Be equipped with the skills necessary to interpret, apply, and communicate the Bible for a life of service in church ministry and marketplace vocations.
Diploma in Biblical Studies
The two-year diploma program in Biblical Studies is ideal for students who want to pursue a solid foundation prior to embarking on a career path in the public arena. Students in this program receive the same quality classes and training as those in the first two years of the BA program. Students will become familiar with both the Old and New Testaments and how to read and understand the Bible. They will also take courses that challenge and foster growth in their spiritual lives. The diploma involves an integrated learning component that helps students connect knowledge and practice in weekly service opportunities. Some diploma graduates have gone on to pursue a BA degree in Biblical Studies at Columbia while others have continued their training at public universities and colleges and are now representing Jesus in a wide variety of careers.
Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
The Bachelor of Arts degree program in Biblical Studies is designed to prepare students for a career in vocational ministry. Many graduates from this program choose to continue on to graduate programs at Christian universities and seminaries, while others enter into ministry roles within the church and parachurch organizations. Biblical Studies graduates have stepped into successful ministries as pastors, church planters, and other ministry-oriented careers.
Minors
Biblical Studies degree students are required to select a minor that suits their abilities and interests and anticipated career path. This is a way for students to add value to their education and to provide practical focus within their degree. Students will graduate with a degree in Biblical Studies and a minor in another area of study such as Church Ministry, Psychology, Worship Arts, Youth Work, or Leadership and Business. Learn more about potential minors.
Internships
Integrated learning that connects theory and practice is central to all Columbia programs. Columbia thus requires all degree students to complete an internship in their third or fourth year. Biblical Studies internships are typically shaped with the students’ career path, previous experiences, and minor in mind. Internships can take place in a variety of contexts such as churches, parachurch organizations, Christian schools, and summer camps. The internship program is designed to provide a rich learning experience with practical skill development. For more information about Columbia’s internship program, including application forms and placement options, visit Integrated Learning.
Study in Israel
Imagine studying in the very places where Jesus lived and taught or the place where much of the Old Testament story took place. Every two years, Columbia students are given the opportunity to spend three weeks in Israel and Jordan, experiencing and learning first-hand about the land, culture, history, and archaeology of the Bible. Columbia Students join other students from around the world for this 4-credit course which is offered through Jerusalem University College. This is an unforgettable learning experience that brings the Bible to life in a way that few others can match. It provides a rich well to draw from in the life of reading and teaching the Bible.
Program Objectives
To view the Program Objectives for both the Biblical Studies degree, click here.
This program does not require approval by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. As such, PTIB did not review this program.
Connect with Us
“CBC has made it easy to go into graduate studies. It has a high standard for classes, caring professors who push students to improve in their academic and theological skills, and a desire to mature students academically and spiritually while also transforming their character. I learned to engage deeply with God’s Word, apply it to my life, see issues from multiple perspectives, and do this in order to grow closer to God and participate in his mission. CBC has provided a firm foundation to my graduate studies, allowing me to contribute to theological discussions as I continue to develop in these areas.”
—Martijn V, Biblical Studies Program
“Community was something I was deeply craving before I came to CBC and I found that that desire has been fulfilled in so many ways through friends, mentors, and teachers. It is a community that challenges and accepts you. And honestly, it’s just super fun! COVID definitely could have thrown a wrench in a lot of those aspects of community, but I have found that it has actually managed to strengthen it instead. I’ve been surprised by the positivity and hope on campus and how everyone has continually tried to make the most of a difficult season. I have been encouraged by the CBC community’s constant commitment to finding hope this year and their perseverance.”
—Allison S, Biblical Studies Program
