Degree Paths & Descriptions

Heart of America Christian College & Theological Seminary offers a diverse range of degree paths designed to equip individuals for impactful ministry and service in the church and beyond. Whether you are called to pastoral leadership, educational ministry, counseling, or administration, our comprehensive programs provide the knowledge, skills, and spiritual foundation needed to succeed in your chosen field. With options ranging from practical working degrees to research-based educational programs, students can tailor their education to their unique calling and career aspirations. From the foundational Biblical Studies (General) degree to specialized programs in Pastoral Theology, Christian Administration, Scriptural Psychology, and Christian Education, our institution is committed to preparing students for effective ministry, leadership, and service at every level.

Degree Path: Biblical Studies (General Degree)

Degrees Available: Associate of Arts (AA) and Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Description:
The Biblical Studies (General) degree path at Heart of America Christian College & Theological Seminary offers a comprehensive and diverse program of study for students seeking a broad foundation in biblical, administrative, counseling, and leadership studies. Designed for individuals who desire a well-rounded education encompassing various aspects of ministry and Christian service, this program provides a flexible and interdisciplinary approach to theological education.

Throughout the Biblical Studies (General) curriculum, students will engage in a wide range of courses covering biblical studies, theology, Christian education, pastoral care, and ministry administration. Emphasis is placed on developing a deep understanding of Scripture, theology, and Christian ministry principles, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and practical insights needed to serve effectively in a variety of ministry contexts.

Students in this program will have the opportunity to explore topics such as biblical interpretation, systematic theology, spiritual formation, pastoral counseling, leadership development, and ministry administration. They will be challenged to integrate their learning across multiple disciplines, cultivating a holistic understanding of ministry and Christian service grounded in Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit.

Our faculty, comprised of experienced theologians, pastors, counselors, and ministry practitioners, provide mentorship and support to students as they navigate their educational journey. Whether called to serve as pastors, educators, counselors, administrators, or lay leaders, students will be equipped with a solid foundation in biblical truth and practical ministry skills, enabling them to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Upon completion of the Biblical Studies (General) program, graduates will be prepared to serve with excellence and integrity in a variety of ministry roles and contexts, equipped to communicate biblical truth, provide pastoral care and counseling, lead ministries and organizations, and disciple others in their journey of faith. With a well-rounded education and a heart for service, our graduates are empowered to fulfill their calling and advance the Kingdom of God with passion, purpose, and humility.

Degree Path: Pastoral Theology

Degrees Available: Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Divinity (MDiv), and Doctorate of Divinity (DD)

Description:
The Pastoral Theology degree path at Heart of America Christian College & Theological Seminary is tailored for individuals who are called to shepherd God’s flock and serve as senior leaders within ministries or fellowships. This comprehensive program combines rigorous theological education with practical training, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual foundation necessary for effective pastoral ministry.

Throughout this degree path, students will delve into the rich traditions of pastoral care, biblical interpretation, church administration, and leadership development. They will explore topics such as pastoral counseling, preaching and teaching, spiritual formation, and the practical aspects of ministry management.

Our faculty, comprised of experienced pastors, theologians, and ministry practitioners, provide mentorship and guidance to students as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of pastoral leadership. Students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on ministry experiences, internships, and practicums, allowing them to apply their learning in real-world ministry settings.

Upon completion of the Pastoral Theology program, graduates will be equipped to effectively shepherd God’s people, lead with integrity and compassion, and navigate the complexities of pastoral ministry with grace and wisdom. Whether called to serve in local congregations, parachurch organizations, or mission fields, our graduates are prepared to make a profound impact in the lives of others and advance the kingdom of God with excellence and humility.

Degree Path: Christian Administration

Degrees Available: Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Divinity (MDiv), and Doctorate of Divinity (DD)

Description:
The Christian Administration degree path at Heart of America Christian College & Theological Seminary is meticulously designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical insights needed to effectively oversee and manage the administrative aspects of ministry. Rooted in a deep commitment to excellence and stewardship, this program prepares students to lead with wisdom, integrity, and efficiency in the behind-the-scenes operations of ministry organizations.

Throughout the Christian Administration curriculum, students will explore a wide range of topics related to organizational leadership, financial management, strategic planning, human resources, and legal and ethical considerations in ministry administration. Emphasis is placed on developing practical skills in budgeting, resource allocation, project management, and team leadership, equipping students to navigate the complexities of ministry administration with confidence and competence.

