BA(Bachelor of Arts)

Admission Requirements

The Admissions Committee will review all submitted information. Any student seeking admission to The Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies program must possess a student’s High School diploma or GED Certificate.

1. Application form.
2. Non-refundable application fee ($100).
3. Copy of official transcripts, showing all courses pursued, grades received, and degrees earned
4. Two letters of recommendation from the applicant’s pastor or an ordained minister, a college professor, and one other non-family person.
5. Signed GTS Release and Assignment Form 
6. Signed GTS Student Disclosure Agreement Form 
7. A valid government-issued ID (Driver’s License, passport, etc.) 
8. A certified copy of the student’s High School diploma or GED Certificate

The Scope of Program Courses

1) General Education (39 CREDITS)

2) OT & NT courses (39 CREDITS)

3) Church History courses (9 CREDITS)

4) Systematic Theology courses (9 CREDITS)

5) Practical Theology courses (19 CREDITS)

6) Field Ministry courses (6 CREDITS)

Description of the Specific Occupations

1. Sunday school teacher
2. Missionary
3. Church lay minister
4. Bible teacher

Degree Requirements

This University offers a 120 hour 4-year undergraduate degree designed to prepare students for careers in the field of ministry or for advanced academic studies.

General Education (39 Semester Hours)

All undergraduate students must complete 39 credit hours in general education courses. The General Education curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies requires two courses in writing and communication, two courses in a foreign language, one course in fine arts or music, two courses in the humanities, three courses in the behavioral/social sciences, one course in both math and sciences.

 GENERAL EDUCATION – 39 Credits

Cores (30 credit)

PH 100 Introductions to Philosophy

EN 101 English Composition I

EN 102 English Composition II

HI 105 World History

HI 106 History of U.S.

HU 107 World Civilizations (I)

HU 108 World Civilizations (II)

HU 109 World Religions I

SO 200 Instruction to public communication

PS 202 Introductions to Psychology

Electives (9 credits)

SO 204 Sociology of Religion

SO 205 Sociology

HU 212 Foundation of Education

HU 213 Introduction to Christian Ethics

HU 214 Multi-Cultural Leadership in Education

EN 103 Academic Writings

OT AND NT TESTAMENT – 39 Credits

Cores (30 Credits)

Old Testament      

OT 304 Introduction of OT Survey

OT 306 Pentateuch

OT 308 Historical Books

OT 310 The Major Prophets

OT 320 The Minor Prophets

New Testament

NT304 Introduction of NT Survey

NT306 Synaptic Gospel

NT308 Acts of the Apostles

NT310 Pauline Epistles

NT320 General Epistles

Electives (9 credits)

OT330 Genesis

OT331 Deuteronomy

OT332 Psalms

NT340 Romans

NT341 Letter of James

NT342 Book of Revelation 

CHURCH HISTORY – 9 Credits

Cores (6Credtis)

CH304 Church History I – Early Church

CH306 Church History II – Middle Church

Elective (3 credit)

CH330 Church History III – The Reformation Church

CH331 Church in the Modern Ages  

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY – 15 Credits

Cores (9 credit)

TH304 Systematic Theology I

TH306 Systematic Theology II

TH308 Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

Electives (6 credits)

TH330 Christology

TH331 The Doctrine of Salvation

PRACTICAL THEOLOGY – 18 Credits

Cores(15 Credits)

ED 403 Introduction to Christian Education

CC 405 Introduction to Christian Counseling

CW 402 Christian Worship

MI 410 Introduction to Christian Mission

MI 411 Christian Worldview 

Electives (6 credits)

ML 404 Ministry Leadership

TL 405 Transformational Leadership

PR 409 Introduction to Preaching

PS 402 Introduction to Psychology

CM 412 Christian Ministry: The Theology of the Laity            

SFE 413 Spiritual Formation

FM 414 FM 101 Field Ministry I

FM 415 Field Ministry II

The Sequence of and Length of Time

(120 credits)

PH 100 Introductions to Philosophy (3credits)

This course is a general introduction to philosophical questions, methods, discussion, reading, and writing. It presumes no background in philosophy. We will be surveying various philosophical topics in metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of mind, ethics, and political philosophy. Some examples of questions we will be addressing are: What evidence is there for or against the existence of God? How can we be sure that there is an external world? Is the mind distinct from the brain? What is the self? Do we have free will? What makes an action morally right or wrong? What distribution of social goods is demanded by justice? Throughout the course, there will be a heavy emphasis on learning to discuss and write about philosophical issues, so class discussion will be an important component.

