College of Biblical Studies
A Letter From the Dean
WELCOME TO ACU’S COLLEGE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES! I’m delighted to welcome you to the College of Biblical Studies! We have a long tradition of training students for ministry in various forms, both inside and outside churches. Our college has two undergraduate programs: one in Bible, Missions and Ministry, and another in Child and Family Services; we also have graduate programs in Marriage and Family Therapy and in the Graduate School of Theology. Our ministry training equips our graduates to teach and preach the Bible, understand church history, think theologically and minister in diverse contexts. You’ll receive both top-notch instruction and practical training in areas as diverse as youth ministry, worship ministry and family ministry. Our Child and Family Services department trains students to serve children and families. After studying human
development and healthy relationships, our graduates often serve in healthcare and social service careers, such as Certified Child Life Specialists and community-based professions dealing with problems like addiction and domestic abuse; some students will go on to graduate work to become Marriage and Family Therapists. We look forward to meeting you and answering any questions you may have. Grace and peace.
Ken Cukrowski, PhD Dean, College of Biblical Studies
PURSUING EXCELLENCE The Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry offers an Integrated Degree Plan (IDP) that allows high-achieving students in the department to be provisionally admitted to the M.Div. and M.A.C.M. programs. During their senior year, students may begin taking specified graduate courses that would also count toward their B.A. in Bible and Ministry. IDP students can potentially save up to a year’s worth of tuition and living expenses and move sooner into full-time employment. Within the Department of Marriage and Family Studies, students earn a degree that is approved by the National Council on Family Relations with pre-approved courses through the Association of Child Life Professionals. Such accreditation and prestige have recently landed students in internships with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and other similar settings.
WHAT TO STUDY Bible, Missions and Ministry
Bible & Ministry • Biblical Languages • Biblical Text • Christian Ministry • Missions Ministry and Vocation • Children & Family Ministry • Vocational Missions • Worship Ministry • Youth and Family Ministry
Marriage and Family Studies Child and Family Services • Child Life
Scan for a complete list of majors, minors and pre-professional programs.
acu.edu/CBS
DISCOVER “The College of Biblical YOUR Studies has challenged me to learn how to PURPOSE Joan Lavaki has a passion for social justice, teaching, learning and creating spaces where others can experience spiritual care and spiritual formation. Growing up, she was often discouraged by the lack of role models who had backgrounds like her own. Now she is convinced that her perspective as an Asian Pacific Islander, as an immigrant and as a woman is valuable and that her voice is important and necessary. This fall, she is headed to Yale Divinity School, where she will study Pacific Islander Theology with plans to pursue her Ph.D. or go into formal ministry. “Whatever I do, I pray that it would ultimately lead me and those I encounter deeper in love with God.”
step outside of myself and to use the privilege of education to uplift, love and advocate for others like Jesus calls us to do.” — JOAN LAVAKI
JOAN LAVAKI
Ministry and vocation major, Papua, New Guinea Campus Activities: Honors College, Sing Song hostess, Hilltop and Foundation A Cappella groups, Midnight Worship team, World’s Backyard volunteer, ACU’s Center for Women in Christian Ministry, Student Fellow for the Adams Center for Teaching and Learning, Chess Club
DR. OMAR PALAFOX
Assistant professor of intercultural studies, Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry
PREPARE FOR YOUR MISSION
Dr. Omar Palafox’s favorite saying is “Do not pray for lighter burdens, but stronger backs.” And that is great advice, he says, for students considering a Bible degree – especially those who want to enter the mission field. As a Mexican-born missionary and now professor, Palafox brings an intercultural perspective to his teaching. His students dive deeply into theology in his courses but also come away with a better understanding of how to embody the teachings of Christ in a culturally sensitive and meaningful way. His goal is to help them contribute to a more inclusive global Christian community, and the benefits go both ways. “Working with students is a constant exchange of knowledge and mutual teaching,” he says. “This reciprocal blessing brings me immense joy.”
“My delight is to converse about Jesus with a good cup of coffee.” — DR. OMAR PALAFOX
LIVE OUT YOUR CALLING
Although his parents and older sister were ACU graduates, Josh Ross never felt pressure to follow in their footsteps. “I grew up with ACU on my radar because I had seen the gift it had been to my family and friends,” he says. He knew he wanted to be a minister from the day he set foot on campus, an aspiration brought to life as he earned first a bachelor’s degree in Christian ministry and then his M.Div. He met his wife, Kayci, while both were students. “ACU provided an experience that gave us friends that have lasted for over two decades. We have mentors who are still in our lives today. We feel equipped to engage an ever-changing world because ACU trained us to apply knowledge for the sake of the world.”
