Programs & Degrees
At PBC, we ensure academic and spiritual growth, preparing students for post-graduate studies. Those who go on to study at a post-graduate level find they were well-prepared to pursue advanced degrees.
We are living in a time when no matter how much Christian experience you have, people still want to know if you have reputable credentials. A college degree gives the hard working Christian an irrevocable platform from which to speak and allows him/her to operate at the level of their God given vision and anointing. A college degree also provides new insights and skills that produce an inner sense of achievement.
Theology Degrees
Associate of Church Leadership
The Christian Leadership Program is a highly flexible 2 year associate degree program intended for someone who has already had significant ministerial involvement. The program can include emphases in church leadership, biblical studies, church music, world missions and youth ministry.
Acceptance into the Church Leadership Program is by special application only. Applicants must be over the age of 25. Those desiring acceptance into this program need to submit a letter of request; a resume of educational and ministerial experience and a statement from the applicant’s pastor regarding past and future leadership involvement.
A minimum of 64 credits are necessary to fulfill this degree’s requirements.
Associate of Theology
The two year Associate of Theology degree is best suited for the student who desires more Bible training for the purpose of serving in the local church.
The program offers a wide range of courses relevant to lay-pastoral and educational ministries in the local church. Bible knowledge, Christian doctrine and practical training form the basis of the core curriculum.
A minimum of 64 credits are necessary to fulfill this degree’s requirements.
Associate of Christian Humanities
The Christian Humanities Program is designed as a University Transfer Program. It is geared toward students who plan to continue their education and transfer to another college or university.
Humanities courses relate to the general study of culture and human thought. The mission of the Humanities Department is to assist the student in understanding the broad history of human thought from a biblical perspective, with a focus to establish a Christian worldview.
A minimum of 64 credits are necessary to fulfill this degree’s requirements.
Bachelor of Theology
The four year Church Ministry Program that leads to a Bachelor of Theology degree is designed with full-time church ministry in mind.
This program is PBC’s premier leadership track, and is suitable for lay ministry preparation as well as students who plan to continue on to seminary in related graduate-level programs. It is also geared to the student who plans on entering full-time pastoral ministry, church plant ministry, or other church staff positions.
The focus of the curriculum is biblical studies, theology, pastoral ministry and counseling.
Read more about program requirements for the following degree emphasis:
Biblical Studies Emphasis
Some students have a particular passion to study and handle God’s Word. Those who feel called to equip believers through teaching the Word will be interested in this track. There will be plenty of room available for systematic Biblical studies and the development of expository skills.
General Studies Emphasis
Students who have an interest in more than one emphasis will find the flexibility of this track suitable to fit their needs. The requirements are relevant to a broad range of life & ministry directions. The student can then draw from a wide range of electives in order to build the necessary foundation for their calling.
Intercultural Studies Emphasis
This track is designed for students who are pursuing training for missions or local cross-cultural ministry. One of its strengths is the opportunity for involvement in various ethnic ministries. A missionary apprenticeship may be available for upperclassmen in this emphasis.
Pastoral Counseling Emphasis
Students who are passionate about pastoral leadership in the local church will benefit from this track. The track focuses on developing necessary skills such as preaching, counseling and team building. Pastoral leadership apprenticeships will be available to all third and fourth year students.
Worship Ministry Emphasis
The Worship Ministry Emphasis is ideal for those who feel called to serve in local church worship but do not see this as their exclusive area of ministry in the future. The components of this emphasis fit with the Theology degree requirements.
Youth Ministry Emphasis
Building on the components of the Pastoral Leadership track, the Youth Ministry Emphasis is designed specifically for those training to be youth pastors.
A few of the track specific courses are Introduction to Youth Ministry, Youth Ministry Administration, and Youth Ministry Perspectives. In addition to these courses, some of the core curriculum courses will have additional lab class sessions with the youth ministry faculty. These sessions are designed to help the student apply the course information specifically to the area of youth ministry.
