Biblical Studies

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.

42 UNITS
15 WEEK SEMESTERS
ROCKLIN CAMPUS

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.

  • Exegete scripture in the light of its historical, cultural, and literary context and its original languages
  • Demonstrate relevant and diverse research in conversation with diverse perspectives
  • Employ oral and written communication skills that exhibit strong thought and leadership
  • Identify intertextual links and trace key theological themes within the metanarrative of scripture
  • Integrate and apply their biblical studies with their own spiritual formation and contemporary issues

Program Concentrations
Pastoral Ministry
Theology
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 Optional Concentrations: Students can 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
  • Theology Concentration (12 units)
    • THEO301 | Historical Theology
    • THEO325 | Comparative Theology
    • THEO425 | Practical Theology
    • THEO452 | Contemporary Theology 
  • 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

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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 for God so they can faithfully, passionately, and creatively tell the story with their whole lives. – Matthew Godshall

FACULTY

Elizabeth H. P. Backfish, Ph.D.

Associate Professor - School of Theology & Leadership

Mark Moore, Ph.D.

Associate Professor - School of Theology & Leadership

Matthew Godshall, Ph.D.

Program Director, Associate Dean - School of Theology & Leadership

Max Botner, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, School of Theology & Leadership

ADJUNCT FACULTY

Andrew Asane

Adjunct, Bible & Theology

Jessica Charney

Adjunct, Bible & Theology

Jordan L. Brown

Adjunct, Biblical Studies

Matthew Bach

Adjunct, Bible & Theology, Youth Ministry

William (Billy) Steen

Adjunct, Bible & Theology

Mia Bordisso

Adjunct, Bible & Theology

Brandon Kertson

Adjunct, Leadership & Biblical Studies

Daniel Burks

Adjunct, Biblical Studies

Justin Daneshmand

Adjunct, Biblical Studies

Nathan Giles

Adjunct, Leadership & Biblical Studies

Ryan P. Murphy, M.A.

Adjunct, Biblical Studies

Ann C. Olson

Adjunct, Business & Biblical Studies

David Holcomb

Adjunct, Leadership & Biblical Studies

Michael Bowers

Adjunct, Bible & Theology

Todd Cleek

Adjunct, Biblical Studies

Steve Weisenburger

Adjunct, Biblical Studies

Corbett Cutts

Adjunct, Bible & Theology

Dawn Pickering

Adjunct, Biblical Studies & Leadership

Jonathan Shea

Adjunct, Biblical Studies

Scott Bayer

Adjunct, Leadership, Bible & Theology

READY FOR THE NEXT STEP?

To talk more about your career and how Jessup can help prepare you for a rewarding future, connect with an admissions counselor today.

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