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Bachelor of Applied Theology

Students in CBU’s Bachelor of Applied Theology (BAT) program study the Bible and theology, learning who God is and how His Word applies to life. 

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Program Intro

Designed primarily for those called to pastoral ministry or church planting, the BAT program combines theological knowledge with practical ability. Students learn biblical Greek and Hebrew. Students also complete a two-year internship in a local church, gaining familiarity with 80+ areas of ministry—everything from preaching to media technology, from helping with funerals to discipling unbelievers.

124 Units
4 Semesters of Required Internship
$25000 Scholarship Awarded

Every student who is granted admission into the program is awarded a $25,000 per year scholarship.

Why Study Applied Theology at CBU?

Train with a small cohort

One of the strengths of the BAT program is its dual emphasis on theological knowledge with practical training. We are convinced that theological knowledge should be applied through the local church. BAT classes will be taken together in a small cohort-type class environment. The classes progress from year one through year four in order. 

Network with renowned theologians and pastors

Our aim is higher than seeing students simply get a job (though jobs are great and necessary). Our aim is to equip them for a divine calling in gospel ministry. To that end, we will introduce students to Christian leaders from all over the west. We work hard to strengthen relationships with pastors and churches. In addition to time with faculty, BAT students are also invited to special lectures, featuring a meal and focused time with top evangelical scholars such as Timothy George, Mark Dever, George Guthrie, David Dockery and D. A. Carson.

What You'll Learn

Program Details

APT 371: Christian Theology I

An expanded study of the biblical doctrines of God, humanity, and sin.

APT 452: Advanced Biblical Preaching

This course prepares students in communicating the truth of the ancient Scriptures to modern people.

APT 482: Pastoral Leadership

Pastoral Leadership is an intensive study of the leadership role of the pastor in relation to the nature of the church, leadership models, leadership challengers, and practical leadership strategies.

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How can I get into the BAT program?
The first step is to apply for admission to CBU (if you haven’t already). Next, you must apply separately to the BAT program. Once your application to the BAT program is complete, we will contact you for an interview with our faculty.

Do you offer the BAT degree online or in hybrid classes?
No. This degree is intended for fostering relationships and community while increasing biblical and theological knowledge. We want your academic environment to be part of the learning process. We have other degree programs (such as the Christian Studies major) which offer a wider range of course options.

Should I get a vocational degree first and study theology in seminary later?
The BAT degree is for those who are committed to a life of ministry. A biblical, theological foundation is priceless for ministry preparation. Studying the Bible, paying close attention to doctrine, and learning practical application in a local church are the essential components of ministry service, and they are the core elements of the BAT program. That being said, the BAT program does include four business courses. 

Are there scholarships available for BAT students?
Yes! The BAT program is actually a scholarship-based program. Every student who is granted admission into the program is also awarded a $25,000 per year scholarship. Students entering the program must stay in close contact with Financial Aid because receiving the BAT scholarship could mean not receiving some of the other CBU scholarships normally available. Our Financial Aid Office will work with you to help get the best possible plan together for each school year.

Can I double major as a BAT student?
Double majoring is extremely difficult. The BAT course plan is laid out with very little room for electives. BAT classes will be taken together in a small cohort-type class environment. The classes progress from year one through year four in order. All of this makes double majoring unlikely. For those who wish to double major, we suggest majoring in Christian Studies and adding a second major compatible with it.

Will there be time to enjoy extracurricular activities if I am in the BAT program?
Getting involved is not just a likelihood, it’s an expectation. We want our students interacting with the CBU community. Our BAT students work with Admissions, Spiritual Life, Residence Life, and through many organizations throughout campus. We hope you will make the most of your time while enjoying the once-in-lifetime adventure of college. The Introduction to Ministry course helps BAT students to maximize their productivity during the four-year BAT adventure.

What will I actually be learning in the BAT program?
Check out the student learning outcomes for the School of Christian Ministries here at CBU. We also have a listing of several of the courses you would be taking if you pursue the BAT degree.

