2021-2022 Samford University Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Samford University Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biblical & Religious Studies


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Faculty

Roy E. Ciampa, Chair, Professor; S. Louis and Ann W. Armstrong Chair of Religion 
David R. Bains, Professor
T. Scott McGinnis, Professor
Kenneth B.E. Roxburgh, Professor
James R. Strange, Professor; Charles Jackson Granade and Elizabeth Donald Granade Chair of New Testament 
Lisa J. Battaglia, Associate Professor
Will J. Kynes, Associate Professor
Jeffery M. Leonard, Associate Professor
Jennifer McClure, Associate Professor
Jamie T. Boulding, Research Post Doc, Assistant Professor
Rony Kozman, Assistant Professor
Josh A. Reeves, Assistant Professor; Director, Center for Science and Religion


Undergraduate Programs and Requirements

Majors
Biblical Studies Major (B.A.)  
Religion Major (B.A.) 
Religion Major w/a Conc in Ministry Leadership (B.A.)  

Minors
Biblical Studies Minor 
Ministry & Missions Minor 
Religion Minor 
Theology & Ethics Minor   

Accelerated Bachelor-to-Graduate Pathway Program
Fast-Track Master of Divinity (M.Div.) with a B.A. in Biblical Studies, Religion, or Religion with a Ministry Leadership concentration.
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The Department of Biblical and Religious Studies offers majors in biblical studies, religion, plus, for students preparing for a career in congregations or other faith-based organizations, religion with a concentration in ministry leadership. All programs earn the bachelor of arts degree. The department also offers four minors: biblical studies, ministry and missions, religion, and theology and ethics.

In cooperation with the Beeson School of Divinity, the department offers an accelerated bachelor-to-graduate pathway program-a fast-track master of divinity (M.Div.)-that allows qualified students majoring in biblical studies, religion, or religion with a concentration in ministry leadership the opportunity to complete requirements for both the B.A. and M.Div. in approximately six years of study. See below for more information.


General Education: University Core Curriculum and Distribution Requirements

See General Education Overview  in the Howard College of Arts and Sciences introductory pages for a list of required and applicable courses.

Students cannot use BREL 200 (Christian Ethics) , BREL 201 (Introduction to World Religions) , or BREL 221 (Christian Theology)  to count towards both the general education humanities requirement and the religion major requirement.


Fast-Track Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

Fast-Track B.A./M.Div. Admission Requirements

The accelerated bachelor of arts (B.A.) to master of divinity (M.Div.) program of study allows select students to complete requirements for both degrees in a minimum of six years of study rather than the typical minimum of seven years of study.* This program of study is available to qualified students majoring in biblical studies, religion, and religion w/a concentration in ministry leadership. Acceptance to the program is limited to students who demonstrate the maturity and discipline to advance their course of study and their preparation for vocational ministry leadership.

Students interested in the accelerated B.A. to M.Div. program should seek guidance from their advisor as early as possible in their undergraduate studies. The undergraduate program of study must include specific courses. Students may apply for admission upon completion of 48 credit hours of undergraduate studies. Applicants are evaluated on their academic performance, spiritual maturity, and vocational clarity. Admission to the accelerated program is limited.

Students must complete 96 credit hours of undergraduate coursework before beginning their graduate theological studies. Upon completion of the initial 32 credit hours of graduate-level coursework, a student is awarded the bachelor of arts degree. The master of divinity degree is awarded upon completion of the 55 credit hours of additional graduate theological courses.

Students admitted to the accelerated B.A. to M.Div. program must participate in a co-curricular program of spiritual and vocational mentoring.

Program details are available from the student’s major advisor.
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*The potential six-year minimum does not account for advanced placement credit or transfer credit which a student may bring to Samford. Any such credit may reduce the total program of study to less than six years.


Programs

    MajorMinor

    Courses

      Biblical & Religious Studies

      Of related interest: UCBF 101 - Biblical Foundations (4) .

      Biblical Languages

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