The Associate of Arts (AA) degree is a two-year degree designed to provide students with a strong foundation in biblical studies, theological literacy, and general education, while offering the flexibility to explore an academic pathway aligned with any of the undergraduate programs offered at The King’s University. This program equips students to develop a Spirit-formed worldview and cultivates their abilities to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage meaningfully in both ministry and professional contexts.
Whether students are pursuing a call to vocational ministry or preparing for a career in a secular field, the AA degree offers a formative academic experience rooted in Christian values. All courses within the program are fully transferable to The King’s baccalaureate degree programs, making it an ideal entry point for those seeking to continue their education and deepen their calling in a Christ-centered context.
Four Pathways:
- Counseling
- Bible and Ministry
- Messianic Jewish Studies
- Worship Leadership
Meet the Dean
Dr. Jesse Buchholz
Dr. Jesse Buchholz is a seasoned leader in the field of education and a respected figure in servant leadership. Armed with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master of Divinity, a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Buchholz possesses a comprehensive understanding of the principles that drive effective leadership and holistic development. His academic achievements have provided him with a strong foundation to revolutionize the educational landscape and inspire others to do the same.
Why The King's
- Spirit-formed leaders training Spirit-formed leaders. Given that many of our credentialed faculty are actively involved in ministry, their teaching comes from a perspective of applied knowledge.
- Whole-person formation. For us, it’s not just about what you learn, it’s about who you become. We believe your transformation for ministry should include deepening your walk with Jesus.
- Culture of worship and prayer. It could be the prayer room, weekly chapel, a classroom, or just a hallway – wherever it occurs, we live a life of prayer and worship.
- Community of care. Whether you take classes online or on-ground, soul care from faculty, staff, and peers extends from the classroom into your daily life.
- Growth in difference. When you get into a classroom with different generations, ethnicities, experiences, and faith journeys, you grow both personally and spiritually. You maintain your difference, but you grow in unity.
Program Purpose
• Provide students with the opportunity for spiritual and academic formation within a Spirit-filled, Christ-centered environment
• Establish a foundational understanding of Scripture, Christian theology, and worldview across diverse disciplines
• Equip students to explore a chosen academic or vocational pathway within the broader undergraduate curriculum of The King’s University
• Develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and cultural engagement from a biblical perspective
• Encourage habits of Christian spiritual formation, including worship, ethics, and service
• Cultivate a vision for lifelong learning and Christlike leadership in both ministry and marketplace contexts
Learning Objectives/Outcomes
By the end of the AA Pathway program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate foundational biblical and theological literacy through knowledge of Scripture, interpretation skills, and Christian worldview
- Communicate effectively in written, oral, and interpersonal contexts for academic, ministry, and professional settings
- Apply critical thinking and reasoning to analyze information, solve problems, and integrate faith with academic disciplines
- Engage in Christian spiritual formation that reflects a Spirit-formed life of worship, ethics, and service
- Understand cultural, historical, and social contexts that shape human experience and inform Christian mission
Curriculum
FALL SEMESTER | FRESHMAN – 16 HOURS
| BIBL 1300 | Introduction to Bible | 3 |
| BIBM 1301 | Spirit Formed Life | 3 |
| UNIV 1101 | Student Success Strategies | 1 |
| ENGL 1301 | English Composition I | 3 |
| PSYC/SOCI 1301 | Behavioral Science (Psychology -OR- Sociology) | 3 |
| HIST 1302 | American History 1 | 3 |
SPRING SEMESTER | FRESHMAN – 16 HOURS
| BIBL 1307 | Principles of Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| BIBT 2307 | Theological Foundations | 3 |
| ENGL 1302 | English Composition II | 3 |
| NSCI 1401 | Natural Science and the Bible | 4 |
| GOVT 2301 | Federal Government | 3 |
FALL SEMESTER | SOPHOMORE – 15 HOURS
| BIBT 2302 | To the Jew First | 3 |
| COMS 2303 | Public Speaking and Interpersonal Communications | 3 |
| XXXX | Pathway Course 1 | 3 |
| XXXX | Pathway Course 2 | 3 |
SPRING SEMESTER | SOPHOMORE – 15 HOURS
| PHIL 2301 | Christian Ethics | 3 |
| MATH 1301 | College Math | 3 |
| XXXX | Pathway Course 3 | 3 |
| XXXX | Pathway Course 4 | 3 |
| GENERAL ELECTIVE | 3 |
PATHWAY COURSES
COUNSELING PATHWAY 12 HOURS
| BIBC 2301 | Biblical Counseling | 3 |
| BIBC 2305 | Healthy Family Dynamics | 3 |
| BIBC 2304 | Human Development | 3 |
| BIBC 3307 | The Spirit-formed Counselor | 3 |
BIBLE AND MINISTRY PATHWAY 12 HOURS
| BIBL 1305 | Old Testament Survey | 3 |
| BIBL 1306 | New Testament Survey | 3 |
| BIBL 2301 | Biblical Background and Interpretation | 3 |
| BIBH 2315 | Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements | 3 |
MESSIANIC AND JEWISH STUDIES PATHWAY 12 HOURS
| BIBL 2328 | Introduction to the Torah | 3 |
| BMJS 2325 | The New Testament and Second Temple Judaism | 3 |
| BMJS 2302 | History of Messianic Judaism | 3 |
| BMJS 2310 | The Shape of Messianic Jewish Theology | 3 |
WORSHIP LEADERSHIP PATHWAY 12 HOURS
| MUSC 1301 | Music Theory I | 3 |
| MUSC 2301 | Music Theory II | 3 |
| WRSP 2301 | Worship Leadership I | 3 |
| Applied Music Lesson | 1 | |
| Applied Music Lesson | 1 | |
| Applied Music Lesson | 1 |