Online Degree Programs

Learn More! 

The Certificate of Biblical & Ministry Studies supports volunteers and pastors in the local church.
The Certificate of Biblical and Ministry Studies is designed to support and enhance the ministry of volunteer workers in the local church as well as bi-vocational pastors. The courses are available online. The subjects that make up this certificate of 15 credit hours are the following:

BIB 1100 – Introduction to Biblical Studies, 2 hours
BIB 1011 – Old Testament Survey: Law and History, 3 hours
BIB 1031 – New Testament Survey: The Epistles and Revelation, 3 hours
BIB 1250 – Evangelism and Discipleship, 2 hours
BIB 2032 – Old Testament Survey: Poetry and Prophecy, 2 hours
BIB 2062 – New Testament: Gospels and Acts, 2 hours
MIN 1907 – Local Church Internship, 1 hour

This program is intended to provide quality, basic preparation for local church ministry, but not for further education. The primary purpose for offering this program is to support and enhance the Christian ministries of bi-vocational pastors and volunteer lay workers in the local church. The Associate of Science degree in Ministry is not considered to be preparation for a full-time ministry. Those who definitely plan to be full-time pastors, missionaries, or to have a vocational Youth and Family Ministry are advised to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Theological Studies. The Associate of Science degree in Ministry may be earned entirely online.

In addition to meeting the specific objectives stated elsewhere for the major in Theological Studies and for the Arts and Sciences core, the graduate should be able to:

(1) Apply and demonstrate biblical principles of thought and life in consistent Christian witness;

(2) Serve and minister effectively in a variety of local church responsibilities; and

(3) Support and extend the ministry of the local church in his or her community.

Requirements: 62 hours, with a C average (2.00 g.p.a.) overall and in each segment of the degree.

(1) Arts and Sciences, 26 hours

• BUS 1150. Microcomputer Applications, 0
• ENG 1011, 1022. Grammar and Composition I, II, 6
• HIS 1011. History of Western Civilization, 3
• IDS 1501. Leadership and Calling: Personal Development and Leadership Principles, 2
• IDS 2102. Foundations for Civic Engagement, 2
• IDS 1902. Christianity, Culture, and Worldview, 2
• MAT 1101. College Algebra, 3
• MUS 1002. Music Introduction and Appreciation, 3
• PHE 2100. Lifetime Fitness, 2
• SPE 1000. Fundamentals of Speech, 3

(2) Theological Studies, 36 hours

• BIB 1011, 1031, 2032, 2062. Bible Survey, 10
• BIB 1100. Introduction to Biblical Studies, 2
• BIB 1250. Evangelism and Discipleship, 2
• BIB 2601. Biblical Interpretation, 3
• ICS 1102. Biblical Basis of Missions, 2
• MIN 2326. Church Growth: Theory and Practice, 2
• MIN 1011. Local Church and World Missions, 2
• MIN 3011. Christian Ministry, 3
• MIN 3111. Homiletics, 2
• SSC 3101. Marriage and the Family, 3
• THE 3101. Christian Doctrines, 3
• YFM 2106. Spiritual Disciplines, 2

This two-year program will enable the student to develop the character and skills necessary for efficiency as an accounting clerk, office manager, or other office worker. The increasing demand by our denominational offices, churches, and Christian schools for bookkeepers and business managers calls for the integrated preparation that a Bible-centered business curriculum offers. This kind of education is equally valuable to those who serve as Christian witnesses in the business world. The Associate of Science degree in Business may be earned entirely online. All graduates of this program should be able to:

(1) Demonstrate Christian principles, values, and responsible stewardship in life and work; and

(2) Demonstrate appropriate office skills including communication (oral and written), computer skills, and basic accounting skills.

Requirements: 63 hours, with a 2.00 g.p.a. in all segments of the degree.

(1) Theological Studies, 16 hours:

• BIB 1100. Introduction to Biblical Studies, 2
• BIB 1250. Evangelism and Discipleship, 2
• BIB 1011, 1031, 2032, 2062. Bible Survey, 10
• IDS 1902. Christianity, Culture, and Worldview, 2 (for content purposes, this is shared w/ A/S)

(2) Arts and Sciences, 27 hours:

• BUS 1150. Microcomputer Applications, 0
• ENG 1111, 1122. Grammar and Composition I, II, 6
• HIS 1011, 1022. History of Western Civilization, 6
• IDS 1501. Leadership and Calling: Personal Development and Leadership Principles, 2
• IDS 2102. Foundations for Civic Engagement, 2
• MAT 1101. College Algebra (or higher), 3
• PHE 2100. Lifetime Fitness, 2
• SPE 1000. Fundamentals of Speech, 3
• SSC 3101. Marriage and the Family, 3

