Navigating the Bob Jones University Seminary Academic Calendar: A Comprehensive Guide

Bob Jones University (BJU) Seminary offers a variety of academic programs designed to equip students for ministry. Understanding the academic calendar and course formats is crucial for prospective and current students. This article provides a detailed overview of the BJU Seminary academic calendar, course offerings, and available resources.

Understanding Course Scheduling Options

BJU Seminary provides flexible scheduling options to accommodate various student needs. All course offerings are real-time, synchronous classes with several different scheduling options. Each course option is represented as a specific section in Student Central. For example, SCH 601-10 indicates you wish to take the course in-person, and SCH 601-50 indicates you want to take the course via interactive livestream from your location. These options include in-person classes, interactive livestream, online courses, module classes, and evening flex classes.

In-Person Classes: These courses offer face-to-face instruction on the BJU campus, providing opportunities for direct interaction with professors and fellow students.
Interactive Livestream: Select residential, module, and evening flex classes are live-streamed, making it possible for students to interact with a class in real-time from anywhere in the world.
Online Courses: These courses allow the convenience of working in an asynchronous program, meaning students do not typically meet at prescribed times; rather, most tasks take place on a week-by-week basis for the entire seven-week period.

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Module Classes: Modules classes consist of one week of intensive classroom instruction, preceded and followed by six-weeks of distant course work. This format combines the flexibility of an online program with the benefit of resident instruction. Module weeks are offered during the fall and spring semesters, and sometimes in the summer.
Evening Flex Classes: Students with day jobs can take classes on Monday and Thursday evenings. It is possible to take up to five credit hours in this format, with two-credit classes meeting for one hour and three-credit classes meeting for two hours.

Fall Semester Course Offerings

The fall semester at BJU Seminary typically runs from late August to mid-December. Here's a glimpse into some of the courses offered, showcasing the diverse range of subjects and scheduling options:

August 26 - December 19 (In-Class: October 14-18)

Church Planting & Revitalization (SCM 677-14/SCM 677-54): This course, taught by Ormiston, carries 3 credits and focuses on the biblical strategy of missions.
Biblical Strategy of Missions (SCM 777-14/SCM 777-54): Oberlin instructs this 3-credit course, delving into the biblical strategy of missions.
Advanced Counseling Methodology (SPM 855-14/SPM 855-54): Scott leads this 4-credit course, exploring advanced counseling methodologies.
Challenging Texts in Expository Preaching (SPM 867-14/SPM 867-54): Horn teaches this 4-credit course, focusing on challenging texts in expository preaching.
Advanced Biblical Theology (STh 941-14/STh 941-54): This 4-credit course, also taught by Horn, examines advanced biblical theology.

Online Courses (August 30 - October 19)

Church History (SCH 502-91): Cook teaches this 3-credit course.
Foundations of Biblical Counseling (SCM 632-91): Newcomer instructs this 3-credit course.
New Testament Introduction (SNT 681-91): Stiekes teaches this 3-credit course.
Biblical Hermeneutics (STh 635-91): This 3-credit course is taught by TBD.

Online Courses (October 18 - December 14)

Marriage & Family Counseling (SCM 637-92): Newcomer teaches this 3-credit course.
Survey of the New Testament (SNT 620-92): Hughes instructs this 2-credit course.
Exposition of Isaiah (SOT 617-92): This 3-credit course is taught by TBD.
Systematic Theology (STh 602-92): Hand leads this 3-credit course.

August 25 - December 18 (In-Class: October 13-17)

Exposition of John’s Gospel & Epistles (SNT 612-14/SNT 612-54): Köstenberger teaches this 3-credit course.
Advanced OT Theology (SOT 955-14/SOT 955-54): Talbert instructs this 4-credit course.
Contemporary Issues in Christian Ministry (SPM 840-14/SPM 840-54): This 4-credit course is taught by various professors.
Advanced Theological Method (STh 850-14/STh 850-54): This 4-credit course is taught by TBD.

Online Courses (August 29 - October 18)

Foundations of Biblical Counseling (SCM 632-91): Newcomer teaches this 3-credit course.
Addiction Issues in Counseling (SCM 638-91): Berg instructs this 3-credit course.
Exegesis of Paul’s Epistles (SNT 703-91): Hand teaches this 3-credit course.
Biblical Hermeneutics (STh 635-91): This 3-credit course is taught by TBD.

Online Courses (October 17 - December 13)

Marriage & Family Counseling (SCM 637-92): Newcomer teaches this 3-credit course.
Survey of the New Testament (SNT 620-92): Hughes instructs this 2-credit course.
Exposition of the OT Wisdom Books (SOT 616-92): Talbert teaches this 3-credit course.
Systematic Theology (STh 602-92): Hand leads this 3-credit course.

