Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies

Texas Baptist College

Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies

The foundation you need to serve the kingdom, wherever God calls you

This degree equips students with the biblical foundation they need to serve faithfully and effectively in the ministry field of their choosing. It also offers a comprehensive foundation in biblical knowledge and theological training and lays the groundwork for advanced graduate study at Southwestern Seminary.

Degree Highlights

  • 120 hours
  • All courses can be completed online through either synchronous (real-time) or asynchronous (recorded) attendance.

The Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies (BACS) combines theological education with the history of Western thought to develop the intellectual and spiritual maturity of every graduate. Through a combination of worldview development, in-depth theological coursework, and biblical language instruction this training equips students to serve effectively in diverse ministry roles within the local church, while also integrating Christian principles into various professional fields.

This degree is ideal for those pursuing careers in biblical counseling, chaplaincy, church planting, and pastoral-type ministry.

Student Testimonial

Degree Requirements

COURSE TITLECOURSE NUMBERHOURS
Bible
Old Testament IOTS 11133
Old Testament IIOTS 11233
New Testament INTS 21133
New Testament IINTS 21233
Theology
Biblical TheologyBIB 11733
Systematic Theology ITHE 3033 3
Baptist History and HeritageHIS 22133
Language
English I - Introduction to Academic WritingENG 11133
English II - Academic Writing IIENG 12133
Greek IGRK 11033
Greek IIGRK 12033
Other Core Classes
Natural ScienceNAS 42033
Critical Thinking & WorldviewREA 11533
Introduction to Christian EthicsSOS 33133
World ReligionsSOS 21033
Introduction to Christian PhilosophyPHI 41133
Introduction to MissionsMIS 22013
EvangelismEVA 22133
Spiritual FormationBIB 10133
Great Books Courses
Great Books of Early Western CivilizationIDE 11033
Great Books of Late AntiquityIDE 12133
Great Books of Middle Ages & RenaissanceIDE 21733
Great Book of the EnlightenmentIDE 31033
Great Books of 19th CenturyIDE 32033
Great Books of 20th CenturyIDE 32333
Humanities Major Requirements
Music Appreciation: History and EvaluationFNA 32033
Visual Art: History and EvaluationFNA 31033
Church History ICHH 21133
Church History IICHH 22133
Baptist History and HeritageHIS 22133
Hebrew IHBR 11033
Hebrew IIHBR 12033
Humanities Advanced Topics (2 courses)IDE 43x36
Minor/Concentrations/Free Electives
Electives (6 courses)18
Chapel Requirement
ChapelCHP 1000(6 semesters)

Recommended Degree Sequence

Recommended Degree Sequence

Calculated for students taking two semesters of classes per yer

Year 1 – 30 hours
English 1 – Introduction to Academic WritingEnglish 2 - Advanced Academic Writing
Old Testament 1Old Testament 2
EvangelismNatural Science
Spiritual FormationHermeneutics
Great Books 1Great Books 2
Chapel 1Chapel 2
Year 2 – 30 hours
New Testament 1New Testament 2
Critical Thinking & WorldviewSystematic Theology 1
Greek 1Greek 2
Biblical TheologyChurch History 2
Church History 1Elective 1
Chapel 3Chapel 4
Year 3 – 30 hours
Systematic Theology 2Introduction to Missions
World ReligionsBaptist History & Heritage
OT/NT/Theology Advanced Topic 1OT/NT/Theology Advance Topic 2
Elective 2Introduction to Apologetics
Elective 3Elective 4
Chapel 5Chapel 6
Year 4 – 30 hours
Introduction to Christian EthicsIntro to Christian Philosophy
Hebrew 1Hebrew 2
OT/NT/Theology Advanced Topic 3OT/NT/Theology Advanced Topic 5
OT/NT/Theology Advanced Topic 4Elective 6
Elective 5Elective 7
Learning Outcomes

Establish a biblical worldview

The BACS provides foundational biblical and theological education for the ever-widening circle of Christian ministry. Through in-depth study of Scripture and theology, students are prepared with practical skills to integrate the content and practice of the Christian faith into their specific vocations.

Be equipped to minister effectively

This degree equips students with the theological understanding needed for effective ministry in today’s cultural context. Their strong communication and leadership skills make them valuable in roles like nonprofit work or counseling.

Develop maturity for leadership

The program focuses on developing leadership and communication skills, ensuring that graduates are ready to serve in any vocational path they choose, whether in ministry or other fields. Many employers appreciate the critical thinking and ethical perspective that Christian Studies graduates bring to any job.

Career Paths

Potential career paths for this degree

Pastor | Missionary | Chaplain

Nonprofit Director | Christian Educator | Apologist

Bible Translator | Biblical Counselor

Minors & Concentrations

Minors & Concentrations

Bachelor of Arts students can choose from five unique minors and one concentration by using their elective hours to complete the requirements described below.

Minors

Concentrations

Next Steps

Visit Campus

Free lodging is available at our on-campus hotel if you live over 60 miles away from campus.

Begin Your Application

Complete your application online.

Application Requirements

Church Recommendation

Official High School Transcripts

Meningitis Immunization Form or Waiver (if younger than 22)

Background Check (if 18 or older)

Got Questions? We’re here to answer them.

Reach out to our Admissions Team and we’ll be in touch by phone, text, or email.