Will I get a job after earning a BAT degree?
We certainly hope so! We want the same thing you want—to see you thriving in ministry. Our aim is higher than seeing you simply get a job (though jobs are great and necessary). Our aim is to equip you for a divine calling in gospel ministry. To that end, we will introduce you to Christian leaders from all over California and the west. We work hard to strengthen relationships with pastors and churches. We frequently receive job requests and post them for you through the School of Christian Ministries Facebook page. Graduates of the BAT program are in leadership positions at many of the strongest churches in the west.

Will I get practical, hands-on experience in pastoral ministry?
Yes! One of the strengths of the BAT program is its dual emphasis on theological knowledge with practical training. In the program, students must complete four semesters (two school years) of internships in a local church. In these internships, students must demonstrate competencies in 80 or more areas of ministry—everything from preaching to media technology, from helping with funerals to discipling unbelievers. We are convinced that theological knowledge should be applied through the local church.

What are some of the other advantages to the BAT program at CBU?
Beyond what has already been mentioned, the BAT program abounds with unique opportunities. Faculty members in the School of Christian Ministries are scholars who have practiced ministry in the local church. Most of these faculty have served as pastors. SCM faculty make themselves available to the BAT students because of their understanding the importance of pastoral ministry. In addition to time with faculty, BAT students are also invited to special lectures with top evangelical scholars. Our SCM lectures offer a meal and focused time with well-known scholars such as Timothy George, Mark Dever, George Guthrie, David Dockery, and D. A. Carson.

 

Anthony Chute, Ph.D.

Professor of Church History
Associate Dean, School of Christian Ministries

Office Phone: 951-343-4264
E-mail: achute@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Eugene and Billie Yeager Center B244

Adamson Co, Ph.D.

Professor of Theology

Office Phone: 951-552-8631
E-mail: aco@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Eugene and Billie Yeager Center B212

Greg Cochran, Ph.D.

Professor of Christian Studies
Director of Applied Theology

Office Phone: 951-552-8548
E-mail: gcochran@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Yeager B216

D. Jeffrey Mooney, Ph.D.

Professor of Old Testament

Office Phone: 951-343-4517
E-mail: jmooney@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Eugene and Billie Yeager Center B245

If you are ready to apply to the BAT program, the first step is to apply for admission to CBU (if you haven’t already). Next, you must apply separately to the BAT program. Once your application to the BAT program is complete, we will contact you for an interview with our faculty.

 

Daniel Bishop

The BAT program taught me to love reading (I thought that would never happen), it taught me to love God’s Word, and it taught me discipline. It prepared and equipped me to preach and help lead a great church in Riverside.

Daniel Bishop '06
Lead Pastor, The Grove Community Church

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Aaron Adame

When I started in the program, I was 29 years old, married and my wife was pregnant with our first daughter. I had no other college degree. What I needed was for this program to give me the tools to fulfill my call. BAT did all of that and more!

Aaron Adame '17
Lead Pastor

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Kristen Ferguson

I went from a very timid and shy young woman to a leader among those I served in my local church. CBU was foundational for my development spiritually, socially and educationally.

Kristen Ferguson '09
Director of Online Education, Gateway Seminary

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Timothy Bond

My four years in the BAT program showed me what I was good at and what I struggled with and gave me confidence to take the next step in my calling. I learned more about who God made me to be and how I could use that for God’s glory.

Timothy Bond '14
Pastor of Students, Calvary Chapel West Hills

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Trey Van Camp

I am convinced that I would not have been prepared to start and sustain a local church without my time at CBU. It is my joy to pursue Jesus with my congregation. I can honestly say that I am living my purpose and I am loving every second of it.

Trey Van Camp '14
Lead Pastor, Passion Creek Church

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Josh Howeth

CBU taught me how to love people and invest in people. I remember the professors' genuine care and concern for my life. That impacted me and I carry that into my everyday work as a pastor.

Josh Howeth '06
Lead Pastor, Pathway Church

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Career Possibilities

The applied theology program is designed primarily for those called to pastoral ministry or church planting. Students will be well prepared to teach and preach the gospel both locally and globally. Some careers listed below may require further education.

  • Lead Pastor
  • Executive Pastor
  • Church Planter
  • Pastoral Staff
  • Missionary
  • University Professor
  • Army Chaplain

Related Programs

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Next Steps

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