Brightspace Student Portals Faculty Portal

Applied Theology (ATH)

ATH 115. Foundations for University Life and. (3 Credits)

"This course introduces students to the educational philosophy, history, and mission of the college. Students receive an overview of majors and program requirements. The course helps students grow in ministry and general education skills focusing on writing, studying, and critical thinking. It is required course and should be taken during their first semester."

ATH 205. Principles of Spiritual Growth. (3 Credits)

"This course is designed to give a student basic principles, concepts and dynamics in Christian discipleship. The student will develop a format in evaluating their own skills and leadership knowledge in Christ. The student will be encouraged to study, read and share in biblical/leadership concepts that will deepen their growth and insights to not only mature in Christ but actively help another to grow."

ATH 248. Urban Evangelism ATh 248. (3 Credits)

This course explores the Biblical meaning of both the Gospel and evangelism. It covers different models of evangelism applicable in multicultural settings in urban communities and also addresses various strategies of evangelism that deal with diverse socioeconomic issues in urban communities.

ATH 408. Pastoral Theology. (3 Credits)

"This course is an in-depth look at the inner life of ministry. It focuses on the skills relating to ministering in crisis situations: family illness, death, sexual assault, and domestic violence. It gives insight into the life of a minister, identifies the wounded healer, and describes the theological implications of ministry."

ATH 473. Internship: Religious Studies. (3 Credits)

Senior level students select from a variety of settings and participate actively in a church or parachurch environment under the supervision of a BHU advisor and a ministry official. The student must apply for the internship at the work location a semester prior to registering for the internship. Internships are only completed in the spring or fall semesters.

ATH 601. Introduction to Pastoral Care ATh. (3 Credits)

"This course will study the psycho-spiritual tools, techniques, and methodologies needed for implementing ministry to the physically, emotionally or relationally ill. It shall also explore techniques, tools, and methodological approaches for making a diagnosis and developing a care plan for a crisis ministry and ministry to the dying or bereaved. We shall, therefore, examine and explore the art and discipline of Pastoral Care using the writings from the fields of Pastoral Care, Psychotherapy, and Psychology.  Using a holistic approach to examine the development of the self and the care for and of the soul, this course shall seek to integrate diverse conceptions concerning human personality and development to educate, enlighten, and enhance the human capacity for compassion and concern. This course is geared toward equipping and assisting the student with diagnostic tools capable of assessing a congregation and its congregants. The desire of this course is to equip the student so he or she can better guide the congregation in the healing and restoration process. "

ATH 603. Ethics and Society ATh 603. (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to a general knowledge of the development of the literature of Christian ethics. It focuses on the impact of social sciences that inform the task of critical inquiry into the moral life through learning to analyze ethos and lay bare the roots of fundamental character of a community’s moral life.

ATH 604. Contextual Education Practicum. (3 Credits)

Introduction into practical elements of ministry with special emphasis placed on career planning and field experience. This course requires a pre-project paper on the chosen project’s relativity to the student’s career path. The field experience is done “hands-on” in a ministry location with guidance by a ministry supervisor and the course instructor.

Prerequisite: All Master of Divinity core courses (57)

ATH 611. Ethics of Pastoral Leadership. (3 Credits)

"This course examines the appropriate ethical conduct of Christian workers based upon the text of the New Testament. Of particular interest will be such contemporary issues as gender behavior in the workplace, confidentiality and liability, abortion, euthanasia, living wills, stem cell research, and genetic engineering."

ATH 613. Theological Research & Writing. (3 Credits)

"This course will enable the student to conduct meaningful theological research as well as give attention to the planning, preparation and writing of graduate-level research papers. Attention will be given to grammar, clarity and style. The format and documentation of scholarly writing will also be addressed."

ATH 614. Spiritual Formation ATh 614. (3 Credits)

"In this course you will explore ways to develop ministry or educational experiences which will enable spiritual development and formation in various age groups. Areas covered include learning theory, human developmental growth and Christian nurture theories. As you understand them you will be encouraged to integrate them into your own ministry model."

