Directed-Study Online Degree Programs: Biblical Studies, Biblical Counseling & Christian Leadership

New Bethel Christian University’s innovative approach to integrated education is designed to inject 100% online learning into the student’s world. As such, our educational design requires each student to be in a role and/or context well-suited to engage and invest their learning at their own pace and in real time. An ideal context might be a GAP program, an internship, a professional position in a ministry or para-church organization, or any other situation relevant to the program of study.

Don’t have one? Our team may be able to help you find the right fit. Visit us online at www.nbcustl.org for ideas and options.

Prospective students desiring to enroll or wanting more information about the university may contact the Admissions Office in one of the following ways:

Phone: ‪(314) 502-9480

Email: admissions@nbcustl.org

Email: contact@nbcustl.org

Web: www.nbcustl.org

Students who want to enroll to pursue a degree must be high school graduates or have passed an equivalent high school educational test in their state of residence, such as the General Educational Development test (GED). 

Applicants are evaluated based on references from those familiar with their character and spiritual development (usually church leaders or teachers), previous academic performance, standardized test scores, and personal interest in and desire for Christian leadership and ministry.

New Bethel Christian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, disability, national or ethnic origin in admissions, and participation in university programs. All new and reactivating applicants must agree to uphold NBCU Community Covenant found on the "About Us" page,

NBCU reserves the right to change aspects of the University’s admissions policies that may affect admission requirements and criteria for new applicants. Applicants are notified of current application requirements when they apply. Current requirements are also found on the university's website. Please contact us if you cannot find any information needed to make an important decision about your education at NBCU. The following documents must be received by the Admissions Office before an applicant will be accepted. NBCU officials reserve the right to waive any admissions requirements.

Application: Apply online at www.nbcustl.org

Official High School, Homeschool, or GED Transcript (or equivalent high school test approved by the applicant’s state of residence). A transcript with at least six semesters is required for review before acceptance. A complete transcript is required to enroll. Students who have attended NBCU in the past or are transferring from another higher education institution with at least 24 credits completed, do not need to submit high school or equivalent transcripts.

ACT, SAT, or CLT Score: If the scores are not included on the applicant’s high school transcript, students will need to request an official score to be sent to NBCU at the time of the test or afterwards. The following applicants do not need to submit an ACT or SAT score report: applicants who are 23 or older and have not taken the ACT or SAT, applicants who have completed 12 or more transferable credit hours at another college or university, or applicants who have attended NBCU in the past. More information for each standardized test option is available at the websites linked below.

American College Testing (ACT)

Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)

Classic Learning Test (CLT)

Ministry Leader Reference: All applicants are required to submit a Ministry Leader Reference from a key person (pastor, teacher, etc. in their world that can speak to their character and calling from a place of relationship. The online application includes an opportunity to identify the ministry leader and enter their email address. If entered in the application, the system will send an email request for the reference (with a link to the online form) automatically. It is the applicant’s responsibility to follow up to confirm a reference is submitted.

Official Transcripts of All Colleges Attended:  Applicants who have attended a college or university since (or during) high school are required to submit transcripts from all colleges and universities that they have attended or are attending in order to be reviewed for acceptance. Complete, official transcripts are required in order to receive credit for prior work. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted for acceptance evaluation, but official transcripts are required to transfer credit into NBCU programs.

Applicants who have attended NBCU in the past must be approved to return by the Academic and Business Offices. Students who return to NBCU after two consecutive semesters of non-enrollment may be charged a reactivation fee.

Applicants may expect a decision in writing (hard copy and/or email) from NBCU within two weeks of the completion of the admissions checklist. If more information is required before a decision can be made, that will be communicated to the applicant as well.

Acceptance: Being accepted as a student is the first step toward being approved to enroll for classes. Other forms and information may be required before registering for classes.

NBCU does not currently participate in the federal Department of Education Title IV program. NBCU doesn't charge for tuition but do require administrative fees and accepts "tithes." 

We welcome applications from students who are passionate about learning and want to make a difference in the world. At New Bethel Christian University, we value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all our students. Apply now and join our community of scholars.

