Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies

Brian Black

Brian Black

Division Director

The Biblical Studies Division will develop within you a biblical worldview. This foundational framework is vital for all Christians. All students at Penn View major in Bible and theology in addition to their selected focus of study. Those who focus primarily on biblical studies receive a greater intensity of academic concentration in Bible and theology courses.

Embracing and developing a biblical worldview is critical to spiritual growth and development in our post-modern world. Understanding the absolute truth of God’s Word is important as we confront those who embrace the “it may be true for you, but not for me” philosophy of life. To be ungrounded in God’s Word is dangerous when Christians face the morass of ideas in our world. This course of study enables students to think biblically.

Knowing what you believe and why you believe it builds strong foundations of faith and thinking. While studying the victories and defeats of people in the Bible, students learn lessons on living a godly life, staying true during times of tempation, obeying God when conventional wisdom encourages otherwise, and personally walking with God in all areas of life. Biblical Studies majors receive solid, rounded training which prepares them for a variety of ministry options.

Biblical Studies Requirements

Program Objectives

In keeping with the Institutional Goals, the Biblical Studies Program is designed specifically:

1. To provide the Christian worker with a foundational knowledge of the English Bible, studying it first in overview and then by significant books and groupings of books.

2. To aid the student in developing:

a. a thorough understanding of the great doctrines of the Scripture,
b. skills in interpreting Scripture properly, and
c. the ability to make application of its message in practical Christian living.

3. To prepare the student to teach Bible in a variety of settings.

4. To assist the student in understanding and appreciating the New Testament Church as God’s plan for this dispensation. Involved in this is the development of basic concepts in evangelism and the ministry of the church.

5. To help the student prepare for a life of total dedication to the ministry of Christ and His church.

Course Requirements are as follows (Total 120 credits):

General Education, 40 credits:

PT 101 College Study Skills 1 credit
LL 111 English Composition I 3 credits
LL 112 English Composition II 3 credits
SS 111 History of Western Civ. I 3 credits
NS 112 Biological Science Survey 3 credits
PS 131 General Psychology 3 credits
LL 211 Speech Communication 3 credits
PR 211 Introduction to Philosophy 3 credits
CH 342 Church History II 3 credits
LL ––– Literature Elective 3 credits
Selected from LL 231 American Literature I,
LL 232 American Literature II, LL 311 English Literature I, or LL 312 English Literature II
.
General Electives 12 credits

Bible/Theology, 48 credits:

BI 111 Old Testament Survey 3 credits
BI 112 New Testament Survey 3 credits
BI 12- Gospels Elective 3 credits
BI 121 Gospels I or BI 122 Gospels II
BI 221 Pentateuch I (Genesis) 3 credits
TH 221 Christian Beliefs 3 credits
TH 222 Theology of Holiness 3 credits
BI 312 Methods of Biblical Interpretation 3 credits
TH 321 Systematic Theology I 3 credits
TH 322 Systematic Theology II 3 credits
BI 412 Romans 3 credits
Bible/Theology Electives 18 credits

 

Professional Education, 32 credits:

PT 122 Personal Evangelism I 1 credit
PT 221 Personal Evangelism II 1 credit
PT 222 Personal Evangelism III 1 credit
MI 3– Missions Elective 3 credits
MI 311 Survey of Missions, MI 331 Contemporary Issues in Intercultural Ministry, or MI 342 World Evangelism
ED 331 The Teaching of Bible 3 credits
PT 342 Teaching Bible Practicum 3 credits
MU 411 Church Music Administration 3 credits
Professional Electives 17 credits

Suggested Schedule

(beginning even-numbered fall)

Other Programs offered in this Division

a one-year study course