4. SECTION 4 - Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies

4.1 Program Overview

Program Level: Undergraduate (120 Credits)
Delivery Mode: 100% Online – Research-Based with Faculty Mentorship
Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Capstone: BIB 500 – Bachelor Thesis Project


4.2 Purpose and Mission

The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies at Everlight Ministry of Theology (EMT) provides a comprehensive theological foundation rooted in Scripture and Christian doctrine.
This program equips students for ministry, teaching, Christian leadership, and advanced theological study through a rigorous, faith-based curriculum integrating academic excellence with spiritual formation.

Program Mission:

  • Interpret and apply God’s Word faithfully.
  • Engage the world through a biblical worldview.
  • Lead with integrity and Christlike character.
  • Serve effectively within the Body of Christ through sound doctrine and practical wisdom.

4.3 Program Description

The B.A. in Biblical Studies is a 120-credit undergraduate degree combining foundational theological instruction, doctrinal and historical study, and applied ministry development.
Students progress through a sequence of core modules culminating in the Bachelor Thesis Project, demonstrating mastery of biblical interpretation, theological research, and ministry application.

Delivered fully online under EMT’s guided mentorship model, the program fosters intellectual, spiritual, and ethical growth while developing academic and ministerial competencies.


4.4 Program Objectives

Graduates of the B.A. in Biblical Studies will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of Scripture, theology, and church history.
  2. Apply sound hermeneutical and exegetical principles to biblical interpretation.
  3. Articulate and defend essential doctrines of the Christian faith.
  4. Integrate biblical truth into personal life, ministry, and leadership.
  5. Conduct independent theological research using accepted academic methods.
  6. Exhibit Christlike character, ethical discernment, and leadership within ministry contexts.

4.5 Curriculum Summary

Category

Modules

Credits

General Education Core

10

30

Core Biblical & Theological Studies

9

81

Final Comprehensive Exam

1

2

Mentorship & Ministry Reflection

1

1

Capstone Thesis Project

1

6

Total Program

22 Modules

120 Credits

Each module integrates assigned readings, structured essay projects, and applied theological reflection.
Students progressively build research and writing proficiency culminating in the Bachelor Thesis Project.


4.6 Capstone Requirement

BIB 500 – Bachelor Thesis Project (6 Credits, 6,000–8,000 Words)
Students complete an independent research project under faculty supervision and record a 10–15 minute oral defense summarizing their findings.
This project demonstrates theological synthesis, academic writing ability, and practical ministry application.


4.7 Mode of Study

  • Format: 100% Online / Religious Education
  • Mentorship: Each student is assigned a Faculty Advisor or Thesis Supervisor.
  • Assessment: Essay projects, research papers, comprehensive exam, and oral defense.
  • Duration: Typically 3–4 years (accelerated track available for ministry professionals).

4.8 Degree Purpose

The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies is a religious and ecclesiastical degree, awarded under EMT’s authority as a Christian educational ministry registered in the State of Wyoming.
It is designed for ministerial, theological, and educational vocations within the church and not intended for secular licensure or state-regulated employment.


4.9 Graduation Requirements

Students must:

  1. Complete all 22 modules (120 credits) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B).
  2. Successfully complete and defend the Bachelor Thesis Project.
  3. Pass the Comprehensive Exam and Mentorship Reflection.
  4. Demonstrate Christian integrity, ethics, and conduct throughout the program.

4.10 Recommended Progression

Year

Focus Area

Sample Modules

Year 1

Biblical Foundations

BIB 101 – Introduction to Scripture • THL 201 – Christian Doctrine I

Year 2

Doctrine & History

HIS 230 – Church Heritage • BIB 220 – Hermeneutics

Year 3

Ministry & Leadership

PCL 203 – Pastoral Leadership • THL 203 – Applied Theology

Year 4

Research & Capstone

RES 400 – Theological Research Methods • BIB 500 – Thesis Project


4.11 Outcome and Ministry Pathways

Graduates are prepared for:

  • Pastoral, teaching, or discipleship ministry
  • Christian counseling, evangelism, or missions
  • Ministry or nonprofit leadership roles
  • Graduate theological education (M.A. or M.Div.)

4.12 Statement of Integrity

Everlight Ministry of Theology affirms that all programs are faith-based and protected under the First Amendment right of religious freedom.
EMT remains committed to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and the equipping of believers for Christian service worldwide.

4.13 Credit Hour Equivalency Policy

Everlight Ministry of Theology (EMT) adheres to academic standards consistent with accepted practices in U.S. higher education and theological education. Although EMT operates as a religious institution under the protection of the First Amendment and the Wyoming Religious Education Exemption, its programs are designed to reflect comparable academic rigor and transparency in credit-hour expectations.

Each credit hour represents approximately 45 total learning hours, consistent with guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education and accrediting bodies such as TRACS and ABHE. Total learning hours include instruction, assigned readings, research, writing, discussions, and independent study.

Undergraduate Credit Definition:

  • 1 credit hour = 45 hours of total student engagement
  • 3 credits = 135 hours of study
  • 9 credits = 405 hours of study

Each 9-credit module within the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies program integrates three 3-credit academic components, representing approximately 405 total learning hours per module.
These components typically include:

  1. Biblical Research and Analysis – intensive study of Scripture and key theological sources.
  2. Theological Synthesis and Writing – essay or project-based demonstration of learning outcomes.
  3. Applied Ministry Reflection – practical application of theological principles to ministry contexts.

Across the entire program, the B.A. in Biblical Studies totals 120 credit hours (approximately 5,400 total learning hours), including general education, theological studies, mentorship, and the Bachelor Thesis Project. This structure ensures students receive a balanced, rigorous, and ministry-centered education consistent with undergraduate academic expectations.