The Biblical Studies major is a four-year program of study designed to provide students with a thorough knowledge of the Bible and Christian theology. The program builds on a core of general education and of Bible and theology with additional requirements and opportunity for concentrated study. The Biblical Studies major offers the choice of one of six tracks: English Bible, Theology, Ministry, New Testament, Old Testament, or 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.
Program Director: Raju D. Kunjummen
Program Outcomes
The student will evidence:
- Knowledge of the content of the Bible.
- A detailed understanding of Christian theology.
- Ability to defend biblical truth and the Christian faith.
- Practice of proper methodology for interpreting and applying the English Bible.
- Skill in communicating the teaching and application of a biblical passage.
- Commitment to growth in Christian character and lifestyle.
Track Specific Outcomes
- English Bible: In-depth knowledge of specific areas of Bible and Christian theology
- Theology: Thorough knowledge of aspects of Christian theology
- Ministry: Understanding of issues in Christian ministry; and skill in communicating biblical teaching
- Old Testament: In-depth understanding of the Old Testament with ability to interpret the Old Testament starting from the Hebrew original text
- New Testament: In-depth understanding of the New Testament with ability to interpret the New Testament starting from the Greek original text
- Biblical Exegesis: Ability to interpret the Bible starting from the Hebrew and Greek original texts
Program Admission Requirements
- Complete the freshman year at Emmaus with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
- Prior to the sophomore year, declare a major in Biblical Studies.
- At the beginning of the sophomore year, apply for entrance into the Biblical Studies program. The application procedure includes completion of a formal application. After the application has been received, the Bible and Theology faculty will review it. Their decision will be delivered to the student by means of a formal letter.
- Pay all applicable fees for this major as determined by the Business office and published in the annual statement of fees.
Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 120 semester credit hours.
- A 2.0 cumulative grade point average and a passing grade in all required courses.
- At least 60 semester credit hours must be earned at Emmaus.
- Complete the general graduation requirements listed in the Academic Life section of the catalog.
- 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)
- Christian Life & Worldview (BT 111)
- Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (BT 120)
- Survey of Doctrine (BT 151)
- Christian Evidences (BT 167/168) or Apologetics (BT/PH 350)
- Biblical Hermeneutics (BT 220)
- Theology: God, Creation, and Sin (BT 221)
- Life of Christ (BT 247)
- Theology: Christ, Holy Spirit, and Salvation (BT 321)
- Theology: The Church and Final Things (BT 331)
- Church History (BT 376)
- Bible Book Study Elective
- Biblical Theology Elective
- Bible/Theology Elective
- Chapel (CCS 110)
- Servant Leader Training (CCS 120)
- Educational Ministries (3 credits)
- Teaching Bible* (EM 321) or Homiletics 1* (BT 322)
- Intercultural Studies (3 credits)
- Missions and Evangelism 1* (ICS 104)
- General Studies (36 credits)
- Fundamentals of Speech (COM 112)
- Fundamental Computer Literacy (CS 101)
- English Composition (ENG 101)
- Introduction to Literature (ENG 102)
- Transitions Seminar (FND 101)
- Senior Seminar (FND 410)
- Western Civilization 1 or 2 (HIS 131/132) or American History 1 (HIS 235)
- College Mathematics (MAT 140)
- Biological Science and Lab (SCI 245) or Earth Science and Lab (SCI 235)
- Humanities Elective
- Social Science Elective
- General Education Electives (6 credits)
*meets Bible-Related requirement
Award: Bachelor of Science
Track-Specific Courses and Open Electives
The Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies offers the following tracks:
| English Bible | Theology | Ministry | Old Testament | New Testament | Biblical Exegesis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 additional NT book study | 3 courses (beyond core requirements) in systematic and/or biblical theology | -Church Leadership and Practice (BT 450) | -Hebrew 1 part 1 (FL 103) -Hebrew 1 part 2(FL 105) |
-Greek 1 part 1 (FL 102) -Greek 1 part 2 (FL 104) |
-Greek 1 part 1 (FL 102) -Greek 1 part 2 (FL 104) |
| 1 additional OT book study | 1 Theology Seminar | -Homiletics 1 (BT 322) | -Hebrew 2 part 1 (FL 203) -Hebrew 2 part 2 (FL 205) |
-Greek 2 part 1 (FL 202) -Greek 2 part 2 (FL 204) |
-Greek 2 part 1 (FL 202) -Greek 2 part 2 (FL 204) |
| 1 additional theology | -Homiletics 2 (BT 332) | 1 additional OT Book study | 1 additional NT Book study | -Hebrew 1 part 1 (FL 203) -Hebrew 1 part 2 (FL 105) |
|
| 2 additional bible/theology electives | -Homiletics Lab 1 (BT 323) -Homiletics Lab 2 (BT 333) |
1 OT Theology | -1 NT Theology | -Hebrew 2 part 1 (FL 203) -Hebrew 2 part 2 (FL 205) |
|
| Choose two EM courses: -Foundations of Youth Ministry (EM 206) -Principles and Methods of Youth Ministry (EM 315) -Small Group Communication (EM 320) -Ethics and Issues in Ministry (EM 380) -Educational Program of the Church (EM 410) |
Choose one: -Old Testament Archaeology (ARC 102) -Bible Geography (BT 278) -History of the Ancient Near East (HIS 410) |
Choose one: -New Testament Archaeology (ARC 203) -Bible Geography (BT 278) -History and Literature of the Second Temple Period (BT/HIS 372) |
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| Open electives: 15 credits | Open electives: 18 credits | Open electives: 13 credits | Open electives: 7 credits | Open electives: 7 credits | Open electives: 3 credits |
