Associate of Arts (A.A.)
A 62-credit Associate of Arts that pairs a full liberal arts foundation with focused Bible coursework — a complete two-year credential and a clean on-ramp to a bachelor's.
12 Bible Elective Credits
Shape the focus area to your interests
Liberal Arts Core
English, math, science, communication, humanities
Transfer-Ready
Stacks cleanly into ACU's BA in Biblical Studies
ACU’s Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies gives you a complete liberal arts education with a Bible specialization in just two years. The 62-credit degree covers what every educated person should have under their belt — English composition, public speaking, math and science, and ACU’s signature humanities sequence — paired with foundational Bible coursework and twelve credits of Bible electives you shape to your own interests.
The degree works as a stand-alone credential and as a stepping stone. As a stand-alone, it opens doors to entry-level ministry roles, church and parachurch staff positions, Christian education support, and any career where biblical literacy strengthens your day-to-day work. As a stepping stone, every credit transfers directly into ACU’s Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies — so two years here puts you halfway to the bachelor’s if you decide to continue.
It’s a particularly good fit for students who want a focused Bible foundation before specializing further, adults entering or returning to college with ministry in view, and anyone using community-college-style transfer math but wanting the additional depth of a Bible-centered associate degree.
Read the Bible Well
Apply sound interpretation methods through BIB 100 and the thematic biblical theology of BIB 221 and BIB 222.
Trace the Human Story
Work through human history from ancient civilization through 1650 in the HUM 201–202 sequence.
Build a Biblical Worldview
Develop systematic worldview training in LIA 102, applied to contemporary culture.
Communicate Clearly
Strengthen written and spoken communication through ENG 101, ENG 102, and COM 100.
Practice Daily Discipleship
Engage ACU's first-year discipleship sequence in BIB 131 and BIB 132.
Shape Your Bible Focus
Choose twelve credits of Bible electives to deepen study in the areas that matter most to you.
The AA in Biblical Studies is shaped by the conviction that good Bible study and good general education belong together. Three commitments run through the whole degree.
Scripture Alongside History
The HUM 201–202 humanities sequence is paired with BIB 221–222 biblical theology, so students study Scripture and the human story side by side rather than in separate silos. The biblical narrative isn't bracketed off from history; it sits inside it.
Trains you to read both the Bible and history with the other in view.
Discipleship in the Curriculum
ACU's first-year sequence — LIA 101 C3, LIA 102 Biblical Worldview, BIB 131 Discipleship I, BIB 132 Discipleship II — treats Christian formation as part of the degree, not a co-curricular extra. The classroom and the discipling relationship reinforce each other.
Gives you a college experience where what you study and how you live aren't separate questions.
Liberal Arts as Christian Formation
ACU's liberal arts philosophy holds that reading widely — math, science, writing, communication, history, art — is itself part of forming Christians who think well about everything. The AA gives you a working dose of that in two years.
Equips you to bring biblical conviction into any field, not just church work.
A sample of the courses that anchor your studies in Scripture and theology. The full curriculum includes general education courses, Bible content, and biblical studies electives.
Introduction to the Bible and Biblical Interpretation
The starting point for biblical literacy — how Scripture came together and how to read it well.
BIB 101Biblical Interpretation
Learn the literal-grammatical-historical method — how to determine what the Bible says, what it means, and how to apply it.
BIB 221The Relational God — A Study of the Divine Covenants
Read Scripture from Genesis to Revelation through the lens of God's covenants with His people.
BIB 222Image Bearers — Humanity’s Story
Read Scripture from Genesis to Revelation through what it says about being made in God's image.
BIB 322The King and His Kingdom
Read Scripture from Genesis to Revelation through one of its central threads — the King and the Kingdom He establishes.
BIB 352History of the Christian Church
A survey of two thousand years of church history — from Pentecost to the present — through its leading personalities and movements.
BIB 370The Trinity
A focused study of the doctrine of the Trinity through theological, historical, exegetical, and philosophical lenses.
The AA in Biblical Studies works as a credential of its own and as the front half of a bachelor's. Both paths open real doors.
Ministry Support and Assistant Roles
Step into entry-level ministry positions in churches, parachurch ministries, and Christian nonprofits.
Christian School Staff
Serve in Christian school administrative, support, or aide positions where biblical literacy matters.
Local Church Lay Leadership
Lead small groups, teach Sunday school, or direct ministry programs with formal training under your belt.
Christian Nonprofit Staff
Bring grounded theological understanding to mission, mercy, and ministry organizations.
Transfer to the BA in Biblical and Theological Studies
Apply all 62 credits directly toward ACU's bachelor's degree — finish a four-year program in another two years.
Workforce Entry With a Christian Foundation
Use the associate degree as your credential into any field where employers value general college-level preparation.
The AA in Biblical Studies is the shortest path to an ACU degree with a Bible focus — and one of the most flexible.
Two Years to a Real Credential
A complete associate degree, not just a certificate — recognized for employment, transfer, and further study.
Twelve Credits You Choose
Four open Bible elective slots let you shape the back half of the degree to the topics that matter to you.
Stacks Into the BA
Every credit applies toward ACU's Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies if you decide to continue.
Same Faculty, Same Core
AA students sit in the same Bible and humanities classes — and learn from the same professors — as ACU's BA students.
Both Traditional and Adult Tracks
The degree is offered for traditional undergraduates and through ACU's non-traditional adult pathway.
The AA in Biblical Studies is a structured two-year program. Here’s how to start.
Apply to ACU
Submit your application — traditional undergraduate or non-traditional adult, depending on your path.
Start Your ApplicationMeet With Your Academic Advisor
Map the 62 credits across two years and plan around math, science, and any transfer credit you're bringing in.
Begin With LIA 101 and BIB 100
Most students start with ACU's first-year onboarding courses — LIA 101 C3 and BIB 100 Introduction to the Bible — in their first semester.
View LIA 101Shape Your Bible Electives
Sit down with the department to choose the twelve credits of Bible electives that best fit your interests and goals.
The AA in Biblical Studies pairs serious Bible coursework with a full liberal arts foundation in two years. Apply or reach out to map your path.