BIBLICAL STUDIES
Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies provides students with a strong Gospel worldview for viewing all of life through the lens of the biblical redemption storyline. Students develop skills that enable them to understand the core linguistic, literary, historical, and cultural contexts of the Bible.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The BA in Biblical Studies benefits students enormously, because it is a clear, unmistakable flagship scholarly biblical degree. This degree provides strong curriculum for students seeking to be thought-leaders in church and society. The degree may be taken by those planning a teaching career in Christian schools, colleges, and universities; students preparing for pastoral and teaching ministries in the church; or those already in the pastorate. Graduates with this degree will be on track for careers in academic scholarship, as theologians and thought-leaders within the church, and as Christian writers. Also, Christian grade school teachers of the Bible would find this an excellent complement to the teacher education program. Other possible vocational uses of the major include intercultural studies professionals, Christian missionaries, those interested in language study and Bible translation, and Christian church leaders desiring a thorough Gospel worldview.
Program Concentrations
Pastoral Ministry
Youth Ministry
Program Courses
- Major Courses (42 Units): The following courses are part of the Foundational Bible and major requirements.
- BIBL211 | Biblical World: Hebrew Bible
- BIBL212 | Biblical World: New Testament
- BIBL480 | Bible and Spiritual Formation
- BIBL490 | Advanced Biblical Studies Seminar
- BIBL498 | Biblical Studies Capstone
- BLG215A & BLG215B | Biblical Greek I and II
- BLG225A & BLG225B | Biblical Hebrew I and II
- THEO340 | Theology of the Hebrew Bible
- THEO360 | Theology of the New Testament
- Upper division Hebrew Bible (OT) or New Testament (NT) electives OR choose a Concentration and one elective
Biblical Studies Concentrations: Students must choose a concentration listed below.
- Pastoral Ministry Concentration (12 units)
- PMIN411 | Contemporary Ecclesiology
- PMIN423 | Pastoral Care and Counseling
- BIBL350 | New Testament Exposition
- LDRS342 | Leading in Organizations
- LDRS210 | Self-Leadership
- ICS103 | Leading with a Mission
- Youth Ministry Concentration (12 units)
- YMIN100 | Foundations of Youth Ministry
- YMIN391 | Teaching and Speaking to Youth
- YMIN175 | Youth Ministry Skills
- YMIN283 | Youth Culture, Trends and Issues
- YMIN426 | Counseling Youth
To view all courses and course descriptions, please see our current Academic Catalog.
Bible/Theology Minor Courses
All programs at Jessup are based upon an 18-unit minor** in Bible and Theology, which include the following core courses:
- BIBL101 | Christian Foundations – Old Testament
- BIBL104 | Christian Foundations – New Testament
- BIBL249 | The Art of Interpretation
- Upper Division Theology elective
- Bible electives (6 units)
To view all courses and course descriptions, please see our current Academic Catalog.

Matthew Godshall, Ph.D.
Program Director
The goal of the Biblical Studies program is for our students to become men and women whose minds and hearts are shaped by the story fo God so they can faithfully, passionately, and creatively tell the story with their whole lives. – Matthew Godshall
FACULTY
Elizabeth H. P. Backfish, Ph.D.
Mark Moore, Ph.D.
Matthew Godshall, Ph.D.
Max Botner, Ph.D.
ADJUNCT FACULTY
Andrew Asane
Andrew Hassler
Ann C. Olson
Bill Walker
Brad Swope
Brandon Kertson
Chris McKinney
Corbett Cutts
Damian Horne
Daniel Burks
David Holcomb
Dawn Pickering
JESSUP NEWS & STORIES

Brian Lucas is “an institutional treasure,” according to Cameron Wilson, Chair of the English Department at Jessup. With a rich background in everything from pastoral ministry to bookstore ownership to teaching college, Brian embodies much of Jessup’s history and values. One of Jessup’s aims is to educate lifelong learners—women and…