The Department of Bible, Missions, and Ministry offers Bachelor of Arts degrees that will give men and women preparation for a variety of ministry areas. All degree programs emphasize:
- biblical study
- theological reflection
- introduction to several aspects of ministry and church life
Because ministry requires practical experience as well as intellectual knowledge, all our majors are required to complete an internship, usually during the summer between their junior and senior year.
Students may choose from the following majors. The links provide an overview of the purpose and requirements for the different degrees.
- Biblical Text
- Christian Ministry
- Ministry to Children and Families
- Missions
- Vocational Missions
- Worship Ministry
- Youth and Family Ministry
While we welcome all who desire to serve God, we view ministry and mission work as a high calling, demanding high standards. Therefore all students who want to receive a degree from the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry must complete an acceptance process, usually during the sophomore year. This process is intended to ensure that ACU graduates are equipped for the demands of ministry. Requirements include demonstration of academic ability, satisfactory completion of psychological testing, recommendations from church leaders and ACU faculty, and a personal essay.
Click here to go to the ACU Course Catalog for detailed requirements for all degrees.
The Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry also provides instruction to all ACU students through general education classes such as Life and Teachings of Jesus and Message of the Old Testament. For non-Bible majors who want to go beyond the minimum Bible requirement, we offer the following programs to increase their biblical knowledge and enhance their potential for ministry:
- Minor in Bible, Missions and Ministry (24 hours)
- Certificate in Vocational Ministry (30 hours)
- Certificate in Missions (30 hours)
- Interdisciplinary Degree in Biblical Studies (33 hours)
Scholarships for Bible Majors (.pdf)
In addition to the financial aid that is available to all ACU students, the College of Biblical Studies offers possible scholarships for Bible majors who intend to enter full-time ministry.
Halbert Institute for Missions (HIM)
The Halbert Institute for Missions offers training and experince outside the classroom to enchance students' academic preparation. HIM personnel include five missions coordinators with decades of ministry experience around the world, who mentor students and help them prepare for effective ministry.
ACU students can learn about God's work around the world and participate in meaningful ministry in cross-cultural contexts through six- to ten-week summer internships, working under the supervision of experienced missionaries. After they graduate, students can also become apprentices and serve for one or two years.
Center for Youth and Family Ministry
ACU has one of the leading programs in the United States for preparing youth ministers. The Center for Youth and Family Ministry offers services to enhance the effectiveness of those involved in youth ministry. This center also functions as a clearinghouse for churches that want to hire ACU students as summer youth interns.
Center for Women in Christian Service
Led by Dr. Jeanene Reese, the Center for Women in Christian Service serves and equips Christian women to serve the Lord in biblical, responsible and effective ways. This center features the Come before Winter program, a dynamic ministry of renewal for women serving as missionaries and offers resources for Women's retreats, Ladies' Day and other special events.
