NOTE: Mousing over program titles marked with a † below will cause the list of courses for that program to become visible in your browser.

Undergraduate Studies

Undergraduate Degrees & Diplomas

1. Diploma in Theology – is awarded to a student who successfully completes the first-year program for academic credit (30 credit-hours total).
2. Associate Degree in Theology – is awarded to a student who successfully completes the second-year program for academic credit (60 credit-hours total).
3. Advanced Diploma In Theology – is awarded to a student who successfully completes the third-year program for academic credit (90 credit-hours total).
4. Bachelor's Degree in Theology
   Bachelor's Degree in Pastoral Ministry – is awarded to a student who successfully completes the fourth-year program for academic credit (120 credit-hours total).

NOTE: Students who do not have proof of high school graduation will receive a certificate of completion for each 30-credit-hour program completed. Any such student who can later send proof of high school graduation or equivalency to their student advisor will be upgraded to degree-student status. A Life Christian University diploma/degree and transcript commensurate to the student's academic standing will then be awarded.

See the Admissions page for entrance requirements and advanced placement credits.

Undergraduate Coursework

Undergraduate coursework is split into four programs made up of 9 courses plus 1 Ministry Practicum for which a student earns 3 credit-hours each, totaling 30 credit-hours per program. At Main Campus, each of these programs is completed within a single year. Online students complete them more quickly or slowly since they are working at their own pace.

Programs #1-3 are standard for all students. All undergraduate students are required to complete Program #1 courses either by class instruction or by transfer from an approved institution. In Program?#4 (senior year), students have a choice of majors.

NOTE: Any program may change without advance notice.

Program #1†

Program #1 is foundational in nature and required for all students. It is designed to give each student a solid foundation for their own personal life and Christian walk. Program #1 addresses the four areas where Satan tries to keep a believer from being successful in life: faith, health, provision, and character. Program #1 also includes courses on the ministry of Jesus and a survey of the New Testament.

Program #2†

Program #2 is designed to give students a "jump start" into fulfilling the call of God on their lives. These courses provide training in such basics as Bible study, prayer, preaching, various giftings, and flowing with the anointing. Program #2 also includes a survey of the Old Testament as well as a course designed to help students discover their own purpose in the Kingdom of God.

Program #3†

Program #3 provides in-depth study of important books and doctrines of the Bible. Such study will help students achieve a greater degree of effectiveness in any area of church-related ministry.

Program #4

Program #4 is the year of specialization as students move into courses designed to prepare them to preach and teach the Word of God and help in areas of specialized service in the local church. Courses are grouped into "tracks" and provide a subject concentration focused on the student's major field of study. A maximum of 2 courses may be substituted in a Program #4 track as long as they have the same subject concentration. Students may choose courses from the Elective Course List below for Program #4.

Program #4: Theology Track†

This major course of study continues to build a solid foundation in the Word of God and meets the needs of the Christian worker by equipping them for various areas of full-time Christian service. This is the default track for students who do not declare a specialized major.

Program #4: Pastoral Ministry Track†

This major course of study helps prepare students for their callings as pastoral staff members of a local church and prepares them for graduate studies in theology and related fields.

Program #4: Christian Education Track†

Our School of Christian Education equips the student for teaching in a Christian Education program for a Christian school, a local congregation, or Bible training program encompassing children, youth, and/or adults It is also designed to prepare those interested in Primary & Secondary Christian School Administration.

Master's Studies

• Master in Theology
• Master in Pastoral Ministry

A Master's Degree is awarded to a student who successfully completes 36 credit-hours of study at the graduate level.

The Master's in Pastoral Ministry degree prepares the student with a rich, well-rounded program encompassing elements Church administration, Christian education, Christian counseling, music, and theology, preparing the pastor to lead the church in all areas of ministry.

See the Admissions page for entrance requirements and advanced placement credits.

Each track is made up of 9 courses, 1 Ministry Practicum for 3 credit-hours, and a formal thesis worth 6 credit-hours for a total of 36 credit-hours. (A master's candidate has the option of substituting two (2) pre-approved elective courses in lieu of the formal, 50-page-minimum thesis.)

Master in Theology Track†

This major course of study is for students who desire to expand their training and deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Bible and theology.

Master in Pastoral Ministry Track†

This major course of study helps pastors increase their effectiveness in the work of the ministry.

NOTE: These tracks are the only ones currently available to online students. Other specialized majors include: music ministry, church administration, Christian education, and Christian counseling, but the availability of these tracks depends upon the course offerings at individual physical LCU campuses.

Doctoral Studies

First-Level Doctorate

• Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.) in Theology
• Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.) in Pastoral Ministry

Second-Level Doctorate

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Theology
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pastoral Ministry

A Doctoral Degree is awarded to a student who successfully completes 45 credit-hours of study at the post-graduate level.

All doctoral-level programs are individually designed for qualified students who want an in-depth study of a particular area of ministry. Each 45-credit-hour program is designed as in-ministry education for ministry professionals and will build on ministry experience and previous education while challenging the individual candidate to pursue and realize their full potential. The Ph.D. program is the capstone to all previous academic degrees. It represents the most prestigious accomplishment in a student's educational endeavors.

See the Admissions page for entrance requirements and advanced placement credits.

Doctoral Program Requirements

1. The completion of 5 postgraduate-level courses related to the student's major and pre-approved by the student's faculty advisor.
2. One doctoral dissertation of a minimum of 150 pages. Dissertation guidelines are available from your student advisor.