Deepen Your Understanding of the Bible With a Biblical Studies Emphasis
Offered by the College of Theology, the Christian studies degree can prepare future servant leaders to effectively and humbly communicate the Word of God to a variety of audiences. You will be encouraged to explore issues pertaining to personal morality. While being guided to develop a solid grasp on the Christian worldview, you will also have opportunities to examine other major world religions.
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Transfer Credits
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
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Admission Requirements
- 16+ years old
- High School Graduate
- 3.0+ Unweighted GPA
- ACT: 19
- SAT: 1000*
Or 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
* Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
Study Biblical Concepts and Christian History
Future Christian leaders who desire to know and love Christ are invited to apply to the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Biblical Studies program. The biblical studies courses, offered online and on campus by Grand Canyon University, entails an intensive survey of Christian doctrine, Christian history and theology with a focus on biblical interpretation and genre studies in the Old and New Testaments. You will undergo an in-depth exploration of the Bible and be taught to rightly handle the Word of God through the teaching and preaching of Scripture within a church or other ministry context.
Earn Your Christian Studies Degree Online or Campus
At GCU, you have the opportunity to complete your BA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Biblical Studies courses online. Completing your courses in an online format can provide you with the flexibility you may need to incorporate your studies into your busy lifestyle. You will also have access to online learning resources and support that can help you as you study the Word of God and work to deepen your faith throughout the program.
You can choose to complete your bachelor’s degree in person on GCU’s 300+ acre campus. Study on campus and take advantage of all that GCU has to offer. On-campus learning offers access to various facilities to help guide you in success throughout your program. You can also enjoy other GCU perks, such as dining options and fitness centers.
Biblical Studies Course Topics To Expect
While you are conducting your biblical studies online or on campus, you will have the opportunity to benefit from a learning community of peers and instructors, all of whom are seeking to grow closer to God. Throughout your courses, you may explore effective teaching styles and methodologies.
There is an emphasis on Christian character formation and the study of ethical decision-making for modern Christians. Under the thoughtful guidance of knowledgeable instructors, you will be encouraged to develop your speaking and listening skills within various ministerial contexts.
As a graduate of the Christian studies degree, you will have been taught to effectively minister to a diverse range of audiences, including church congregations, small groups and student groups.
In courses such as Gospels and Acts, Biblical Interpretation and Application, Pentateuch and Hebrew Prophets, these core curriculum areas are explored:
- Interpretation of selected passages from the Gospels and Acts in light of major theological themes
- Pre-exilic, exilic and post-exilic prophets, including their ministry and message, studied with consideration for the social, political and religious conditions of their times
- The use of the basic principles of biblical hermeneutics, including their application to contemporary issues
- The development of literature, composition and theological themes pertaining to the Hebrew poetry and wisdom literature in the Old Testament
- The story of Jesus as it unfolds within the four Gospels, the continued work of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts and the life of the early church through the lens of the New Testament epistles
Careers Paths for Graduates With a BA in Christian Studies
Follow your faith toward a career path that allows you to share God’s Word in meaningful, impactful ways. When you graduate with a bachelor’s in Christian studies with a biblical studies emphasis, you can be prepared to pursue a variety of positions as a servant leader within the Christian church. No degree program can guarantee a specific career outcome. However, some graduates may feel called to work in the areas of domestic or foreign missions or Bible school and worship education. Other career possibilities that may be related to this degree program include the following:
- Religious activities and educational director
- Postsecondary philosophy and religion teacher
In addition, clergy saw a median annual wage of $58,920 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
Graduates with a biblical studies focus may choose to bring the Christian perspective to other career paths, such as by becoming social workers or family therapists. Some jobs may require additional academic qualifications, which may include certification or licensure. Future Christian leaders may elect to delve more deeply into Christian doctrine by applying to the Grand Canyon Theological Seminary.
Take Biblical Studies Courses From an Institutionally Accredited University
GCU is a private, institutionally accredited Christian university. Accreditation is a designation that speaks to the quality of instruction in our degree programs. As an institutionally accredited university, GCU’s professors and adjunct instructors strive to deliver curriculum that can prepare you to pursue your choice of career paths. To learn more about accreditation, visit our university accreditation page.
BA in Christian Studies Degree: Biblical Studies Emphasis FAQs
Before deciding to apply for enrollment in biblical studies courses, it's a good idea to learn more about the field and what you can expect from a degree program. The following frequently asked questions and answers can offer insight to consider as you plan your future.
Course List
Credit Summary
General Education34-40 Credits
Open Elective Credits16-22 Credits
Major64 Credits
Degree Requirements120 Credits
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Competency
4 Total Credits
University Foundations
Competency
13-16 Total Credits
Effective Communication
Competency
4 Total Credits
Christian Worldview
Competency
3-4 Total Credits
Critical Thinking
Competency
10-12 Total Credits
Global Awareness, Perspective and Ethics
Core Courses
BIB-106
4 Total Credits
Old Testament Survey
BIB-107
4 Total Credits
New Testament Survey
HTH-201
4 Total Credits
Christian Theology I
BIB-355
4 Total Credits
Biblical Interpretation and Application
BIB-350
4 Total Credits
Pentateuch
HTH-202
4 Total Credits
Christian Theology II
BIB-370
4 Total Credits
Hebrew Poetical and Wisdom Literature
MIN-320
4 Total Credits
Christian Character Formation
INT-310
4 Total Credits
Christianity in a Global Context
BIB-360
4 Total Credits
Gospels and Acts
BIB-455
4 Total Credits
Hebrew Prophets
HTH-350
4 Total Credits
Survey of Historical Theology
MIN-430
4 Total Credits
Ministerial Communication
BIB-380
4 Total Credits
Pauline Epistles
HTH-330
4 Total Credits
Christian Ethics
BIB-465
4 Total Credits
The General Epistles
Make an Impact in Your Community
Expand your knowledge of the Christian faith and prepare to pursue a faith-oriented career path with a BA in Christian Studies. Fill out the form on this page to learn more.