Spring Semester Course Offerings

The spring semester typically spans from mid-January to early May. Here's a look at some of the courses available during this term:

January 15 - May 8 (In-Class: March 10-14)

Advanced OT Theology (SOT 955-14/SOT 955-54): Horn teaches this 4-credit course.
Advanced Family & Marriage Counseling (SPM 853-14/SPM 853-54): Scott leads this 4-credit course.
A Missions-Sending Pastor/Church (SPM 877-14/SPM 877-54): Johnson/Anderson instruct this 4-credit course.
Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics (STh 840-14/STh 840-54): This 4-credit course is taught by TBD.

Online Courses (January 17 - March 8)

Foundations of Biblical Counseling (SCM 632-91): Newcomer teaches this 3-credit course.
Advanced Counseling Issues (SCM 635-91): Berg instructs this 3-credit course.
Foundations for Greek Exegesis (SNT 621-90): Hand teaches this 3-credit course.
Old Testament Introduction (SOT 681-91): West teaches this 3-credit course.
Systematic Theology (STh 601-91): Hand leads this 3-credit course.

Online Courses (March 7 - May 3)

Church History (SCH 601-92): Cook teaches this 3-credit course.
Theories of Counseling (SCM 631-92): Johnson teaches this 3-credit course.
Counseling Issues (SCM 633-92): Marshall leads this 3-credit course.
Exposition of Revelation (SNT 619-92): Hand teaches this 3-credit course.
Survey of the Old Testament (SOT 620-92): West instructs this 2-credit course.

January 14 - May 7 (In-Class: March 9-13)

Advanced Greek Grammar (SNT 905-14/SNT 905-54): This 4-credit course is taught by TBA.
Biblical Ministry to Trauma Sufferers (SPM 857-14/SPM 857-54): Scott leads this 4-credit course.
A Disciple-Making Pastor/Church (SPM 879-14/SPM 879-54): Gotcher/Potter instruct this 4-credit course.
Topics in Historical Theology (STh 875-14/STh 875-54): This 4-credit course is taught by TBD.

Online Courses (January 16 - March 7)

Foundations of Biblical Counseling (SCM 632-91): Newcomer teaches this 3-credit course.
Advanced Counseling Issues (SCM 635-91): Berg instructs this 3-credit course.
Biblical Theology of Missions (SCM 675-91): This 3-credit course is taught by TBD.
Systematic Theology (STh 601-91): Hand leads this 3-credit course.
NT Theology (STh 750-91): This 3-credit course is taught by TBD.

Online Courses (March 6 - May 2)

Theories of Counseling (SCM 631-92): This 3-credit course is taught by TBD.
Counseling Issues (SCM 633-92): This 3-credit course is taught by TBD.
Exposition of Romans (SNT 614-92): Hand teaches this 3-credit course.
Survey of the Old Testament (SOT 620-92): West instructs this 2-credit course.
Application of Scripture (STh 630-92): Casillas teaches this 2-credit course.

Summer Course Offerings

The summer term provides opportunities for students to accelerate their studies or focus on specific areas of interest. Here are some courses offered during the summer:

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May 12 - June 28

Counseling Children & Adolescents (SCM 630-91): Cathers teaches this course.
Foundations of Biblical Counseling (SCM 632-91): Newcomer instructs this course.
Methods of Greek Exegesis (SNT 622-91): Hand teaches this course.

June 30 - August 16

Counseling Issues (SCM 633-92): Johnson teaches this course.
Marriage & Family Counseling (SCM 637-92): Newcomer instructs this course.
Principles & Methods of Teaching Bible (SHM 635-92): Hand teaches this course.
Pastoral Theology (SCM 607-92): Stiekes teaches this course.
New Testament Introduction (SNT 681-92): This course is taught by TBD.

May 11 - June 27

Counseling Children & Adolescents (SCM 630-91): Cathers/Johnson teach this course.
Foundations of Biblical Counseling (SCM 632-91): Newcomer instructs this course.
Expository Sermon Preparation (SHM 634-91): Hand teaches this course.
Old Testament Introduction (SOT 681-91): Casillas teaches this course.
Biblical Sanctification (STh 703-91): Hand teaches this course.

June 29 - August 15

Counseling Issues (SCM 633-92): Marshall teaches this course.
Marriage & Family Counseling (SCM 637-92): Newcomer instructs this course.
Exposition of Isaiah (SOT 617-92): Casillas teaches this course.
Old Testament Theology (STh 740-92): Casillas teaches this course.
Theology & Practice of Prayer (STh 776-92): This course is taught by TBD.

