Division of Biblical Studies
Studies in Biblical & Theological Studies, Philosophy, Child & Family Studies, Intercultural Studies, and Outdoor Leadership Ministries

Arrington, C. Balzer, Blankenship, Brisben, Bruce, Burch (chair), Cha, Francis, Lanker, Robinson, Vila
Student Learning Outcomes for the Biblical and Theological Studies Degree:
Cognitive Outcomes: We would specifically desire that students:
- Develop the ability to use biblical languages
- Understand how to use standard theological tools and methods
- Practice theological reflection
- Understand the Bible in its literary, historical and theological contexts
- Understand the scriptural, historical and philosophical foundations of Christian theology
- Become historically rooted in the great tradition of the Christian faith
Affective Outcomes: We would specifically desire that students:
- Grow in love for God and his global Church
- Desire Christ-like formation in all areas of life for the Glory of God
- Develop concern for biblical justice and embrace the obligation to serve others
Vocational Outcomes: We would specifically desire that students:
- Read biblical and theological texts critically and thoughtfully
- Teach the broad contours of both biblical content and historical theology
- Develop the skills needed in seminary or graduate school
- Serve in a local church, ministry or other organization
- Communicate biblical and theological ideas in culturally relevant ways
Student Learning Outcomes for the Philosophy Degree:
The philosophy program at JBU teaches specific philosophical content in such a way that students know philosophy and that they read carefully, think critically, write well, and speak clearly. Consequently, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Philosophy has the following student learning outcomes for its classes:
1) Know philosophy
2) Read carefully
3) Think critically
4) Write well
5) Speak clearly
DEPARTMENT OF BIBLE, RELIGION, AND PHILOSOPHY
(SYMBOLS: BBL, RPH)
Knowledge of the Bible is essential for effective Christian living as well as for any type of Christian work, whether one plans to attend graduate school or enter directly into ministry. The department seeks to help each student examine the scriptural basis for their faith and to guide the student in the use of foundational tools for grasping the content and application of God's Word. Students are encouraged to think carefully and be intellectually honest while affirming the place of biblically grounded Christian faith in the pursuit of truth. The Department of Bible, Religion, and Philosophy offers a major and minor in Biblical and Theological Studies, a major in Philosophy, and minors in Church Leadership, New Testament Greek, and Religion and Philosophy.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree with major in Biblical and Theological Studies
The major in Biblical and Theological Studies is designed to equip those who are planning to enter directly into ministry or further their studies in seminary or graduate school. The curriculum provides important content in biblical studies, theology, Church history, and related disciplines. Majors in Biblical and Theological Studies must complete 12 hours of language studies, including at least two semesters of New Testament Greek.
1. University Core Curriculum - 55 hours
2. Courses Specified by this Division - 9 hours
CMN 1213 Christian Leadership and Service
RPH 3323 Philosophy of the Christian Faith
One of the following:
BBL 34_3 A New Testament book study
BBL 36_3 An Old Testament book study
3. Required Major Field Courses - 27 hours
BBL 3363 History of the Christian Church I
BBL 3373 History of the Christian Church II
BBL 34_3 A New Testament book study
BBL 36_3 An Old Testament book study
BBL 36_3 An Old Testament book study
BBL 4473 Seminar in Biblical Studies
BBL 4493 Seminar in Theological Studies
One of the following:
BBL 4433 Christian Apologetics
RPH 4433 Philosophy of Religion
4. Foreign Language - 12 hours
BBL 2513 Elementary New Testament Greek I
BBL 2523 Elementary New Testament Greek II
Select one of the following options:
Option A:
BBL 3513 Syntax of New Testament Greek I
BBL 3523 Syntax of New Testament Greek II
Option B:
BBL 3713 Elementary Biblical Hebrew I
BBL 3723 Elementary Biblical Hebrew II
Option C:
Six hours of LS-1000, LS-2000 level courses in one of Latin, French, or German
5. Minor field or electives as necessary to complete minimum total hours
Minimum total semester hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree with major in Philosophy
When the Apostle Paul was in Athens, he spoke with Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. Christians today continue that conversation, for the sake of the Church and for the world, and some Christians have been remarkable philosophers in their own right (e.g., Augustine and Aquinas).
