Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Pastoral Studies
The program focuses on the basic skills and competencies necessary for church and parachurch ministry. This four-year program is designed to equip the student for the continued study, application, and ministering of God’s Word. The core curriculum concentrates on the biblical basis for ministry practices, allowing for ministry formation in concert with the student’s home church beliefs, and making room for the Holy Spirit to teach and minister in the student’s life. This program can be a foundational step toward a graduate seminary program.
The Bachelor of Arts Program is Designed to
- Provide students with a biblical, doctrinal, historical, practical, and personal foundation for ministry from a Spirit-filled perspective.
- Develop research and analytical skills at the undergraduate level necessary for the ministry and for ongoing biblical studies.
- Develop communication skills necessary for the ministry.
- Assist students in developing a biblical worldview and lifestyle.
- Develop a commitment to lifelong learning, growth, and ministry.
Upon Successful Completion, You Will be Able To
- Demonstrate proficiency in the authorship, historical background, structure, and themes of the books of the Bible.
- Demonstrate proficiency in areas of church history and basic doctrines.
- Perform college-level academic research.
- Demonstrate competency in biblical and pastoral areas of Christian ministry.
- Demonstrate interpersonal communication skills.
Course of Study
The BA in Biblical and Pastoral Studies program contains 122 units (semester hours): 33 units of general education courses, 9 units of Christian Foundation, 59 units of core courses, and 21 units of elective courses.
Communication (9 units)
| GS 110 | English Composition 1 | 3 units |
| GS 111 | English Composition 2 | 3 units |
| GS 117 | Principles of Speech | 3 units |
History / Cultures (6 units)
HI 201 is required; choose 1 more
| HI 201 | Western Civilization 1 | 3 units |
| HI 202 | Western Civilization 2 | 3 units |
| HI 211 | History of Christianity in the U.S. | 3 units |
| HI 220 | World Religions | 3 units |
| HI 221 | Introduction to Islam | 3 units |
Humanities (6 units)
HU 210 is required; choose 1 more
| HU 210 | Introduction to Literature | 3 units |
| HU 201 | History of Music in the Church | 3 units |
| HU 202 | Introduction to World Music | 3 units |
Mathematics (3 units)
| GS 121 | Practical Mathematics | 3 units |
Natural Science (3 units)
Choose 1 of the following
| SC 201 | Introduction to Life Science | 3 units |
| SC 203 | Environmental Science | 3 units |
Social Science (6 units)
SS 205 is required; choose 1 more
| SS 201 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 units |
| SS 205 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 units |
| SS 211 | Foundations of American Government | 3 units |
General Education Description
Shiloh University requires that each Undergraduate student complete general education courses that: (1) cultivate breadth of knowledge and intellectual concepts; (2) develop essential academic skills for enhanced and continued learning; (3) convey broad historical and cultural knowledge; and (4) develop skills and attitudes that contribute to civic engagement and advance professional attainment.
General education courses are broad in their focus and emphasize skills and principles not associated with a particular profession or field of study. They contribute to preparing students for a breadth of degree programs or careers by ensuring that students gain core competencies that include (1) communication skills; (2) critical thinking skills; (3) information literacy; and (4) fundamental mathematical, science, and technological skills.
| HU 211 | Reading the Bible as Literature | 3 units |
| SC 202 | Introduction to Health Science | 3 units |
| SS 202 | Principles of Interpersonal Relationships | 3 units |
Christian Foundations Description
Shiloh University believes specific foundations are essential to the ongoing personal and professional development of students. Students should have a foundation in the Bible, understand principles of healthy living, and learn the nature and basis of interpersonal relating. Connecting Christian foundations to life’s vocations empowers students to make a difference in the world around them.
Biblical Studies
| MT 305 | Introduction to Biblical Interpretation | 3 units |
| NT 301 | Introduction to the New Testament | 3 units |
| OT 301 | Introduction to the Old Testament | 3 units |
| OT 302 | Historical Geography of Israel | 3 units |
Choose 1 of the following
| BL 301 / 302 | Biblical Hebrew | 8 units |
| BL 303 / 304 | Biblical Greek | 8 units |
Choose 1 of the following
| MT 407 | Biblical Hermeneutics | 3 units |
| MT 412 | Biblical Curriculum Development | 3 units |
Church History and Theology
| CH 301 | Survey of Church History | 3 units |
| CH 304 | Spiritual Outpourings and Revival | 3 units |
| TH 301 | Theology 1 | 3 units |
| TH 302 | Theology 2 | 3 units |
Ministry Practices
| MT 301 | Spiritual Formation | 3 units |
| MT 309 | Missions and Evangelism | 3 units |
| MT 310 | Divine Healing and Miracles | 3 units |
| MT 311 | Principles of Spiritual Care | 3 units |
| MT 406 | Homiletics | 3 units |
| PL 401 | Foundations of Liturgy | 3 units |
| PL 410 | Stewardship and Administration | 3 units |
| MM 401 | Mentored Ministry | 3 units |
| BL 301 | Biblical Hebrew 1 | 4 units |
| BL 302 | Biblical Hebrew 2 | 4 units |
| BL 303 | Biblical Greek 1 | 4 units |
| BL 304 | Biblical Greek 2 | 4 units |
| BS 207 | Personal Finance | 3 units |
| BS 301 | Introduction to Business | 3 units |
| BS 302 | Principles of Management | 3 units |
| BS 313 | Coaching and Mentoring for Business | 3 units |
| CH 402 | Readings in Christian Thought | 3 units |
| HU 203 | Music Theory and Musicianship 1 | 3 units |
| HU 204 | Music Theory and Musicianship 2 | 3 units |
| JS 301 | Exploring Jewish Prayer, Practices, and Thought | 3 units |
| JS 303 | Jewish Foundations of Christianity | 3 units |
| JS 311 | Second Temple Judaism | 3 units |
| MT 313 | Practical Crisis Counseling | 3 units |
| MT 414 | Pastoral counseling for Recovery Restoration | 3 units |
| NT 309 | Background of the New Testament | 3 units |
| NT 310 | Formation of the New Testament | 3 units |
| NT 311 | The Early Church in Jerusalem | 3 units |
| NT 313 | Jewish Background of the Parables | 3 units |
| NT 404 | The Gospels / The Life of Christ | 3 units |
| NT 424 | The Life and Letters of Paul | 3 units |
| PL 405 | Relational Church Planting and Growth | 3 units |
| PL 412 | Church Law | 3 units |
| PL 422 | Spiritual Worship Leadership | 3 units |
Undergraduate degree courses typically require an average of 9 hours per week for a 3-unit course. Some students may require more (or less) time than 9 hours depending on the subject being studied.
Faculty
Here are a few of the faculty members teaching in the BA program. View all faculty bios.
- Phil Forbes
- M.B.A., Phoenix University
- Graduate Certificate in Biblical Languages, Shiloh University
- M.Div., Shiloh University
- Th.M., South Africa Theological Seminary
- Teaches: Biblical Studies, Ministry Practice
- Amanda Dempster
- B.A. in Sociology & Anthropology, St. Mary’s College of Maryland
- Graduate Certificate in Ministry Practice, Shiloh University
- M.Div., Shiloh University
- Teaches: Social Sciences, History/Cultures
Graduation Requirements
To graduate with the BA degree in Biblical and Pastoral Studies the student will:
- Complete the minimum number of units required.
- Successfully complete all courses in the degree program.
- Earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
- Fulfill any outstanding school financial obligations.