(3) Business, 20 hours:

• BUS 1201. Introduction to Business, 2
• BUS 2211, 2222. Principles of Accounting I, II, 6
• ECO 2411. Principles of Macroeconomics, 3
• ECO 2422. Principles of Microeconomics, 3
• BUS 3301. Principles of Management, 3
• BUS electives, approved by department faculty, 3

This two-year program is, first, for students who desire some study in a biblical framework but plan to pursue a collegiate major not offered at Welch College. It provides a solid basis of biblical study plus a core of general education that should provide a good foundation for transferring to another college.

Second, some students who sense no call to full-time Christian service and do not desire a four-year college degree still wish to attend a Bible College for the sake of general biblical knowledge and personal spiritual growth. For such students, this program provides a good foundation for general, lay ministry in a local church.

All graduates of this program should be able to:

(1) Develop a broad comprehension of biblical teaching, reflected in Christian character and a Christian worldview;

(2) Demonstrate competency in the basics of reading, writing, and speaking; and

(3) Develop foundational skills in personal and social relationships.

Requirements: 62 hours, with a C average (2.00 g.p.a.) overall and in each segment of the degree.

(1) Theological Studies, 16 hours:

• BIB 1011,1031, 2032, 2062. Bible Survey, 10
• BIB 1100. Introduction to Biblical Studies, 2
• BIB 1250. Evangelism and Discipleship, 2
• IDS 1902. Christianity, Culture, and Worldview, 2 (for content purposes, this course is shared
• with the A/S)

(2) Arts and Sciences, 41 hours:

• BIO 1001, 1011. Systems in Biological Science and Lab, 4
• BUS 1150. Microcomputer Applications, 0
• ENG 1111, 1122. Grammar and Composition I, II, 6
• ENG 2111, 2122. Masterpieces of World Literature I, II, 6
• HIS 1011, 1022. History of Western Civilization I, II, 6
• IDS 1001, 2001. Leadership and Calling, 4
• MAT 1101. College Algebra, 3
• MUS 1002. Music Introduction and Appreciation, 3
• PHE 2100. Lifetime Fitness and PHE activity elective, 3
• SPE 1000. Fundamentals of Speech, 3
• SSC 3101. Marriage and Family, 3

(3) Electives, 5 hours

This program of study is designed to prepare Christian leaders (both lay leaders and preachers) to perform various ministries within a local church context. In addition to the objectives stated for Theological Studies and the Arts and Sciences Core, the student will be able to:

(1) Articulate a practical biblical theology and philosophy of life and ministry;

(2) Demonstrate skills in a variety of local church ministries;

(3) Provide leadership in a local church through teaching/preaching, planning, organizing, and overseeing programs of outreach, growth, and maturing of new believers.

Enrollment in the BSGCM program is limited to online students, transfer students (usually those having at least 45 hours of accumulated credit), and, in rare cases, students approved by the Dean of the School of Theology in consultation with ministry faculty.

Requirements: 124 hours, with a C average (2.00 g.p.a.) overall and in each segment of the degree.

(1) Arts and Sciences Core, 44 hours:

• BIO 1001, 1011. Systems in Biological Science and Lab, 4
• BUS 1150. Microcomputer Applications, 0
• ENG 1111, 1122. Grammar and Composition I, II, 6
• ENG 2111, 2122. Masterpieces of World Literature I, II, 6
• HIS 1011, 1022. History of Western Civilization I, II, 6
• IDS 1501. Leadership and Calling: Personal Development and Leadership Principles, 2
• IDS 2102. Foundations for Civic Engagement, 2
• MAT 1101. College Algebra, 3
• MUS 1002. Music Introduction and Appreciation, 3
• PHE 2100. Lifetime Fitness and PHE activity elective, 3
• PHL 3602. Christian Philosophy, 3
• SPE 1000. Fundamentals of Speech, 3
• SSC 3101. Marriage and Family, 3

(2) Theological Studies, 69 hours:

(a) Bible and Theology Major, 37 hours

• BIB 1011, 1031, 2032, 2062. Bible Survey, 10
• BIB 1100. Introduction to Biblical Studies, 2
• BIB 1250. Evangelism and Discipleship, 2
• BIB 2601. Biblical Interpretation, 3
• BIB/THE 3000. Electives, 4
• BIB/THE 4000. Electives, 6 (at least 3 of these hours must include the BIB prefix)
• THE 3251. Systematic Theology I, 2
• THE 3301. Systematic Theology II, 3
• THE 3402. Systematic Theology III, 3
• THE 4032. Eschatology, 2