EN 101 English Composition I (3credits)

The course will focus on Basic English composition skills, will require several short composition assignments, and will provide grammatical and syntactical correction for all papers, sermons, and presentations required in regular class courses.

EN 102 English Composition II (3credits)

English Composition II is a course designed to strengthen students’ skills as writers and to focus on analysis and argument. Assignments include critical examination of literature and an essay using research and documentation utilizing the MLA style sheet. Emphasis is on writing as part of the processes of thinking and learning. (Prerequisite: EN 101 English Composition I).

HI 105 World History (3credits)

This course investigates six historical eras from approximately 10,000 B.C.E. to the present. This course will culminate a study of change, continuity, and globalization at the beginning of the 21st century. World History is not only required for high school graduation but seeks to ensure that students build a strong foundation in the complex historic and cultural contexts of issues facing our globe today. This is a rigorous, fast-paced, and intensive class. It includes economic, political, and social aspects of world history. Students will be asked to analyze and evaluate secondary and primary documents and be able to write about the meaning, significance, and impact of these documents as class work, homework, and as a routine part of quizzes and exams.

HI 106 History of U.S. (3credits)

This course will cover the history of the United States from the post-Civil War era (roughly the 1860s) to the present day.  The course will introduce major social, political, economic, and cultural events and it will address how those events affected the development of American society.  Particular attention will be devoted to the role of popular culture and to the emergence of the United States as a world power.

HU 107 World Civilizations (I) (3credits)

It is a study of the development of civilization from the beginning of recorded history to the Reformation. Emphasis will be placed on the historical contributions from Egypt, Babylonia, China, India, Persia, Palestine, Greece, and Rome.

HU 108 World Civilizations (II) (3credits)

It is a study of the development of civilization from the Reformation to the present day. Emphasis will be placed on the historical contributions from Europe, the U.S., the World Wars, and the fall of Communism. This course provides an understanding of the major turning points in the shaping of the modern world, from the late 18th century to the present. The year begins with an introduction to democracy, continues with a focus on the expansion of the West & the growing interdependence of people & cultures throughout the world. Students will be asked to analyze economic & political developments, philosophies, language, literature, religion, the arts & drama of different cultures.

HU 109 World Religions (3credits)

This course is designed to study the major religion of humankind. The origin, basic concepts, influence, and present status of each religion will be studied, and the religions will be compared and contracted with each other and with the Hebrew-Christian religions and Korean religions.

SO 200 Instruction to public communication (3credits)

This course will be covered basic principles of public communication in various situations and will be helped students practice communicating in public.

PS 202 Introductions to Psychology (3credits)

This course is a study of the major elements of psychology, including theories and applications. Topics will include human development, learning, perception, memory, personality, and behavior.

SO 204 Sociology of Religion (3credits)

An introduction to sociology, this course examines the meaning of religion as a dimension of social life: religion, myth, and symbolic reality; churches as organizations and institutions; the social identity of the faithful; secularization and revival.

SO 205 Sociology (3credits)

This course offers a basic understanding of sociological principles for those who wish to take only one semester of sociology. The goal is to acquaint the student with core sociological concepts they can apply to understand contemporary American society. The course format is the application of concepts (e.g., culture, class, primary groups, bureaucracy, deviance) to concrete issues (e.g., family, church, education, politics, ethnic groups, and mass media).

HU 214 Multi-Cultural Leadership in Education (3credits)

This course focuses on developing leadership skills in a multicultural society. At the end of the period, students are expected to have gained the skills to lead a multicultural group. The nature of people in cultures, subsystems of cultures, including religion and language, an overview of global realities, international and intercultural ministry issues, and concepts in the scientific study of language. The class will explore the cross-cultural transition process and introduce internship opportunities.

OT304 Introduction of OT Survey (3credits)

An introduction to and survey of (1) OT background issues and (2) the content of OT books paying particular attention to the theology of Promise.

