Program purpose
Preparation for thoughtful, accountable service.
Integrate exegesis, doctrine, and pastoral judgment. Develop a coherent approach to worship, teaching, and congregational care. Demonstrate ethical service, research integrity, and clear oral and written communication.
What you will study
A coherent academic pathway.
The complete program requires 120 semester credits.
- Common Christian core — 60 credits
- Major — 36 credits
- Christian electives — 12 credits
- Advanced supervised ministry — 6 credits
- Capstone — 6 credits
Courses and requirements
Your complete course map.
Select a course to read its scope, prerequisites, learning hours, and assessment requirements. Follow prerequisite order; the course list does not promise a delivery date.
Common Christian core 60 credits
BIB101 Old Testament Survey I3 credits
Survey Genesis through Esther, tracing creation, covenant, Israel, kingship, exile, and restoration. Explain a selected narrative in its literary setting.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
BIB103 New Testament Survey I3 credits
Survey the four Gospels and Acts. Compare their major emphases and explain Jesus’ ministry, discipleship, resurrection, and the Church’s mission.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
FOR101 Spiritual Formation and Christian Discipleship3 credits
Connect prayer, Scripture, Christian character, community, and service in a formation plan. Reflect on discipleship without requiring private personal disclosures.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
RES101 Theological Research and Writing3 credits
Develop theological research questions, locate credible sources, construct arguments, and cite accurately. Produce an organized research paper demonstrating honest authorship.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
COM201 Biblical Teaching and Ministry Communication3 credits
Prepare and present a biblical teaching lesson. Align textual interpretation, audience, explanation, application, and questions that assess learning.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
BIB102 Old Testament Survey II3 credits
Survey Job through Malachi, distinguishing poetry, wisdom, and prophecy. Explain themes of worship, suffering, covenant faithfulness, judgment, and hope.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
BIB104 New Testament Survey II3 credits
Survey the Epistles and Revelation. Explain their audiences, Christian teaching, church concerns, and hope through contextual reading.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
ETH201 Christian Ethics and Ministerial Integrity3 credits
Apply Christian ethics to authority, stewardship, confidentiality, boundaries, and integrity. Evaluate ministry cases and justify a responsible response.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
THE201 Christian Theology I3 credits
Examine Christian teaching about Scripture, God, and creation. Explain theological claims through biblical evidence and sound reasoning.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
HIS201 History of Christianity I3 credits
Study the development of Christianity from the early Church through the Reformation. Explain major people, doctrines, conflicts, and movements using historical evidence.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
BIB201 Biblical Interpretation and Hermeneutics3 credits
Apply principles of context, genre, literary structure, and responsible application. Compare interpretations and support a reading with textual evidence.
Prerequisites: BIB101, BIB102, BIB103, BIB104 and RES101.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
THE202 Christian Theology II3 credits
Examine Christian teaching about Christ, humanity, sin, and salvation. Explain central doctrines and their implications for discipleship.
Prerequisites: THE201.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MIS201 Evangelism Missions and Disciple Making3 credits
Study gospel witness, Christian mission, and disciple making. Develop a context-sensitive outreach and follow-up plan with clear ethical boundaries.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
HIS202 History of Christianity II3 credits
Study global Christian developments after the Reformation, including Pentecostal movements. Relate historical context to theology, mission, and church life.
Prerequisites: HIS201.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MIN202 Supervised Christian Ministry Practicum3 credits
Undertake approved supervised Christian service with learning goals, documented activity, reflective analysis, and supervisor feedback. Demonstrate learning beyond attendance.
Prerequisites: FOR101 and ETH201; approved supervision.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
BIB202 Biblical Exegesis3 credits
Conduct a close study of a biblical passage. Develop an interpretation with a clear argument, supporting sources, and a responsible teaching application.
Prerequisites: BIB201.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
THE203 Christian Theology III3 credits
Examine Christian teaching about the Holy Spirit, the Church, and last things. Relate doctrine to Christian worship, mission, and hope.
Prerequisites: THE202.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
KNG201 Biblical Theology of the Kingdom of God3 credits
Trace Kingdom themes across Scripture. Develop a supported account of the Kingdom’s relationship to Jesus, discipleship, the Church, and mission.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
APM201 Apostolic and Prophetic Ministry3 credits
Study biblical foundations of apostolic and prophetic ministry. Evaluate spiritual-gift claims through Scripture, character, discernment, and accountable church practice.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
THE204 Christian Apologetics3 credits
Develop responsible explanations and defenses of Christian belief. Evaluate objections, construct supported arguments, and engage questions with intellectual honesty.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
Major 36 credits
BIB301 Pentateuch and Covenant Theology3 credits
Study Genesis through Deuteronomy through covenant, worship, law, and the formation of Israel. Develop a contextual interpretation that distinguishes the text’s setting from contemporary Christian application.