(b) Ministry Studies Core, 32 hours:

• IDS 1902, 3101, 4101. Christianity, Culture and Worldview, 6 (for content purposes, these courses are shared with the A/S Core)
• LNG 2013-2026. Beginning Koine Greek I, II, 6, or LNG 3014-3025. Beginning Biblical Hebrew I, II, 6 (in lieu of this requirement, online students will take: LNG 2001. Greek Language Tools, 3 and LNG 2002. Hebrew Language Tools, 3) Using Biblical Languages, 6)
• MIN 1011. Local Church and World Missions, 2
• MIN 2326. Church Growth: Theory and Practice, 2
• MIN 3011. Christian Ministry, 3
• MIN 3111. Homiletics, 2
• MIN 3601. Christian Counseling, 3
• PMN 3105. Church Administration, 2
• PMN 4253. Christian Worship, 2
• YFM 2002. Education in the Local Church, 2
• YFM 2106 Spiritual Disciplines, 2

(3) General electives, 11 hours (all free electives transferred from other institutions must meet the requirements for transfer credits set forth in this Catalog)

This program provides broad preparation in three areas: professional business courses, Arts and Sciences, and Theological Studies. The program includes a wide range of courses in business administration.

The student who completes this program should be well prepared for a career in business, for either a secular firm or a Christian organization, or for graduate school in the field. This curriculum also serves as an excellent pre-law program. Emphasis on the spiritual growth and development of each student, and on the importance of Christian witness and service in the world of work, is a unique feature of this program in its Bible College setting.

Specific objectives include those stated elsewhere in the Catalog for the Theological Studies Major and for the Arts and Sciences Core. In addition, the student who successfully completes the program should be able to:

(1) Demonstrate a broad knowledge of general business theory including principles, skills, and techniques; understand the legal environment within which businesses operate; analyze and apply economic theories and principles to present-day situations; and evaluate ethical dilemmas with biblical foundations for ethical decisions; and

(2) Develop the ability to apply and implement business theory in practice including basic financial and accounting principles, management and operation of business, and techniques of retail business activities; apply oral and written communication skills in the business environment; and integrate computer skills and techniques into business decision making.

Requirements: 129 hours, with a C average (2.00 g.p.a.) overall and in each major.

(1) Theological Studies Major, 30 hours:

• BIB 1100. Introduction to Biblical Studies, 2
• BIB 1250. Evangelism and Discipleship, 2
• BIB 1011, 1031, 2032, 2062. Bible Survey, 10
• IDS 1902, 3101, 4101. Christianity, Culture, and Worldview, 6 (for content purposes, these courses are shared with the A/S Core)
• PHL 3602. Christian Philosophy, 3 (for content purposes, this is shared with the A/S Core)
• THE 3101. Christian Doctrines, 3
• BIB elective, 4 (must be at the 4000 level)

(2) Arts and Sciences Core, 44 hours:

• BIO 1001, 1011. Systems in Biological Science and Lab, 4
• BUS 1150. Microcomputer Applications, 0
• ENG 1111, 1122. Grammar and Composition I, II, 6
• ENG 2111, 2122. Masterpieces of World Literature I, II, 6
• HIS 1011, 1022. History of Western Civilization I, II, 6
• IDS 1501. Leadership and Calling: Personal Development and Leadership Principles, 2
• IDS 2102. Foundations for Civic Engagement, 2
• MAT 1101. College Algebra, 3
• MAT 2111. Introduction to Statistics and Probability, 3
• MUS 1002. Music Introduction and Appreciation, 3
• PHE 2100. Lifetime Fitness and PHE activity elective, 3
• SPE 1000. Fundamentals of Speech, 3
• SSC 3101. Marriage and Family, 3

(3) Business Administration Core, 34 hours:

• BUS 1201. Introduction to Business, 2
• BUS 2001. Business Communications, 3
• BUS 2211, 2222. Principles of Accounting I, II, 6
• BUS 3124, 3125. Business Law I, II, 4
• BUS 3206. Marketplace Management, 3
• BUS 3301. Principles of Management, 3
• BUS 3401. Business Finance, 3
• BUS 4202. Strategic Planning, 3
• BUS 4920. Capstone Experience, 1
• ECO 2411. Principles of Macroeconomics, 3
• ECO 2422. Principles of Microeconomics, 3

(4) Business Emphasis, 21 hours: