Theology B.A. with a Concentration in Biblical Studies
1. Bible: The student will analyze and interpret a biblical text, using sound methodology, and will explain its meaning and relevance.
2. Theology: Students will analyze and evaluate a theological proposal that spans major theological loci in terms of its Biblical foundation, coherence and ministry/contextual relevance.
3. Christian Ethics: Students will articulate an approach to making ethical decisions that is informed by both ethical theory and the teaching of Scripture.
4. The Church: Students will articulate an understanding of the church’s identity and history as a Spirit formed community of the people of God and the church’s purpose as disciple-making towards Christlikeness.
5. Leadership: Students will apply the role of spiritual formation in servant leadership in supporting Christ’s reconciling mission for the sake of the world.
6. Missions: Students will articulate missiological and intercultural theories, principles, and strategies and effectively apply them within diverse intercultural contexts.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum Requirements 1 | 50 | |
| Theology Major Core Requirements | 30 | |
| Biblical Studies Concentration Requirements | 18 | |
| General Electives | 22 | |
| Total Units | 120 | |
- 1
Number of units required from the Core Curriculum not included in the major requirements below.
Theology Major Core Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BINT-270 | Interpreting the Bible | 3 |
| ICST-272 | Theology/Church Mission | 2 |
| ICST-288 | Theology in an Intercultural Context | 3 |
| NT-462 | Advanced Exegesis in the New Testament | 3 |
| OT-472 | Advanced Exegesis in the Old Testament | 3 |
| PHIL-201 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| PLST-312 | Intro/Pastoral Care | 2 |
| PLST-314 | Intro/Preaching & Teaching | 2 |
| THEO-318 | Systematic Theology I Anthropology, Christology, Soteriology | 3 |
| THEO-320 | Systematic Theology II: Pneumatology Ecclesiology, Eschatology | 3 |
| THEO-499C | Theo/Min/Post-Chrstn Context | 3 |
| Total Units | 30 | |
Note: The configuration of the Theology Major Core Requirements is built upon the Core Curriculum courses in Theology (see Core Curriculum section of this catalog)
Biblical Studies Concentration Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Take twelve units from the following: 1 | 12 | |
| Beginning Greek I | ||
| Beginning Greek II | ||
| Beginning Hebrew I | ||
| Beginning Hebrew II | ||
Upper Division Biblical Interpretation (BINT) | ||
Upper Division New Testament (NT) | ||
Upper Division Old Testament (OT) | ||
| Take six units of upper division from the following: 2 | 6 | |
Church History (CHIS) | ||
Philosophy (PHIL) | ||
Theology (THEO) | ||
Intercultural Studies (ICST) | ||
Pastoral Leadership (PLST) | ||
Women and Justice (WJST) | ||
| Total Units | 18 | |
- 1
If a student chooses to focus on biblical languages we recommend that they take six units of Greek or Hebrew. They can also mix up the languages and take three units of each language.
- 2
Students must take upper division courses that are not required as part of the Theology core
Disclaimer: This sample Four Year Plan is provided as a guide for the recommended sequencing of courses. Vanguard University requires that students complete a minimum of 120 units of required course work as outlined on the Requirements tab in order to receive a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. It is the student's responsibility to confirm with the department the course rotation before enrolling in courses. If applicable, please note the footnotes at the bottom of the page for additional information related to courses listed in a particular year and term. Questions, contact the School of Theology and Ministry.
Study Abroad Participation: Students interested in participating in the university's Study Abroad programs are encouraged to reach out to the Global Education and Outreach Office for more information and collaboration in their academic course planning. Students using Education and Training Benefits through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs are encouraged to also reach out to the School Certifying Official for more information regarding how benefits can be applied.
| Year 1 Term 1 | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| THEO-103C | Intro to Theology | 3 |
| CORE-CSTN | Cornerstone | 1 |
| CORE-ENGL1 | Composition Requirement | 3 |
| CORE-SCI2 | Science Fitness and Wellness Requirement | 3 |
| CORE-SOBS1 | Social/Behavioral Science Requirement 1 | 3 |
| Units | 13 | |
| Year 1 Term 2 | ||
| CORE-ARHU1 | History/Political Science Requirement | 3 |
| CORE-MATH | Math Concepts Requirement | 3 |
| CORE-SCI1 | Science and Lab Requirement | 4 |
| CORE-SOBS2 | Social/Behavioral Science Requirement 2 | 3 |
| CORE-THEO2 | NT Survey Requirement | 3 |
| Units | 16 | |
| Year 2 Term 1 | ||
| BINT-270 | Interpreting the Bible | 3 |
| BLAN-PLHD1 | Biblical Language Req 1 | 4 |
| ICST-272 | Theology/Church Mission | 2 |
| CORE-ENGL2 | Researched Writing Requirement | 3 |
| CORE-THEO3 | OT Survey Requirement | 3 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Year 2 Term 2 | ||
| BLAN-PLHD2 | Biblical Language Req 2 | 4 |
| ICST-288 | Theology in an Intercultural Context | 3 |
| PHIL-201 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| CORE-ARHU2 | Literature Requirement | 3 |
| ELCT-ANY3 | Any General Elective 3 Units | 3 |
| Units | 16 | |
| Year 3 Term 1 | ||
| PLST-314 | Intro/Preaching & Teaching | 2 |
| THEO-318 | Systematic Theology I Anthropology, Christology, Soteriology | 3 |
| CORE-ENGL3 | Speech Composition and Presentation Requirement | 3 |
| ELCT-ANY8 | Any General Elective 8 units | 8 |
| Units | 16 | |
| Year 3 Term 2 | ||
| PLST-312 | Intro/Pastoral Care | 2 |
| THEO-320 | Systematic Theology II: Pneumatology Ecclesiology, Eschatology | 3 |
| CORE-THEO4 | Christian Worldview Requirement | 3 |
| ELCT-ANY6 | Any General Elective 6 units | 6 |
| Units | 14 | |
| Year 4 Term 1 | ||
| OT-472 | Selected Themes/OT Theology | 3 |
| CORE-THEO5 | Christian Heritage Requirement | 3 |
| THEO-BSUDEL6 | Upper Division Theology Department Elective 6 Units (BS Concen) | 6 |
| ELCT-ANY3 | Any General Elective 3 Units | 3 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Year 4 Term 2 | ||
| NT-462 | Selected Themes/NT Theology | 3 |
| THEO-499C | Theo/Min/Post-Chrstn Context | 3 |
| THEO-BSUDEL6 | Upper Division Theology Department Elective 6 Units (BS Concen) | 6 |
| ELCT-ANY3 | Any General Elective 3 Units | 3 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Total Units | 120 | |