Biblical Studies Major (BABS - Accelerated)
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
Major Mission: The Biblical Studies major exists to utilize an interdisciplinary approach whereby students may design a course of study that coincides with their academic interests and ministry preparation.
Location: Lancaster, DC, Philadelphia, Online
Program Outcomes - Students will:
- Demonstrate godly character within the framework of a servant style of leadership.
- Evidence a solid overview of ministry in conjunction with their biblical studies major.
- Articulate their personal philosophy of ministry in accord with a biblical worldview.
Major Details:
Credits Needed
30 Credits - Biblical Studies
36 Credits - General Education*
54 Credits – Electives
Note: At least 15 (A&S) and 30 (BIB/THE) credits need to be earned through LBC.
TOTAL - 120 Credits
Program Director:
Sam Harbin, PhD
Sam Harbin is blessed to have been a follower of Jesus Christ since childhood, and brings more than 30 years of experience in pastoral and Christian higher education ministry to the classroom. He has served in a variety of roles, including assistant pastor, senior pastor, seminary chaplain and professor, and seminary president. His ministry has taken him throughout the United States and to seven countries internationally.
Sam holds degrees from Indiana Baptist College (B.A., 1982), Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity, 1985), and Dallas Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry, 2001). His doctoral studies focused on effective interpretation and communication of Old Testament narratives.
As chair of the Bible & Theology department, Sam enjoys leading his talented team to serve with excellence every program at Lancaster Bible College / Capital Seminary and Graduate School. Tasked with providing the biblical and theological content for every major, the Bible & Theology team seek to build growing believers who understand Scripture and know how to integrate biblical truth into life and service regardless of vocational calling.
Sam teaches at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in the areas of hermeneutics, English Bible, and homiletics. He also maintains an active speaking and consulting ministry and particularly enjoys serving local churches who are in the pastoral search process. He holds pastoral counseling certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.
A native of southern Indiana, Sam’s hobbies include following Indiana University “Hoosier” basketball, woodworking, bluegrass music, and playing several stringed instruments. Sam and his wife, Elaine, have three grown sons and four grandchildren. They reside in Manheim, PA.
Curriculum Plan
Biblical Studies (30 Credits)
| BIB 103 | Creation & Covenants: OT I | 3 |
| BIB 104 | Israel's Life & Literature: OT II | 3 |
| BIB 106 | Interpreting the Bible | 3 |
| BIB 203 | Life of Christ: NT I | 3 |
| BIB 204 | Early Church: NT II | 3 |
| THE 105 | Prelude to Biblical & Theological Studies | 3 |
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| Bible/Theology Elective 3 credits | 3 |
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| Bible/Theology Elective 3 credits | 3 |
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| Bible/Theology Elective 3 credits | 3 |
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| Bible/Theology Elective 3 credits | 3 |
General Education (36 Credits*)
*Students enrolled at the Washington DC location must take a minimum of 40 credits of General Education courses.
| HUM 101 | Human Thought and the Humanities | 3 |
| HUM 102 | Human Thought and Math and Sciences | 3 |
| LAN 101 | College Composition and Research | 3 |
LIT ____
| LIT Core (100/200 Level) | 3 |
HIS ____
| HIS Core (200 Level) | 3 |
SCI ____
| SCI CORE (100/200 Level) | 3 |
SCI ____
| SCI L____ SCI Lab CORE 100-200 Level-1 credit | 3 |
MAT ____
| MAT Core | 3 |
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| Human Culture Elective | 3 |
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| Arts & Sciences Elective | 3 |
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| Arts & Sciences Elective | 3 |
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| Arts & Sciences Elective | 3 |
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| Arts & Sciences Elective | 3 |
Electives (54 credits)
Electives can possibly be filled through Life Experience Credits.