Biblical Studies - BS

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biblical Studies provides an in-depth education from a Wesleyan-Arminian perspective in Bible for persons who desire to understand the Christian faith and its foundational issues. This degree meets some of the requirements for licensing and ordination in many churches. Particularly, nearly two-thirds of the academic requirements for ordination in The Wesleyan Church are met upon completion of both the Associate of Science in Christian Ministries and the Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies.

The same courses offered in the classroom setting are also offered via the Internet. Details are available at http://www.IWUOnline.com.

Objectives - Biblical Studies (BS)

Biblical Studies graduates should:

  1. Understand and be able to communicate a Christian worldview and biblical morality.
  2. Have a solid grasp of the biblical principles associated with the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition.
  3. Develop significant understanding of major segments and books of the Bible.
  4. Be able to compare and contrast the various schools of biblical interpretation and assess the strengths and weaknesses of each school.
  5. Apply principles and techniques for fruitful biblical study and biblical communication.
Admission Requirements - Biblical Studies (BS)

The admission requirements for bachelor degree program with a major in Biblical Studies offered through the College of Adult and Professional Studies are as follows:

  1. Proof of high school graduation or GED certification.
  2. Original transcripts from all previous college or university study at regionally accredited colleges or universities or an institution accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education.
  3. Prior completion of at least 60 transferable credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university or an institution accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education is required before the student is eligible to start a bachelor core program.
  4. A minimum of two years of significant full-time work experience beyond high school.
Graduation Requirements - Biblical Studies (BS)

To graduate with a baccalaureate degree with a major in Biblical Studies from the College of Adult and Professional Studies at Indiana Wesleyan University, the following requirements must be met:

  1. Completion of 124 semester hours.
  2. Completion of the required core courses with a GPA of 2.50 or higher.
  3. Completion of 30 hours of liberal arts as specified.
  4. Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.
Prerequisites - Biblical Studies (BS)

All students wishing to major in Biblical Studies must complete the courses below or transfer equivalent work in the following before taking coursework designated for the Biblical Studies major:

  1. BIL-101 Old Testament Survey
  2. BIL-102 New Testament Survey
  3. BIL-202 Inductive Bible Study
  4. REL-232 Basic Christian Doctrine

* Note: For students lacking the prerequisites required for entrance into the Biblical Studies major, these courses are offered at the inception of the program and qualify for financial aid for eligible students.

Course Descriptions - Biblical Studies (BS)

UNV-181 Leading Change in the World 3

This course is designed to assist students with the development of a basic plan to change their world. Students will be briefly introduced to key elements of select leadership models, change theory, and strategic planning, and will use this theory to build a model to become change agents. Students will be introduced to a Christian worldview of change by experiencing select readings of prominent change agents in Biblical history.

BIL-203 Advanced Inductive Bible Study 3

This course is an advanced course to further develop Biblical study skills initially discovered in BIL-201 Methods in Bible Study or BIL-202 Inductive Bible Study. It will further broaden the assumptions, procedures, and guidelines in the interpretation of the Bible. Emphasis is placed upon the refinement of the student's skills in observation, interpretation, and application. The course is designed to develop the student's ability to study the Scriptures accurately, systematically, and independently as a basis for both personal and professional use of the Bible in the future. Prerequisite: BIL-201 or BIL-202

BIL 303 Synoptic Gospels 3

An intensive study of the Gospel of Mark, with attention given to the parallel accounts in Matthew and/or Luke. Examination of unique material in the first and third gospels. Special note will also be made of various solutions to the synoptic problem and to such concepts as the Messiah and the Kingdom of God. Prerequisite: BIL-202 or BIL-203 or permission of instructor

BIL 301 Pentateuch 3

The first five books of the Bible are studied as organized wholes. The origin of the world, the creation of man, the calling of Israel, and her place in the plan of redemption are noted throughout. Prerequisite: BIL-202 or BIL-203 or permission of instructor

BIL-302 Historical Books 3

A study of each of the historical books from Joshua to Esther, tracing the history of Israel from the entrance into Canaan through the exile and return. Prerequisite: BIL-202 or BIL-203 or permission of instructor

BIL 304 Johannine Literature 3

A study of the Gospel of John and the three Epistles. Such concepts as Logos, truth, life, light, and love will be given special attention. Prerequisite: BIL-202 or BIL-203 or permission of instructor

REL-424 Christian Theology II: Salvation/Holiness 3

An intensive study of soteriology, including the doctrines of sin, prevenient grace, justification, sanctification and glorification from a Biblical, historical and practical perspective. The Wesleyan Arminian tradition will provide the theological framework for this course, we will examine other theological views from this perspective. Special attention will be given to John Wesley's doctrine of holiness. Prerequisite: REL-233 or REL-232

BIL-410 Wisdom Literature 3

A detailed and analytical study of the wisdom books in the Old Testament, specifically, Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. Prerequisite: BIL-202 or BIL-203 or permission of department

BIL-404 Acts of the Apostles 3

Primarily a study of the Book of Acts. Attention will be given to the development of the concept of the church, as well as its historical setting in the first two centuries of the Christian era. Prerequisite: BIL-202 or BIL-203 or permission of instructor

BIL-402 Major Prophets 3

The office and function of Hebrew prophecy is noted and the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel are studied in the light of their own times. Prerequisite: BIL-202 or BIL-203 or permission of instructor

REL-241 Survey of Church History 3

A survey of the major events, persons, and ideas of the Christian community from the Apostolic age to the present. Special attention will be given to the Reformation era and the history of American Christianity.

BIL-412 Romans and Galatians 3

A detailed and analytical study of Paul's letters to the Romans and the Galatians. Prerequisite: BIL-202 or BIL-203 or permission of department

REL-410 World Faith Systems 3

A study of the major faith systems of the world and their impact, with an emphasis on their influence on North American culture. Prerequisite: BIL-102

REL-483 Biblical Studies Colloquium 3

A reading and writing intensive course in the study of Biblically-oriented topics that serves as a capstone experience for Biblical Studies students. Topics may reflect contemporary issues or research in the wider discipline. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Biblical Studies Program or permission of the Department