Every Lancaster Bible College student, regardless of major or program, receives a biblically grounded education where the truth of the Bible shines through in assignments, class discussions, practical application and more. In fact, LBC undergraduate students actually graduate with a second degree in Bible along with their chosen area of study.

LBC’s School of Bible & Ministry has launched a new undergraduate major on LBC’s main campus in Lancaster—the Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical & Theological Studies.

According to Biblical & Theological Studies Program Director Dr. Gordon Gregory (’82), the mission of this new academic program is to “prepare Christian students for service in biblical and theological academic disciplines or for advanced studies in the field by educating them in the necessary skills for properly handling God’s Word and faithfully communicating it in the church, the academy and the world.”

“What sets this program apart,” says Dr. Gregory, “is the 41 additional credits in Bible and theology that allow students to go deeper into their knowledge of the Scriptures, including how to study the Word for themselves. This includes the beginning stages of understanding the original languages of the Bible, as well as the opportunity to visit biblical sites, which help the text come alive in new ways.”

Students’ greater understanding of the Bible, he adds, leads to sharing with others what they have learned. In fact, the program features a course on teaching the Bible, and internships will also allow students to work with others who are skilled in teaching the Bible so they can hone their own teaching skills.

Offered for the first time in the fall of 2024, current students have the option to change their major to this program. As of January 2025, the Biblical & Theological Studies program will accept new students.

Here are a few components of LBC’s on-campus Biblical & Theological Studies program:

• By going beyond LBC’s required 30 credits of Bible, this program prepares students who desire to go deeper into the study of the Bible and theology.
• Courses focus on hermeneutics, biblical languages and church history, among other topics.
• Students in this major will complete two field placements, a teaching class and a senior seminar to develop thought, experience and prepare students for life after the degree.

It’s important to note that the new Biblical & Theological Studies program does not replace LBC’s Biblical Studies program, which is popular among on-campus, online and hybrid students. LBC also offers Biblical Studies programs at the master’s and doctoral levels.

Students within this program will be able to do the following: 

• Articulate an advanced knowledge of Scripture, theology, the gospel and the overarching metanarrative of Scripture.
• Apply a rigorous hermeneutical method of research skills in biblical interpretation employing the original languages.
• Demonstrate an evangelical, biblically informed, and historically and culturally sensitive theological method.
• Critique differing biblical, theological, cultural and historical views.
• Display a commitment to lifelong spiritual growth scripturally, theologically and missionally in a church community.
• Summarize historical trends and movements within the history of Christian thought.
• Communicate biblical truth and how it shapes life and ministry to others in written and oral form.