Karlstadt Theological Seminary

Undergraduate degree program

Bachelor of Arts in Theology

B.A.Th. · 120 Credit Hours

A rigorous undergraduate theological degree designed to prepare servant-scholars for Christian ministry, missions, leadership, and advanced theological study.

Degree awarded

Bachelor of Arts in Theology (B.A.Th.)

Academic level

Undergraduate

Program length

120 Credit Hours

Purpose

Preparation for Christian ministry, missions, leadership, and advanced theological studies

Program overview

A foundation for faithful Christian service

The Bachelor of Arts in Theology provides a strong foundation in biblical studies, theology, church history, pastoral ministry, evangelism, and missions. It is specifically designed to equip future pastors, ministry workers, church leaders, and missionaries with the theological knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective Christian service.

Grounded in the authority of Scripture and informed by the rich heritage of the Christian tradition, the curriculum integrates biblical theology, historical theology, systematic theology, Christian philosophy, apologetics, and practical ministry. Students develop critical thinking, biblical literacy, theological competence, and a passion for Kingdom service.

The program also offers an excellent academic pathway for students who intend to pursue advanced theological education at the graduate or doctoral level. Upon successful completion of prescribed coursework, graduates are awarded the Bachelor of Arts in Theology degree from Karlstadt Theological Seminary.

Degree requirements

A 120-credit integrated curriculum

The program brings together general education, biblical and theological core courses, concentrated theological study, and electives for focused vocational preparation.

General Education Core

42

Communication, analytical reasoning, humanities, social sciences, ethical reflection, and leadership.

Biblical and Theological Core

36

Biblical studies, church history, Christian doctrine, evangelism, and missions.

Theology Major Concentration

24

Theology, philosophy, logic, biblical languages, and theological interpretation.

Theology Electives

18

Approved elective study tailored to academic specialization and ministry objectives.

Course catalog

Prescribed coursework

The following required coursework establishes a broad theological foundation. Students complete an additional 18 credit hours of approved theology electives.

I. General Education Core

42 Credit Hours

Communication Studies

GE101English Composition I3
GE102English Composition II3
CM110Public Speaking and Oral Communication3

Humanities and Cultural Studies

GE240Survey of Western Literature3
HM300Introduction to Philosophy3
HM344Christianity and the Arts3
HT411World Religions3

Social and Behavioral Sciences

PY100Introduction to Psychology3
HT200Introduction to Ethics3
HS210 or HS211American History I or II3

Mathematics and Natural Sciences

GE135Quantitative Reasoning3
GE185Introduction to Physical Science3

Leadership and Professional Development

BN170Principles of Business and Finance3
GS101Foundations of Kingdom Leadership3

II. Biblical and Theological Core

36 Credit Hours

Biblical Studies

BS115Old Testament Survey I3
BS116Old Testament Survey II3
BS117New Testament Survey I3
BS118New Testament Survey II3
BS204Principles of Biblical Interpretation (Hermeneutics)3

Historical Theology

HT112Church History I: Early Church through the Reformation3
HT113Church History II: Post-Reformation to the Contemporary Church3

Systematic Theology

HT350Christian Doctrine I3
HT351Christian Doctrine II3
HT450Ecclesiology: Doctrine of the Church3

Ministry and Mission Studies

MN201Personal Evangelism and Discipleship3
MS201Global Missions and Intercultural Ministry3

III. Theology Major Concentration

24 Credit Hours

Theological and Philosophical Studies

HM204Ancient Philosophy3
HM285Logic, Critical Thinking, and Reasoning3
HM304Philosophy of Religion3
HT460Biblical Theology3

Biblical Hebrew

FL441Biblical Hebrew I3
FL442Biblical Hebrew II3

New Testament Greek

FL451New Testament Greek I3
FL452New Testament Greek II3

IV. Theology Electives

18 Credit Hours

Students complete approved elective coursework for academic specialization and vocational preparation according to individual calling and ministry objectives.

Advanced Biblical Studies

  • Pentateuch Studies
  • Historical Books
  • Wisdom Literature
  • Major and Minor Prophets
  • Pauline Theology
  • Johannine Literature
  • General Epistles and Revelation

Theology and Apologetics

  • Christian Apologetics
  • Contemporary, Reformed, and Baptist Theology
  • Theology of Worship and the Holy Spirit
  • Christology and Eschatology

Ministry and Leadership

  • Pastoral Ministry
  • Church Leadership
  • Preaching and Homiletics
  • Educational and Youth Ministry
  • Spiritual Formation and Worship Leadership

Missions and Culture

  • Intercultural Communication
  • Urban Missions
  • Theology of Mission
  • World Christianity
  • Comparative Religions

Formation and achievement

Program learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Theology, graduates will be able to:

Biblical Knowledge

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the content, structure, theology, and historical context of the Old and New Testaments.
  • Apply sound hermeneutical principles in the interpretation and exposition of Scripture.

Theological Competency

  • Explain and defend major Christian doctrines through careful engagement with biblical, historical, and systematic theology.
  • Analyze the historical development of Christian thought and theological traditions in their ecclesiastical and historical contexts.

Intellectual and Scholarly Formation

  • Demonstrate proficiency in logical reasoning, critical analysis, theological reflection, and scholarly research.
  • Produce academic theological writing using sound methodology, appropriate sources, and effective argumentation.

Biblical Language Competency

  • Utilize foundational knowledge of Biblical Hebrew and New Testament Greek for basic exegetical and theological study.

Ministry, Mission, and Formation

  • Demonstrate competency in evangelism, discipleship, ministry leadership, and cross-cultural engagement.
  • Communicate biblical and theological truth effectively in church, educational, and public settings.
  • Exhibit Christian character, spiritual maturity, ethical integrity, and commitment to lifelong Kingdom service.

Career and ministry pathways

Graduates of the B.A.Th. program may pursue:

  • Pastoral and Church Ministry
  • Missionary Service
  • Christian Education
  • Discipleship and Leadership Development
  • Chaplaincy Preparation
  • Christian Nonprofit Leadership
  • Teaching and Educational Ministries
  • Church Planting
  • Graduate Theological Education, including M.Div., M.A., Th.M., and related programs

Prepare for a life of faithful service

Take the next step toward theological depth, spiritual formation, and practical preparation for ministry.

Begin your application

Preparing servant-scholars for faithful biblical interpretation, theological reflection, Christian leadership, and global gospel ministry.