Biblical Studies Major

Bible & Ministry Department

Overview

Biblical Studies is a four-year program of study designed to equip graduates with thorough knowledge of the Bible and Christian theology. The major offers the choice of one of six tracks: English Bible, Theology, Ministry, New Testament, Old Testament, or Biblical 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.

Degree
Bachelor of Science
Time to Complete
4 Years
Program Director
Dr. Mark Stevenson
Program Learning Outcomes

The student will evidence:

  1. Knowledge of the content of the Bible.
  2. A detailed understanding of Christian theology.
  3. Ability to defend biblical truth and the Christian faith.
  4. Practice of proper methodology for interpreting and applying the English Bible.
  5. Skill in communicating the teaching and application of a biblical passage.
  6. Commitment to growth in Christian character and lifestyle.
Track Specific Outcomes
  1. English Bible: In-depth knowledge of specific areas of Bible and Christian theology
  2. Theology: Thorough knowledge of aspects of Christian theology
  3. Ministry: Understanding of issues in Christian ministry; and skill in communicating biblical teaching
  4. Old Testament: In-depth understanding of the Old Testament with ability to interpret the Old Testament starting from the Hebrew original text
  5. New Testament: In-depth understanding of the New Testament with ability to interpret the New Testament starting from the Greek original text
  6. Biblical Exegesis: Ability to interpret the Bible starting from the Hebrew and Greek original texts
Program Admission
  1. Complete the freshman year at Emmaus with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
  2. Declare intent to pursue a major in Biblical Studies.
  3. At the beginning of the sophomore year, apply for entrance into the Biblical Studies program.
  4. Pay all applicable fees for this major as determined by the Business office and published in the annual statement of fees.
Program Requirements
  1. Complete a minimum of 120.5 semester credit hours.
  2. A 2.0 cumulative grade point average and a passing grade in all required courses.
  3. At least 60 semester credit hours must be earned at Emmaus.
  4. Complete the general graduation requirements listed in the Academic Life section of the catalog.
  5. Meet course requirements in the following areas:
Bible/Theology (48.5 credits)
  • Old Testament Survey 1 (BT 102)
  • Old Testament Survey 2 (BT 104)
  • New Testament Survey (BT 106)
  • Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (BT 120)
  • Survey of Doctrine (BT 151)
  • Biblical Hermeneutics (BT 220)
  • Life of Christ (BT 247)
  • God, Creation, and Sin (BT 221)
  • Christ, Holy Spirit, and Salvation (BT 321)
  • Church and Final Things (BT 331)
  • Praxis of Interpretation (BT 320)
  • Homiletics 1 (BT 322)
  • Apologetics (BT 350) or Christian Evidences (BT 267)
  • Biblical and Practical Theology of Transformation (BT 352)
  • Church History (BT 376)
  • Bible/Theology Elective
  • Servant Leader Training Seminar (CCS 115)
  • Servant Leader Training (CCS 120)
  • Chapel (CCS 110)
Intercultural Studies (3 credits)
  • Missions & Evangelism (ICS 104)
General Studies (38 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 or 2 (HIS 235/236)
  • Christian Life and Worldview* (HUM 111)
  • College Mathematics (MAT 140)
  • Introduction to Human Biology and Lab (SCI 241/242) or Introduction to Earth Science and Lab (SCI 230/231)
  • Humanities Elective
  • Social Science Elective
  • General Studies Electives (6 credits)
Track Specific Courses & Open Electives
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) Biblical Hebrew Language and Grammar 1 (FL 103)
 
Biblical Hebrew Language and Grammar 2 (FL 105)
New Testament Greek Language and Grammar 1 (FL 102)
 
New Testament Greek Language and Grammar 2 (FL 104)
New Testament Greek Language and Grammar 1 (FL 102)
 
New Testament Greek Language and Grammar 2 (FL 104)
1 additional OT book study 1 theology seminar Homiletics Lab 1 (BT 323) Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax and Exegetical Method (FL 203)
 
Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Exegesis (FL 205)
Introduction to Greek Syntax and Exegetical Method (FL 202)
 
Introduction to New Testament Greek Exegesis (FL 204)
Introduction to Greek Syntax and Exegetical Method (FL 202)
 
Introduction to New Testament Greek Exegesis (FL 204)
1 additional systematic or biblical theology   Homiletics 2 (BT 332)
 
Homiletics 2 Lab (BT 333)
1 additional OT book study 1 additional NT book study Biblical Hebrew Language and Grammar 1 (FL 103)
 
Biblical Hebrew Language and Grammar 2 (FL 105)
2 additional Bible/theology electives     1 OT theology 1 NT theology Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax and Exegetical Method (FL 203)
 
Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Exegesis (FL 205)
    Choose two:
 
Introduction to Youth Ministry (EM 260)
 
Small Group Ministry (EM 320)
 
Educational Programming in Ministry (EM 410)
Choose one:
 
Old Testament Archaeology (ARC 102)
 
Bible Geography (BT 278)
 
History of the Ancient Near East (BT 410)
Choose one:
 
New Testament Archaeology (ARC 203)
 
Bible Geography (BT 278)
 
History and Literature of the Second Temple Period (BT 372)
 
Open electives: 16 credits Open electives: 19 credits Open electives: 17 credits Open electives: 17 credits Open electives: 17 credits Open electives: 12 credits
Emmaus equipped me with a solid Biblical foundation to walk in a manner worthy of His calling in my life and provided me with an excellent education that would aid tremendously in graduate school.
John Walker
Superintendent at Central Christian School
John Walker, Emmaus Bible and Theology Alum
Program Planners

Get a more detailed look at the 4 year course plans for the various tracks available within the Biblical Studies major.

English Bible
Theology
Ministry
Old Testament
New Testament
Biblical Exegesis