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Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and Ministry | Undergraduate Degree Program

Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and Ministry

Investigate the basic questions of existence in Ottawa University’s Christian Studies degree program. Rooted in Christian values and fostering a comprehension of religious beliefs and practices throughout the world, our Christian Studies degree program can help you further refine your worldview as you explore human origin, meaning, purpose, spirituality and divinity. You will analyze sacred literature and historical contexts to understand the interactions of religion and culture. Become a critical thinker, expand your worldview and develop a personal sense of responsibility to minister to others.

Consider the role of religion in contemporary America as you seek to clarify your own convictions and moral precepts. Your individual identity will be profoundly shaped as you examine your personal attitudes, values and beliefs. You will gain biblical, theological and philosophical knowledge that helps you develop respect and appreciation for diversity among persons of different religions, ideologies and ethnicities.

A Bachelor’s degree in Christian ministry studies can open the door to any of a number of career, service and educational opportunities.

Such options include:

  • Teaching
  • Youth group director
  • Counseling and social work
  • The Peace Corps
  • Graduate study

Why Ottawa?


With a rich academic tradition and supportive learning environment, Ottawa provides an educational experience well worth your time and money. Benefit from a close-knit community in a small-town setting that provides ample opportunity to meet new people and get involved while remaining within arm’s reach of the rich cultural, dining and shopping attractions of Kansas City and Lawrence.

For more information about our Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Studies and Ministry, contact us today.

Christian Studies and Ministry is offered at the following locations.

  • Ottawa, KS (Residential Campus)
  • Surprise, AZ (Residential Campus)

Christian Studies and Ministry Major Courses

Required Major Courses

The Gospels | 
Examines historical background to the Gospels, the uniqueness of the genre and the content of the four Gospels with sensitivity to the particular theological emphasis of each of the evangelists.

Christian Thought I | 
Introduces basic theological categories traditionally included within Christian systematic theologies; Revelation, God, Christology (the doctrine of Christ) and Ecclesiology (the doctrine of the Church). Categories are approached from both a historical and contemporary perspective.

Biblical Book | 
An in-depth study of a particular Biblical book, varies from year to year.

Pentateuch | 
Survey of the theologically central documents of the Hebrew bible. Designed to acquaint students with the characters, concepts and events which lay the foundations for the Jewish, Christian (and in some cases, Muslim) religious traditions.

Christian Thought II | 
Promotes further reflection upon central Christian doctrines: pneumatology (the doctrine of the Holy Spirit); Anthropology (the doctrine of Humanity); Soteriology (the doctrine of salvation); and Eschatology (the doctrine of the last things).

World Religions | 
Studies different ways human beings, throughout time and around the globe, have expressed what they regard as basic problems and meanings of existence and how to deal with them. Provides tools to use in unlocking experiences central to several primitive, Oriental and Hebraic religious traditions. Lecture, slides, music, sacred texts, scholarly literature, and class discussion assists in relating personal experiences to themes of world's religions.

Christianity in a Pluralistic Society | 
Examine basic assumptions and beliefs of pluralism and Christianity. Investigate how worldviews interact, challenge, and confront one another. Study church history, modernity, post modernity, and Christianity and its liberal, evangelical, and conservative components.

Christian Ethics | 
Mixture of classics and contemporary writings selected through consultation with student. Studies various understanding of the relationship of faith to life in society. Explores major models for understanding the moral life.

Internship: Religion | 
Practical experience in major area of study. Arranged individually and taken after completion of major coursework.

Life and Thought of Paul | 
Examines the life of Paul in relation to his career and his epistles.

Comprehensive in Religion | 
Comprehensive in Religion capstone course that guides student in development of integrative projects that demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes.


Elective Courses (choose two):

  • Youth Ministry | 
  • Explorations of Personal Ministry | 
  • Jewish-Christian Relations | 
  • Introduction to Biblical Hebrew | 
  • Liberation Theology | 
  • Feminist and Womanist Theologies |
  • Origins of Christianity | 
  • Introduction to New Testament Greek | 
  • Issues in Science and Religion | 
  • Non-Western Christianity | 
  • Topics in Religious Thought | 


Recommended Course

Basic Issues in Philosophy | 
Introduces nature and purpose of philosophical reflection. Emphasis on questions concerning metaphysics, epistemology, religion, ethics and social/political philosophy. Students encouraged to develop their own ideas in dialogue with selected readings and other class members.

Full Degree Catalog

University Accreditation

Ottawa University, as a whole, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Specific degree programs within our institution have also been accredited by relevant bodies within the field:

We are proudly recognized for our commitment to student excellence by the following designations:

Why Choose Ottawa
Almost all courses in Ottawa University’s programs are available online and accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. We make it easy for you to transfer credits in order to help keep tuition costs down. We also offer courses in accelerated 8-week terms in order to reduce your time to completion. These are just a few of the reasons why we are proud to be the best, fastest, and most affordable option locally in the Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Phoenix areas, as well as serving students nationally through our online degrees.

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