Although official documents will be required before enrollment, copies of test scores and transcripts may be sent via email to expedite the admission process.
Please email documents to admissions@nbcustl.org

sni  undergraduate program transfer applicants are required to submit the following items:

• Admissions Application
• High school transcript/GED scores (if transferring in less than 60 college credits)
• College transcripts from prior colleges, even if no credit was earned or grades received
• College transcripts for courses taken through dual enrollment or after graduating high school, even if no credit was earned or grades received
• SAT, ACT and/or CLTC Scores (if transferring in less than 30 college credits)
• Ministry Leader Reference.

NOTE: Because our integrated learning philosophy is foundational to our academic approach, New Bethel Christian University requires students to be actively involved in a relevant role (volunteer, paid, internship, etc.) in a ministry or other organization.  Applicants that are unsure whether they meet that requirement should contact the Admissions team (admissions@nbcustl.org) before submitting an application.

All graduate program applicants are required to submit the following items:

• Admissions Application
• Official college transcript(s)
• Ministry Leader Reference

NOTE: Because of our integrated learning framework, graduate program applicants must meet work experience requirements or have access to an organizational environment in order to successfully complete program objectives and apply concepts learned in New Bethel Christian University courses.  Applicants that are unsure whether they meet that requirement should contact the Admissions team (admissions@nbcustl.org) before submitting an application.

 Re-applicants are students who were previously enrolled at NBCU and attended classes, left for a year or longer and are now applying again. As these students previously completed the admission process, only a ministry leader reference is required to be eligible for re-enrollment at New Bethel Christian University.

• College transcript (if college courses have been taken since leaving NBCU, even if no credit was earned or grades received)
• Ministry Leader Reference

*Please note that students wishing to reapply to NBCU who have taken courses at another university after attending NBCU must also provide updated transcripts to NBCU from their other university.

At New Bethel Christian University, we offer a wide range of academic programs designed to equip our students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in their chosen field of ministry and service. Our programs are tailored to meet the demands of Christian Ministry.

Because we offer 100% directed-study online programs, admissions and classes are always on a rolling schedule. Students work at their own pace to complete assignments and courses. Sessions generally range from 6-8 weeks.

New Bethel Christian University prepares graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to function as educated individuals, responsible citizens, and lifelong learners who communicate Biblical truth and lead from that foundation with competence, capacity, and character. From degree concentrations to full undergraduate and graduate degree programs, these designs provide a starting point for delivering mission-driven high-impact integrated learning for students serving in frontline ministry across the globe.

• Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling
• Associate of Science in Biblical Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies
• Master of Arts in Biblical Studies
• Associate of Science in Christian Leadership & Community Engagement
• Bachelor of Science in Christian Leadership & Community Engagement
• Master of Arts in Christian Leadership & Community Engagement
• Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Leadership: Digital Communications & Community Engagement

The purpose of NBCU’s Biblical Counseling programs is to equip students with a Christ-centered approach to counseling that is deeply rooted in Scripture and practically applied in real-world ministry contexts. It is designed for those called to walk alongside individuals facing life’s challenges, offering biblical wisdom, compassionate care, and spiritual guidance. 

In these times of rapid cultural and economic change, effective Christian leaders must be able to maintain focus on the mission, mobilize people in pursuit of that vision, and facilitate the execution of strategies that accomplish the mission. It's a tall order. It requires extraordinary leadership.  The Christian Leadership program uses a dynamic integrated learning framework to equip leaders for real-time faith-driven skill development to meet that challenge in any organization and leadership role. 

The Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling equips students with a profound understanding of human nature through the lens of Scripture. The program is designed for those passionate about applying biblical truths to foster emotional and spiritual well-being, and prepares graduates to offer wise, faith-driven counsel in various settings, both within and beyond the church.

Aligned with NBCU’s integrated learning approach, students will leverage their real-life ministry contexts throughout their studies, ensuring immediate application and impact. The program is tailored to add impact to ministry leadership roles or for lay counseling roles and do not lead to professional counseling licensure.

Upon completion of the MA Biblical Counseling program, students will be equipped to apply biblical truth with wisdom and compassion, guiding individuals toward spiritual growth, emotional healing, and Christ-centered transformation in a variety of ministry and counseling contexts. Success will be demonstrated in the exercise of the following competencies:

1. Integrate Biblical Principles in Counseling: Develop a counseling philosophy and methodology rooted in a comprehensive biblical worldview.​
2. Understand Human Development: Analyze the stages of healthy human growth from a scriptural perspective.​
3. Enhance Communication: Promote healthy and effective communication patterns in relationships.​
4. Address Human Suffering: Recognize and respond to diverse patterns of suffering in our broken world with biblical wisdom.​
5. Assess Individual Callings: Assist individuals in evaluating their gifts, talents, and divine calling.
6. Develop Counseling Skills: Acquire essential counseling skills for effective ministry and leadership roles.