Philosophy resembles mathematics, in its rigor and clarity; history, in its sensitivity to people and ideas across cultures and ages; and literature, in its concern for articulate expression. Philosophy majors are well positioned to pursue any career that requires analytical reasoning, as well as graduate school in philosophy, theology, ministry, business, law, or medicine.
1. University Core Curriculum - 52 hours
The Philosophy elective is covered by one of the following program requirements: POL 3003, RPH 3003, or RPH 3103.
2. Courses Specified by this Division - 9 hours
CMN 1213 Christian Leadership and Service
RPH 3323 Philosophy of the Christian Faith
One of the following:
BBL 34_3 A New Testament book study
BBL 36_3 An Old Testament book study
3. Required Major Core Courses - 15 hours
RPH 3343 Ancient & Medieval Philosophy
RPH 4433 Philosophy of Religion
4. Electives in Philosophy/Religious Studies - 12 hours (minimum)
One of the following:
RPH 3003 Introduction to Philosophy
Nine hours from the following:
BBL 4493 Seminar in Theological Studies
RPH 3533 Introduction to Islam
RPH 3543 Introduction to Hinduism and Buddhism
RPH 4481/82/83 Selected Topics in Religion/Philosophy
5. Foreign Language - 12 hours
Select one of the following options:
Option A:
Twelve hours from LS-1000, LS-2000 level courses, BBL 2513, BBL 2523, BBL 3513, or BBL 3523
Option B:
Six hours of LS-2000 level courses
6. Minor field or electives as necessary to complete minimum total hours
Minimum total semester hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Requirements for minor in Biblical and Theological Studies
The student must successfully complete a minimum of 21 hours beyond the Core.
Required Courses - 15 hours
BBL 3363 History of the Christian Church I
BBL 3373 History of the Christian Church II
BBL 34_3 A New Testament book study
BBL 36_3 An Old Testament book study
One of the following:
BBL 4473 Seminar in Biblical Studies
BBL 4493 Seminar in Theological Studies
An additional six hours from BBL or RPH courses.
Requirements for minor in Church Leadership
The student must successfully complete a minimum of 18 hours beyond the Core.
Required Courses - 12 hours
CMN 2263 Discipleship and Evangelism
CMN 4613 Internship in Christian Ministry
One of the following:
BBL 3223 Communicating the Christian Message
ICS 2113 Intercultural Communication
Six hours from the following:
RPH 3323 Philosophy of the Christian Faith
RPH 4433 Philosophy of Religion
Or six additional hours from BBL or RPH courses.
Requirements for minor in New Testament Greek
The student must successfully complete a minimum of 21 hours beyond the Core.
Required Courses - 15 hours
BBL 2513 Elementary New Testament Greek I
BBL 2523 Elementary New Testament Greek II
BBL 3513 Syntax of New Testament Greek I
BBL 3523 Syntax of New Testament Greek II
LS 2173 Introduction to Linguistics
Six hours from the following:
BBL 4512 Greek Reading and Exegesis
BBL 4581/82/83 Selected Topics: New Testament Greek
Requirements for minor in Religion and Philosophy
The student must successfully complete a minimum of 21 hours beyond the Core.
Required Courses - 18 hours
RPH 3343 Ancient & Medieval Philosophy
RPH 4433 Philosophy of Religion
One of the following:
RPH 3533 Introduction to Islam
RPH 3543 Introduction to Hinduism and Buddhism
An additional three hours from BBL or RPH courses.
DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
(SYMBOL: CMN)
The Department of Christian Ministry seeks to equip students with Biblical and professional knowledge, as well as practical skills. The department's intent is to develop graduates who are qualified to work with children, youth, and families in a variety of domestic, professional, and international venues such as churches, inner city ministries, camps, businesses, overseas missions, and parachurch organizations.
