Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies
Prepare for ministry, teaching, or advanced biblical scholarship online or on campus.
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Real-World Experience for Ministerial Callings
The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies program at North Central University is designed for students who want to pursue a ministerial calling, such as Bible translation, chaplaincy, university teaching, a graduate degree, or apply for ministerial credentials. Through this program, you will be prepared academically, personally, and spiritually with knowledge and understanding of both the Bible and Christian theology, grounded in historical, geographical, and cultural contexts.
You may enroll in an on-campus or online B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies. Online programs at NCU reflect our commitment to a multicultural and caring Christ-centered community even away from campus. Connect with peers and participate in virtual live chapel. Online students can expect meaningful communications with faculty, collaborative classes, and rigorous coursework, as well as online tutoring and academic success coaching.
- On Campus: Complete this 124-credit program on campus or online as part of our Christian community.
- Affordable Tuition: Explore generous financial aid options available to all residential traditional undergraduate students.
- Christ-Centered Curriculum: Define and refine your faith at NCU, where classes and student life are rooted in Scripture and nurtured in community.
BATS is amazing and has equipped me to think critically about the Bible, ask hard questions, and find the answers to those questions through thorough research.”
Thompson, ’24
Why Study Biblical Theological Studies at NCU?
Our tight-knit Christian community and spiritual environment in the heart of Minneapolis gives you access to a variety of ministry opportunities. As part of our community, you’ll also receive essential mentorship from professors who deeply care about students as future ministers, scholars, and thought leaders. Built on our legacy as an Assemblies of God (Pentecostal) university, this theology degree program meets the educational requirements for Certified Minister credentials with the Assemblies of God, preparing you to lead within the denomination.
You have the option to add the Ministry Preparation Track to specialize and focus on the relationship between theology and practical ministry. Pairing the Ministry Preparation Track with Certified Minister credentials is an excellent opportunity for aspiring Assemblies of God ministers and church leaders to prepare for their calling.
Students may choose to minor in Biblical Studies, paired with another major.
View the Academic Catalog for a full list of admission requirements and course listings.
Program Highlights
Prepare for Ministry and Scholarship
Interpret Scripture Clearly and Critically
Get Hands-on Teaching and Research Experience
Prepare for Ministry and Scholarship
Build a foundation for future ministry and advanced biblical and theological study at graduate and seminary levels.
Interpret Scripture Clearly and Critically
Develop expertise in Old and New Testament texts, languages and their geographical and historical contexts.
Get Hands-on Teaching and Research Experience
Work alongside faculty mentors to practice effective research methods and teach fellow scholars.
Concentration Track
Ministerial Preparation Track
Students can choose the Ministry Preparation Track within this major, to specialize and focus on the relationship between theology and practical ministry. You will refine skills in sermon construction and preaching and gain experience with a church internship.
Pairing the Ministry Preparation Track with Certified Minister credentials is an excellent opportunity for aspiring Assemblies of God ministers and church leaders to pursue their calling.
Career Outcomes
A degree in church leadership prepares students to work in their local church, as well as for ministry and leadership roles in cause-driven organizations, Christian education, healthcare, and non-religious administrative roles.1 Transferable skills include mentoring, ancient languages, research methods, analyzing and understanding complex texts and concepts, and strong interpersonal communication.
Our graduates succeed in a variety of jobs and careers. Here are some possibilities:
- Minister/pastor
- Teacher or professor
- Chaplain
- Writer/editor
- Missionary
- Church planter
- Director of a Christian organization
- Nonprofit organization directors
Where Our Alumni Intern*
- River Valley
- West Wood Church
- Cedar Valley
- Grace Church
- Eagle Brook
- Many more!
*This includes alumni internships of multiple programs offered by the College of Church Leadership.
Learn From Industry Experts
Seasoned, credentialed faculty share their expansive church leadership experience and a commitment to support students as you pursue your calling in church work.
Explore Related Programs
Not sure how your calling translates into a degree? These programs may interest you:
B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies (on campus)
B.S. in Church Leadership (online)
B.S. in Worship Leadership (on campus)
FAQs
Can a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies prepare me to be a pastor?
Yes, the B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies at NCU can prepare you for ministry as a pastor or for a number of other full-time ministry and teaching roles. The program (in person and online) meets the educational requirements for Certified Minister credentials with the Assemblies of God.
This program covers both fundamentals and advanced topics that are necessary for pastoral ministry. If you feel called to the role of pastor, we encourage you to choose the Ministry Preparation Track to gain practical skills, like sermon composition. Many churches encourage or require pastoral candidates to have a postgraduate degree as well. Explore NCU’s church leadership programs for furthering your church work training.
Is a Biblical and Theological Studies major a good choice if I want to teach?
Yes, the B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies at NCU is designed with advanced scholarship in mind and teaching in mind. The rigorous coursework and research methods will help you start practicing the kind of studies you may conduct in graduate school. Teaching at a college or university usually requires a master’s or doctoral degree, while teaching in Christian grade schools or in other settings usually requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Whatever teaching path you choose, this program will provide a strong foundation.
Does this degree include an internship?
Yes! Students who select the Ministry Preparation Track need to complete an internship with a local church. This gives you the experience working with members of a congregation and navigating the administrative needs of a church organization. It also provides the opportunity to connect with a local body of Christ where you can grow in community and in your own faith.
Citations
Sources: 1Bureau of Labor Statistics, Clergy, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes212011.htm (viewed Nov. 13, 2025).