Associate Degree Program

Associate of Arts in Theology

The Associate Degree program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in Theology and Ministry.

Upon successful completion of all prescribed requirements, the University will award the student the Associate Degree in Theology, thereby granting eligibility for admission into a bachelor’s program in a selected area of concentration.

The Dean of Academic Affairs, together with designated academic advisors, is available to counsel students about the selection of a major. To qualify for a major, students must successfully complete all required core and related courses.

A minimum of sixty credit hours is required for the award of the Associate Degree. Transfer credits from accredited institutions in Theology, Humanities, or related disciplines may be considered. Additionally, documented life experience, leadership seminars, and ministry involvement may contribute toward fulfilling degree requirements.

All transfer credits must be equivalent to courses offered by Bethel Christian University and are subject to approval by the Dean of Studies.

Program Overview

The Associate of Arts in Theology is a two-year program designed to provide students with a strong academic and spiritual foundation for Christian ministry, teaching, and leadership. The curriculum emphasizes biblical studies, theology, and practical ministry skills, preparing graduates for service in churches, missions, and Christian education.

Students will study the Old and New Testaments, hermeneutics, evangelism, and foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. Courses in ministerial ethics, stewardship, and comparative religion ensure a well-rounded understanding of theology and ministry practice. Graduates will be equipped for roles such as Sunday school teachers, ministry leaders, and evangelists, or for further theological education.

Admission Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
Diploma in Christian Ministry
Demonstrated commitment to Christian faith and ministry.
Basic ability in written and spoken English.

Graduate Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will:

Demonstrate a strong biblical and theological foundation.
Apply hermeneutical principles for correct interpretation of Scripture.
Exhibit competence in ministry leadership and Christian education.
Communicate effectively in written and oral formats.
Be prepared for roles in pastoral ministry, teaching, and evangelism.

Credit Hour Policy

Definition of a Credit Hour

A credit hour is a unit that measures the amount of academic work required to achieve the intended learning outcomes of a course. Bethel Christian University follows the accepted standard for credit hour calculation in higher education.

Credit Hour Allocation

Courses in this program vary in credit value. Most courses are three credit hours, while some may carry 1 or 2 credit hours, depending on the scope and learning outcomes. A credit hour represents the amount of academic work required to achieve the intended objectives, including instructional time and independent study. Students should review the course descriptions for specific credit allocations.

Degree Requirements & Transfer Credit Policy

Welcome to Bethel Christian University!
We value your prior learning and make transferring credits simple. Our goal is to help you complete your degree efficiently while maintaining academic excellence.

Associate degree Requirements

Students must complete sixty credit hours to graduate with an Associate of Arts in Theology.

Transfer Credit Policy

Credits in Theology, Biblical Studies, Humanities, or related fields from accredited institutions may be transferred.
A maximum of thirty credit hours can be applied toward the Associate degree.
Courses must be equivalent in content and rigor to Bethel Christian University standards.
All transfer credits require Dean of Studies approval.

Academic and Ministry Evaluation Process

Students may undergo an evaluation of prior academic work and ministry experience to determine credit eligibility.
Ministry experience must demonstrate substantial learning outcomes and practical application relevant to the program.
Evaluations are conducted by the Dean of Studies and may include interviews, documentation review, and competency assessments.

Examples of Acceptable Ministry Experience

Serving as a pastor, associate pastor, or church leader for a significant period.
Leading Bible study groups, discipleship programs, or teaching in church settings.
Organizing and managing missionary work or outreach programs.
Providing pastoral counseling or chaplaincy services in hospitals, prisons, or community settings.
Developing and delivering sermons, workshops, or ministry training sessions.

Associate Degree Program — Tuition and Fees

Application and Registration Fees

One‑Time Application Fee (Non‑refundable): $50.00
One‑Time Registration Fee: $50.00

Tuition Fees: $30.00 per semester credit hour

General Financial Policies:

Application fees are non‑refundable
Registration fees are paid once per program enrollment
Tuition is calculated based on approved semester credit hours
Scholarships apply only where explicitly stated

Associate of Arts in Theology - Course Requirements

COURSECODE AND TITLE	CREDIT HOURS
ENG102 – English Composition	2
ADM208 – Sunday School Administration	3
ETS201 – End Time Studies	3
EMI202 – General Evangelism	2
HER203 – Introduction to Hermeneutics	2
MIC204 – Ministerial Call – 2	3
MIE206 – Ministerial Ethics	2
OTS102 – Pentateuch	2
NTS207 – Four Gospel	2
EDU208 – Principles of Teaching	3
PTH210 – Biblical Typology	2
SMI211 – Stewardship in the Ministry	2
NTS102 – Life of Christ – 1	3
SYS101 – Foundations of Faith – 1	3
ETS215 – The Study of Revelation	3
PTH214 – Spiritual Gifts	2
OTS602 – Poetical Books	3
LDH 301 – Introduction to Leadership	2
THE101 – Principles that produce Faith	3
SYS201 – Foundations of Faith – 2	3
OTS101 – Old Testament Historical Books	3
OTS401 – Major Prophets	3
NTS203 – Life of Christ – 2	3
PM201 – Practical ministry	1
Total Credit Hours	60

Semester Structure

Year 1

Semester 1 – Foundations of Faith & Biblical Overview (15 Credits)

ENG102 – English Composition (2)
SYS101 – Foundations of Faith I (3)
THE101 – Principles that Produce Faith (3)
NTS102 – Life of Christ I (3)
OTS101 – Old Testament Historical Books (3)
PM201 – Practical Ministry (1)

Focus:
Establish strong theological foundations, improve academic writing, and gain an overview of the Old Testament and Christ’s life. Includes practical ministry exposure.

Semester 2 – Interpretation, Teaching & Leadership Basics (15 Credits)

HER203 – Introduction to Hermeneutics (2)
EDU208 – Principles of Teaching (3)
EMI202 – General Evangelism (2)
OTS102 – Pentateuch (2)
NTS207 – Four Gospels (2)
SMI211 – Stewardship in the Ministry (2)
LDH301 – Introduction to Leadership (2)

Focus:
Learn how to interpret Scripture, teach effectively, evangelize, and manage resources. Develop leadership skills while continuing Bible survey studies.

Year 2

Semester 3 – Doctrinal Growth & Church Administration (15 Credits)

SYS201 – Foundations of Faith II (3)
NTS203 – Life of Christ II (3)
OTS602 – Poetical Books (3)
ADM208 – Sunday School Administration (3)
ETS201 – End Time Studies (3)

Focus:
Deepen doctrinal understanding, explore Christ’s ministry further, study wisdom literature, and learn practical church administration. Begin eschatology studies.

Semester 4 – Advanced Bible Studies & Ministerial Formation (15 Credits)

OTS401 – Major Prophets (3)
MIC204 – Ministerial Call II (3)
ETS215 – The Study of Revelation (3)
PTH210 – Biblical Typology (2)
PTH214 – Spiritual Gifts (2)
MIE206 – Ministerial Ethics (2)

Focus:
Engage with prophetic literature, eschatology (Revelation), and advanced theological concepts like typology and spiritual gifts. Emphasize ethics and vocational clarity.

Total: 60 Credit Hours
Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)

Balanced: Each semester = 15 credits