships to help our incoming students for the Bachelors in Biblical Studies degree program. Our students will especially want to be aware of these scholarships.

BGCT Scholarships

The Baptist General Convention of Texas funds scholarships for our Southern Baptist students who are pursuing ministry as a vocation. The BGCT scholarship amount is currently $50 per credit hour for freshman and sophomores and $75 per credit hour for juniors and seniors. In addition to the denominational eligibility requirements, students must take two classes during their time at HCU: the Christian Vocation and Baptist History.

The BGCT also supports students financially with the Mary Hill Davis Ethnic/Minority Scholarship. It currently provides $800/semester (for full-time students) who are from a non-Anglo background and are part of a BGCT church that is representative of his/her ethnic/minority heritage. Note: the scholarship application should be submitted directly to the Mary Hill Davis Scholarship Office (not to HCU) no later than April 15.

Further Graduate Studies: Seminary and Other Options

After completing a degree in Biblical Studies, most students preparing for ministry pursue some type of graduate degree to help them further prepare for ministry. Traditionally, the Master of Divinity (MDiv) has been the standard degree, as it provides the most well-rounded and robust training for ministry. Our 75-hour MDiv prepares you, not just for Bible study and academic knowledge, but it focuses on your personal development as a Christian and a minister to the church through practical experience. Similar to the MDiv, we offer a 40-hour Master of Arts in Christian Leadership (MACL) designed to meet the needs of those preparing for vocational or lay ministry or who just want to further their own personal development. For students who wish to pursue a more academically focused and shorter degree, we offer a 40-hour Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) that gives the core foundation desired by churches, but provides you more flexibility in course selection.

There are a variety of ways to engage the Department of Theology: we’re on Facebook,  we offer an annual Theology Conference, and we have regular lectures by preeminent scholars as part of the A.O. Collins Lecture Series.

Admissions and Aid

If you’re ready for a fulfilling journey in biblical studies, Houston Christian University welcomes you to apply. Get started today:

 

Become a Biblical Studies major at Houston Christian University.

Contact your program coordinator for more information about the Biblical Studies degree.
Paul Sloan, PhD
Paul Sloan, PhD
Associate Professor of Early Christianity
Chair, Department of Theology
281-649-3663