If you're interested in preparing for a leadership career within a church or Christian organization, you could benefit from the curriculum offered in California Baptist University's online Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries, also known as Christian Studies.
<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3>
<p>The online Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries, also called Christian Studies, program at California Baptist University aims to offer a diverse education in a range of Christian topics, covering everything from biblical history and doctrines to prophets and pastoral leadership. In the major course of study, you are likely to take classes offering discussions about Baptist history, major themes in the Bible, sermon preparation and delivery, modern pastoral duties, post-New Testament development of the Christian church, biblical interpretation, and issues and problems relating to today's missionaries. You'll also have the opportunity for in-depth studies of specific books within the Bible, such as the Book of Genesis, the Book of Kings, and the Book of Isaiah. General education courses address natural science, mathematics, behavioral science, humanities, communications, and an overview of biblical and theological principles.
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<h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3>
<p>California Baptist University requires that you first complete two prerequisite courses in composition and intermediate composition prior to entering the BA - Christian Ministries curriculum. Strong Christian faith and leadership and communication skills are important for aspiring students. Applicants to California Baptist University should have a high school diploma or GED; some programs may have additional requirements.
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<h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3>
<p>The major curriculum of the BA in Christian Ministries, or Christian Studies, program consists of 15 lower-division credits and 33 upper-division credits. You will also need to earn 40-43 credits in general education coursework.
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<p><u>Lower Division Courses</u>
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<table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr>
<tr><td>CST 210</td><td> Pentateuch and Former Prophets</td></tr>
<tr><td>CST 220</td><td> Latter Prophets and Writings</td></tr>
<tr><td>CST 230</td><td> Jesus and the Gospels</td></tr>
<tr><td>CST 240</td><td> Paul and the Early Church</td></tr>
<tr><td>PHI 353</td><td> Comparative Religions</td></tr>
</table><p><u>Upper Division Courses</u>
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<table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr>
<tr><td>APT 371</td><td> Christian Theology I</td></tr>
<tr><td>APT 372</td><td> Christian Theology II</td></tr>
<tr><td>APT 482</td><td> Pastoral Leadership</td></tr>
<tr><td>CST 300</td><td> History of Baptist Thought</td></tr>
<tr><td>CST 350</td><td> Biblical Interpretation</td></tr>
<tr><td>CST 360</td><td> Church History</td></tr>
<tr><td>CST 381</td><td> Christian Missions</td></tr>
<tr><td>CST 425</td><td> Christian Social Ethics</td></tr>
<tr><td>CST 451</td><td> Biblical Preaching</td></tr>
<tr><td>CST 460</td><td> Biblical Theology</td></tr>
<tr><td>CST 480</td><td> Pastoral Ministry</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3>
<h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4>
<p>With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Ministries or Studies, you could possess the leadership skills necessary to assume teaching, mentoring, or managerial positions in faith-based organizations. You might oversee missions, prepare and deliver sermons, or run youth programs in churches, community organizations, or schools.
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<p>Career titles that are likely to be among the best fits for you include:
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<ul><li>Teacher
</li><li>Missionary
</li><li>Youth pastor
</li><li>Children's ministries director
</li></ul><h4 id="section---AdvancedDegrees">Advanced Degrees</h4>
<p>Should you have the desire to teach at the postsecondary level or assume senior responsibilities in some organizations, you might go on to earn a master's degree after completing the BA - Christian Ministries or Christian Studies program. At the graduate level, you might expect to take courses that focus on global Christian practices, theological research, church administration, and ministry of teaching.
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<p>Graduate degrees options you might consider include:
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<ul><li>Master of Arts in Theology
</li><li>Master of Arts in Christian Studies
</li><li>Master of Arts in Christian Education</li></ul>

