Catalog and Student Handbook

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

DIPLOMA IN BIBLICAL STUDIES
Theology Track
(96 HOURS)

This three year diploma program is designed for the student who does not wish to pursue a liberal arts education but does desire to prepare for ministry. It is designed to meet the needs of those seeking the pastorate, mission field, or full-time Christian service.

The Diploma of Biblical Studies curriculum covers the study of major portions of the Bible, every branch of systematic theology, major areas of practical Christian development, Christian Education, homiletics, and basic pastoral courses.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

The student who finishes this program should be able to:

1. Express clearly and concisely the foundational doctrines of independent Baptists as found in the Word of God and communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ.
2. Display an ability to determine the will of God in matters pertaining to their own abilities and capablities for service to the Lord through His church.
3. Demonstrate an ablility to expound and apply biblical principles in coping with the typical challenges of our modern society against the Christian world view.
4. Exhibit competence in teaching by a constructed teaching plan and be able to share in this area by training others.
5. Express and demonstrate skills and fundamental abilities in pastoral care of the flock of God by means of effective administration, counseling, and directing.

CURRICULUM

BIBLE: (23 HOURS)
Old Testament (12 Hours)
OT 130 Pentateuch (3 hrs)
OT 230 Historical Books (3 hrs)
OT 232 Prophets of Israel (3 hrs)
OT 330 Poetic Books (3 hrs)
New Testament (Any 11Hours)
NT 141 Life of Christ (3hrs)
NT 143 Acts (3hrs)
NT 241 Corinthian Epistles (3 hrs)
NT 243 General Epistles (3 hrs)
NT 245 Prison Epistles (2 hrs)
NT 247 Thessalonian & Galatian Epistles (2 hrs)
NT 341 Pastoral Epistles (2 hrs)

THEOLOGY (12 HOURS)
Systematic Theology (8 Hours)
TH 251 Christology/Soteriology (2 hrs)
TH 253 Anthropology/Hamartiology/Angelology (2 hrs)
TH 255 Pneumatology/Eschatology (2 hrs)
TH 257 Theology Proper/Bibliology (2 hrs)
General Theology (4 Hours)
TH 150 Ecclesiology (2 hrs)
TH 350 Eschatology (2 hrs)

CHRISTIAN DEVELOPMENT (13 HOURS)
CD 100 Orientation (1 hrs)
CD 104 Principles of Evangelism (3 hrs)
CD 106 Spiritual Life or CD112 Christianity and world views (3 hrs)
CD 108 Bible Study Methods (3 hrs)
CD 200 Missions & Local Church (3 hrs)

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION/MUSIC(12 HOURS)
CE 202 Organization and Administration of Religious Education (3 hrs)
CE 302 Principles of Teaching (3 hrs)
CE 303 Sunday School Administration (3 hrs)
CE 305 Curriculum Development (3 hrs)

PASTORAL COURSES (15 HOURS)

Homiletics (6 Hours)
PA 302 Basic Sermon (3 hrs)
PA 304 Homiletics (3 hrs)
General Courses (9 Hours)
PA 311 Church Administration/Management (3 hrs)
PA 313 Pastoral Counseling (3 hrs)
PA 317 Pastoral Theology (3 hrs)

LANGUAGE (6 Hours)
GK 313 Greek Grammar I (3 hrs)
GK 315 Greek Grammar II (3 hrs)

GENERAL STUDIES (12 HOURS)
EN 101 English Grammar (3 hrs)
EN 103 English Composition (3 hrs)
PS 102 Introduction to Psychology (3 hrs)
SP 202 Principles of Speech (3 hrs)

MUSIC (3 HOURS)
MU 101 Fundamentals of Music (2 hrs)
MU 103 Preparation for song leading (1 hrs)

Legal Note:

Texas law forbids religious secondary and graduate schools to use internationally recognized nomenclature (e.g. associate, bachelor, master, doctor, degree) unless the state grants permission through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the accrediting agencies it recognizes. Though we believe the State of Texas law violates our rights as a college -- this issue is before the Texas Supreme Court waiting a ruling -- we will comply as long as the law is in effect. Thus we presently grant certificates and diplomas rather than degrees.