Biblical Studies

Bachelor of Arts

University-level degree in a bible-college environment

Biblical Studies Degree at a Glance

Taking Biblical Studies gives students the skills and methods to interpret Scripture for life. Along with biblical research, ministry, and/or personal study, these skills are essential in many settings, including the local church, mission organizations, Bible colleges and seminaries, public or private schools, and government agencies.

Small, discussion-based classes.
A solid foundation of biblical and theological courses, as well as liberal arts disciplines.
Service and Experiential Learning
Accredited degree through ABHE
Provincially authorized as a university-level degree.

Unique Program Features

This program provides a strong liberal arts foundation, biblical and theological grounding, and the skills necessary for success in ministry settings and the marketplace. This program is specifically designed to equip students for effective service and leadership in professional or lay settings by allowing them to tailor their program. Study in several concentrations while specializing in two, developing a versatility that will set you up well for a career or vocational ministry.

INTENSIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING

Our innovative approach to teaching ancient languages enables students to actively engage in the enriching study of Biblical Hebrew and Ancient Greek. Our Greek program begins with a semester of immersion, which is the only undergraduate program of its kind in North America. In 2025, for the first time, the Greek Immersion program is taking place on the Greek-speaking island of Cyprus. Our goal in teaching both Greek and Hebrew is to help students internalize these languages, enabling them to read fluently for comprehension, just as we do in our native languages. Ultimately, we aim for students to read scriptural texts with attentiveness and discernment.

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5-YEAR MASTERS PATHWAY

The 5 Year BA + MA Pathway enables students to graduate with both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in just five years!

Students who choose this pathway will receive a BA in Biblical Studies from Briercrest College and one of the following MA degrees from Briercrest Seminary:

Biblical Languages and Exegesis
Theological Studies (Old Testament or New Testament options)

A Biblical Studies degree is for those who have a passion to love God more deeply through the thoughtful and patient exploration of Scripture.

Biblical Studies Courses

Choose from courses, including:

Intro to New Testament
Intro to Old Testament
Pauline Epistles
Hebrew Poetry and Wisdom
Women and Vocation
Greek Immersion

View all courses

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Next Steps

Overview

The BA Biblical Studies requires 39 credit hours of Biblical Studies courses (including at least 18 credit hours at 300+ level and six additional credit hours at 400+ level), 12 credit hours of cognate language requirements (Greek or Hebrew), and six credit hours of cognate Theological Studies requirements. Like most Briercrest programs the BA Biblical Studies requires 39 credit hours at the 300+ level within the context of a 120 credit hour degree.

The program is offered with the written authorization of the Minister of Advanced Education effective July 1, 2023. This authorization was provided after the program proposal underwent a quality assurance review and was found to meet the standards established by the Minister. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs.

Requirements

Core Curriculum (54 Credit Hours)

See "Core" tab for details.

Credit Hours: 120

I. Major Requirements (39 major credit hours + 18 cognate credit hours):

I. Required Courses (6 credit hours)

BLST 111 Introduction to the Old Testament
BLST 109 Introduction to the New Testament
BLST 423 Advanced Hermeneutics

II. Electives (33 credit hours)

Minimum 6 credit hours must be taken in each of the 3 domains:

(a) Old Testament Studies; (b) New Testament Studies; and (c) Backgrounds and Methodological issues. BLST 435 Synoptic Gospels can be used as either a New Testament or Methods elective but can count only once in the major.

A minimum of 18 credit hours must be taken at the 300+ level. An additional 3 credit-hour
elective must be taken at the 400 level. (Note: BLST 426 Biblical Studies Internship may be takenas an elective, but does not count as one of the required 400 level courses.)

III. Cognate Language Requirements (12 credit hours)

GRK 200 Ancient Greek I
GRK 201 Ancient Greek II
GRK 300 Ancient Greek III
GRK 301 Ancient Greek IV
or
HEB 200 Introductory Hebrew I
HEB 201 Introductory Hebrew II
HEB 300 Hebrew Syntax & Exegesis I
HEB 301 Hebrew Syntax & Exegesis II

IV. Cognate Theological Studies Requirements (6 credit hours with at least 3 credit hours at 300+ level)

Students must complete six (6) credit hours of Theology courses at the 300-400 levels.