Apprenticeship in Youth Ministry will also be available.
Christian Humanities Emphasis
The Christian Humanities Program is geared to two types of students: those who plan to continue their education at a post-graduate level at another college or university, and those who will pursue their life’s work apart from continuing education. Humanities courses relate to the general study of culture and human thought. The mission of the Humanities Program is to assist the student in understanding the broad history of human thought from a biblical perspective, with a focus to establish a Christian worldview.
Pastoral Leadership Emphasis
This track is for students who are passionate about pastoral leadership in the local church. The full range of pastoral skills—from preaching to
counseling to team building—will be developed. Practical leadership is also a major focus of this track.
Marketplace Ministry Emphasis
The PBC School of Kingdom Business and Entrepreneurship uses a practical, biblically integrated business and entrepreneurship curriculum, to develop the next generation of Christian innovators, creatives, entrepreneurs, and leaders globally. The courses are unique in that they combine biblical principles with best business practices, and include relevant marketplace case studies and exposure to accomplished marketplace leaders.
Online Degrees
Certificate of Theology
The Certificate in Theology available online is suited for the student who desires more Bible training for the purpose of serving in the local church. This program is for students that have either already completed a degree in another field of study that are looking to add Biblical studies to their perspective or students looking to lay a Biblical foundation to their lives.
Through this Certificate, students can easily go on to complete an Associate of Theology degree or Associate in Church Leadership degree at Portland Bible College. Biblical knowledge and Christian Doctrine form the basis of this certificate. Students, then choose their electives from a series of different emphases based on their personal calling or ministry work.
A minimum of 32 credits are necessary to receive this certificate.
Associate of Theology
Students can complete the Associate of Theology completely online. The Associate of Theology degree is suited for the student who desires more Bible training for the purpose of serving in the local church. The program offers a wide range of courses relevant to lay-pastoral and educational ministries in the local church. Bible knowledge, Christian doctrine and practical training form the basis of the core curriculum.
A minimum of 64 credits are necessary to fulfill the degree requirements.
Associate of Church Leadership
Applicants for this program must be over the age of 25 and currently have significant ministerial involvement. A background in formal ministerial training is helpful. Acceptance into the Church Leadership Program is by special application only. Those desiring acceptance into this program need to submit a letter of request; a resume of educational and ministerial experience and a statement from the applicant’s pastor regarding past and future leadership involvement. This is a highly flexible program that allows students to develop several emphases in church leadership, Biblical studies, world missions and youth ministry. A total of 64 credits are necessary to fulfill this degree’s requirements.
Bachelor of Theology
The four year program that leads to a Bachelor of Theology degree is suited for the student who desires more Bible training for the purpose of serving in the local church. The program offers a wide range of courses relevant to Bible knowledge, Christian doctrine, pastoral ministry and practical training. A total of 128 credits are necessary to fulfill this degree’s requirements.
Music Degrees
Associate of Church Music
The Associate of Church Music Program is designed to equip musically and spiritually for effective lay ministry in the local church. This program lays a solid foundation in developing a Biblical view of worship and nurturing a deeper walk with God while acquiring the musical disciplines necessary to serve effectively in this important area of ministry.
Private lessons (instrument or voice), participation in music and worship groups, and a basic knowledge of piano and theory are recommended as preparation for entrance into this program.
A minimum of 64 credit hours are required to fulfill this degree requirements. Worship Leaders and songwriters will have opportunities for specific electives along the way.
Bachelor of Church Music
The four year Worship Pastor Program will prepare a worship pastor to build a worship department by using a variety of skills. These skills include pastoral leadership, team building and administration, solid Bible knowledge of worship and a broad knowledge of music, rhythm instruments and worship leading.
There are multiple opportunities throughout the program for the student to receive mentoring while gaining hands-on experience through PBC chapel services, City Bible Church services and various other ministries.
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