Students in this program will also engage in a comprehensive study of biblical principles of leadership, servant leadership, and organizational development, grounding their administrative practices in the timeless wisdom of Scripture. They will have the opportunity to apply their learning through internships, practicums, and hands-on experiences, gaining practical insights into the day-to-day realities of ministry administration.

Our faculty, comprised of experienced ministry leaders, administrators, and business professionals, provide mentorship and guidance to students as they develop their administrative skills and leadership abilities. Whether called to serve in church administration, nonprofit organizations, para-church ministries, or mission agencies, students will be equipped to effectively steward resources, facilitate organizational growth, and advance the mission of their ministry organizations.

Upon completion of the Christian Administration program, graduates will be prepared to serve as competent and ethical leaders in ministry administration, equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of organizational leadership with wisdom, grace, and effectiveness. With a deep commitment to servant leadership and excellence in stewardship, our graduates are poised to make a lasting impact in the Kingdom of God by ensuring that ministries operate efficiently and effectively, enabling them to fulfill their mission and purpose with excellence and impact.

Degree Path: Scriptural Psychology

Degrees Available: Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Scripture Psychology (ScPsyM), and a Doctorate of Scripture Psychology (ScPsyD)

Description:
The Scriptural Psychology degree path at Heart of America Christian College & Theological Seminary is specifically crafted to equip students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to serve as effective counselors and psychologists within personal and church ministry settings. Rooted in the integration of biblical truth and psychological principles, this program provides a holistic approach to understanding human behavior, relationships, and emotional well-being.

Throughout the Scriptural Psychology curriculum, students will explore the intersection of faith and psychology, examining key concepts such as human development, personality theory, counseling techniques, and therapeutic interventions. Emphasis is placed on cultivating a deep understanding of Scripture as a guide for understanding the human condition and offering healing and hope to individuals in need.

While this program does not lead to state or governmental licensing, it is designed to prepare students for meaningful ministry in counseling and psychology within the context of the church and personal ministry settings. Students will receive training in pastoral counseling, crisis intervention, marriage and family therapy, and other areas relevant to ministry-based counseling practices.

Our faculty, comprised of experienced counselors, psychologists, and theologians, provide mentorship and support to students as they develop their counseling skills and integrate their faith into their professional practice. Through hands-on training, supervised practicums, and experiential learning opportunities, students will gain the confidence and competence needed to effectively minister to individuals and families facing life’s challenges.

Upon completion of the Scriptural Psychology program, graduates will be equipped to offer compassionate and biblically-based counseling support, promote mental and emotional wellness, and facilitate healing and restoration in the lives of those they serve. Whether called to pastoral counseling, lay ministry, or specialized counseling roles within the church, our graduates are prepared to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, bringing hope and healing through the transformative power of God’s Word and Spirit.

Degree Path: Christian Education

Degrees Available: Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Divinity (MDiv), and a Theological Doctorate (DD)

Description:
The Christian Education degree path at Heart of America Christian College & Theological Seminary is meticulously crafted to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools needed to excel as teachers and educators within the realm of biblical instruction. Rooted in a deep commitment to both biblical truth and effective pedagogy, this program prepares students to impart meaningful and impactful lessons that inspire and transform lives.

Throughout the Christian Education curriculum, students will engage in a comprehensive study of Scripture, theology, and educational theory, gaining a thorough understanding of the biblical content they seek to teach as well as the principles of effective teaching and learning. Emphasis is placed on developing creative and engaging teaching methods, curriculum design, lesson planning, and assessment strategies tailored to the needs of diverse learners.

Students in this program will explore topics such as biblical interpretation, theology of education, discipleship and spiritual formation, curriculum development, and educational leadership within ministry contexts. They will have the opportunity to apply their learning through practicums, teaching internships, and hands-on ministry experiences, honing their teaching skills and cultivating their passion for Christian education.

Our faculty, comprised of experienced educators, theologians, and ministry leaders, provide mentorship and guidance to students as they navigate the complexities of educational ministry. Whether called to serve in Sunday school settings, Christian schools, youth ministries, or adult education programs, students will be equipped to effectively communicate biblical truth, facilitate spiritual growth, and nurture discipleship in the lives of learners.

Upon completion of the Christian Education program, graduates will be prepared to serve as dynamic and impactful teachers and educators, equipped to develop and deliver biblically-based curricula and lessons that inspire hearts, engage minds, and transform lives. With a deep commitment to both academic excellence and spiritual formation, our graduates are poised to make a lasting impact in the lives of individuals and communities, advancing the kingdom of God through the power of transformative education.