III. Free Electives (to bring credit hour total to 120 credit hours)

IV. Non Credit Requirements

PRT 400 Senior Portfolio (non-credit)
SL 1-6 Service and Experiential Learning (non-credit)

Core

Our degree programs integrate a comprehensive core curriculum, blending biblical and theological studies with courses in English, Philosophy, Social Sciences, Fine Arts, and Mathematics. This diverse foundation enriches knowledge, strengthens faith, and equips students to engage the world.

Christian Studies (30 credit hours)

BLST 111 Introduction to the Old Testament
BLST 109 Introduction to the New Testament
6 credit hours of BLST electives (minimum of 3 credit hours at the 300+ level)
THEO 112 Introduction to Spiritual Theology
THEO 115 Introduction to Christian Theology
CM 101 Foundations of Church Ministry OR 3 credit hours of Theology 200+ level
HIS 237 History of Christianity I
HIS 238 History of Christianity II

One course from:

IDST 200 Interdisciplinary Studies: Modernity and Postmodernity
IDST 300 Christianity and the Natural Sciences
IDST 400 Advanced Studies in Christian World Views

English (6 credit hours)

ENG 100 Literature and Composition I
ENG 101 Literature and Composition II

Philosophy (3 credit hours)

One course from:

PHI 100 Introduction to Philosophy I
PHI 101 Introduction to Philosophy II

Social Sciences (6 credit hours)

Two courses from the following disciplines:

Administration
Anthropology
Economics
Native Studies
Psychology
Sociology

The Global Community (3 credit hours)

One course from:

ANTH 200 Cultural Anthropology
CM 105 Perspectives in Mission
CM 405 Current Issues in Mission
COM 200/GLST 200 Intercultural Communication
ENG 322 World Literatures in English
ENG 356 Aboriginal Literature
GLST 301 Globalization
HIS 100 Issues in World History I
HIS 101 Issues in World History II
HIS 339 World Christianity from the Colonial Period to the Present
HIS 351Islamic History and Society in the Classical Era
HIS 352 Islamic History and Society in the Medieval and Modern Eras
HIS 361 History of the Modern Middle East
HIS 362 History of Modern South Asia
HIS 420 Empire and Imperialism in World History
HIS 451 History of Christian-Muslim Relations
Modern Language Elective
NTST 110 Introduction to Native Studies
NTST 356 Aboriginal Literature
RLST 311 World Religions
SOC 396 Urban Sociology
THEO 370 Theology of Mission

Fine Arts, Human Movement, and Communication (3 credit hours)

3 credit hours from:

COMM 104 Public Speaking
COMM/PAST 355 Homiletics
FIN 110 Introduction to Fine Arts
KIN 262 Physical Activity and Wellness
MUS 130 Basic Voice (2) + Private Lessons (1)
MUS 140 Basic Piano (2) + Private Lessons (1)
MUS/THEA 340 Musical Theatre Workshop
MUS/THEA 365 Musical Theatre Production and Performance I
Ensembles (2) + Private Lessons (1)
THEA 221 Acting I
Any three of: DAN 100, 101, 105, 106, 107, Private Lessons - Dance

Scientific and Numerical Literacy (3 credit hours)

One course from:

BIOL 115 Human Structure and Function
BU 211 Financial Accounting
CMP 127 Introduction to Computers
CMP 315 Management Information Systems
ECON 100 Microeconomics
ECON 101 Macroeconomics
GEOG 100 Physical Geography of Canada I: Earth Science
GEOG 101 Physical Geography of Canada II: Weather, Climate, Ecosystems
HIS 441 Christianity and Science from Copernicus to Creation Science
IDST 300 Christianity and the Natural Sciences
KIN 234 Nutrition
MATH 101 Introduction to Finite Mathematics
MATH 110 Financial Mathematics
MATH 292 Quantitative Methods
PSY 302 Statistics for the Social Sciences
STAT 200 Introduction to Statistical Methods

Non-Credit Requirements

PRT 400 Senior Portfolio
Service and Experiential Learning

Total Core: 54 credit hours
BA Degree Requirements: 120 credit hours

Finances

Worried about the cost of your education? Discover how Briercrest makes Christ-centered learning accessible with tools and support to help you plan financially. With scholarships, bursaries, and flexible payment plans, we’re here to help you pursue your calling without financial barriers.

As a private Christian college, Briercrest works hard to provide an educational environment that is distinct from public universities at a cost that competes with other Christian schools in Canada.