The Christian Ministry and Formation major focuses on the study of ministry by
- providing strong biblical and theological foundations;
- integrating theories from psychology, education, and sociology; and
- emphasizing the emotional, social, physical, and spiritual needs of each person.
JBU Christian Ministry and Formation graduates are currently working as Chaplains, Child and Family Ministers, Christian School Teachers, Cross-Cultural Missionaries, Christian Camp Directors, Christian Non-Profit Directors, Worship Pastors, Youth Ministers, and Professional Counselors (after graduate school). The Christian Ministry and Formation major provides an excellent foundation for graduate work in seminary, counseling, and other related fields.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with major in Christian Ministry and Formation
1. University Core Curriculum - 55 hours
2. Courses Specified by this Division - 9 hours
CMN 1213 Christian Leadership and Service
RPH 3323 Philosophy of the Christian Faith
One of the following:
BBL 34_3 A New Testament book study
BBL 36_3 An Old Testament book study
3. Required Major Field Courses - 22 hours
BBL 3583 Perspectives of the World Christian Movement
CMN 2133 Developing Relational Ministry
CMN 2263 Discipleship and Evangelism
CMN 4431 Introduction to Capstone in Christian Ministry
CMN 4433 Capstone in Christian Ministry
CMN 4613 Internship (to be taken twice)
4. Nine unique hours from any one of the following concentrations:
Care & Counseling
CMN 4493 Ministering to Families across the Life Span
FAM 3133 Marriage & Family Living
PSY 2233 Theories of Counseling
Chaplaincy
BBL 3223 Communicating the Christian Message
CMN 4493 Ministering to Families across the Life Span
FAM 3133 Marriage & Family Living
ICS 2113 Intercultural Communication
PSY 2243 Introduction to Therapeutic Interviewing
Child and Family
CMN 3273 Critical Concerns with Children
CMN 4493 Ministering to Families across the Life Span
ED 2143 Learning Theories and Developmental Psychology
FAM 3133 Marriage & Family Living
FAM 3223 Principles of Effective Parenting
Christian Schooling
CMN 4493 Ministering to Families across the Life Span
ED 2143 Learning Theories and Developmental Psychology
ED 2713 Differentiated Learning
ED 3113 Framework for Teaching - Secondary Education
ED 4901 Selected Topics: Christian School Education
Cross-Cultural
BBL 3223 Communicating the Christian Message
CMN 4493 Ministering to Families across the Life Span
ICS 2113 Intercultural Communication
ICS 2123 Cultural Anthropology
ICS 4133 Intercultural Leadership Skills
Experiential Education
CMN 2373 Principles and Practices of Experiential Education
CMN 2383 Outdoor Living Skills
CMN 3153 Philosophy and Methods of Outdoor Education
CMN 3213 Camp Leadership & Management
Leadership
BBL 3223 Communicating the Christian Message
LDR 2563 Leadership Competencies
LDR 3563 Organizational Leadership
Worship
BBL 3223 Communicating the Christian Message
MUS 2503 Understanding Worship Arts I: Orientation
MUS 2513 Understanding Worship Arts II: Materials and Methods
Youth
BBL 3223 Communicating the Christian Message
CMN 3313 Foundations and Practice of Youth Ministry
CMN 4443 Critical Concerns with Adolescents
5. Minor field or electives as necessary to complete minimum total hours
Minimum total semester hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Requirements for minor in Christian Ministry and Formation
The student must successfully complete a minimum of 19 hours.
BBL 3583 Perspectives of the World Christian Movement
CMN 1213 Christian Leadership and Service
CMN 2133 Developing Relational Ministry
CMN 2263 Discipleship and Evangelism
CMN 4431 Introduction to Capstone in Christian Ministry
CMN 4433 Capstone in Christian Ministry
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with major in Outdoor Leadership Ministries
The major in Outdoor Leadership Ministries is designed to produce outdoor ministry educators and leaders equipped with sound judgment, appropriate technical ability, and effective teaching and facilitation competencies to create safe outdoor learning environments in which to nurture spiritual formation. Ministry opportunities include both national and international settings as camp program directors, wilderness guides and instructors, experiential learning and challenge course facilitators, outdoor educators, conference and retreat programmers, and leaders for children-, youth-, and family-serving organizations such as YMCA, Campfire, Scouting, and Young Life. Opportunities to earn certifications in Wilderness First Responder, Challenge Course Instructor, Leave No Trace, Kayaking, Canoeing and Swift Water Rescue, Outdoor Leadership, and Outdoor Education are incorporated into the curriculum.
