BMA Seminary

Degree Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Religion

        The Bachelor of Arts in Religion degree program is a two-year (66 semester hours) program of studies predicated upon an Associate of Arts degree or the equivalent (a minimum of 60 semester hours). Criteria for A.A. equivalency must include: six hours in religion or social science, six hours in government, nine hours in English, six hours in history, six hours either in modern foreign language or in science, three hours in math.

        This program is designed to supplement and strengthen the broad liberal arts foundation achieved in Associate of Arts studies. The curriculum is structured to provide a sound academic base for advanced studies on the Master of Arts in Religion and Master of Divinity level. A high concentration of religious subjects also affords adequate preparation for a leadership role in certain fields of Christian ministry. By selecting a concentration in two of the four fields of the seminary curriculum, the student may specialize in academic fields (i.e., Biblical and Theological-Historical Studies), in professional fields (i.e., Church Ministries and Christian Education), or in a combination of academic and professional fields.

PERSONAL OBJECTIVES

        Upon satisfactory completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Religion program the graduate should be able to accomplish the following objectives:

    1. perform competently in advanced studies on the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Religion level.

    2. function effectively in the various support roles required in Christian ministry.

    3. demonstrate leadership skills in the various support roles of Christian ministry.

    4. minister on an adequate level as a pastor or associate pastor.

    5. understand and be able to communicate fundamental biblical and theological truths in the context of  

        Christian ministry.

VOCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

        The Bachelor of Arts in Religion program is designed primarily to prepare the student for advanced studies in the various fields of Christian ministry. Some students, however, find the program to be sufficiently specialized to provide adequate preparation for entry level leadership in certain fields of Christian ministry. The program is recommended for those who are planning to serve in any of the following ministries: Minister of Youth; Minister of Youth/Music; Minister of Christian Education; Minister of Outreach/Discipling; Minister of Evangelism; Associate Pastor; Pastor.
        The candidate for the Bachelor of Arts in Religion degree must complete a minimum of thirty semester hours of classroom work in residence at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary.

B.A.R. COURSE REQUIREMENTS

        All courses must be level II courses.

BIBLICAL STUDIES FIELD (6 hours)

THEOLOGICAL-HISTORICAL STUDIES FIELD (9 hours)

CHURCH MINISTRIES FIELD (12 hours)

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FIELD (6 hours)

LANGUAGE (12 hours of Greek); With faculty approval non-ministerial students may substitute a modern foreign language.

CONCENTRATION (12 hours)

Electives (9 hours)

*Students who did not take OT 113 and NT 123 on the Junior College level must take them as electives (or as part of their concentrated studies) prerequisite to taking OT 421 and NT 421/422. These will count toward the B.A.R. degree.

TOTAL (66 hours required)