The Bachelor of General Christian Studies (BGCS) degree will help you develop a solid understanding of Scripture and Christian ministry. TKU’s General Christian Studies degree will provide you with a theological foundation and equip you to clearly communicate the Christian message. This degree program is available online or on-ground (Southlake).
With the flexible elective structure of the BGCS degree program, students can transfer in up to 90 credit hours towards the completion of their degree. More information on credit transfer can be found here.
Concentrations
This degree program offers the Land of the Bible concentration for students desiring to expand their learning experience.
Meet the Director
Derek Pritchett
Derek Pritchett serves TKU as the Director of General Christian Studies, the university Registrar, and an adjunct faculty member. He is passionate about teaching and discipleship and is fascinated by the intersection of theology and culture and how God is revealed through mediums like television, film, video games, comedy, and more. He is married to Deborah, and they have two amazing daughters, Penelope and Josephine.
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 Objectives
This degree seeks to:
- Provide a general ministry and Biblical studies discipline
- Provide a solid biblical foundation for the general practices of ministry;
- Provide a theological foundation for general ministry with a Charismatic distinctive;
- Provide a basic understanding of the Christian message and how to communicate it;
- Develop a compassion for ministry to hurting and lost humanity; and
- Gain an understanding and appreciation for the Church and its ministries.
Learning Outcomes
In addition to achieving success with the Undergraduate Core Curriculum Requirements learning outcomes, upon completing this degree, students will be able to:
- Evidence a biblical and theological knowledge;
- Articulate a biblical philosophy of life and ministry that evidences a charismatic dimension; and
- Demonstrate the basic functional skills for successful Christian living and ministry.
Curriculum
| BIBM 1301 | The Spirit Formed Life | 3 |
| BIBH 1301 | Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements | 3 |
| BIBL 1300 | Introduction to Bible | 3 |
| BIBT 1304 | Christian Worldview | 3 |
| BIBL 2302 | Life of Jesus | 3 |
| BIBT 2303 | To the Jew First | 3 |
GENERAL EDUCATION 32 HOURS
| UNIV 1101 | Student Success Strategies | 1 |
| ENGL 1301 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENGL 1302 | English Composition II | 3 |
| COMS 2303 | Public Speaking and Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| History Elective | 3 | |
| Math Elective | 3 | |
| Behavioral Science Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| Science Elective | 4 | |
| PHIL 2301 | Christian Ethics | 3 |
| PHIL 3305 | Philosophy and Christian Thought | 3 |
MAJOR 15 HOURS
| BIBL 1305 | Old Testament Survey | 3 |
| BIBL 1306 | New Testament Survey | 3 |
| BIBL 2301 | Biblical Background and Interpretation | 3 |
| BIBM 3302 | Leadership Development | 3 |
| BIBM 4302 | Senior Capstone Project | 3 |
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING 5 HOURS
| BIBM 2101 | Practicum Prep | 1 |
| BIBM 3201 | Junior Ministry Practicum | 2 |
| BIBM 3201 | Junior Ministry Practicum | 2 |
ELECTIVES 54 HOURS
| Open Elective | 54 |
