Theology B.A. with a Concentration in Pastoral Leadership 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 | 53 | |
| Theology Major Core Requirements | 38 | |
| Pastoral Leadership Studies Concentration Requirements | 33 | |
| Total Units | 124 | |
Theology Major Core Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BINT-270 | Interpreting the Bible | 3 |
| BLAN-101 | Introduction to Biblical Lang. | 3 |
| ICST-272 | Theology/Church Mission | 2 |
| ICST-288 | Theology in an Intercultural Context | 3 |
| NT-462 | Selected Themes/NT Theology | 3 |
| OT-472 | Selected Themes/OT Theology | 3 |
| PHIL-201 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| PLST-310 | Intro/Christian Leadership | 2 |
| PLST-312 | Intro/Pastoral Care | 2 |
| PLST-314 | Intro/Preaching & Teaching | 2 |
| PLST-420 | Disciplines/Spiritual Life | 3 |
| 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 | 38 | |
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)
Pastoral Leadership Studies Concentration Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ICST-102 | Intro/Intercultural Studies | 3 |
| PLST-425 | Narrative/Expository Preaching | 3 |
| PLST-430 | Management/Christian Organztns | 3 |
| PLST-440 | Pastoral Care/Counseling | 3 |
| PLST-461 | Integrative Field Studies | 3 |
| Upper Division Biblical Interpretation (BINT)/New Testament (NT)/ Old Testament (OT) Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Church History (CHIS) Elective | 3 | |
| Upper Division New Testament (NT) Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Upper Division Old Testament (OT) Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Upper Division Philosophy (PHIL)/Theology (THEO) Electives 2 | 6 | |
| Total Units | 33 | |
- 1
Number of units required from the Core Curriculum not included in the major requirements below.
- 2
Upper Division course are those numbered at the 300 and 400 level.
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 | |
|---|---|---|
| CORE-100C | Cornerstone | 1 |
| THEO-103C | Intro to Theology | 3 |
| ENGL-120C | Persuasive Writing | 3 |
| SOC-PLCR | Social Science Core Curriculum Reqm't | 3 |
| ICST-102 | Intro/Intercultural Studies | 3 |
| KINE-148C | Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Lecture | 3 |
| Units | 16 | |
| Year 1 Term 2 | ||
| NT-101C | New Testament Survey | 3 |
| BLAN-101 | Introduction to Biblical Lang. | 3 |
| MATH-PLCR | Math Core Requirement | 3 |
| SOC-PLCR | Social Science Core Curriculum Reqm't | 3 |
| HSPS-PLCR | History/Political Sci Core Requirement | 3 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Year 2 Term 1 | ||
| BINT-270 | Interpreting the Bible | 3 |
| ENGL-220C | Researched Writing | 3 |
| COMM-201C | Speech Composition and Presentation | 3 |
| ICST-272 | Theology/Church Mission | 2 |
| ICST-288 | Theology in an Intercultural Context | 3 |
| HIST-PLCR2 | History Core Requirement (World Civ) | 3 |
| Units | 17 | |
| Year 2 Term 2 | ||
| OT-201C | Old Testament Survey | 3 |
| FINA-PLCR | Fine Arts Core Curriculum Requirement | 3 |
| NSCI-PLCR | Science Lec/Lab Requirement | 4 |
| PHIL-201 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| ENGL-230C | Literature and the Human Experience | 3 |
| Units | 16 | |
| Year 3 Term 1 | ||
| PLST-310 | Intro/Christian Leadership | 2 |
| PLST-420 | Disciplines/Spiritual Life | 3 |
| THEO-PLUD | THEO or PHIL U/D Elective | 3 |
| PLST-314 | Intro/Preaching & Teaching | 2 |
| THEO-318 | Systematic Theology I Anthropology, Christology, Soteriology | 3 |
| Units | 13 | |
| Year 3 Term 2 | ||
| THEO-300C | Developing a Christian World View | 3 |
| PLST-312 | Intro/Pastoral Care | 2 |
| BINT-PLUD3 | BINT NT or OT U/D Elective | 3 |
| OT-PLUD | OT U/D Elective | 3 |
| THEO-320 | Systematic Theology II: Pneumatology Ecclesiology, Eschatology | 3 |
| PLST-425 | Narrative/Expository Preaching | 3 |
| Units | 17 | |
| Year 4 Term 1 | ||
| OT-472 | Selected Themes/OT Theology | 3 |
| NT-PLUD | NT Upper Division Elective | 3 |
| CHIS-400C | Christian Heritage | 3 |
| CHIS-PLUD | CHIS U/D elective | 3 |
| PLST-440 | Pastoral Care/Counseling | 3 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Year 4 Term 2 | ||
| NT-462 | Selected Themes/NT Theology | 3 |
| THEO-PLUD | THEO or PHIL U/D Elective | 3 |
| THEO-499C | Theo/Min/Post-Chrstn Context | 3 |
| PLST-430 | Management/Christian Organztns | 3 |
| PLST-461 | Integrative Field Studies | 3 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Total Units | 124 | |