Bachelor of Biblical Studies (BBS)
A. Program Objectives
KAPC Reformed Presbyterian University and Seminary currently offers one major in its undergraduate baccalaureate program: Biblical Studies. This degree provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the Bible, exploring both the Old and New Testaments, biblical languages, historical and cultural backgrounds, and theological interpretations. It is often pursued by those interested in ministry, theology, education, or academic research. Students are shaped to have a Christ-like mind to impact the world. Classes will cover fundamental knowledge on the Old and New Testament, Christian doctrines and history, various practical areas of Christian ministries, and methods for further biblical and theological studies.
Career opportunities for Biblical Studies graduates are many and include most of the following Christian service categories:
- Evangelist
- Missionary
- Youth Director/Minister
- Children’s Program Director/Minister
- Church Administrator
- Bible Teacher in Christian Schools
- Writer/Editor in Christian Publication
- With further studies: Pastor (MDiv) or Scholar/Professor/Theologian (PhD)
B. Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies, graduates will:
- Biblical Knowledge
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the content, structure, and themes of the Old and New Testaments.
- Identify major biblical characters, events, and theological concepts.
- Interpretation and Exegesis
- Apply sound hermeneutical methods to interpret biblical texts responsibly.
- Engage in exegetical work using historical, literary, and theological tools.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the themes and principles of biblical redemptive history with foundational Reformed hermeneutical skills.
- Biblical Languages
- Demonstrate basic proficiency in Biblical Hebrew and/or Koine Greek for studying scriptures in their original languages.
- Use language tools to analyze grammar, vocabulary, and syntax.
- Historical and Cultural Context
- Understand the historical, social, and cultural settings of biblical writings.
- Evaluate how these contexts influence the meaning and application of scripture.
- Theological Integration
- Synthesize biblical content into coherent theological themes.
- Articulate the relevance of biblical teachings to contemporary Christian faith and practice.
- Critical Thinking and Research
- Conduct academic research on biblical and theological topics using credible scholarly sources.
- Critically evaluate differing interpretations and viewpoints.
- Communication Skills
- Communicate biblical insights clearly in both written and oral forms.
- Present arguments logically and persuasively in academic and ministry contexts.
- Spiritual and Ethical Formation
- Reflect on personal spiritual growth in light of biblical studies.
- Apply biblical principles ethically in personal life, church, and society.
- Missional and Global Awareness
- Recognize the global impact and cross-cultural relevance of the Bible.
- Engage with biblical texts in ways that support ministry, teaching, or missions.
C. Curriculum Design and Graduation Requirements
The bachelor’s degree requires 129 semester units which consist of 36 units of general education including 3 units of Research & Critical Writing, 54 units of biblical/theological studies and ministerial courses, and 39 units of electives.
Besides required courses, any course that students take will be considered an elective course. Students can choose classes from GE and Major Courses to fulfill their elective requirement. The flexibility of electives within this major will enable students to design a program in line with their ministry objectives as well as their personal interests.
- Degree Requirements Overview
Overview of the Requirements | |
General Education Requirements | 36 units |
Research & Critical Writing | 3 units |
English Reading | 3 units |
Communication | 3 units |
Social/Behavioral Science | 9 units |
Humanities/Fine Arts | 12 units |
Natural Science/Math | 6 units |
Major Core Requirements | 54 units |
Biblical Languages | 6 units |
Biblical Studies | 21 units |
Christian Thoughts and Experience | 12 units |
Christian Ministries | 15 units |
Electives | 39 units |
Total Credit Requirements | 129 Units |
- Graduation Requirements
General requirements for graduation are as follows:
a. Students must complete a total of 129 units with a C (2.0) average on all courses taken.
b. The student must complete all the required courses within the time frame allowed (7 years maximum). Exceptions are reviewed upon request.
c. The student must clear all financial obligations, including the graduation fee of $300, to the university. The student must submit a formal request for graduation before the designated deadline, normally in the beginning of the last academic year. Ordinarily, degrees will be awarded at the conclusion of the spring semester but may be granted in December.
- General Education Courses
Note: All courses are worth 3 credits unless indicated otherwise.
(1) RM 101 Research and Critical Writing
(2) English
Required to take at least 1 of the following:
GE 101 Basic English Skills
GE 104 Intermediate English Skills
GE 107 Advanced English Skills
(3) Communication (3 units)
GE 121 Introduction to Public Communication
(4) Social/Behavior Science (9 units)
GE 240 Introduction to Sociology
CM 244 Introduction to Psychology
GE 259 General Cultural Anthropology
(5) Humanities/Fine Arts (12 units)
At least 4 of the following:
GE 141 Introduction to Philosophy
GE 142 History of Civilization
GE 143 Introduction to Music and Appreciation
GE 150 Survey of World Literature
GE 255 World Religion
GE 258 Ethics
(6) Natural Science/Math (6 units)
GE 261 Science & Religion
GE 271 Computers and Ministry
- Major Courses (Biblical Studies)
(1) Biblical Languages (6 units)
LA 101 Greek
LA 102 Hebrew
(2) Biblical Studies (21 units)
OT 101 Old Testament Survey
NT 102 New Testament Survey
NT 202 Principles of Interpretation
OT 301 Pentateuch
OT 302 Historical Books
NT 301 Gospels
NT 302 Paul’s Letters
(3) Christian Thoughts and Experience (12 units)
TH 101 Introduction to Christian Thought
TH 301 Systematic Theology I
TH 401 Systematic Theology II
CH 201 History of Christianity
(4) Christian Ministries (15 units)
CM 301 Introduction to Spiritual Growth
CM 321 Introduction to Ministry
CM 341 Foundation of Christian Education
CM 351 Biblical Theology of Mission
CM 431 Christian Leadership
- Electives (39 units, 13 classes)
Students can select their own elective courses. Any course which is not listed as GE or major requirement will be considered as an elective course
D. Suggested Academic Progression Plan by Year
Year | Summer | Fall | Winter | Spring |
First Year |
| · RM 101 Research and Critical Writing · NT 102 New Testament Survey · CM 351 Biblical Theology of Mission · CM 301 Introduction to Spiritual Growth · Elective | •LA 102 Hebrew | · NT 202 Principles of Interpretation · OT 101 Old Testament Survey · GE 259 General Cultural Anthropology · TH 301 Systematic Theology I · Elective |
| 15 units | 3 units | 15 units | |
Second Year | • LA 101 Greek | · NT 301 Gospels · OT 301 Pentateuch · CM 321 Introduction to Ministry · CH 201 History of Christianity · Elective |
| · TH 401 Systematic Theology II · NT 302 Paul’s Letters · OT 302 Historical Books · CM 341 Foundation of Christian Education · Elective
|
3 units | 15 units |
| 15 units | |
Third Year | •Elective | · GE 244 Introduction to Psychology · GE 101, 104, or 107 Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced English Skills · GE 240 Introduction to Sociology · Elective · Elective |
| · GE 258 Ethics · TH 101 Introduction to Christian Thought · GE 121 Introduction to Public Communication · Elective · Elective |
3 units | 15 units |
| 15 units | |
Fourth Year |
| · CM 431 Christian Leadership · GE 255 World Religion · GE 141 Introduction to Philosophy · Elective · Elective |
| · GE 261 Science and Religion · GE 271 Computer and Ministry · GE 142 History of Civilization · Elective · Elective
|
| 15 units |
| 15 units |
