ACADEMIC PROGRAMS SUMMARY

IBC’s program of study in the discipline of ministry leadership is in biblical studies with concentrations in pastoral ministry and missions.

DEPARTMENT OF BIBLICAL STUDIES
In biblical studies there are two options -- the two-year Certificate of Biblical Studies and the four-year Diploma of Advanced Biblical Studies.

Certificate of Biblical Studies
The Certificate of Biblical Studies program requires the student to earn 64-semester hours of credit, including four field education credits, and maintain a 2.0 GPA. It is possible to complete the program during two years of studies. The student will complete 37 hours of biblical and theological studies, 13 hours of professional studies and 14 hours of general studies. The student must select a concentration in ministry (religious education) or missions to complete the program.

Because this program constitutes the first two years of the four-year Diploma of Advanced Biblical Studies program, it is considered prerequisite for advancement into the four-year program. The studies offered in the Certificate of Biblical Studies are composed of lower division study courses, i.e., first digit of the course number is a 0, 1 or 2.

Diploma of Advanced Biblical Studies
The Diploma of Advanced Biblical Studies is a four-year program of study. It requires the student to earn at least 128-semester hours of credit (includes completion of the prerequisite Certificate of Biblical Studies) while majoring in Bible and theology courses (a minimum of 67 hours). Thirty hours must be accomplished in general education studies, in addition to 31 hours in professional studies. This program contains concentrations in ministry and missions application. The student will choose a concentration of studies from the Division of Professional Studies in either ministry or missions' courses.

Ministry Concentration is a minor field of study focusing on skills for leadership in pastoral ministry (senior, assistant or departmental pastor), in evangelism or parachurch ministry.

Missions Concentration is minor field of study focusing on skills for leadership in all types of missions applications.

Each graduate also will earn eight hours credit in field education during the course during the course of the program. A six-week internship (three-hour credit) in one's concentration must be accomplished before graduation.

A diploma is granted on the following basis: academic achievement (a cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required), exhibition of character, history of discharging personal responsibility, evidence of spiritual growth and service to the Church.