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Dec 05, 2025
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Academic Catalog 2025-2026
Accelerated B.C.M. Christian Ministry + M.Div./M.B.A. Joint Degree (3+2)
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 Return to: Academic Programs Profile
The B.C.M. Christian Ministry + M.Div./M.B.A. (3+2) is a 179-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 to M.Div./M.B.A. joint degree program: 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/Master of Business Administration, Joint Degree
The Master of Divinity/Master of Business Administration (M.Div./M.B.A.) joint degree is awarded jointly by the School of Christian Studies and the School of Business, but is administered through the School of Christian Studies. The joint degree provides theological training for ministers coupled with an education in business and administration, enabling graduates to serve as executive or administrative ministers in churches or serve as competent leaders in parachurch organizations and not-for-profit ministries. The M.Div./M.B.A. joint degree is a 90-hour program consisting of 57 hours in ministry and theological studies and 33 hours in business administration. When completed separately, the M.Div. is a 72-hour degree and the M.B.A. is a 48-hour degree. Up to three M.B.A. foundation courses may be waived for applicants who have academic background in business disciplines. Once admitted to the joint degree, students can enroll in both M.Div. and M.B.A. courses during the same term. No degree is awarded until the student completes the entire program, at which time the joint degree is awarded. The joint degree can be completed fully online or through a combination of face-to-face classes at one of Wayland’s many campuses. Master of Divinity Courses - 57 hrs
Spiritual Formation - 10 hrs
Biblical Foundations - 12 hrs
Cultural Understanding - 12 hrs
Ministry Engagement - 5 hrs
Master of Business Administration Courses - 33 hrs
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Return to: Academic Programs Profile
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