associate of biblical studies and ministry (online)

Overview of Associate of Biblical Studies and Ministry (Online)

The Associate in Biblical Studies and Ministry will provide you with a broadly-based program of biblical studies, choices in ministry studies that match your interests, and a foundation in general education studies.

Online courses are intensive short courses that can be taken one at a time from the convenience of your home. You will develop an individual graduation plan according to your needs, and at a pace and intensity that fits your lifestyle.

Who Should Apply
You may be in ministry. You may be an older adult in a second or “finisher” career. You may be a young adult who wants to finish a degree and build toward further education. If you want to deepen your knowledge of the Bible and sharpen your ministry skills, this program is for you!
 
Career Paths

You’ll be prepared to serve or lead ministries in churches, Christian nonprofits or service organizations. The Associate degree may be a stepping stone for continuing on to a Bachelor degree.

Required Credits

60 credits required including: Biblical Studies (24), General Education (15), Christian Ministry (12), Free Electives (9). 

Curriculum

Each academic program of the college provides the context for whole life transformation through biblical life preparation. Students come to learn, learn to serve, and serve to change lives. Through the courses offered in each program, students will develop a Christ-centered worldview and be prepared to make a difference in the world through their lives, work and service to others.

The courses of study in each degree proceed from foundational to exploratory to immersion courses. Areas of study for each degree will include general education, biblical studies, Christian ministry and service, and core courses in the major.

Students will be challenged to grow in their knowledge of self, others, the world and the Bible. They will be challenged to grow in their critical thinking, development of a biblical worldview and the integration of their faith and learning.

Foundational courses – 42 credits

General Education – 12 Credits
  • Academic Writing, Research, and Rhetoric (3 credits)
  • Public Speaking (3 credits)
  • Introduction to Philosophy (3 credits)
  • Math/Science Elective (3 credits)
biblical studies – 21 Credits
  • Creation and Covenants (3 credits)
  • Israel’s Life and Literature (3 credits)
  • Life of Christ (3 credits)
  • Early Church (3 credits)
  • Interpreting the Bible (3 credits)
  • Christian Narrative I (3 credits)
  • Christian Narrative II (3 credits)
Christian ministry – 9 Credits
  • Foundations of Ministry (3 credits)
  • Fundamentals of Leadership (3 credits)
  • Teaching Skills (3 credits)

Explorational courses – 9 credits

General Education – 3 Credits
  • History Elective (3 credits)
  • Sophomore Assessment (0 credit)
Biblical Studies – 3 Credits
  • Bible Electives (3 credits)
Christian ministry – 3 Credits
  • Christian Ministry Elective (3 credits)

free electives – 9 Credits

Dr. Sherry Shindelar

HUMANITIES INSTRUCTOR AND DIRECTOR OF ONLINE EDUCATION

Program Director: Online Education
Instructor: Humanities, English

Bachelors of Fine Arts: Creative and Professional Writing 
Bemidji State University
M.A. in English 
Bemidji State University
PhD in Literature and Criticism 
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Sue Glidden