NOTICE: Classes canceled today due to weather conditions. Check Blackboard for communication from your instructors.

student reading Bible in class

Biblical Studies Major

Earn a bachelor's degree in Biblical studies

ApplyVisitRequest Info

As a Biblical Studies major at SBU, you will explore evangelical theology and discover how to interpret and study the Bible’s history, grammar, and context. You will have the opportunity to study the Biblical languages of Greek and Hebrew with highly qualified faculty, equipping you to teach and preach with a thorough understanding of God’s Holy Word. Since the Bible is our foundation for theology and practice, your studies will equip you to become a local church ministers, writer, professor, and much more.

You are also eligible for the Early Acceptance Program of the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry. This unique program allows you to earn twelve hours of credit toward a master's degree while completing your undergraduate program. Pursue this program if you desire advanced training for ministry but also want to use your time and money wisely.

The Biblical Studies degree is offered through SBU's College of Arts and Sciences. 

Resources

Major Map (PDF)

Degree Plan

Professor in front of projector teaching class

The SBU Advantage

  • Study Greek and/or Hebrew from highly qualified faculty. Hebrew language study is rare at the undergraduate level and provides a distinct advantage for SBU graduates pursuing further seminary or theology education.
  • Learn from experts in the field. All program faculty have doctorate degrees and many are published authors.
  • Excel in your studies and you will have the opportunity to join the theology honor society and tutor other students.

Faith Integration

The integration of Christian faith with academic discipline is essential to the Biblical Studies degree. Biblical interpretation is taught in an academic context through the perspective of an evangelical Christian worldview. As a Biblical Studies student you will receive superior academic instruction and quality ministry training, preparing you to be an effective servant leader in a global society.

Careers

Biblical Studies graduates are prepared for a variety of careers including:

  • Pastors in churches around the country
  • Teachers at the university level
  • Missionaries in the domestic and international mission fields
  • Writers of Christian living or devotional books or blogs

Graduate Schools

With SBU's Master of Arts in Christian Ministry 4+1 program, you can complete both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in just 5 years!

Other graduate schools and seminaries or Biblical Studies students later attend include:

  • Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
  • New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
  • Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
  • Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
  • University of Aberdeen (Scotland)

 

Josh Easter
"What I learned at SBU allowed me to come into seminary with what feels like a head start. Professors will do anything to help their students succeed, both in their current situations and the future. I have no doubt that the education at SBU is of such quality to well-prepare students for the future."
Josh Easter '14
M.Div. student at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Youth Minister at Walnut Street Baptist Church in Louisville, KY

Full-Time Faculty

Donald Denton

Dr. Donald Denton, Professor
Duke Jones

Dr. Duke Jones, Professor

Dr. Matt Kimbrough, Associate Professor
 

Scholarships

As a Biblical Studies student, you will be eligible for the Church Related Vocation (CRV) scholarship which is currently valued at $2,000 per year. To maintain this scholarship, you must be enrolled in a ministry-related degree program, submit the necessary application and references, participate in SBU's in-service training program and complete any other requirements.

Several privately funded scholarships are also available by application to students preparing for service in Christian ministry.

An award is given annually to the top Greek/Hebrew scholar.

Biblical Studies Four-Year Plan

Freshman

Fall Semester

BIB 1013 Old Testament History 3
ENG 1113 English Composition I 3
POL 1113 American Government and Politics 3
MAT 1243 Algebraic Reasoning and Modeling 3
UNI 1111 University Seminar 1
PSY 1013 General Psychology 3
Total hours 16

Spring Semester

BIB 1023 New Testament History 3
ENG 2213 English Composition II 3
BIO 1004 Principles of Biology 4
UNI 1121 Critical Thinking 1
SPF 2032  Spiritual Formation for Ministry  2
COM 1103 Foundations of Speech Communication 3
Total hours 16-17
 

Sophomore

Fall Semester

BIB 2093 Methods of Biblical Interpretation 3
CHR 3023 Introduction to Preaching or   
CED 2033 Principles of Teaching in the Church 3
HIS 2213 or 2223 U.S. History I or II 3
THE 3023 Christian Heritage 3
ECO 2003 LIFE Economics 3
  Cultural studies graduation requirement 2
Total hours 17

Spring Semester

CIS 1103 Computer and Information Management 3
CHR 3073 Disciple-making/Evangelism 3
THE 3023 Baptist Heritage 3
THE 3113 Christian Doctrine 3
KIN 1162 Foundations of Physical Fitness/Wellness 2
  Upper-level BIB elective 3
Total hours 17
 

Junior

Fall Semester

  Upper-level BIB elective 3
GRE 2014 Elementary Greek I or  
HEB 2014 Elementary Hebrew I 4
  Elective 3
  Elective 3
  Elective 3
Total hours 16

Spring Semester

  Upper-level BIB elective 3
  Upper-level BIB elective 3
GRE 2024 Elementary Greek II or  
HEB 2024 Elementary Hebrew II 4
  Elective 3
  Elective 3
Total hours 16
 

Senior

Fall Semester

PHS 1004 Introduction to Physical Science 4
  Upper-level BIB elective 3
  Elective 3
  Elective 3
  Elective 3
Total hours 16

Spring Semester

  Upper-level THE elective 3
  Elective 3
  Elective 3
  Elective 3
  Elective 3
Total hours 15

NOTE: THE 3023 Baptist Denomination is required if receiving CRV scholarship.

This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements.
Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to degree plans without advanced notice or obligation.
The student is responsible for understanding and completing all general education, degree, departmental and graduation requirements.

Download in PDF format:

Biblical Studies Plan (PDF)