The Undergraduate Certificate of Biblical and Theological Studies program is uniquely designed to give students knowledge of the basic tenets of both biblical and theological principles. This certificate program is to provide a basic course of study that will give students an opportunity to survey the Bible and to lay a rudimentary foundation in Christian doctrine, principles for Christian life and ministry, and a theological worldview. This program also provides a flexible course of study for those individuals who desire to gain a deeper understanding of biblical and theological principles, but not necessarily aspire to obtain a degree. Specifically, this program is for:

Individuals who desire a short-term program of studies to equip them for effective ministry in the local church or elsewhere and/or vocational endeavors.

• Individuals who wish to begin biblical and theological studies on a trial basis to help them determine if they desire to pursue a degree program. Earned credits can be applied to the undergraduate degree program only. 
• Those who intend to enter a professional ministry are encouraged to apply for admission to the undergraduate or graduate degree program (if eligible). 

Through the infusion of the 7 Core Competencies, each student is expected to:

PLO 1: Gain basic knowledge of the Bible and skills needed to interpret the Bible in light of its historical-grammatical context.

PLO 2: Articulate a basic understanding of Christian thought and a Bible-based theology.

PLO 3: Articulate a Christian worldview and a rational and biblical case for and defense of the truth of Christianity.

PLO 4: Demonstrate a fundamental ability to formulate and discuss ideas coherently.

PLO 5: Explore correlates of human development and functioning through biblical and psychological perspectives.

PLO 6: Articulate a biblical philosophy of leadership, self-awareness, and identify effective Christian leadership principles.

PLO 7: Develop and implement a personal plan of spiritual formation involving the practice of spiritual disciplines.

Complete a minimum of 33 semester credit hours.

Maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average and a passing grade in all required courses

A minimum of 18 semester credit hours must be earned at Virginia Christian College.

Bible/Theology Core - 12 Hours

Biblical Studies (3)

• BIB 112 Old Testament Survey OR
• BIB 113 New Testament Survey

Theological Studies (3)

• THEO 221 Introduction to Christian Theology

Historical Studies (3)

• HIS 331 Christianity & Church History I OR
• HIS 332 Christianity & Church History II

Spiritual Development (3)

• SF 271 Spiritual Formation

Ministry Practices Core - 9 Hours

Apologetic Studies (3)

• APOL 141 The Bible is God's Word

Care & Counseling Studies (3)

CC 150 Introduction to Psychology and Counseling

Leadership Studies (3)

• LD 260 Principles of Effective Leadership

Electives - 12 Hours

*Any 4 Courses

• Completed Application 

Life Experience can contribute a maximum of 15 credits toward a degree and transference of previous learning may be able to contribute to the certificate program, but this is at the discretion of the College. Students must normally have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in order to be eligible to transfer a course from another institution to Virginia Christian College. Transferability of credits earned at this institution is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Consult the Office of Academic Affairs for further information.

The above list of courses may be offered at any time during the student’s course of study. Each course will be selected from one or more of the components and will fulfill the student’s requirement for each learning component. Of the courses offered each semester students may select the course(s) for which they would like to register. There will be a number of electives (TBD) offered throughout the course of study. With the approval of the Program Director, electives of comparable or greater academic rigor may be substituted for a required course.