OT306 Pentateuch (3credits)

This course investigates the over-arching narrative content of the first five books of the Old Testament known as the Torah and as Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). It also provides an overview of the main strategies for interpreting these books (hermeneutics) and the varied commitments behind each approach. The approach to the five books is both canonical and historical, so it covers theology of the texts as well as their most prominent interpretive settings in Israel’s history.

OT308 Historical Books (3credits)

This course is an examination and utilization of various interpretive methods employed in the study of Old Testament historical books. Emphasis placed on the development of skills and techniques in analysis of historiography, the exposition of theological themes from Old Testament historiography, the use of ancient and modern sources in the interpretation of historiography, and the relevance of the relation

between history and historiography for interpretation. Study focused on one of the Old Testament historical books.

OT310 The Major Prophets (3credits)

This course is an interpretive, literary, and theological study of selected readings from the Major Prophets. The course will introduce Old Testament prophetic literature addressing hermeneutics, theology, and application (Prerequisites: OT304).

OT320 The Minor Prophets (3credits)

This course is an interpretive, literary, and theological study of selected readings from the Minor Prophets. The course will introduce Old Testament prophetic literature addressing hermeneutics, theology, and application (Prerequisites: OT304 and OT310).

NT304 Introduction of NT Survey (3credits)

An introduction to the authorship and contents of the New Testament books. Special attention will be given to important persons, places, events, as well as to key chapters in the New Testament revelation.

NT306 Synaptic Gospel (3credits)

This course will provide a detailed examination of these texts, paying special attention to the distinctive portrait of Jesus that each gospel presents. Some topics of study will include (but are not limited to): various theories regarding the so-called “Synoptic Problem”; the relationship of the Synoptics to non-canonical texts; and a general introduction to critical methods in Gospel analysis such as literary, redaction, socio-historical, and tradition-critical.

NT308 Acts of the Apostles (3credits)

This course examines Acts to understand the birth and growth of the church under the sovereign direction of the resurrected Christ. The emphasis in the course is on understanding the purpose of the book with special consideration given to the literary structure of the book, problem passages, church growth, and personal application.

NT310 Pauline Epistles (3credits)

A study of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians which builds on the methodology of the first inductive Bible study course by further use of what has been previously learned and by emphasizing the study of books as wholes. Accordingly, there is a special focus on the initial survey of books as wholes, the interpretation of parts of books in the context of the book as a whole, and the synthesis of books.

NT320 General Epistles (3credits)

This course introduces an extensive study of New Testament letters to churches of the eras focusing on the general lives of the Christians (Prerequisites: NT304 and NT310).

OT330 Genesis  (3credits)

A holistic presentation of the book that also seeks to examine specific exegetical problems. Introduces the student to historical, cultural, literary, and methodological issues. Emphasis is on the book’s purpose and message through its biblical-theological development in order to reclaim its practical use and teaching in the church.

OT331 Deuteronomy (3credits)

This course provides an analysis of the book of Deuteronomy, including an examination of the books’ authorship, date, unity, and canonical status. Emphasis is also placed upon the unifying motif of the Pentateuch, the creation account, the flood, the origin of the nation of Israel, its religious institution, and the unfolding of its history under Moses. It also covers literary, historical, and theological analysis. Major themes are traced through redemptive history. Important theological issues, such as creation, fall, covenant, and law, are examined in the context of the ANE and Israel’s own historical setting. Such analysis is foundational for understanding the rest of Scripture and for how this section of Scripture has meaning for God’s people today.

NT342 Book of Revelation (3credits)

This course is designed to guide the student in a study of the final and somewhat unique book of the canon, namely, Revelation. Special emphasis will be placed on the genre issue, the different hermeneutical approaches to the book, crucial interpretive issues, the book’s literary structure and artistry, and its distinctively high Christology. We will also discuss the important question of teaching and applying the book in our present-day, apocalyptically fearful/sensitive setting. Revelation demonstrates God’s power in ways unique to Scripture and reveals the final consummation of God’s plan for humankind. It’s an amazing, exciting, and fast-paced book which grows us in our understanding and awe of God.

CH304 Church History I – Early Church (3credits)

This course covers the history of Christian mission from the Apostolic Age to the Age of Discovery. The spread of Christ’s message of God’s kingdom to the entire world, from the first 500 years AD through the early Middle Ages (ca. 500-1000), to the medieval period (ca. 1000-1500), and into the Age of Discovery (ca. 1500-1600). An overview of Christian history, tracing the significant doctrinal and ecclesiological developments in the context of the times from the close of the apostolic age through the ecumenical councils.

