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Dec 05, 2025
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Academic Catalog 2025-2026
Accelerated B.C.M. Christian Ministry + M.Div. (3+2)
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The B.C.M. Christian Ministry + M.Div. (3+2) is a 161-hour accelerated program that combines undergraduate and graduate coursework, reducing time to completion by up to two years through an integrated, academically rigorous, and cost-effective curriculum. This structure avoids duplicated courses and maximizes academic and experiential learning opportunities.
Additional information regarding accelerated programs can be found under DEGREE INFORMATION .
Program Overview
- Full-time students transition from bachelor-level coursework to master-level coursework after completing at least 60 undergraduate credit hours. Time to completion is based on a student beginning with no transfer hours and completing 30 - 32 credit hours per year.
- A maximum of 35 graduate hours can be shared between the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Graduate courses may also be taken concurrently during the final undergraduate term if needed for financial aid purposes.
- A minor is not required in the professional development block.
Graduate Coursework and Requirements
- Shared graduate courses are integrated into the bachelor’s degree plan.
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To remain in good standing for accelerated program, students must:
- Achieve a grade of C or better in all major coursework
- Achieve a grade of C or better in all graduate coursework
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
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B.C.M. Christian Ministry
The Christian ministry major focuses the student’s ministerial training on cultivation of leadership skills, understanding of the various ministries of the church, acquisition of basic skills in conflict resolution and pastoral counseling, and effective teaching of biblical and discipleship concepts. Bachelor of Christian Ministry Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Christian Ministry Degree (B.C.M.) is a minimum 124-credit hour degree designed to afford both academic and professional depth for individuals who express a call to ministry. The degree integrates university degree requirements with appropriate experience. A minimum of 36 credit hours must be upper-level credit (courses numbered 3000 and above). No additional degree specific general education courses are required for this degree. Students pursuing the B.C.M. degree will complete the Unified General Education Core requirements. Academic Major
Students seeking the B.C.M. degree will complete the appropriate major requirements as outlined in the School of Christian Studies section. Professional Development
The Professional Development component of the B.C.M. consists of 36 credit hours selected to provide depth or breadth to the major and to provide substantive developmental knowledge for the student’s career or personal goals. Depth and breadth can be met through a major, a specialization, a minor, or ministry-related courses. Student completing Christian ministry or theological studies majors will complete a minor or second major as a portion of the professional development hours unless the student enters the university with substantial ministry-related transfer credit, as determined by the dean of the School of Christian Studies, or they are accepted into an accelerated program that does not require a minor. Students in the co-vocational ministry or recreation ministry majors will complete a second major or a specialization as part of a composite major in lieu of a separate professional development component. Co-vocational ministry and recreation ministry specializations may require additional hours beyond the 36 credit hours, in which case hours will be reduced from the electives block or added to the degree. Students not pursuing a minor or second major must ensure all upper-level academic and cumulative hours are met for the degree. Up to 12 credit hours of experiential professional development may satisfy this requirement. Experiential learning must be evaluated and approved by the university. Students who have work experience in full-time, part-time or co-vocational ministry positions may have the work experience evaluated if the ministry position is a paid staff position with formal job requirements. Practicums and internships may be placed in this area if they do not relate to the major. Electives
Students may complete the minimum of 124 credit hours required for the degree with courses which complement or extend career preparation or pursue subject fields which hold special appeal. However, before using elective credit hours, students should check with their advisor to ensure that the hours are indeed elective and that upper-level credit hour requirements for graduation are being met. Christian Ministry - 36 hrs
The Christian ministry major requires a minimum of 36 credit hours from the following courses, of which 11 hours will be cross-listed for M.Div.: Christian Studies Common Core - 18 hrs
The School of Christian Studies seeks a holistic approach to ministerial training, preparing the head (knowledge), the heart (devotion), and the hands (service). This holistic approach begins with a common core for all Christian Studies majors. Christian Ministry - 18 hrs
Professional Development - 36 hrs, including:
- 24 hours of shared graduate coursework (student’s choice in consultation with faculty mentor)
Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity is the standard professional degree for individuals entering Christian ministry. For a variety of reasons, however, many individuals find themselves actively engaged in ministry and unable to relocate to a school providing the M.Div. The School of Christian Studies offers a Master of Divinity program that can be completed fully online or through a combination of face-to-face classes at one of Wayland’s many campuses. The program prepares the student for effective ministry in the twenty-first century, whether serving in the church, on the mission field, in a denominational institution, or through a parachurch organization. The program seeks to prepare the entire person for service in the kingdom of God, by connecting the intellectual disciplines with practical training and spiritual development. The program includes optional specializations in African American Church Leadership and Hispanic Church Leadership. Spiritual Formation - 10 hrs
Biblical Foundations - 12-18 hrs
Cultural Understanding - 12 hrs
Ministry Engagement - 8 hrs
Electives - 15-21 hrs
Students in the non-language track must complete 21 hours of electives. Students in the biblical languages track must complete 15 hours of electives. |
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