Our high-quality academic and discipleship programs reflect the value we place on whole-person education. A Briercrest education is an academic, spiritual, personal, and professional investment that will shape the rest of your life!

Finances

Tuition

Scholarships

Faculty

Carl Hinderager

Ken Guenter

David Miller

Wes Olmstead

Daniel Stulac

Don Taylor

The image shows a middle-aged man with gray hair and glasses, wearing a suit and a patterned shirt, standing in front of a brick building.

Honours Option

BA Honours students have the opportunity to dive deeper into an area that interests them with the supervision of a faculty member. Conduct research and prepare and defend an honours thesis in Biblical Studies.

Students must complete 45 credit hours of major requirements, including 33 credit hours at the 300-400 levels with a minimum of 12 credit hours at the 400 level. In addition, students must take at least 18 credit hours of biblical languages, including at least 12 credit hours in one language (Hebrew or Greek) and 6 credit hours in a second biblical language. Students who complete this program will also be awarded a minor in Ancient and Biblical Languages.

Core Curriculum (54 Credit Hours)

See "Core" tab for details.

Requirements

I. Required Courses (6 credit hours)

BLST 111 Introduction to the Old Testament
BLST 109 Introduction to the New Testament
BLST 423 Advanced Hermeneutics

II. Electives (45 credit hours)

Minimum 6 credit hours must be taken in each of the 3 domains: (a) Old Testament Studies; (b) New Testament Studies; and (c) Backgrounds and Methodological issues.

A minimum of at least 21 credit hours must be taken at the 300+ level. An additional 3 credithour elective must be taken at the 400 level. (Note: BLST 426 Biblical Studies Internship may be taken as an elective, but does not count as one of the required 400 level courses.)

III. Honours Thesis (6 credit hours)

Students are required to complete BLST 498/99 Honours Thesis (6 credit hours), including an oral defense or public presentation and the production of a library-acceptable copy. The Honours thesis must be defended before two faculty members, one of whom (typically the second reader) may be a non-Briercrest faculty member.

IV. Cognate Language Requirements (18 credit hours)

12 credit hours of one biblical language (Greek or Hebrew) and at least 6 credit hours of the other.
Note: students may count the second year of the second biblical language as Biblical Studies Electives.

V. Cognate Theological Studies Requirements (6 credit hours with a minimum of 3 credit hours at 300+ level)

VI. Free Electives (to bring credit hour total to 120 credit hours)

VII. Non Credit Requirements

PRT 400 Senior Portfolio (non-credit)
SL 1-6 Service and Experiential Learning (non-credit)

Greek Intensive

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Career Pathways

A degree in Biblical Studies leads most obviously to vocations that require consistent interaction with the biblical text, including pastoral ministry and teaching.

Traditional Church Ministry Roles

The BA Biblical Studies degree also opens the door to a wide range of career paths within and beyond traditional church and parachurch roles, such as pastoral ministry and church leadership.

Career Diversity

The program’s marked emphasis on close reading, language proficiency, written communication, critical thinking, and research prepares its graduates for careers in fields as diverse as church ministry, social work, education, law, business, and communications.

Graduate Studies

All Biblical Studies majors complete a four-course language sequence in either Hebrew or Greek, the program provides outstanding preparation for graduate study in biblical studies (but also in theology, pastoral ministry, Bible translation, etc.).

Career Skills You'll Gain at Briercrest

Scripture Interpretation

You will learn to think carefully about the complexities of biblical composition, about how the Church has read the Scriptures theologically, and about the diversity of interpretation that characterizes the present field. You will learn to read widely, closely, and wisely, so nurturing your love for God and your neighbor.

Critical Thinking

Your Biblical Studies classes will naturally help you learn how to read the Bible closely and thoughtfully learning to make valuable connections between Scripture and other disciplines. In all of this, you will be learning to think carefully, creatively, and critically.

Vocational Preparation

Your classes will prepare you for a vocation even as they prepare you for life. You will learn to write in a variety of modes and will practice other skills (such as communicating orally, weighing evidence, solving complex problems, working fruitfully with a diversity of people) that are important to a wide range of career paths.

“The Biblical Studies program gave me an excellent foundation of biblical knowledge. More importantly, it provided me with the tools for a lifetime of careful engagement with the text of Scripture.”James (Lead Pastor)

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