CH306 Church History II – Middle Church (3credits)

This period of Christian Movement will cover the Roman Catholic missions, Eastern Orthodox missions, the beginning of Protestant missions, and the Great Century of missions. The course focuses on the development of the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox communions.

CH330 Church History III – The Reformation Church (3credits)

Surveys the origin and development of the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century in its magisterial and radical dimensions, and in its theological, social, educational, cultural, and political expressions. Provides a narrative overview of key developments; examines Reformation historiography; probes the impact of reform ideas on lived spiritual experience; outlines the dynamic between print, literacy and reform ideas; explores changes in education, the arts and culture; addresses changes in the relationship between church and state wrought by new theological perspectives; and considers the legacy of the Reformation.

TH304 Systematic Theology I (3credits)

This course will provide an overview of the major doctrines of the Christian faith (i.e., Trinity, Bible, person, and work of Christ) in the context of Christian faith. An introduction to systematic theology: the revelation of scripture, the doctrine of God and Creation, man in relation to God, the person and work of Christ, the application of the work of redemption, the doctrine of the church, the means to grace and the doctrine of the last things.

TH306 Systematic Theology II (3credits)

This is a continuation of general survey of Bible doctrine designed to synthesize and outline each of the ten major areas of systematic theology. Doctrine II includes humanity, salvation, person and work of the Holy Spirit, church, eschatology.

TH308 Doctrine of the Holy Spirit (3credits)

A study of traditional and contemporary understanding of the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

TH330 Christology (3credits)

This course presents a comprehensive review of the many different ways that the Church has understood Jesus Christ through the centuries. We will examine Biblical Christologies in the first part of the course. While the second part focuses on Historical Christologies, and the final part concentrates on some contemporary Christologies. An emphasis will be placed on personal appropriation of the material covered by means of frequent in-class discussions about the issues raised by the reading.

TH331 The Doctrine of Salvation (3credits)

This course focuses on the doctrines related to salvation, including the sufferings and death of Christ, the importance of the resurrection, redemption accomplished and applied, and the doctrines pertaining to reconciliation. This course also includes a unit on Christology, the person and work of Christ.

ED 403 Introduction to Christian Education (3credits)

This course explores five themes: the who, what, why, where, and how of Christian religious education. Philosophy of education and parish ministry will be framed through readings, praxis and discussion.

CC 405 Introduction to Christian Counseling (3credits)

This course provides comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Christian counseling for leaders of the Christian community, who God calls to serve people in need, in the church or the world, through counseling. This course will explore theories, perspectives, and foundations of both Christians and non-Christians; in their similarities and particularities to understand them and identify their differences and unique qualities in approaches to counseling. This course aims to equip students with introductory knowledge and understanding of Christian counseling, the need for Christian counseling; the uniqueness of Christian counseling; the various theories and practices of counseling; marriage and family counseling; counselors and ethics, and more.

CW 402 Christian Worship (3credits)

This course is an introduction to worship that explores biblical, historical, and theological issues that comprise worship in today’s Christian churches.

MI 410 Introduction to Christian Mission (3credits)

Foundational to this course is the revelation of the heart of God for his lost children from the time of the fall of man in Genesis three to the final judgment in Revelation twenty. There will be a thorough treatment of both Old and New Testament texts that reveal our God as a “Missionary God.” In addition to the Biblical material, we will also look at the history of Protestant missions from the time of the Reformation to the Present.

MI 411 Christian Worldview (3credits)

The basic concept, fundamental components of the worldview will be discussed and how a worldview affects behavior and beliefs also will be explained, and the elements of a Christian worldview will be discussed.

PR 409 Introduction to Preaching (3credits)

This course is designed to equip students to structure and prepare messages from biblical passages. Students will learn to analyze biblical texts, formulate a central idea statement from the text, and explain and support the central idea with appropriate applications in a message. Students will prepare and deliver messages in class to the instructor and classmates. This course also is designed to aid students in preparing and delivering sermons. The examination comprises the three traditional sermon types: topical, textual, and expositional. The in-class practice of preaching is required, and constructive criticism by the instructor and peers will be given.