ATH 620. Introduction to Global Chaplaincy. (3 Credits)

"This course is designed to train and equip pastors, pastoral counselors, and lay workers for ministry in specialized settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, jails and prisons, rescue missions and shelters, law enforcement agencies, business and industry, detention centers, benevolence organizations, social services agencies, and other institutions. Students will be exposed to the theological and practical ramifications of specialized ministries in these settings and in a pluralistic and secular environment. The various aspects of chaplaincy to be taught include: defining Chaplaincy Ministry, History of Chaplaincy, Theology of Chaplaincy, Chaplain as Person, and various core skills such as Stress Management & Debriefing, Confidentiality, Workplace Etiquette, Suicide, Death Notifications, Grief, and more. "

ATH 621. Prison/Jail Chaplaincy. (3 Credits)

"This course will focus on the needs, challenges and practices of prison/jail chaplaincy. It will include the role of chaplains in prisons, jails, and other law enforcement arenas. This course will address both ministry to inmates and their families, as well as to law enforcement officers. It will explore the unique role of the chaplain in the law enforcement and rehabilitation contexts and foundational theoretical concepts relative to this role."

ATH 622. Ministry Response to Crises and. (3 Credits)

"This course is designed to equip chaplains in addressing the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of individuals following a major natural or manmade crisis, such as a tornado or a terrorist attack. It will explore theories of shock, coping mechanisms, and post-traumatic stress as a result of a critical event affecting a large population. Further it will equip chaplains as part of a first responder team, as well as, in ministry to first responders as they cope with spiritual and emotional needs."

ATH 623 OL. Sports/Athletics Chaplaincy. (3 Credits)

"This course is designed to train and equip pastors, pastoral counselors, and lay workers for ministry in the specialized the setting of sports. The chaplaincy focus of this course will include collegiate and professional sports programs and the issues and challenges related to serving athletes, coaches, managers, administrators, etc., who are connected with a sports program. It will address emotional, financial, marital, and moral issues often associated with high profile sports programs at both the amateur and professional levels."

ATH 624. Grief and Loss Counseling. (3 Credits)

"This course will focus on the role of the chaplain during times of grief and loss, whether loss of life, career, or property. It will explore the psychological/emotional response of people to loss and how the chaplain can bring a healing presence during times of chaos and confusion. "

ATH 625. Healthcare Chaplaincy. (3 Credits)

"This course will focus on the needs, challenges and practices of healthcare chaplaincy. It will include the role of chaplains in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and home healthcare settings. The student will explore the unique challenges associated with healthcare chaplaincy and the role of the chaplain with respect to patients, relatives of patients, and healthcare workers. "

ATH 635. Missiology. (3 Credits)

"This course is designed to guide the student through an in-depth study of the biblical, historical, cultural, and strategic perspectives regarding the missionary expansion of Christianity. Missiology as an aspect of applied theology and as an academic subject in its own right, drawing from a wide range of disciplines including biblical studies, sociology, psychology, anthropology, geography and history. It should enable the student to assess other theological disciplines from a practical missiological perspective, and to approach the Old and New Testament scriptures from the informed viewpoint of a cross-cultural and collaborative missionary efforts."

ATH 640. Christ and Community ATh 640. (3 Credits)

"This course is an examination into the theological and ethical constructs of Practical theology and its conversation with Social Justice, Human Rights, and Social Transformation. We therefore engage in examination and conversation around issues that are intrinsic to the human spirit and issues of oppression, subjugation, dehumanization, and the Christian message of justice."

ATH 647. Homiletics. (3 Credits)

"An exploration of the why, what, how and to whom of preaching in light of its history and tradition, content and context. Attention will be paid not only to the preparation and delivery of sermons, but also to the development of the capacity to evaluate one’s own preaching as well as that of others. Students will be engaged in the fundamental the art and craft of preaching within the context of worship. Additionally, it will cover the dynamics and processes involved in sermon preparation and construction as well as the overall sermon setting, involving aspects of worship, congregational interaction, exegetical study, and the preacher's own faith journey. The class provides a disciplined, ""safe"" environment for sermon preparation and preaching, with constructive, encouraging feedback from peer and professor."

ATH 698. Religious Studies Capstone. (3 Credits)

"During the last semester of study before graduation from each program of study, and before being awarded a degree, the student will be required to complete this course in which the student produces a substantial writing assignment (generally 50-60 pages). This research paper will demonstrate comprehension and synthesis of the material covered over the course of the program of study and will address an area of interest, ministry, or future employment context, relating biblical concepts to ministry or leadership topics. A grade of C or better must be achieved in this course to earn a degree."

ATH 699. Master of Divinity Capstone. (3 Credits)

"During the last semester of study before graduation from each program of study, and before being awarded a degree, the student will be required to complete this course in which the student produces a substantial writing assignment (generally 50-60 pages). This research paper will demonstrate comprehension and synthesis of the material covered over the course of the program of study and will address an area of interest, ministry, or future employment context, relating biblical concepts to ministry or leadership topics. A grade of C or better must be achieved in this course to earn a degree."