Prerequisites: 45 earned degree credits; RES101, BIB101–BIB104 and BIB201.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
BIB306 The Synoptic Gospels3 credits
Compare Matthew, Mark, and Luke in their presentation of Jesus, the Kingdom, discipleship, death, and resurrection. Explain similarities and distinctive emphases through textual study.
Prerequisites: 45 earned degree credits; RES101, BIB101–BIB104 and BIB201.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
BIB308 Acts and the Mission of the Church3 credits
Study Acts through the Spirit’s work, apostolic witness, mission, church formation, and cross-cultural questions. Distinguish narrative description from warranted ministry application.
Prerequisites: 45 earned degree credits; RES101, BIB101–BIB104 and BIB201.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
BIB401 Pauline Epistles3 credits
Interpret selected Pauline letters with attention to audience, argument, salvation, life in the Spirit, church order, and ethical instruction. Produce a contextual theological argument.
Prerequisites: 45 earned degree credits; RES101, BIB101–BIB104 and BIB201.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
THB301 Theological Method and Sources3 credits
Compare ways of using Scripture, Christian tradition, reason, and experience in theology. Construct a doctrinal argument that identifies its sources and assumptions.
Prerequisites: 45 earned degree credits; RES101, BIB201, THE201 and THE202.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
THB303 Doctrine of God3 credits
Study divine attributes, the Trinity, providence, and Christian language about God. Evaluate major theological formulations through contextual biblical study.
Prerequisites: 45 earned degree credits; RES101, BIB201, THE201 and THE202.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
THB304 Christology3 credits
Examine the person and work of Jesus Christ through Scripture and historic Christian teaching. Explain incarnation, atonement, resurrection, and their ministry significance.
Prerequisites: 45 earned degree credits; RES101, BIB201, THE201 and THE202.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
THB307 Ecclesiology and Christian Ordinances3 credits
Study the nature, mission, unity, leadership, worship, and ordinances of the Church. Explain an accountable model of congregational life.
Prerequisites: 45 earned degree credits; RES101, BIB201, THE201 and THE202.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
MIN301 Foundations of Pastoral Ministry3 credits
Develop a biblical account of pastoral responsibility, congregational service, accountability, and care.
Prerequisites: 45 earned bachelor credits including RES101, BIB201, THE201 and THE202.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: Submit a source-supported study, an applied ministry or teaching product, and an oral explanation or assessed discussion; demonstrate the stated course outcomes.
MIN302 Expository Preaching Workshop3 credits
Prepare and deliver an exposition with contextual interpretation, clear structure, and responsible application.
Prerequisites: 45 earned bachelor credits including RES101, BIB201, THE201 and THE202.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: Submit a source-supported study, an applied ministry or teaching product, and an oral explanation or assessed discussion; demonstrate the stated course outcomes.
CNC301 Biblical Foundations of Christian Care3 credits
Study compassion, wisdom, human dignity, suffering, and care in Scripture. Develop a church-based care framework with clear boundaries.
Prerequisites: 45 earned degree credits; RES101, FOR101, ETH201 and THE201.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
CED301 Biblical Foundations of Christian Education3 credits
Trace teaching, discipleship, formation, and transmission of faith across Scripture. Explain a Christian educational purpose for a congregation.
Prerequisites: 45 earned degree credits; RES101, FOR101, COM201 and THE201.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
Christian electives 12 credits
ELE303 Prayer and Intercession in Scripture3 credits
Study biblical prayers and intercession in context. Prepare a theological reflection and an accountable Christian prayer practice.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
ELE304 Biblical Theology of Worship3 credits
Explore worship themes across Scripture and their relationship to church life. Develop a supported theology of worship.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
ELE305 Christian Family Discipleship3 credits
Develop family discipleship approaches grounded in Scripture, Christian formation, responsible care, and the life of the church.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
ELE308 Teaching Scripture Across Generations3 credits
Adapt biblical teaching for different generations in church settings while preserving textual faithfulness, respectful communication, and assessable learning.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate admission.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
Advanced supervised ministry 6 credits
FLD401 Advanced Supervised Christian Ministry I3 credits
Complete an approved ministry learning agreement with distinct responsibilities, supervisor feedback, documented work, and faculty assessment in the student’s degree area.
