So, you’re considering attending a Bible college. If so, then you may be asking what degree do you get from Bible college? What can you do with a Bible degree? Or similar questions. Let’s look at a few of these questions.
What is a Bible College?
It may seem overly simplistic, but a Bible college where you study the Bible. That’s not all you study, but it is certainly a major factor. Accredited Bible colleges also teach English, history, math, science, and more. But they also teach a significant amount of Bible, including courses like Old Testament survey, New Testament survey, theology, hermeneutics, etc.
In general, Bible colleges prepare students for Christian ministry with a foundation in biblical studies, theological studies, and practical ministry skills (like preaching, leadership, and counseling). Generally, Bible colleges focus on undergraduate degrees. But many offer certificates, master’s degrees, and even doctorates. Some provide continuing education credits for Christian schools too.
According to the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), approximately 900 colleges and universities are religiously affiliated. Several of those are directly affiliated with the Christian denomination. One of the earliest Bible colleges founded in the US is Moody Bible Institute (1887).
What Degree Do You Get from Bible College?
One of the most common degrees is a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies. The purpose of this degree is to give the student a strong foundation in the Bible for use in church or ministry contexts. Students will study the Bible, doctrine, Christian ministry, pastoral ministry, worship ministry, etc.
Nowadays, many Bible colleges have also expanded their degree offerings to include a wider range of marketplace degrees. For example, you can get a degree in organizational leadership, counseling, elementary education, sports medicine, or mass communication/media studies. But even in those marketplace degrees, a large number of credits focus on Bible courses.
Additionally, many Bible colleges today offer classes in a variety of formats. Some have beautiful campuses with dorms and cafeterias. Others are commuter-based. Some are completely online only. Yet many are a combination of seated and online, offering the best of both worlds to their students. If interested, many Bible colleges have intercollegiate sports too!
Are these degrees accredited?
Not every school is accredited, but it is a very important question. (For more on why accreditation matters, read our post Accredited: Yes or No.) The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognize several accrediting agencies focusing on Bible colleges. The Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) accredits more than 150 institutions of biblical higher education in Canada and the United States (including Moody Bible Institute). The Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) is comprised of over 90 schools in the United States and abroad. The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) accredits more than 270 graduate programs in North America.
What Can You Do With a Bible Degree?
You can do a lot more with a Bible college degree than you think. At CCBS, we offer programs from the associate level to the master’s level. You can focus on biblical studies, apologetics, theological studies, Bible translation, leadership, biblical counseling, or our professional degree the Master of Divinity.
As a result, graduates leave and become pastors, women’s ministry leaders, chaplains, and international missionaries. Others work in or own their local businesses. Some of our graduates work with Wycliffe Associates assisting the greater work of Bible translation around the world. One graduate recently retired from a successful career in Emergency Management where he used the leadership principles learned at CCBS on a daily basis.
Biblical Studies at CCBS
At Carolina College of Biblical Studies, our foundational degree is in biblical studies. Our core curriculum includes Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, Life of Christ, Culture of the Bible, Doctrine, Hermeneutics, Biblical Exposition, Spiritual Formation, Introduction to Leadership, Apologetics, World Religions, and more.
If you are considering a Bible college, then contact our admissions team. They can help you identify what degree best suits your need. Our motto is: “Your Calling. Our Mission.” That is, whatever God has called you to do, it is our mission to help you.
Call our admissions team today to schedule a visit. We offer Preview Night events regularly. We also offer a tuition-free class called “How to Study the Bible” to give you a chance to experience a real class at CCBS. Contact us or stop by to find out more.
Your Calling. Our Mission.