Each Biblical Studies program provides a practical, engaged and immersive educational pursuit for students that enhances their ability to lead and teach from a solid biblical foundation. Its aim is to equip leaders with skills for a lifelong journey in the Word while igniting in them a hunger that anchors them in that pursuit. 

Total Program Credit Hours: 60

Build a strong foundation for Kingdom living from the Word of God with Bible and Theology core and a slate of elective courses that allow some personalization for cross applying that foundation in a variety of subjects and disciplines. This program is designed to stand alone or to serve as a launch point into one of the bachelor’s degree programs.

Students who complete this degree program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate core skills to engage and interpret the Bible accurately as the foundational source of truth for life and leadership.
2. Understand the overarching themes of the Bible, its various literary types and the redemptive story it tells.
3. Acquire a general knowledge and basic understanding of theology based upon the exegesis of biblical texts.
4. Develop a philosophy and strategy of godly living that will guide him or her for a lifetime.
5. Acquire knowledge and analytical skills to engage a variety of perspectives and experiences from a biblical worldview.
6. Exchange information and ideas through writing, speech, and visual and digital media.

Total Program Hours: 120 Credit Hours 

The Bachelor of Biblical Studies program delivers a strong biblical foundation applied your way. Loaded with Bible and Theology courses and a generous pool of Free Electives, this program is designed to work for you, whether designing a custom path or transferring credit in from another school. 

Program Outcomes

Students who complete this degree program will be able to:

1. Develop a biblical hermeneutic approach that engages the Scriptures as the authoritative power for life and practice.
2. Apply exegetical skills to Scripture for a clear understanding of what the text says, what it means, and its implications for life.
3. Articulate the contextual message of the whole of Scripture and the relation of each part to the whole.
4. Communicate Scriptures formally or informally through preaching, teaching, discussion, or in writing, with a view to helping others hear, consider, and respond to its teachings and their implications.
5. Acquire knowledge and analytical skills to engage a variety of perspectives and experiences from a biblical worldview.
6. Assess and weigh moral and cultural beliefs and practices and their applications to ethical dilemmas.
7. Systematically question and analyze problems, issues and beliefs.
8. Venture beyond established patterns of thought in imaginative and creative ways.
9. Exchange information and ideas through writing, speech, and visual and digital media.

Total Program Hours: 30

Salt your professional capacity with essential biblical engagement skills. Go wide AND deep with a curated skill-development mix that will immediately grow your biblical capacity and multiply your ministry impact in any context or role.

Upon completion of the MA Biblical Studies program, students will engage and leverage the Word effectively within any professional ministry or lay leadership environment as demonstrated by the following competencies:

1. Demonstrate understanding of a biblical hermeneutic approach that engages the Scriptures as the authoritative power for life and practice.
2. Apply foundational exegetical skills to the examination of Scripture resulting in a clear understanding of what the text says, what it means, and its implications for life.
3. Articulate the contextual message of the whole of Scripture and the relation of each part to the whole.
4. Interpret a narrative text in context with its historical and cultural settings so as to enable dynamic and legitimate application in diverse cultural settings.
5. Exegete a prescriptive text in its historical and cultural context in a manner that enables dynamic and legitimate understanding of its implications for today.
6. Respond to questions and challenges that arise out of constantly changing cultures by applying a broad understanding of the Bible, synthesis of its various teachings, and principles of application.
7. Communicate Scriptures formally or informally through preaching, teaching, discussion, or in writing, with a view to helping others hear, consider, and respond to its teachings and their implications.

 NBCU's School of Ministry & Leadership programs develop the core character, competency, and capacity to lead an organization that is anchored to its mission, that mobilizes an effective organizational team and equips them to accomplish the mission for which the organization exists within an organizational infrastructure that is well-tuned to accomplish that mission. 

