Bachelor Degree

Every student who completes the Bachelor of Religious Education will major in Bible and theology. In addition, the student will complete the core curriculum of Bible-related, general and professional studies. The student may choose one or two minors.

Associate Programs

Each associate program incorporates general education, Biblical and theological, and professional studies. The Associate degree provides a curriculum to assist those who serve in church-related ministries. Students pursuing an associate degree may choose one minor. The Associate program provides a foundation for continuing in the Bachelor of Religious Education program. A total of 69 hours are now required for graduation with an associate degree.  This is due to the addition of the Intro to Worship course.

Degrees Offered

Heritage Bible College offers the following degrees of study: Bachelor of Religious Education Students must choose between two majors: Bachelor of Religious Education in Biblical Studies (brochure) If the student elects this major, he or she may choose one or two of the three available minors (Christian education, Christian counseling, or Music). A total of 129 credit hours is required for graduation. Bachelor of Religious Education in Pastoral Ministry (brochure) If the student elects this major, two concentrations (pastoral ministries and leadership) are included in the required curriculum for a total of 135 credit hours earned for graduation. No minors or elective courses are required. Associate of Religious Education This two-year program of study provides a stand-alone associate degree and/or serves as the foundation for the bachelor’s degree in religious education should the student elect to continue. Student may select one minor from the choices listed below. This program of study requires 69 credit hours to earn the degree. Christian education Christian counseling Music    Associate of Christian Studies This two-year program of study provides the student with a Bible-based curriculum that includes general education courses which may be transferred to another four-year institution, provided the institution elects to accept these transfer credits. Student should check with institution of choice to learn if TRACS-accredited courses will be accepted for transfer. This program of study requires 66 credit hours to earn the degree. This degree program does not offer a minor.

Minors

Students in the Associate of Religious Studies may choose one of the following minors. Students in the Bachelor of Religious Education – Biblical Studies may choose one or two of the following minors: Christian Education Minor provides the student with the basic foundational courses to do well in the local church as a Christian Education Minister. Upon completion of this minor, the student is able to plan a Christian education program for the local church and to understand how to organize and administer the program. Music Minor offers an emphasis on church music or performance and is designed for the study of music within a Bible College curriculum. It prepares the student as a performer and/or choral director in a local congregation. Christian Counseling Minor – equips ministerial students with basic knowledge and skills in pastoral care and counseling. This minor is designed to prepare students to work as pastoral care providers in the local church or Christian community organization or to pursue graduate level education that could eventually lead to state credentialing in counseling. Students earning an associate degree may choose one minor; students in the bachelor program may choose two minors.

Master's Program/Regent University Agreement

Thanks to a special articulation agreement with Regent University, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Heritage Bible College graduates may enter the master's program of their choice at Regent (e.g., education, divinity, theology, communications, etc.). This agreement expands the opportunities available to HBC graduates to use their Biblical education as a springboard to training in an area other than full-time ministry. We expect Heritage Bible College graduates to excel in a wide variety of professions and to minister in the field to which their gifts and talents are best suited. Similar agreements are being pursued with Campbell University and Hood Seminary.

The mission of Heritage Bible College is to develop Christ-centered men and women of Christian character, equipped at the college-level with skills for ministry and committed to a life of Christian service.