Diploma of Christian Studies -

Diploma of Christian Studies

Grow in your calling

This diploma is designed for students seeking to develop lives of meaning, purpose, and faith. The goal is spiritual formation that shapes the heart, soul, mind, and body towards missional living that will change the world. The Diploma builds on the 30-credit-hour Certificate of Christian Studies and serves as the foundation for the 120-credit-hour Bachelor of Theology and Bachelor of Christian Studies. This program qualifies for Canada and Alberta Student Loans.

Students in the DCS program will:

Demonstrate growing competency in understanding, interpreting, applying, and communicating the biblical message
Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the work of God and the Church throughout history and contemporary culture
Strengthen their sense of self as they are spiritually formed through participating in study, prayer, and service
Demonstrate confidence as they make decisions concerning further education or work that will enable them to be servant-leaders in God’s redemptive story
All incoming students will attend orientation events prior to the semester to introduce them to college life

Course Requirements

Bible/Theology (18 credits)

B101 Grasping God's Word (3)

This course explores the formation of the Bible from texts and canon to translations, and develops skills for responsible biblical interpretation.

B111 Old Testament Literature (3)

This course surveys the books of the Hebrew Bible with particular attention paid to the history of the Israelite nation within the context of the Ancient Near East.

B121 New Testament Literature (3)

This survey of the New Testament literature places the New Testament within the cultural context of the first century: Greek, Roman, and Jewish. Attention will be given to the best ways to interpret these documents historically and theologically and how the literature of the New Testament can function in the spiritual formation of the church today.

B122 Life and Teachings of Jesus (3)

The life and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth will be explored according to the material presented in the synoptic gospels. Particular attention will be given to the historical, political, and cultural background of 1st century Palestine.

B231 Christian Theology (3)

The course examines the basic approaches to, and foundations for, the study of Christian theology, with an emphasis on the most central key doctrinal teachings: theology, divine revelation, theological anthropology, soteriology, hamartiology, Christology, pneumatology, ecclesiology, eschatology, and missiology.

B333 Christian Ethics (3)

This course is a biblical examination of various theological and philosophical approaches to ethics, while working towards the development of a personal and communal Christian ethic. Attention will be given to the teachings of Jesus with representative engagement of contemporary moral issues.

Professional Studies (9 credits)

P100 Field Experience I (4)

Field experience provides a variety of service and ministry opportunities that enable students to acknowledge, strengthen, and use their gifts and abilities as they experience the local church as a community of people making a difference in the world. May be repeated for credit. Offered annually in fall and winter.

P101/P101.2 Spiritual Formation (4)

This year-long course explores a practical approach to the Christian vocation of being conformed to the image of Christ. Attention is given to fostering the Spirit’s work in our lives through both inward and outward spiritual practices. An introduction to classic and contemporary spiritual writers of the Christian tradition is also offered. Offered annually in fall and winter.

P108 Vocational Seminar (1)

This seminar explores a variety of topics surrounding vocation and provides strategies for making decisions and setting goals in order to expand students’ abilities to impact their world with passion and skill.

General Education (15)

G101 Communications Theory (3)

This course explores what communication actually is and how to ensure the message that is sent is what is actually perceived and understood, via both verbal and nonverbal communication. Students will develop and deliver oral presentations.

G220 History of Christianity (3)

This course provides an overview of Christianity from the emerging Church to the present day with a focus on critical historical and theological developments. Attention will be paid to movements, monastic orders, major persons, socio-political location, events, and dominant controversies.

G131 Contemporary Thought (3)

This course seeks to uncover the ideological roots of modern and postmodern society, while engaging significant worldviews, major philosophies, and world religions, in an attempt to better understand reasons for hope in our contemporary world.

G245 Psychology of the Family (3)

This course will consider individual development, as well as interpersonal and intra-family relationships within family systems. Students will gain understanding of why they may behave differently when they compare their behavior in the presence of their families and their behavior when they are in school or at work.

G234 Science, Technology, and Society (3)

This course provides a historical examination of scientific and technological innovations upon society, with focus on the modern world. Students will be challenged to consider the implication these innovations have on their faith.

Specialization (18)

Ministry Specialization

Choose from:

Biblical Studies
Business/Nonprofit
Counselling
Pastoral Care

Click here for the specialization breakdown.