“ACU provided me with resources and tools that have served me for over two decades in ministry. The focus on spiritual formation has given me a foundation to center me in ministry and life.” — JOSH ROSS
JOSH ROSS
Lead minister, Sycamore View Church of Christ, Memphis, Tennessee
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING Experiential learning within the College of Biblical Studies extends beyond the classroom, as students have opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings. From participating in local outreach programs to joining international mission trips, students have the chance to serve communities, share the gospel and demonstrate Christ-like compassion. These hands-on experiences nurture a deeper understanding of their calling and equip students with practical skills that are essential for their future careers. All students in the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry will complete an internship with a church or faith-based organization, as a way to emulate the heart of a missional discipline. The Office of Spiritual Formation The Office of Spiritual Formation is pivotal in organizing Chapel and other spiritual events on campus. Students in the College of Biblical Studies frequently find themselves
involved in these initiatives, as they prepare to pursue careers in missions, ministry or worship. This collaboration provides a platform for students to actively engage with their faith, develop leadership skills and make a meaningful impact on the spiritual life of the university community. Halbert Center for Missions and Global Service For two decades, the Halbert Center for Missions and Global Service has been connecting students with international and local partners engaged in the mission of God. They partner with organizations across Abilene and the globe to create cross-cultural opportunities for service and mutual learning with our sisters and brothers in Christ throughout the Kingdom.
WHERE YOU’LL LEARN
The College of Biblical Studies is also graced by some of the most beautiful spaces on campus, the first of which is the ever-recognizable Jacob’s Dream sculpture, sitting just outside the Onstead Packer Biblical Studies Building (BSB). Constructed in 2006 by former ACU art professor Jack Maxwell, this sculpture is the hallmark welcoming those into the College of Biblical Studies.
Chapel on the Hill is another beloved location for the College of Biblical Studies and for the whole campus. This stained-glass chapel has long served as a haven for worship initiatives and weddings, rooting itself firmly in the history of ACU. Finally, nestled in a side corridor of the BSB is the Quiet Place, which offers CBS students a sanctuary for silence, study, prayer, and contemplation.
NEXT STEPS
SCHOLARSHIPS
ACU’s undergraduate application was designed specifically for motivated students like you. Take your next steps to ACU:
At ACU, we understand education is a significant investment for our students and their families. We’re committed to making the ACU experience as affordable as possible for everyone. All students admitted to ACU are considered for scholarships based on their application for admission. In addition to our merit-based awards, we offer several unique scholarships for specific interest areas such as service-learning and leadership and need-based aid for first-year students. You can view our scholarship offerings at acu.edu/scholarships.
Complete the application for admission* at acu.edu/apply** starting Aug. 1. Submit your application for free before Sept. 1.** After that date, there is a $50 nonrefundable application fee. Send your official high school and/or college transcript(s) to: Mail:
ACU Office of Admissions ACU Box 29000 Abilene, TX 79699 Email: info@admissions.acu.edu Electronic: Various sources through your high school counselor
Request your ACT, SAT or CLT scores be sent to ACU. If you do not intend to send your college placement scores, you can choose to apply test-optional. Test-optional students are not eligible for the Presidential Scholarship or Honors College. Should you be granted admission, you will be given access to confirm your admission, pay your $600 nonrefundable enrollment deposit and submit your housing preferences. The ACU enrollment deposit covers the cost of New Student Orientation, Wildcat Week and the First Year Experience. *Some programs may have additional application deadlines and admissions requirements. **Students who apply through ApplyTexas and/or CommonApp have a $50 nonrefundable application fee.
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2023-24 Undergraduate Majors | Tracks and concentrations outlined beneath majors Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Art and Design Art* • All-Level Teaching • Graphic Design • Painting • Sculpture Art Therapy Graphic Design • Advertising • User Experience Interior Architecture and Design • Art and Design • Business Communication and Sociology Communication • Communication Studies • Corporate and Nonprofit • Persuasion and Advocacy Sociology History and Global Studies History* • Public History Global Studies Interdisciplinary Degrees and Majors Liberal Studies Journalism and Mass Communication Advertising/Public Relations Journalism* Multimedia • Film • Media Ministry Language and Literature English* Spanish* Music Instrumental Education Music* Vocal Education Vocal Performance Political Science and Criminal Justice Criminal Justice Political Science • International Relations and Comparative Politics School of Education Early Childhood/Elementary
Middle School • Language Arts • Mathematics • Science • Social Studies Special Education with Early Childhood and Elementary Theatre Theatre* • Acting • Dance • Design/Technical • Directing • Musical Theatre • Theatre Ministry Biblical Studies Bible, Missions and Ministry Bible and Ministry • Biblical Languages • Biblical Text • Christian Ministry • Missions Ministry and Vocation • Children and Family Ministry • Vocational Missions • Worship Ministry • Youth and Family Ministry Marriage and Family Studies Child and Family Services • Child Life Business Administration Accounting Accounting • Analytics and Reporting • General Accounting Dukes School of Finance Finance • Financial Analysis • Financial Management • Fintech and Analytics • Wealth Management Management Sciences Information Systems • Accounting Systems • Analytics • Application Development
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Environmental Science • Environmental Sustainability • Wildlife and Natural Resource Management Biology Biology* • Cellular/Molecular Biology • General Biology • Health Professions • Organismal Biology • Pre-Veterinary Medicine • Wildlife Biology Health Professions – Biology Chemistry and Biochemistry Biochemistry • American Chemical Society • Biomedical Science • Pre-Vet Health Professions – Biochemisty Chemistry* Engineering and Physics Engineering • Civil Engineering • Electrical Engineering • General Engineering • Mechanical Engineering Physics* • Computational Physics • Engineering Physics • Engineering Science Technology • Medical Physics Mathematics Mathematics* • Actuarial Science • Applied Mathematics • Pure Mathematics *Teacher Certification available
Visit acu.edu/undergraduate for a complete list of majors, minors and pre-professional programs.
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