Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
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, consisting of:
College Study Skills, 1 credit; English Composition, 6 credits; History of Western Civilization, 3 credits; Biological Science Survey, 3 credits; General Psychology, 3 credits; Speech Communication, 3 credits; Introduction to Philosophy, 3 credits; Church History, 3 credits; Literature (English or American), 3 credits; General Electives, 12 credits.
Bible/Theology, 48 credits, consisting of:
Bible Survey, 6 credits; Gospels, 3 credits; Pentateuch I, 3 credits; Christian Beliefs, 3 credits; Theology of Holiness, 3 credits; Methods of Biblical Interpretation, 3 credits; Systematic Theology, 6 credits; Romans, 3 credits; Bible/Theology Electives, 18 credits.
Professional Education, 32 credits, consisting of:
Personal Evangelism, 3 credits; The Teaching of Bible, 3 credits; Teaching Bible Practicum, 3 credits; Church Music Administration, 3 credits; Missions Electives, 3 credits; Professional Electives, 17 credits.
Suggested Schedule
(beginning even-numbered fall)
Other Programs offered in this Division
a one-year study course