Biblical Studies Major

Bible & Ministry Department

Overview

Biblical Studies is a four-year program of study designed to equip graduates with thorough knowledge of the Bible and Christian theology. The major offers the choice of one of six tracks: English Bible, Theology, Ministry, New Testament, Old Testament, or Biblical Exegesis to allow students to acquire greater knowledge, understanding, and skill in their area of specific interest, in addition to obtaining a strong foundation in Bible and theology.

Degree
Bachelor of Science
Time to Complete
4 Years
Program Director
Dr. Mark Stevenson
Program Learning Outcomes

The student will evidence:

  1. Knowledge of the content of the Bible.
  2. A detailed understanding of Christian theology.
  3. Ability to defend biblical truth and the Christian faith.
  4. Practice of proper methodology for interpreting and applying the English Bible.
  5. Skill in communicating the teaching and application of a biblical passage.
  6. Commitment to growth in Christian character and lifestyle.
Track Specific Outcomes
  1. English Bible: In-depth knowledge of specific areas of Bible and Christian theology
  2. Theology: Thorough knowledge of aspects of Christian theology
  3. Ministry: Understanding of issues in Christian ministry; and skill in communicating biblical teaching
  4. Old Testament: In-depth understanding of the Old Testament with ability to interpret the Old Testament starting from the Hebrew original text
  5. New Testament: In-depth understanding of the New Testament with ability to interpret the New Testament starting from the Greek original text
  6. Biblical Exegesis: Ability to interpret the Bible starting from the Hebrew and Greek original texts
Program Admission
  1. Complete the freshman year at Emmaus with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
  2. Declare intent to pursue a major in Biblical Studies.
  3. At the beginning of the sophomore year, apply for entrance into the Biblical Studies program.
  4. Pay all applicable fees for this major as determined by the Business office and published in the annual statement of fees.
Program Requirements
  1. Complete a minimum of 120.5 semester credit hours.
  2. A 2.0 cumulative grade point average and a passing grade in all required courses.
  3. At least 60 semester credit hours must be earned at Emmaus.
  4. Complete the general graduation requirements listed in the Academic Life section of the catalog.
  5. Meet course requirements in the following areas:
Bible/Theology (48 credits)
  • Old Testament Survey 1 (BT 102)
  • Old Testament Survey 2 (BT 104)
  • New Testament Survey (BT 106)
  • Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (BT 120)
  • Survey of Doctrine (BT 151)
  • Biblical Hermeneutics (BT 220)
  • Life of Christ (BT 247)
  • God, Creation, and Sin (BT 221)
  • Christ, Holy Spirit, and Salvation (BT 321)
  • Church and Final Things (BT 331)
  • Praxis of Interpretation (BT 320)
  • Apologetics (BT 350) or Christian Evidences (BT 267)
  • Biblical and Practical Theology of Transformation (BT 352)
  • Church History (BT 376)
  • Bible/Theology Electives (2)
  • Servant Leader Training (CCS 120)
  • Chapel (CCS 110)
Intercultural Studies (3 credits)
  • Missions & Evangelism (ICS 104)
General Studies (38.5 credits)
  • Homiletics 1 (BT 322)
  • Fundamental Computer Literacy (CS 101)
  • English Composition (ENG 101)
  • Survey of Literature (ENG 102)
  • The Emmaus Experience (FND 101)
  • Senior Seminar (FND 410)
  • Western Civilization 1 or 2 (HIS 131/132) or American History 1 or 2 (HIS 235/236)
  • Christian Life and Worldview* (HUM 111)
  • College Mathematics (MAT 140)
  • Introduction to Human Biology and Lab (SCI 241/242) or Introduction to Earth Science and Lab (SCI 230/231)
  • Humanities Elective
  • Social Science Elective
  • General Studies Electives (6 credits)
Track Specific Courses & Open Electives

English Bible (33 credits) 

  • NT Book Study elective (3 credits) 
  • OT Book Study elective (3 credits) 
  • Systematic or Biblical Theology elective (3 credits) 
  • Bible/Theology electives (6 credits) 
  • Open electives (18 credits) 
    Degree Total: 122.5 credits

Theology (33 credits) 

  • Bible/Theology electives (6 credits) 
  • Systematic or Biblical Theology elective (6 credits) 
  • Theology Seminar elective (3 credits) 
  • Open electives (18 credits) 
    Degree Total: 122.5 credits

Ministry (32 credits) 

  • BT/EM/ICS 385 Ministry Leadership (3 credits) 
  • BT 323 Homiletics 1 Lab (1 credit) 
  • BT 332 Homiletics 2 (3 credits) 
  • BT 333 Homiletics 2 Lab (1 credit) 
  • Choose 2 (6 credits): 
    • EM 260 Youth Ministry 
    • EM 320 Small Group Ministry 
    • EM 410 Educational Programming in Ministry 
  • Open electives (18 credits) 
    Degree Total: 121.5

Old Testament (35 credits)

  • FL 103 Biblical Hebrew Language and Grammar 1* (4 credits) 
  • FL 105 Biblical Hebrew Language and Grammar 2* (4 credits)
  • FL 203 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax and Exegetical Method* (3 credits) 
  • FL 205 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Exegesis (3 credits) 
  • OT Book Study (3 credits) 
  • OT Theology elective (3 credits) 
  • Choose one (3 credits): 
    • ARC 102 Old Testament Archaeology 
    • BT 278 Bible Geography 
    • BT 410 History of the Ancient Near East 
  • Open electives (12 credits) 
    Degree Total: 124.5 credits

New Testament (35 credits)

  • FL 102 NT Greek Language and Grammar 1* (4 credits) 
  • FL 104 NT Greek Language and Grammar 2* (4 credits) 
  • FL 202 Introduction to Greek Syntax and Exegetical Method* (3 credits) 
  • FL 204 Introduction to NT Greek Exegesis (3 credits) 
  • NT Book Study elective (3 credits) 
  • NT Theology elective (3 credits) 
  • Choose one (3 credits): 
    • ARC 203 New Testament Archaeology 
    • BT 278 Bible Geography 
    • BT 372 History & Literature of the 2nd Temple Period 
  • Open electives (12 credits) 
    Degree Total: 124.5 credits

Biblical Exegesis (40 credits)

  • FL 102 NT Greek Language and Grammar 1* (4 credits)
  • FL 104 NT Greek Language and Grammar 2* (4 credits)
  • FL 202 Introduction to Greek Syntax and Exegetical Method* (3 credits)
  • FL 204 Introduction to NT Greek Exegesis (3 credits)
  • FL 103 Biblical Hebrew Language and Grammar 1* (4 credits)
  • FL 105 Biblical Hebrew Language and Grammar 2* (4 credits)
  • FL 203 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax and Exegetical Method* (3 credits)
  • FL 205 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Exegesis (3 credits)
  • Open electives (12 credits)
    Degree Total: 129.5 credits

*meets Humanities and/or General Studies Elective requirement

EU Global

The English Bible track is available through Emmaus University Global, providing excellent training leading to a sound understanding of the Bible and Theology, skill in interpreting and applying the biblical text, and growth in the Christian life. Emmaus University Global courses are 100% online courses. Courses are offered each 8-week term. Individuals taking two courses each term can finish this program in about four years. Courses are $300 per credit hour.

Online Program Schedule

Emmaus equipped me with a solid Biblical foundation to walk in a manner worthy of His calling in my life and provided me with an excellent education that would aid tremendously in graduate school.
John Walker
Superintendent at Central Christian School
John Walker, Emmaus Bible and Theology Alum