1. University Core Curriculum - 55 hours
2. Courses Specified by this Division - 9 hours
CMN 1213 Christian Leadership and Service
RPH 3323 Philosophy of the Christian Faith
One of the following:
BBL 34_3 A New Testament book study
BBL 36_3 Old Testament book study
3. Required Major Field Courses - 34 hours
CMN 2263 Discipleship and Evangelism
CMN 2283 Outdoor Recreation Skills
CMN 2373 Principles and Practices of Experiential Education
CMN 2383 Outdoor Living Skills
CMN 3153 Philosophy and Methods of Outdoor Education
CMN 3213 Camp Leadership and Management
CMN 3243 Discipleship Development Through Camp and Adventure Programming
CMN 4113 Wilderness First Responder
CMN 4431 Introduction to Capstone in Christian Ministry
CMN 4433 Capstone in Christian Ministry
FAM 4443 Critical Concerns with Adolescents
4. Supporting Courses: Skill Certifications - 5 hours
CMN 2211 Environmental Science Educator
CMN 2401 Mountain Biking Level 1
CMN 2411 Mountain Biking Level 2
CMN 2601 Top Rope Rock Climbing
5. Internship - 12 hours
6. Minor field or electives as necessary to complete minimum total hours
Minimum total semester hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Requirements for minor in Outdoor Leadership Ministries
The student must successfully complete a minimum of 18 hours beyond the Core.
Required courses - 18 hours
CMN 2373 Principles and Practices of Experiential Education
CMN 2383 Outdoor Living Skills
CMN 3243 Discipleship Development Through Camp and Adventure Programming
One of the following:
CMN 3213 Camp Leadership and Management
KIN 4443 Management in Health Sport
Supporting Courses: Skill Certifications - 3 hours
CMN 2211 Environmental Science Educator
CMN 2401 Mountain Biking Level 1
CMN 2411 Mountain Biking Level 2
CMN 2601 Top Rope Rock Climbing
DEPARTMENT OF INTERCULTURAL STUDIES
(SYMBOL: ICS)
The Intercultural Studies major prepares students to understand, communicate, and engage with other cultures as citizens in a globalized world and as part of our Christian vocation to love the foreigner (Deut. 10:19) and love our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:39).
The Intercultural Studies (ICS) programs require a minor field, and students are encouraged to diversify their academic experience by adding a minor that enhances the ICS degree, in keeping with their vocational goals.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Understand the Scriptural basis for engaging other cultures
2. Gain knowledge in various dimensions of culture, such as religion, art, music, social structure, and so on
3. Adopt an anthropological perspective, seeing groups and cultures through an emic viewpoint
4. Demonstrative knowledge and skills in qualitative research methods
5. Become comfortable engaging other cultures interpersonally
Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree with major in Intercultural Studies
1. University Core Curriculum - 49 hours
The Global Studies elective is covered by either ICS 2113, RPH 3533, or RPH 3543 and the Social Science elective is covered by ICS 2123 in the program requirements.
