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
- All About the Bachelor of Ministry Degree
- All About hte Bachelor of Arts Degree
- Admission Requirements
- Need to earn credits? Check out our Ministry Training Programs...
Courses You'll be Need to Complete (15 credit hours)
Click on a Course for a Description and Enrollment Link
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.
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.
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: Richard Jenks, MRE, PsyD
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 delineatedCredit Hours: 3
Instructor: Dr. Stan DeKoven
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.
Courses that help you specialize in a ministry:
Emphasis in Theology (15 hours):
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.
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
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
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
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: Johannes Horn, Ph.D., Th.D., LL.D.
Emphasis in Christian Counseling (15 hours):
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.
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 patternsCredit Hours: 3
Instructor: Dr. Stan DeKoven
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
Human Development
This course is and 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.
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.
Emphasis in Christian Education (15 hours):
Human Development
This course is and 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.
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.
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: Richard P. Walters, Ph.D.
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
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
Emphasis in Leadership (15 hours):
Church Administration and Leadership
A course designed to develop leadership potential in students and to give them a familiarity with the various elements of the administrative process, including: goal setting and achieving, organization, delegation, human relations, group dynamics, supervision and the training of other leaders. Though the principles are universal, the focus of the course is the local church.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Brian van Deventer, D.Min
Advanced Leadership and Administration
A church leader wears many hats. In this course learners discover how to maximize productivity in the various functions of church leadership. The course examines the biblical foundation and practical functions of administrative leadership in churches and Christian organizations, and focuses on developing successful, biblical attitudes and skills among team leaders. Students will analyze basic leadership principles from secular and evangelical sources, analyzing them through a biblical/theological grid. (This advanced course is built on ITS course CE 501 Church Leadership and Administration. However, CE 501 is not a prerequisite for this course.)Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Richard P. Walters, Ph.D.
Adult Ministries in the Church
Students review the principles of andragogy and its application to various adult age levels and special adult groups such as singles, single parents, and families. Students will analyze and synthesize the church's entire ministry to adults.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Marilyn E. Weekes
Effective Administrative Leadership
The purpose of this course is to assist in the training of Christian administrative leaders. A helpful balance has been produced in this course with an emphasis on both the biblical information concerning leadership as well as the practical, day-to-day information needed for successful leadership. The goal of this study is for the student to obtain a fresh understanding of the practical application of biblical leadership principles in his/her ministry setting.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Brenda Thomas, M.A.
Philosophy of Christian Education
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. The course also teaches introductory concepts related to education in a the local church and Christian School contexts.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Brenda Thomas, M.A.
Primary Christian Education
This course reviews development of infants and children in several dimensions; cognitive, emotional, social, and religious. Parental, family, church, and institutional-agency ministry reviewed with the purpose of encouraging students to develop a starting theology of ministry to persons in this age group and to practice skills fundamental to such ministry.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Sara Reichard, M.Litt., R.N.
Secondary Christian Education
This course reviews development of teenagers and young adults in several dimensions: cognitive, emotional, social and spiritual. Parental, family, church, and institutional-agency ministry critically reviewed with the purpose of encouraging students to develop a starting theology of ministry to persons in this age group and to practice skills fundamental to such ministry.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. Paul Shotsberger
Curriculum Development in Christian Education
This course includes a study of the principles and aims of curriculum development, with an emphasis on selection and creative use of curriculum materials and resources to fulfill the educational task of the church. Students will be presented with various views on the means of knowing God and differing views of Scripture, as well as how each of these views influences development and choice of curriculum. Students will be introduced to the inductive Bible study method, as well as a method of lesson planning known as the HBLT approach. Students will be led through a consideration of how both of these methods can be adapted to teach different age students, including adults, youth, children and pre-schoolers. Students will be presented with Maslow’s and Herzberg’s research on individual needs, along with an instrument for assessing learner’s needs in a classroom setting. Bloom’s Taxonomy will be used to motivate a consideration of the aims of a Bible lesson and the methods available to creative Bible teachers. Students will be exposed to common practices of truly great teachers, factors that motivate learning, and a method for evaluating the teaching-learning process. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to see the learner as an individual who, depending on age and experience, is motivated in different ways to achieve unique ends.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. Paul Shotsberger
Teaching Methodology
This course is designed as an introduction to basic methods for teaching from a dynamic biblical viewpoint. The purpose of the course is to assist the theology students in understanding the essential elements of effective instruction and learning. Students will be introduced to different genres of writing in the Bible, as well as appropriate methods of interpreting each genre. For any given biblical passage to be taught, students will be encouraged to consider the big idea that needs to be conveyed to students, how to bridge the gap between the world of the Bible and the students� world, and problems that might be encountered at the planning and presentation levels for the lesson. Students will be challenged to think about how their own teaching can be improved in terms of fostering active learning, motivating learning, communicating clearly, personalizing biblical truth, and building a constructive classroom atmosphere. Students will be guided through the process of choosing a lesson topic and theme, leading students to discover the thematic and structural unity of the biblical passage through the method of inductive Bible study, and evaluating the results of instruction and learning.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Prof. Paul Shotsberger
Evangelism in the Local Church
This course is a study of evangelism ministry with special attention paid to the context of a local church setting. Students will be encouraged to make specific applications of the lectures and assignments to the particular setting of their present or intended ministry (e.g., urban core, commuting suburban, rural, single professionals, ethnically diverse, and so forth). The course begins with a study of the biblical and theological foundations for evangelism. On this basis we will study methods of personal and group evangelism, how to equip laity to witness (and why most Christians don't respond to training seminars on evangelism), the use and development of church and para-church structures in evangelism (both on-going and special), the care of new converts and discipleship, and selected current issues in evangelism. Assignments focus on practical application of workable solutions for evangelism in the local church. Those in para-church ministries will find much to relate to their particular and often unique needs.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Marilyn E. Weekes
Christian Worldview
How do you view reality? What is the source of your knowledge? Do you live what you believe? Such are the questions that a worldview answers. This course examines the nature and function of belief structures, and the value of developing and living a distinctly Christian life. The course develops a Christian worldview from a redemptive history model of Biblical theology, which is then clarified using the philosophical categories of metaphysics, epistemology, and axiology. Learners will gain an understanding of modern and postmodern thought and how to critique them biblically, and are encouraged to develop and apply a Christian worldview to life and ministry.Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Richard P. Walters, Ph.D.
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.