BIBLICAL STUDIES , B.A. degree
The biblical studies major is a specialized version of our philosophy-religion major offered at Roberts Wesleyan College. Instead of a broad introduction to philosophical and religious issues, the biblical studies major (while still requiring a range of supporting, interdisciplinary courses) is a concentrated program of study in the history, literature and worldview of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, with an introduction to the relevant biblical languages (Hebrew and Greek). Besides the required courses in Bible per se, the program includes a range of required and elective courses in ancient history, critical thinking, philosophy of religion, rhetoric and communication, literary theory and criticism, history of theological thought, ancient Near Eastern mythology, and cultural and worldview studies. The major is designed to give undergraduate students a rigorous grounding in the disciplines of biblical studies that would prepare them for graduate work in the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, or related fields.
In addition to the General Education requirements, the Biblical Studies major requires 58 semester hours of core courses as follows:
- 22 semester hours of specific liberal arts courses (History, Philosophy, Theology, Communication, Literature)
- 24 semester hours of Bible (BIB)
- 3 semester hours in Theology (THE)
- 9 semester hours in Biblical Languages (Greek/Hebrew)
CONTEMPORARY MINISTRIES, B.A. degree
The
Contemporary Ministries major is designed for students who are not preparing
for ordination, but who desire to minister in a community or church setting
immediately after graduation. It combines a solid biblical foundation with practical, "how to" courses. Students also select a 18-hour focus allowing
them to create a program appropriate to their own interests and goals for ministry.
The major requires 54 semester hours of core courses as follows:
- 24 hours in biblical literature (BIB)/ theology (THE)
- 3 hours in history (HST)
- 18 hours in ministry (MIN) including 3 hours of "Field Education " --
practical, hands-on experience
- 9 hours in Philosophy
Students must also complete a 18-hour focus from the following options:
- Pastoral Ministry
- Youth and Family Ministry
- Music Ministry
- Urban/Cross-Cultural Ministry
