2021-22 Undergraduate Academic Catalog | School of Arts and Humanities | Religion and Philosophy | Majors

Biblical Studies, B.A.

[Biblical Studies—1510]


The Biblical Studies major provides a strong foundation for the Christian life through the academic study of Scripture.  Students study the historical background of biblical texts, interpretations of Scripture throughout history in many different cultures, and contemporary application.  The major allows students to encounter the original biblical languages and offers the opportunity for students to choose to develop a basic level of fluency in either Greek or Hebrew.  Students also learn to bring Scripture into dialogue with other disciplines, such as the social sciences, theology, philosophy, biology, and more.

Students develop communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills that are important for any career.  This 43 credit hour major provides an opportunity to double major with an area of interest to the student, such as psychology, social work, or criminal justice.  Upon graduation, many students enter ministry careers, while others continue on to seminary or some other form of graduate school.  This major is compatible with the 3+2 program partnership with Northeastern Seminary, whereby students can obtain their B.A. and M.Div. degrees together in five years.


SPECIFICS OF THE BIBLICAL STUDIES B.A. DEGREE

Minimum Total Hours: 124

Total Liberal Arts Hours: 93

General Education Requirements: Per General Education list (see General Education Council).  Exceptions: American Sign Language may not be used to meet foreign language proficiency requirement.

Minimum Requirements: GPA of 2.3 in the major and overall; no grade less than C- in the major.

Transfer Requirements: See institutional transfer policies; students transferring into the Biblical Studies major from Elim Bible Institute (EBI) should refer to the RWC/EBI transfer agreement.

Application to the Major: Special application form and requirements to be secured from the Religion & Philosophy program or online at the Religion & Philosophy intranet site and submitted at the end of the sophomore year. (Note: The standard institutional major application will not be accepted.)  A minimum overall GPA of 2.3 is required for acceptance to the major.

Major Requirements: 43 hours as follows:

  • At least one of the following 2000-level Old Testament BIBL courses: 2060, 2070;
  • At least one of the following 2000-level New Testament BIBL courses: 2010, 2020;
  • At least one of the following 3000-level Old Testament BIBL courses: 3010, 3090;
  • At least one of the following 3000-level New Testament BIBL courses: 3040, 3050;
  • At least one of the following 4000 level BIBL courses: 4020, 4030, 4050, 4060;
  • At least three of the following courses in the biblical languages:  BGRK 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020, BHEB 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020;
  • The following three THEO courses:  THEO 2000, 2750, 3050;
  • The following three PHIL courses:  PHIL 2080, 2100, 4020;
  • At least one of the following supporting courses: COMM 4409, HIST 2210, PHIL 3010.