2. Courses Specified by this Division - 9 hours
CMN 1213 Christian Leadership and Service
RPH 3323 Philosophy of the Christian Faith1
One of the following:
BBL 34_3 A New Testament book study
BBL 36_3 An Old Testament book study
3. Intercultural Studies Major Core - 21 hours
BBL 3583 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement
ICS 2113 Intercultural Communication
ICS 2123 Cultural Anthropology
ICS 3133 Cultural Research Methods
ICS 4123 Intercultural Internship
ICS 4183 Cultural Values Seminar
One of the following:
RPH 3533 Introduction to Islam
RPH 3543 Introduction to Hinduism and Buddhism
4. Concentration - select 9 hours from one of the following:
A. International Studies
HST 2153 Twentieth Century World History
HST 3443 The Modern Middle East
HST 3473 African Civilization Since 1850
ICS 4133 Intercultural Leadership Skills
POL 3353 International Relations
B. Intercultural Ministries1
BBL 3223 Communicating the Christian Message
CMN 2163 Developing Relational Ministry
CMN 2263 Discipleship and Evangelism
ICS 3243 Principles and Philosophy of Community Development
ICS 4133 Intercultural Leadership Skills
C. Community Development
FAM 4453 Family Law and Society
HST 2323 Poverty and Welfare in American History
ICS 3243 Principles and Philosophy of Community Development
ICS 3263 Theory and Practice of Appropriate Technology I
ICS 3283 Theory and Practice of Appropriate Technology II
5. Foreign Language - 12 hours
Select one of the following options:
Option A:
Twelve hours from LS-1000, LS-2000 level courses or LS 2173
With advisor approval, students may use courses from BBL 2513, BBL 2523, BBL 3513, or BBL 3523 to satisfy all or part of the requirement
Option B:
Six hours of LS-2000 level courses
1ICS Majors in the Intercultural Ministries Concentration may substitute RPH 4433 for RPH 3323 in the Courses Specified by this Division.
6. Minor in TESOL or other approved minor
7. Electives as necessary to complete minimum total hours
Minimum total semester hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with major in Intercultural Studies
1. University Core Curriculum - 49 hours
The Global Studies elective is covered by either ICS 2113, RPH 3533, or RPH 3543 and the Social Science elective is covered by ICS 2123 in the program requirements.
2. Courses Specified by this Division - 9 hours
CMN 1213 Christian Leadership and Service
RPH 3323 Philosophy of the Christian Faith1
One of the following:
BBL 34_3 A New Testament book study
BBL 36_3 An Old Testament book study
3. Intercultural Studies Major Core - 21 hours
BBL 3583 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement
ICS 2113 Intercultural Communication
ICS 2123 Cultural Anthropology
ICS 3133 Cultural Research Methods
ICS 4123 Intercultural Internship
ICS 4183 Cultural Values Seminar
One of the following:
RPH 3533 Introduction to Islam
RPH 3543 Introduction to Hinduism and Buddhism
4. One of the following Concentrations - 9 hours
A. International Studies
ICS 4133 Intercultural Leadership Skills
POL 3353 International Relations
SST 1143 World Regional Geography
B. Intercultural Ministries1
CMN 2263 Discipleship and Evangelism
ICS 3243 Principles and Philosophy of Community Development
ICS 4133 Intercultural Leadership Skills
C. Community Development
ICS 3243 Principles and Philosophy of Community Development
ICS 3263 Theory and Practice of Appropriate Technology I
ICS 3283 Theory and Practice of Appropriate Technology II
1ICS Majors in the Intercultural Ministries Concentration may substitute RPH 4433 for RPH 3323 in the Courses Specified by this Division.
5. Minor in TESOL or other approved minor
6. Electives as necessary to complete minimum total hours
Minimum total semester hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Requirements for minor in Intercultural Studies
A student must successfully complete a minimum of 18 hours beyond the Core.
Required Courses - 9 hours
BBL 3583 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement
ICS 2113 Intercultural Communication
ICS 2123 Cultural Anthropology
One of the following:
ICS 3243 Principles and Philosophy of Community Development
ICS 4133 Intercultural Leadership Skills
Six hours from the following:
CMN 2263 Discipleship and Evangelism
ICS 3263 Theory and Practice of Appropriate Technology I*
ICS 3283 Theory and Practice of Appropriate Technology II*
FAM 4113 Intercultural Family Seminar
LS 2173 Introduction to Linguistics
RPH 3533 Introduction to Islam
RPH 3543 Introduction to Hinduism and Buddhism
* Taught during one four-week summer term at the Institute for Biblical Community Development in Oklahoma.