Total Program Hours: 60

Leadership is facilitating God-designed growth in the people and organizations in our sphere of influence. The Christian Leadership (A.S.) program is designed to lay the foundation for a lifetime of effective biblical leadership in the personal and professional life of the student. 

Students who complete this degree program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate core skills to engage and interpret the Bible accurately as the foundational source of truth for life and leadership.
2. Exercise leadership that encourages and facilitates collaborative learning at all levels of the organization.
3. Apply a solid understanding of organizations that creates and maintains a productive community of growth-oriented learners.
4. Develop comprehensive strategies using skills in evaluation, adaptation, and integration of new and existing strategies for the efficient and effective pursuit of organizational goals.
5. Recruit, develop, and mobilize staff and volunteers as effective teams.

Total Program Hours: 120 Credit Hours

The purpose of NBCU’s BS Christian Leadership program is to develop the core character and capacity to lead an organization that is anchored to its mission, that mobilizes an effective organizational team and equips them to accomplish the mission for which the organization exists within an organizational infrastructure that is well-tuned to accomplish that mission. The BS Christian Leadership program offers the opportunity to select a specialized concentration in Camp Ministry, Intercultural Ministry, or Youth Ministry. Students who complete this degree program will be able to:

1. Develop a biblical hermeneutic approach that engages the Scriptures as the authoritative power for life and practice.
2. Apply exegetical skills to Scripture for a clear understanding of what the text says, what it means, and its implications for life.
3. Systematically question and analyze problems, issues and beliefs.
4. Venture beyond established patterns of thought in imaginative and creative ways.
5. Exercise leadership that encourages and facilitates collaborative learning at all levels of the organization.
6. Apply a solid understanding of organizations that creates and maintains a productive community of growth-oriented learners.
7. Develop comprehensive strategies using skills in evaluation, adaptation, and integration of new and existing strategies for the efficient and effective pursuit of organizational goals.
8. Recruit, develop, and mobilize staff and volunteers as effective teams.

Total Program Hours: 30 

In these times of rapid cultural and economic change, effective Christian leaders must be able to maintain focus on the mission, mobilize people in pursuit of that vision, and facilitate the execution of strategies that accomplish the mission. It’s a tall order. It requires extraordinary leadership.  The Christian Leadership program uses a dynamic integrated learning framework to equip leaders for real-time faith-driven skill development to meet that challenge in any organization and leadership role.

Upon completion of the MA Christian Leadership program, students will be equipped to exercise effective leadership within an organization across an intentional framework of mission-driven leadership skills. Success will be demonstrated in the exercise of the following competencies:

1. Exercise of mission-driven leadership that encourages and facilitates collaborative learning at all levels of the organization.
2. Application of a solid understanding of organizations that creates and maintains a productive community of learners.
3. Development of comprehensive organizational strategies using skills in evaluation, adaptation and integration of new and existing strategies for efficient and effective pursuit of organizational goals.
4. Recruitment, development, and mobilization of employees and volunteers as effective teams.
5. Coordination of board and administrative team activities for creation and maintenance of maximum organizational productivity.
6. Effective and prudent planning and oversight of all financial aspects of a nonprofit organization.
7. Development and management of a comprehensive, responsible risk management policy.

Total Program Hours: 60 

Our Digital Communications & Community Engagement degree is composed of 3 sections: core courses, digital outreach classes, and research courses. In the core courses, you will study biblical and theological foundations of leadership, biblical and theological foundations of education, and theological anthropology in leadership and education. You will also study character and ethics in leadership and education as well as management theory and organizational theory and development.  

Upon completion of the PhD Christian Leadership program, students will be equipped to exercise effective leadership within an organization across an intentional framework of mission-driven leadership skills. Success will be demonstrated in the exercise of the following competencies:

1. Exercise of mission-driven leadership that encourages and facilitates collaborative learning at all levels of the organization.
2. Application of a solid understanding of organizations that creates and maintains a productive community of learners.
3. Development of comprehensive organizational strategies using skills in evaluation, adaptation and integration of new and existing strategies for efficient and effective pursuit of organizational goals.
4. Recruitment, development, and mobilization of employees and volunteers as effective teams.
5. Coordination of board and administrative team activities for creation and maintenance of maximum organizational productivity.
6. Effective and prudent planning and oversight of all financial aspects of a nonprofit organization.
7. Development and management of a comprehensive, responsible risk management policy.