Theology B.A. with a Concentration in Intercultural 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.

Core Curriculum Requirements 150
Theology Major Core Requirements30
Intercultural Studies Concentration Requirements18
General Electives22
Total Units120
1

Number of units required from the Core Curriculum not included in the major requirements below. 

Theology Major Core Requirements

BINT-270Interpreting the Bible3
ICST-272Theology/Church Mission2
ICST-288Theology in an Intercultural Context3
NT-462Advanced Exegesis in the New Testament3
OT-472Advanced Exegesis in the Old Testament3
PHIL-201Introduction to Philosophy3
PLST-312Intro/Pastoral Care2
PLST-314Intro/Preaching & Teaching2
THEO-318Systematic Theology I Anthropology, Christology, Soteriology3
THEO-320Systematic Theology II: Pneumatology Ecclesiology, Eschatology3
THEO-499CTheo/Min/Post-Chrstn Context3
Total Units30

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)

Intercultural Studies Concentration Requirements

ICST-102Intro/Intercultural Studies3
ICST-345Intercultural Comm in Ministry3
ICST-460Intercultural Field Studies3
ICST-485Current Issues/Mission Studies3
Take six units from the following 16
Upper Division Biblical Interpretation (BINT)
Upper Division New Testament (NT)
Upper Division Old Testament (OT) Elective
Upper Division Church History (CHIS)
Upper Division Philosophy (PHIL)
Upper Division Theology (THEO)
Upper Division Pastoral Leadership (PLST)
Women and Justice (WJST)
Total Units18
1

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.


Plan of Study Grid
Year 1 Term 1Units
ICST-102 Intro/Intercultural Studies 3
THEO-103C Intro to Theology 3
CORE-CSTNCornerstone 1
CORE-SCI2Science Fitness and Wellness Requirement 3
CORE-SOBS1Social/Behavioral Science Requirement 1 3
 Units13
Year 1 Term 2
CORE-ARHU1History/Political Science Requirement 3
CORE-MATHMath Concepts Requirement 3
CORE-SCI1Science and Lab Requirement 4
CORE-SOBS2Social/Behavioral Science Requirement 2 3
CORE-THEO2NT Survey Requirement 3
 Units16
Year 2 Term 1
BINT-270 Interpreting the Bible 3
ICST-272 Theology/Church Mission 2
CORE-ENGL2Researched Writing Requirement 3
CORE-ENGL3Speech Composition and Presentation Requirement 3
CORE-THEO3OT Survey Requirement 3
 Units14
Year 2 Term 2
ICST-288 Theology in an Intercultural Context 3
PHIL-201 Introduction to Philosophy 3
CORE-ARHU2Literature Requirement 3
ELCT-ANY6Any General Elective 6 units 6
 Units15
Year 3 Term 1
PLST-314 Intro/Preaching & Teaching 2
THEO-318 Systematic Theology I Anthropology, Christology, Soteriology 3
ELCT-ANY11Any General Elective 11 units 11
 Units16
Year 3 Term 2
ICST-345 Intercultural Comm in Ministry 3
PLST-312 Intro/Pastoral Care 2
THEO-320 Systematic Theology II: Pneumatology Ecclesiology, Eschatology 3
CORE-THEO4Christian Worldview Requirement 3
ELCT-ANY5Any General Elective 5 units 5
 Units16
Year 4 Term 1
ICST-485 Current Issues/Mission Studies 3
OT-472 Selected Themes/OT Theology 3
THEO-ISUDEL3Upper Division Theology Department Elective 3 Units (IS Concen.) 3
CORE-THEO5Christian Heritage Requirement 3
ELCT-ANY3Any General Elective 3 Units 3
 Units15
Year 4 Term 2
ICST-460 Intercultural Field Studies 3
NT-462 Selected Themes/NT Theology 3
THEO-499C Theo/Min/Post-Chrstn Context 3
THEO-ISUDEL3Upper Division Theology Department Elective 3 Units (IS Concen.) 3
ELCT-ANY3Any General Elective 3 Units 3
 Units15
 Total Units120