Bachelor's Degree Completion (B.A. and B.Min.)
Are you looking for a creative way to finish your degree? Have you studied in a Vision Resource Center or do you have transferable credits? We'll help you earn the Bachelor's degree that's right for you.
We offer the Bachelor of Ministry (B.Min.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Christian Studies completion programs for qualifying students. The variation between the two programs represent the professional and academic tracks offered by Vision International University. Most students transfer in from the Advanced Diploma program, but if you've earned 90 credits in ministry, theology, bible, or the humanities from another recognized college or university, you should be able to easily transfer into the Bachelor's Degree Completion Program.
Find Out More About the Bachelor's Degree Completion Program
Courses You'll be Need to Complete (15 credit hours)
Click on a Course for a Description and Enrollment Link
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BI 400 Advanced Hermeneutics
Advanced Hermeneutics
This course is an advanced study in hermeneutics and interpretation theory from pre-modern times to the present, with a focus on the interpretation and method of reading biblical texts. The course is designed to prepare the student for advanced interpretation of scripture and will investigate biblical interpretation in light of current theological, philosophical, ecclesiological, historical and social challenges. The student will be exposed to current scholarship on a variety of hermeneutical topics. The student will learn to be humble and open-minded when approaching the text, even those that seem familiar. A scholarly approach will be presented.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Joshua D. Reichard, D.Phil.
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BI 405 Authenticity & Authority of the Bible
Authenticity & Authority of the Bible
This course explores the manuscript and archaeological evidence supporting and detracting from the reliability of the text of the Bible as an original ancient manuscript. The origins of the biblical texts, the establishment of the canon, and issues of higher criticism will be explored. The courses also introduces the student to unique perspectives concerning the authority of the Bible and its application in church and community life.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Joshua D. Reichard, D.Phil.
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RS 435 Christian Theology
Christian Theology
In the church, we use words that are often not clearly understood by the new Christian or by the unchurched. In this course the student will study the meaning of each theological word and will be able to apply these words to their own life. An introduction to the basic teachings of the Christian faith, this course includes discussions of the nature and task of theology and of the Christian understanding of God, revelation, creation, spirituality, sin, and redemption.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. David Ward
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RS 442 Church Growth and Development
Church Growth and Development
A study of church growth and development with special emphasis on church health. Attention will be given to the skills of observation of the historical and contemporary roles of the church and society. Students will describe the socialization and dynamics of the church to culture, and develop skills for effective ministry. Common errors in church leadership and development will be explored. Leadership in the church and administration of church affairs are explored in detail. Methods of administration and forms of leadership style and responsibility are delineated
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Dr. Stan DeKoven
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RS 444 Advanced Christian Worldview Studies
Advanced Christian Worldview Studies
In almost every field, apologists recognise that "proof" will convince people only when they are already disposed to believe. The deepest human need is emotional, not rational; human hearts must be stirred before our intellects will respond. Thus the "proofs" of God in the end are valuable mostly as adjuncts to the witness of scripture. For that reason, many people, whose faith is already simple, untroubled, and firm, find no use for these proofs. But others are not so fortunate, and for them the proofs are an encouragement to faith, and a stiller of doubts. This course contrasts the Biblical concept of apologetics with various alternative positions, both theistic and non-theistic. This course will insist upon an intellectually humble and reasonable approach to apologetics, opposing the bombastic certainty espoused by some approaches to apologetics. This course will propose an apologetic that accounts for the inadequacies of arguing faith-dependent issues in rationalistic or emperical terms. This course is designed to refine the student's Christian Worldview to engage a humbled perspective of science, religion, culture, and human existence. This course also considers major problem areas such as authority, miracles, evil and evolution and sets forth a basis for Christian apologetic which is theologically and historically sound.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Joshua D. Reichard, D.Phil.
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Courses that help you specialize in a ministry:
Emphasis in Theology (15 hours):
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RS 419 Systematic Theology
Systematic Theology
The course will introduce students to the study of theology using the method known as systematic theology. While, by and large, the faculty of Vision International University reject the validity of a rational attempt to systematize biblical reflection or to dogmatize the experience of the scriptures, this course will serve as general exposure to systematic methodology from a Renewal Theology perspective. This course will not be a survey of the content of systematic theology but rather will introduce the students to the major issues in the forefront of the discipline in the Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions. The course utilizes the reflective approach rather than a dogmatic approach. The course will establish foundational principles and definitions that will guide theological discussion. The student will engage the primary text to inform and elicit theological thinking. The student will engage theology proper, the doctrine of God, from a Renewal perspective, and probe the nature of God, basic Christian doctrine, Renewal distinctives, and theological anthropology.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Joshua D. Reichard, D.Phil.