Prerequisites: 90 earned degree credits including all 60 common-core credits; approved placement and supervisor.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
FLD402 Advanced Supervised Christian Ministry II3 credits
Extend supervised ministry work through a new learning agreement and documented improvement. Submit distinct evidence of learning and a reflective evaluation.
Prerequisites: FLD401.
Workload: At least 135 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
Capstone 6 credits
CAP490 Senior Christian Studies Capstone6 credits
Integrate biblical interpretation, theological research, and the chosen major in a substantial final project and oral defense. Use the pathway-specific brief and faculty rubric.
Prerequisites: 105 earned degree credits, completed major, and accepted proposal.
Workload: At least 270 documented learning hours.
Assessment: The published course outcomes, required assessed work, and degree-level rubric govern; the verified syllabus supplies assessment weights.
The elective courses shown are the standard route. Four distinct courses from ELE301–ELE308 may satisfy the 12-credit elective allocation with written advising and prerequisite review.
Course sequence
- Complete the common core in its published four-semester order. Major entry requires at least 45 earned credits and every course-specific prerequisite; the standard plan completes all 60 core credits first.
- Take the first five listed major courses, then the next five, then the final two. The major seminar, when present, follows the first ten major courses.
- Choose four distinct 3-credit courses from ELE301-ELE308. The displayed standard route uses ELE303, ELE304, ELE305 and ELE308. Substitutions require written advising and prerequisite checks.
- FLD401 requires 90 earned credits, the full core, and an approved placement; FLD402 follows FLD401. CAP490 requires 105 earned credits, the completed major, and an accepted proposal.
Final project and examination
An integrative biblical and pastoral study addressing a defined congregational question. CAP490 carries six credits and includes an oral defense assessed by the supervisor and a second faculty reader.
Academic standards and transfer requirements
Each semester credit requires at least 45 documented learning hours: approximately 15 hours of instruction or equivalent faculty-guided engagement and 30 hours of independent work. A 3-credit course requires 135 hours; a 6-credit course requires 270. Shorter terms do not reduce workload.
Undergraduate and certificate courses require C or higher and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00; graduate and doctoral courses require B or higher and at least 3.00. Grades: A 90-100, B 80-89, C 70-79, D 60-69, F below 60. Complete at least 67% of attempted credits within 150% of the published program credits. Existing repeat and appeal procedures continue.
Each syllabus specifies measurable outcomes, readings, learning activities, workload, prerequisites, assessment weights, accessibility, and integrity rules before teaching. Assess Scripture and theology, evidence and method, ministry application, and ethics and communication. Final projects require at least 3 on the four-level rubric in every dimension, the minimum course grade, and accepted revisions.
Bachelor students complete at least 30 credits through GDICU, including all 12 advanced field and capstone credits. At least half of each certificate and master degree, and every required culminating project and GDICU-supervised practice component, must be completed through GDICU. All doctoral credits are completed through GDICU. Transfer requires documented content, level, workload, and outcome equivalence; C minimum undergraduate, B minimum graduate.
Count each course once within a credential. Approved certificate courses may apply once to a bachelor degree after admission and a course-by-course equivalency review. Undergraduate work cannot become graduate credit. Previously awarded graduate-degree work cannot be reused in another graduate award. Experience, attendance, ordination, or office alone earns no academic credit.
No recruitment, intervention, or data collection begins before proposal approval and documented institutional ethics review, consent, confidentiality, safeguarding, and site permissions where required. A theological text or archival study also requires source integrity and any access permissions. Existing examination, one-revision, and appeal policies continue.
Academic requirements do not open applications or enrollment. Faculty assignments, complete teaching packages, library access, supervision, accessibility, student support, systems, financial terms, and applicable authorization must be verified before program release. Existing student catalog rights and written transition plans remain in force.
Read the complete academic catalog for the governing program and student policies.
Who may apply
Admission begins with verified preparation.
Secondary-school completion or an accepted equivalent, prior academic records, a Christian learning or ministry-purpose statement, current physical study location, and assessed readiness for college reading, writing, technology, and participation. Any equivalent-preparation exception requires written faculty assessment and an Academic Affairs decision.
Completion standard
Progress must be demonstrated.
Complete all 120 credits in the prescribed course map. Earn C or higher in each applied course and at least 2.00 cumulative GPA. Complete the stated sequence, institutional-study minimum, required supervision, final assessment, and accepted revisions. An integrative biblical and pastoral study addressing a defined congregational question. CAP490 carries six credits and includes an oral defense assessed by the supervisor and a second faculty reader.