Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies (G.C.B.S.)

If you have wanted to improve your disciple-making skills, the GCBS is perfect for you. NationsUniversity® offers a Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies (GCBS).

The Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies is a 15-credit graduate-level certificate designed to provide a more in-depth study of the Greek and Hebrew Scriptures for individuals who have developed a basic understanding through undergraduate studies or personal enrichment.

Program Learning Outcomes

The Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies program imparts a general foundation in the biblical and theological disciplines. Distinctively, the outcomes of the G.C.B.S. program are to prepare graduates who,

Strengthen foundations for enriching personal spiritual faith and developing spiritual maturity. Enhance understanding of biblical theology through systematic analysis of Scripture in its social, historical, and literary settings. Develop skills to teach well-prepared lessons.

Time Allowance and Estimated Total Costs

The projected completion time for the G.C.B.S. degree is 1 year. The cost for students who reside in the 35 developed countries listed under Financial Information is a one-time $25 registration fee and a tuition charge of $450 per quarter. Tuition and fees are guaranteed for only two (2) years. At this rate, students residing in one of the 35 developed nations may expect to pay $1,825 if they complete the G.C.B.S. within 12 months or $2,725 if they extend their studies over 18 months. Textbooks and other resources are available online in an electronic format without cost to the student. Any purchase of hard copy books is totally optional. Incarcerated students living within the United States have assessed only the $25 registration fee but are responsible for securing hard copy textbooks, which will run about $500 for the G.C.B.S.

Students normally complete degree requirements in effect when they are formally admitted, unless completion comes after seven years from initial admission. Course requirements may be adjusted at any time. The requirements are displayed in the curriculum assigned to their username and in older editions of the NU Catalog. These students may opt to complete their degree under the current requirements upon request.

Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies

Admission to the G.C.B.S. program will require the following:

Submission of an official transcript that indicates completion of a bachelor’s degree (minimum 120 credits with appropriate general education courses) or higher degree from an accredited or nationally approved institution. (In the event a student cannot, for reasons beyond his/her control, submit official documentation of having completed the bachelor’s degree, he/she may appeal to the Registrar and state the reasons. The Registrar will review the appeal and make a judgment as to how the requirement for a previous Bachelor’s degree may be satisfied.) Submission of a TOEFL score of 530 or above or acceptable substitute (80 iBT, 6.5 IELPS, 58 PTE score) by students whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate degree is not in English. Having no financial obligations to the University.

Course Requirements

The G.C.B.S. consists of five courses. The first course, MRS 622, lays the spiritual foundation and goals of biblical studies and establishes a framework for those studies as well. The combination of M 1 and M 2 provides students with in-depth knowledge of the Bible and introduces them to the critical thinking skills needed to study the Bible. M 3 and M 4 then provide students a systematic study of major themes and additional skills needed to teach others. These higher-level skills will allow students to study the Bible effectively in the classroom context, mature spiritually, and teach biblical texts and truths to others.

• Orientation to NationsUniversity Online Study (non-credit)
• Encountering Biblical Spirituality
• Critical Introduction to the Old Testament
• Critical Introduction to the New Testament
• Biblical Theology
• Biblical Hermeneutics

In addition to the minimum C.G.P.A. requirement, all students must successfully pass two proctored comprehensive exams administered after Critical Introduction to the New Testament and Biblical Hermeneutics.

Transfer Credits

No transfer credit into the Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies is permitted.

If you have wanted to improve your disciple-making skills, the GCBS is perfect for you. You can contact us. We will be glad to answer your questions and help you “be ready to give an answer.”

NationsUniversity's donors are dedicated to our approach to teaching scripture and believe God's Word is the key to a better world. These generous donors are willing to pay for your first three months of study. This gift allows you to study without any cost except the $25 registration fee. These donors are willing to invest in you and help you earn a Biblical education so you can change your world. At the end of your first quarter, you will be in a position to make a decision that is best for you.

Discover NationsU

We are "a school without walls" that provides an affordable, high-quality Christian education for everyone.

Discover affordable Christian higher education.

NationsUniversity is an online, non-profit, accredited university. It serves the student who seeks a quality education in religious studies at an affordable price. The University welcomes the believer and the non-believer by laying aside denominational trappings and historical interpretations. Studies focus on biblical scripture.

Discover a flexible, convenient way to learn.

NationsUniversity employs a rolling registration procedure. You may begin your studies at any time. Virtual classrooms are open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. This allows you to customize your learning plan to fit your schedule.

Discover a staff totally committed to your success.

NationsUniversity is led by volunteers and made possible by financial partners who share a vision of using NationsUniversity to build authentic faith and train Christian leaders around the world. The institution is dedicated to making your experience the best possible. Each student is assigned an advisor to guide the educational process.

Discover accredited degree programs.

NationsUniversity is incorporated in the state of Louisiana. As a degree-granting institution, the school offers three degrees: (1) the Bachelor of Religious Studies (B.R.S.), the Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) and the Master of Divinity (M.Div.).

Discover quality.

The reason that NationsUniversity exists is to make a college-level education in religious and theological studies available to highly motivated students who want to prepare for church leadership but are unable to find that education due to financial or other practical reasons. We have been able to provide quality independent study courses at minimal cost to the students by not having a physical campus, by recruiting university professors and other professionals to volunteer their expertise and services, and by receiving generous support from friends who share our goal.

NationsUniversity is an accredited member of the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The DEAC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

NationsUniversity has given me a broader base from which I can draw knowledge and structure which fuels everything I do.

-BYTHA REGAULD, ARKANSAS, UNITED STATES

Mission + Vision

The mission of NationsUniversity is to build authentic faith and train Christian leaders around the world through affordable, accessible higher education, utilizing distance learning.

Mission and Vision

NationsUniversity is committed to fulfilling its mission through quality distance education programs. Building faith is not an emotional experience; it is an educational endeavor, built upon knowledge and understanding.

Developing Christian leaders is likewise a calculated enterprise, constructed on knowledge and sound principles. For a proper foundation to be laid, a serious, high level, and objective presentation of the Christian faith and its rationale are essential. Therefore, the institution is committed to engaging each student in a rigorous confrontation with the biblical text.

Goals

To build faith by focusing on both knowledge of the biblical text and personal spiritual formation. To train Christian leaders by equipping students with the knowledge and skills to serve as Christian leaders.

At NationsUniversity, we strive to:

• To offer academic programs that provide students with opportunities for personal, spiritual, and professional development
• To portray biblical scripture in a positive manner
• To offer programs of academic excellence at a post-secondary level of instruction
• To build and maintain educational programs and services that are global in scope and suitable for global instruction
• To offer an open system for seekers without barriers to exploration
• To operate in keeping with the values found in the gospel of Jesus Christ
• To protect the students’ security
• To provide programs that students can afford
• To provide accessible programs for students
• To encourage student progress through a supportive system of individual contacts by caring and dedicated staff and volunteers
• To conduct the business of the institution in the most efficient means