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Bachelor of Arts in Bible, General Studies Emphasis

General Studies: Grow in God’s Word

Whether you plan to expand your personal ministry by serving in your church or reaching out to coworkers in a secular workplace, thoroughly studying Scripture will help equip you to emulate Christ in your daily life.

The general studies emphasis at Pensacola Christian College skillfully combines Bible and liberal arts classes to give you a well-rounded education while deepening your scriptural knowledge. Specialized Bible content courses covering the books of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation will give you an in-depth look at Scripture—beyond just reading Bible commentaries. Additionally, biblical training classes like Introduction to Biblical Counseling and Interpersonal Relationships will train you to apply what you’ve learned and serve Christ every day.

You’ll also gain key ministry experience when you participate in some of the countless service opportunities on campus. Prepare for your personal ministry with Christian Service, missions trips, and so much more. When you graduate, you’ll be fully equipped with rich biblical knowledge and a firm stance on the authority of God’s Word, ready to serve your Savior wherever you go in life.


Studying Bible—General Studies to Serve the Lord

By increasing your knowledge and understanding of the Bible, the general studies emphasis enhances your ability to serve others. Additionally, pursuing a general studies emphasis prepares you to share your faith in any setting, whether in the workplace or church ministry. Wherever you go, you can use the biblical and academic training you’ve received to demonstrate Christ’s love.

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General Studies Emphasis Learning Outcomes

As a general studies emphasis graduate, you’ll be able to

  • demonstrate thorough knowledge of the content and themes of the Word of God.
  • defend sound doctrine.
  • evaluate current issues in light of biblical teaching.
  • develop a biblical philosophy of ministry.
  • present biblical truth correctly and clearly.

Program Highlights

Bible Content Classes

Several classes focus intently on God’s Word, exploring the meaning, background, author, and events that make up the Scriptures. Taught from a perspective that acknowledges the ultimate authority of the Bible, your classes will cover key books like Genesis (BI 314), Isaiah (BI 320), and Revelation (BI 414). Together these classes will build a solid biblical foundation you can use to share the gospel effectively.

Introduction to Biblical Counseling

Learn practical counseling techniques and how to minister to those around you (PR 262). You’ll gain a foundational understanding of the difference between biblical guidance and secular counseling and the critical role that Scripture should play when advising others.

Your General Studies Future

What can you do with a general studies emphasis?

When you graduate with a general studies emphasis from PCC’s Bible department, you can enter your chosen field. You’ll also have the option to pursue higher education with a master’s in Bible. Wherever you go, you can use your degree to share the love of Christ.

Here are a few of the countless career opportunities available to you.

  • Associate Pastor
  • Bible Teacher
  • Children’s Pastor
  • Counselor
  • Church Leader
  • Christian Camp Director

Here are a few of the grad schools our general studies alumni have attended.

  • Aspen University
  • Maranatha Baptist University
  • Liberty University
  • Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Here are a few of the many places that our general studies alumni have worked.

  • Child Evangelism Fellowship
  • Greater Houlton Christian Academy
  • Tacoma Baptist Schools
  • Tripler Army Medical Center
  • Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
  • Pro Football Hall of Fame

Faculty Highlight

Rob Small

Dr. Rob Small

B.S., Pensacola Christian College
M.A., M.Div., D.Min., Pensacola Theological Seminary


“My desire for general studies students is that they would use the knowledge they gain in their college Bible classes to serve the Lord now and in the future. After they graduate, students should be able to serve the Lord in various ministries in their local churches, whether as full-time staff or lay volunteers. The general studies emphasis is a non-ministerial program designed for the student who wants to be equipped with a solid foundation of Bible content and doctrine.

Students with a general studies emphasis will take a variety of Bible classes aimed at increasing their confidence in teaching and applying the Bible to various audiences. If you have a heart for God, a love for the Bible, and a desire to serve others but aren’t sure in what capacity, then this program may be a good fit for you.”

Meet more faculty

Alumni Spotlight

Seth Shivler
Seth Shivler ’23

New Accounts Representative at Somerset Trust Company


“When I was graduating high school, I had no idea what I was supposed to do with my life. I felt called to ministry, but I didn’t feel called to be a pastor or anything like that. So, I decided to [study] Bible, General Studies so I could get a broad education. [It] was perfect for me since I wasn’t sure what ministry or work God was calling me to. Even though I didn’t know what God’s will was when I graduated high school, I was able to find [it] at PCC. The Lord has given me the burden to reach and influence teens to live for the Lord Jesus Christ, so I have been working with the youth at my church, teaching classes, and leading a teen Sunday school class—all while working in the field I love: the banking industry.

I was well prepared for the workforce and glad for the varied studies at PCC. I got a very broad education with my Bible, General Studies degree that allowed me to fill just about any role God could have called me to.”

Meet more alumni

About the General Studies Emphasis

The purpose of the general studies emphasis is to prepare Christians for effective service in a nonpastoral setting.

General studies students can apply for scholarships to receive financial aid.

Vocational Ministry Scholarship (up to $12,000)

  • Available to a qualified applicant who has declared a Bible major with a concentration in biblical counseling, biblical studies, general studies, missions, music ministries, or youth ministries and comes from a church that is Bible-believing.
  • Applicants must have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.00 or higher.
  • Recipients must maintain a 2.00 GPA each year (not cumulative) at Pensacola Christian College in order to receive the benefit of the scholarship. Students who forfeit the scholarship because of grade point average will forfeit the benefit for future years.
  • Recipients receive a tuition benefit up to $12,000 (approximately $3,000 annually; 20% of total tuition) up to eight semesters of attendance after approval. If the student is enrolled in the Fourth Year Tuition-Free program, scholarship payments will not be applied during semesters the student is receiving the Fourth Year Tuition-Free benefit.
See More Scholarships
Students talking with Representative at Career Fair

Bible Career Support

With Career Services and Career Link, students can start making connections with employers while on campus during Career Fair events. These services provide tools and resources designed to empower you for your career.

Need help? Career Services staff are ready to assist you in researching employment opportunities, exploring job qualifications, and providing mock interviews and résumé support.