Course Descriptions and Required Materials

The Bob Jones University catalog provides an overview of all degrees and a brief synopsis of every class offered. Here are some examples of course descriptions and required materials:

SCM 631 Theories of Counseling: A historical survey of the relationship of secular, integrationist, and biblical counseling models to the church. Examines the counseling theories of prominent Christian counselors and counseling organizations from a biblical counseling viewpoint.
SCM 633 Counseling Issues: Builds on the foundation of SCM 632.
- Required Books:
  - Courage: Fighting Fear with Fear - 2nd, 2014 EditionMack, Wayne A.
  - Pleasing People: How Not to Be an Approval Junkie - illustrated ed.
SNT 614 Exposition of Romans: An exposition of the epistle in light of the circumstances and experience of the Apostle Paul and the congregation in Rome. Careful attention is given to the structure of the book and the development of its major theological arguments. Exposure to both the classic and most recent commentary literature on Romans.
SOT 620 Survey of the Old Testament: Orientation of the student to the content and theological message of each book of the Old Testament. The focus is on the macroscopic perspective and the relevance of the Old Testament to the present.

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- Required Book:
  - Old Testament Today - 2nd ed. EditionJohn H. Walton and Andrew E.
STh 630 Application of Scripture: Investigation of the theological basis for the discipline of biblical application and development of a methodology for sound application. Illustrates the process for applying various genres of Scripture and for using Scripture to address contemporary issues.
- Required Book:
  - Four Views on Moving beyond the Bible to Theology - 1st ed, 2009 EditionGary T.
SCM 630 Counseling Children & Adolescents: Presents the biblical counseling principles and procedures for helping elementary and secondary school-age children. Topics include self-image, anxiety, fear, and abuse.
- Required Books:
  - Caring for the Souls of Children - 1st EditionAmy Baker, Ed.New Growth PressISBN: 9781645070634Note: First Edition August 31, 2020. ISBN-10: 1645070638.
  - Building Bridges: Biblical Counseling Activities for Children and TeensJulie LoweNew Growth PressISBN: 9781645070504Note: eBook is also an option: ISBN-13: 978-1-645070-52-8.
SCM 632 Foundations of Biblical Counseling: Establishes a theological and practical introduction to the ministry of biblical counseling. Presents a biblical Christ-centered foundation, including the doctrines of the sufficiency of Scripture and progressive sanctification.
SHM 634 Expository Sermon Preparation: A step-by-step approach to the development of expository sermons, with careful attention to exegetical accuracy and effective homiletical formatting.
SOT 681 Old Testament Introduction: Canon and text of the Old Testament; composition, authorship, date and content of each book.
- Required Book:
  - The World and the Word: An Introduction to the Old Testament - 2011 EditionEugene H. Merrill, Mark F. Rooker, and Michael A.
STh 703 Biblical Sanctification:
- Required Book:
  - Five Views on Sanctification rev. ed. - 1996 EditionMelvin E.
SOT 617 Exposition of Isaiah: Expositional studies in Isaiah with an emphasis on the integrity of the structure of the book and the development of the book’s theme throughout its content in refutation of critical claims. Includes discussion of how to structure a preaching series from Isaiah and allows the student an opportunity to develop messages from different-sized portions of the book.
- Required Books:
  - The Prophecy of Isaiah - 1993 EditionJ. Alec MotyerDowners GroveInterVarsity PressISBN: 0830814248Note: You will need access to Edward J.*New Dictionary of Biblical Theology - 2000 EditionAlexander, T. Desmond and Brian S. Rosner, eds.*Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers - 1975 EditionBennett, A. ed.

Accreditation and Recognition

Bob Jones University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Additionally, BJU Seminary holds accreditation from TRACS (Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools). This status is effective for a period of ten years. TRACS is recognized by the United States Department of Education, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE).

Additional Resources and Support

BJU offers exciting activities for students of all ages, from high school festival to educamps in the summer and homeschool events. The university provides various resources to support students throughout their academic journey. These include:

Friendly, professional staff: Available to assist with any questions or concerns.
Caring faculty and supportive community: Fostering an environment of growth and encouragement.
Strengthening academic skills: Providing support in writing papers and taking tests.
Events Calendar: A comprehensive calendar of events taking place on campus, including fine arts, sports, and special events.

The BJU Seminary Experience

Seminary is not just about classes and learning content; it’s a crucial time of discipleship and development. With one-on-one mentoring with faculty, ample ministry opportunities in local churches, and an environment to disciple undergraduate students, BJU Seminary is an experience that will connect the theology you learn to the life you live. More than half of our professors are current or former pastors, and as a faculty they are committed to helping you maximize your training, both in the classroom and in the church.

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