Posted on June 04, 2015
CCU Announces New Master's Degrees in Biblical Studies and Theology
Colorado Christian University is rolling out two new master's programs, a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies. Aimed especially at working adults already involved in ministry, the programs will offer a chance for students to sharpen their biblical and theological knowledge - with the goal of furthering their education and leadership abilities.
"These programs are a natural fit for a school like Colorado Christian University," explained Dr. Rick Yohn, dean of Biblical Studies and Theology at CCU's College of Adult and Graduate Studies. "Students will graduate knowing what they believe and why they believe it."
The curriculum of the biblical studies program will focus on studying Scripture and what it says - along with principles of how to interpret the Bible.
"We will focus on both the macro and the micro view of Scripture," said Yohn. "From a macro view, students will understand the sweep of a book of the Bible, as well as the Bible itself. A lot of seminaries don't focus as much on this view. We'll also cover individual passages, and how to interpret them, which aligns with the micro view adopted by many seminaries."
The biblical studies degree offers distinctive classes on the land of the Bible, giving students a strong geographical basis for events and why they happened; a class on spiritual formation, helping students grasp their gifts, personality traits, and leadership styles; and a teaching on tools to help students understand the original languages of the Bible.
The theological studies degree will focus on major themes of the Bible - such as the church or salvation - and ask both what the Bible says about such topics and what those throughout church history have concluded.
"The theological studies major examines major themes, key doctrines, and the big picture of the Bible," said Yohn. "We're all theological students, whenever we make a claim about God or the Bible and then begin looking for evidence to back it up."
Key distinctive classes in this major also include a study of the land of the Bible, and a class focused on language tools to understand the Bible in its original Greek and Hebrew.
"We won't have language requirements for either degree, but we want to offer tools for students to examine Scripture in its original language," added Yohn. "Various tools today present solid scholarship without requiring students to memorize vocabulary lists."
The two master's degrees are able to be delivered online or in-seat at centers throughout the state, and both are 39 credit hours; they can be completed in two years with full-time study. Classes begin September 21.