Biblical Studies
In keeping with the College’s mission, the Biblical Studies department provides academic training through an intensive examination of the biblical text, its original languages, and its historical and social background. In addition, the program offers a study of systems of religious thought and the history of religious movements related to the Bible. The Biblical Studies department offers three majors: Biblical Studies (B.A.), New Testament (B.A.), and Biblical Education (B.S.).
Biblical Studies Major (B.A.)
Entrance Requirements
Students are eligible for admission to the Biblical Studies bachelor degree program at any time after being enrolled at Florida College. A written application must be submitted to the chairman of the Biblical Studies department.
Total Semester Hours
Candidates for a baccalaureate degree in Biblical Studies must complete at least 120 semester hours of accredited college work, excluding physical education activities courses. At least 50 hours must be completed at the 3000-4000 level, including major, minor, and elective courses.
General Education Requirements
Each student must complete the 36-hour general education core, three (3) hours of physical education classes, and the CAAP exam. Students pursuing the B.A. degree must take GRE 2040-41 (Beginning Greek) in fulfillment of the language requirement. (Transfer students who have completed at least 60 semester hours, including courses that satisfy the 36-hour general education core at Florida College, will not be required to take the CAAP or PE activities courses.)
Requirements for the Major
- GRE 2040-41 Beginning Greek
- 36 hours in Biblical Literature, 30 hours at the 3000-4000 level
- REL 3910 Introduction to Biblical Research
- REL 4217 Critical Introduction to the Old Testament OR REL 4247 Critical Introduction to the New Testament
- REL 4901 Biblical Studies Portfolio
Requirements for the Minor
Each student must complete an approved minor in an area of study other than biblical literature. Minors available for Biblical Studies majors include the following areas: Christian Apologetics; Church History/Religious Thought; Biblical Languages; Behavioral Science; Business; Communication; Education; English; History; Humanities; and Music.
Sequence of Courses
Students should complete the 13 hours of Bible prerequisites during their freshman and sophomore years. Students should complete English Composition I and II during their freshman year of college work, or before enrolling in upper level Biblical Studies courses. First year Greek and REL 3910 should be completed in the student’s sophomore year. All general education courses and the CAAP exam must be completed prior to the beginning of the student’s senior year. The student will take REL 4901 in the final semester of the program.
Exclusions
Special one-hour courses offered as daily Bible for non-Bible majors, or courses taken under the pass/fail option may not be counted toward the Bible major, New Testament major, or Biblical Literature component.
Quality of Work
A minimum quality point average of 2.0 overall and on all upper level work is required.
Residency
Students must complete a minimum of 32 hours of their upper level work at Florida College, at least 16 of which must be completed after the semester in which the student has earned a cumulative total of at least 90 semester hours.
Graduation Ceremony
Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Biblical Studies must participate in graduation exercises.