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RS 436 Ecclesiology
Ecclesiology
An examination of the New Testament church with particular concern given to its origin, distinctive nature, mission, government, offices, ordinances, and destiny. The course will explore the nature and development of the Christian church and its interaction with contemporary society. The emphasis of the course will be practical ministry and church structure. Biblical exposition and church tradition will be jointly examined. Critical thinking about the church, clergy, parishioners, and society will be stressed.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Marilyn E. Weekes
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RS 437 Christology
Christology
This course examines and analyzes the development of the doctrine of Christ from a biblical-expositional perspective. The course provides a detailed and contemporary theological study of the person of Christ. Special attention will be given to the Christological controversies of the early Christian centuries, and the resolutions of the councils that dealt with those controversies. The student will develop a personal Christology rooted in scripture and tradition.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. Samuel Frost
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RS 438 Eschatology
Eschatology
A review of the classical concepts of Christian Eschatology (death, judgment, heaven and hell) and of various contemporary approaches to the same material. Issues concerning the Return of Christ and the Apocalypse will be explored from a hermeneutical perspective. An interpretive study of the biblical passages concerning the final things according to Christian scripture and tradition. Consideration will be given to various views of the return of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the eternal state. Students will be presented with the array of diversity in the futurist and preterist views.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. Samuel Frost
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RS 439 Pneumatology: Pentecostal/Charismatic Perspectives
Pneumatology: Pentecostal/Charismatic Perspectives
This course provides a simple presentation regarding Holy Spirit Baptism from a classical Pentecostal/Charismatic perspective. It establishes that every Christian experiences Holy Spirit Baptism, the new birth and the baptism in the Spirit are distinct, and that the miraculous gifts of the Spirit are still available and should be occurring in the worship of today's church. The course affirms that while glossolalia is the general biblical pattern for Holy Spirit baptism, it is not defensible dogma to assume that it is the only pattern that God uses.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. David Ward
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Emphasis in Christian Counseling (15 hours):
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CC 402 Crisis Counseling: A Christian Perspective
Crisis Counseling: A Christian Perspective
The world we live in, because of the influence of sin, is filled with problems. When crises happen, whether by "accident" or design, they cause severe disruption to our lives. It is an inherent quality of ministry to be able to effectively minister to those in crisis times.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Delores Horsman M.A.
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CC 404 Counseling the Dysfunctional Family
Counseling the Dysfunctional Family
This course deals with the subject of dysfunctional families, especially as related to the psychological and spiritual dynamics of generational patterns. Attention is given to the need for understanding the theological and psychological patterns of reconciliation. Particular attention is given to showing the importance of relationship between the "Father Image" and it's influence on generational patterns
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. Richard Y. Diaz
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CC 406 Counseling and Family Violence
Counseling and Family Violence
Counseling and Family Violence from a Christian Perspective is one of the required courses for students pursuing a degree in counseling with an emphasis in family counseling, domestic violence counseling, substance abuse and addiction counseling and/or pastoral counseling. Counseling and Family Violence focuses on the etiology, context, methodology and effects of domestic violence within the family. This course is designed to acquaint students, pastors, chaplains, educators and church workers with the psychological, sociological and theological aspects of family violence and abuse in its many forms. The underlying purposes of the course are to: 1) provide students an understanding of the biopsychosocial antecedents to family abuse and violence; 2) to provide students an understanding of the cycle of violence and the behavioral patterns associated with each phase of the cycle; 3) to educate students in the various forms of abuse that can escalate to violence; 4) to provide students an understanding of the nature of both expressive and instrumental violence; 5) to teach students how to conduct an assessment and psychosocial evaluation of a domestic violence perpetrator (batterer) and victim (battered spouse); 6) to train students in effective therapeutic intervention techniques, and; 7) to increase students' critical thinking, writing skills and report preparation.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Dr. Stan DeKoven
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CC 415 Human Development
Human Development
This course is an introduction to human development from the perspective of physical, emotional, intellectual and social development. This course offers a broad overview of perspectives, principles, theories, and research findings associated with the field of human life-span development. The aim of the course is to provide a foundation of knowledge that will help the student become a more effective counselor, educator, and leader.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Sara Reichard, M.Litt., R.N.
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OL 440 Conflict Management and Resolution
Conflict Management and Resolution
This course examines causes of dysfunctional anger and conflict, and provides Biblically consistent principles and methods for management and prevention. The course provides for both acquisition of knowledge and development of interpersonal skills.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Richard P. Walters, Ph.D.
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Emphasis in Christian Education (15 hours):
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CC 415 Human Development
Human Development
This course is an introduction to human development from the perspective of physical, emotional, intellectual and social development. This course offers a broad overview of perspectives, principles, theories, and research findings associated with the field of human life-span development. The aim of the course is to provide a foundation of knowledge that will help the student become a more effective counselor, educator, and leader.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Sara Reichard, M.Litt., R.N.
