Rooted in Faith, Approved by the State, Online, and Affordable: Your Path to Christian Education in California
Bachelor of Christian Studies in Biblical Apologetics and Doctrinal Discernment
A 90-credit mission-focused Christian Studies pathway in Biblical Apologetics and Doctrinal Discernment, built on OCU's shared 60-credit Christian foundation and designed for faithful, effective ministry service.
Bachelor
90 credits for the ordinary bachelor; 120 credits with the approved Honours completion stage
Online LMS + correspondence
Christian formation for ministry and service
This pathway builds on OCU's shared 60-credit undergraduate foundation and develops focused preparation in Biblical Apologetics and Doctrinal Discernment. Study is Scripture-governed and ministry-oriented, joining biblical understanding with practical discernment and service. The aim is to equip learners to handle Scripture responsibly, communicate truth faithfully, and serve with humility, integrity, and mature judgment.
Best suited to Christian learners whose calling increasingly involves defending the gospel, evaluating religious and doctrinal claims, responding to false teaching, and supporting believers facing doctrinal confusion. It offers structured biblical formation and practical competence rather than a programme framed mainly around secular employment outcomes. Learners should be prepared for careful reading, written assessment, responsible use of evidence, and disciplined independent study.
Certificate foundation (30) + Associate common core (30) + mission focus (30) = 90 credits for the ordinary bachelor. An approved 30-credit Honours completion stage may extend the pathway to 120 credits.
For full module titles, credit details, descriptors, assessment information, and route-specific requirements, use the detailed Programme Guide.
Apologetic method & worldview
Religions & doctrinal claims
Tradition & gospel boundaries
Cults & false teaching
Occultism & syncretism
Public gospel defence
Study is available through the institutional LMS or correspondence mode, with the same approved curriculum and academic standards. Assessment may include knowledge checks, reading responses, essays, case analyses, exegetical or applied work, briefs, and recorded or oral presentations. Where an Honours completion stage is pursued, additional applied or research requirements follow the approved Honours route.
Undergraduate admission considers prior study, Christian purpose or statement of faith, language readiness, technology access, and capacity for disciplined independent study. Entry to the mission-focused bachelor stage requires completion or approved recognition of the 60-credit Certificate and Associate foundation. Please consult the current Admissions page before applying.
OCU does not guarantee employment, professional licensure, ordination, immigration outcomes, transfer credit, credential evaluation, admission elsewhere, or recognition by third parties. If you have a specific external requirement, please confirm it directly with the relevant authority before enrolling. Current charges are maintained separately on the Fees and Charges page.
Ready to explore this programme?
Apply when you are ready, or review the detailed programme guide before making your decision.
