Applied Theology

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. 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.

About the Program
Interesting Courses
Student Learning Outcomes
FAQs
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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.

Christian Theology I

APT 371

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

Advanced Biblical Preaching

APT 452

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

Pastoral Leadership

APT 482

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.

Student Learning Outcomes

BAT majors will demonstrate biblical literacy including historical, contextual, and literary parameters, and principles of biblical interpretation.
BAT majors will know and integrate the historic doctrines of the Christian faith.
BAT majors will appreciate the people, events, and ideas that have shaped the Christian faith.
BAT majors will know the basic parameters of the Christian worldview.
BAT majors will understand the implications of commitment to Jesus Christ through development of personal character, engagement of society and communal responsibility reflected in a lifestyle consistent with biblical principles.
BAT majors will apply their education to the church, in both its local and global contexts, as servant leaders.

FAQs

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.

Take the next step toward living your purpose

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.

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Career Opportunities

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

*Some career opportunities may require further education

124

Units

50

Students in Program, On Average

39+

Student Testimonials

"God called me to be a pastor and the BAT program is excellent for this. I've grown significantly in my knowledge of the Bible and have learned how to better relate it to people."
Alix Carriedo, 2019

"I greatly enjoy being able to learn more about God and the Bible from people who have studied this their whole life. This program has expanded my courage to share the gospel with others."
Omar Guerra, 2020

"CBU has helped me love the Bible and the church more and more. After CBU, I will be far more prepared for seminary than I had thought possible."
Trevin Farson, 2020

Alumni Spotlight

"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, 2017

"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, 2006

"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, 2014

"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, 2009

"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, 2006

"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, 2014

Meet Some of Our Faculty

Greg Cochran

Program Director, Professor of Theology

I came to CBU from Kentucky. In addition to pastoring full-time and teaching as an adjunct professor at Southern Seminary, I also ran a small coffee business there. The coffee business was a practical attempt to glorify God in every experience of life—even drinking a morning cup of joe. This experience with coffee displays a desire to know God and see Him glorified in all things. For me, theology always includes receiving and sending, knowing and doing.

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Adam Co

Professor of Theology

I pastored for more than 10 years before becoming a professor of theology at CBU. Pastoring is very much a part of my DNA. I bring that into the classroom as I interact with students and impart biblical truths to them. I don’t want my students to just pass the class, as important as that is. I want them to be transformed by the Word of God by the end of the semester.

See Profile >

Anthony Chute

Professor of Church History

I became interested in church history because I wanted to become a better student of the Bible. I thought it would be helpful to know how Christians from long ago drew instruction and inspiration from Scripture. When I teach students about the history of the church, I try to help them see why people in the past thought the way they did, why their world made sense to them, and how we can benefit from their insights while avoiding their errors.

See Profile >
Jeff Mooney

Professor of Old Testament Interpretation and Theology

My approach to teaching is a healthy mix between lectures and student-driven Q-and-A sessions. I hope my students understand that the testimony of the Old Testament is the history of God’s redemptive story, which culminates in Jesus. My classes involve daily discipline and rigorous reading of not-so-simple texts. I think this type of education can open up avenues and categories for students who are looking for purpose.

See Profile >

Greg Cochran

Program Director, Professor of Theology

I came to CBU from Kentucky. In addition to pastoring full-time and teaching as an adjunct professor at Southern Seminary, I also ran a small coffee business there. The coffee business was a practical attempt to glorify God in every experience of life—even drinking a morning cup of joe. This experience with coffee displays a desire to know God and see Him glorified in all things. For me, theology always includes receiving and sending, knowing and doing.

See Profile >
Adam Co

Professor of Theology

I pastored for more than 10 years before becoming a professor of theology at CBU. Pastoring is very much a part of my DNA. I bring that into the classroom as I interact with students and impart biblical truths to them. I don’t want my students to just pass the class, as important as that is. I want them to be transformed by the Word of God by the end of the semester.

See Profile >
Anthony Chute

Professor of Church History

I became interested in church history because I wanted to become a better student of the Bible. I thought it would be helpful to know how Christians from long ago drew instruction and inspiration from Scripture. When I teach students about the history of the church, I try to help them see why people in the past thought the way they did, why their world made sense to them, and how we can benefit from their insights while avoiding their errors.

See Profile >
Jeff Mooney

Professor of Old Testament Interpretation and Theology

My approach to teaching is a healthy mix between lectures and student-driven Q-and-A sessions. I hope my students understand that the testimony of the Old Testament is the history of God’s redemptive story, which culminates in Jesus. My classes involve daily discipline and rigorous reading of not-so-simple texts. I think this type of education can open up avenues and categories for students who are looking for purpose.

See Profile >