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ED 401 Christian Education: Principles and Practice
Christian Education: Principles and Practice
A study will be made of theological concepts that form the philosophical perspectives and principles of Christian education. Organization and administration of church educational programs so as to integrate them within the total ministry of the local church is a primary focus of this course. This course includes a study of the major religious and secular developments in history and education along with a comparison of those developments with biblical principles. The goal is to develop an understanding of the church's role in education and to develop a personal philosophy of Christian education.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Brenda Thomas, M.A.
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ED 432 Classroom Management
Classroom Management
This course reviews the various influences on student behavior in the classroom and surveys effective strategies for managing that behavior. Various approaches to management are considered, including Responsibility Training and Omission Training. In addition, the positive influences of teacher behaviors such as lesson planning and documentation of student behavior are discussed. Students will be encouraged to consider methods of classroom management they would be most comfortable implementing in their own classrooms.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. Paul Shotsberger
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OL 440 Conflict Management and Resolution
Conflict Management and Resolution
This course examines causes of dysfunctional anger and conflict, and provides Biblically consistent principles and methods for management and prevention. The course provides for both acquisition of knowledge and development of interpersonal skills.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Richard P. Walters, Ph.D.
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OL 460 Ethics in Leadership
Ethics in Leadership
Leadership Ethics highlights the importance of fidelity, integrity, and value-based decision making. Contemporary ethical issues in church, community, and ministry leadership are examined from a biblical perspective. This course explores the sources, methods, disputes and insights of Christian ethics. Central themes and issues include freedom, conscience and the passions, the relation of God and morality, love and justice, virtue and law, and the question whether there is a distinctive Christian ethics. Because Christian ethics is a form of reflection which arises out of moral conflict, the course utilizes specific moral problems as a way of exploring these themes. Ultimately, these explorations will provide the student with a theoretical basis for understanding the nature of moral thinking itself and the form which it takes within a Christian context.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. David Ward
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Emphasis in Leadership (15 hours):
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CC 415 Human Development
Human Development
This course is an introduction to human development from the perspective of physical, emotional, intellectual and social development. This course offers a broad overview of perspectives, principles, theories, and research findings associated with the field of human life-span development. The aim of the course is to provide a foundation of knowledge that will help the student become a more effective counselor, educator, and leader.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Sara Reichard, M.Litt., R.N.
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OL 440 Conflict Management and Resolution
Conflict Management and Resolution
This course examines causes of dysfunctional anger and conflict, and provides Biblically consistent principles and methods for management and prevention. The course provides for both acquisition of knowledge and development of interpersonal skills.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Richard P. Walters, Ph.D.
Click Here to Enroll Now Online
[ Close ]
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OL 460 Ethics in Leadership
Ethics in Leadership
Leadership Ethics highlights the importance of fidelity, integrity, and value-based decision making. Contemporary ethical issues in church, community, and ministry leadership are examined from a biblical perspective. This course explores the sources, methods, disputes and insights of Christian ethics. Central themes and issues include freedom, conscience and the passions, the relation of God and morality, love and justice, virtue and law, and the question whether there is a distinctive Christian ethics. Because Christian ethics is a form of reflection which arises out of moral conflict, the course utilizes specific moral problems as a way of exploring these themes. Ultimately, these explorations will provide the student with a theoretical basis for understanding the nature of moral thinking itself and the form which it takes within a Christian context.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. David Ward
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RS 440 The Challenge of Leadership
The Challenge of Leadership
The focus of this course is the development of Developing a sound biblical perspective in the challenge leaders face. Principles of both secular and spiritual leadership will be explained in depth. Leaders from government, business, education, and religion are analyzed for their positive strengths, leadership qualities, and ability to overcome adversity. The course is case study driven and provides real-world examples of leadership principles for the student to apply to her/his immediate context.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. Noah Manyika
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RS 441 Strategic Church Administration
Strategic Church Administration
When spiritual leaders are asked about their least desirable ministerial activities, administration is usually at the bottom of the list. A main reason sited for this antipathy for administration is that few leaders feel adequately equipped for this onerous task. Strategic planning, staffing, and management are explored in ways that those serving in ministry can understand and appropriate. Practical application will be emphasized.
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Brian van Deventer, D.Min
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To complete your B.A. or B.Min. you'll need to:
- Complete (or have previously completed) a minimum of 90 undergraduate credit hours in Biblical studies/theology or equivalent.
- Complete (or have previously completed) a minimum of 30 undergraduate credit hours in general education studies at Vision International University or another recognized institution (for the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies).
- Complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, 30 of which must be from Vision International University. Fifteen of the required 30 credit hours must be from the required Program Core and the additional 15 credit hours must be from a prescribed Program Emphasis.
For purposes of admission and transfer to Vision International University, a “recognized college or university” includes schools approved by a U.S. State, or accredited by an accrediting body that is approved either by CHEA or the U.S. Department of Education. Institutions outside the United States must meet comparable standards through an approved transcript evaluation service.
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