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Bachelor of Science

Christian
Leadership.

Lead with conviction. Build stronger teams. In this online bachelor’s degree in Christian leadership, connect biblical understanding with practical skills for developing people and planning ministry.

Explore the degree ↓Talk with admissions
What you'll develop

More than knowledge.
Capability you can show.

For emerging leaders, church staff, and people serving in mission-driven organizations.

Lead with biblical clarity.

Connect Scripture and a Christian understanding of leadership to real decisions.

Build effective teams.

Develop your approach to team formation, communication, and conflict resolution.

Turn vision into a plan.

Strengthen strategic planning, organizational design, and financial stewardship.

Build a portfolio of work.

Document application projects such as plans, programs, and team training resources.

Optional concentrations · 2026-27 catalog

A shared foundation.
A focus that fits your calling.

Choose a concentration within your Bachelor of Science in Christian Leadership program, or pursue the program without one.

Your concentration courses

Camp Ministry

Part of your 120-credit degree.

Concentration requirements count within Ministry & Leadership Electives (21 credits); they do not add to the degree total.

View official concentration requirements ↗

Select 4 courses from 6 eligible courses.

CourseCredits
CAM400Learning Activities, Games and Events3
CAM401Foundations of Camping & Outdoor Education3
CAM405Counseling in Active Learning Environments3
CAM407Foundations of Experience-Based Learning3
CAM409Recreational Programming3
CAM424Management of Support Services3
How you learn

Your leadership context
becomes part of the course.

Online coursework connects with a relevant role in a church, camp, nonprofit, or other ministry setting. A volunteer or professional role can work. Admissions can help you confirm a context that fits your program.

Plan Your Course Load

A typical full-time undergraduate load is 6 credits per 8-week term. Taking courses in all five terms offers a pace of 30 credits per year. Partner schedules may use 8- or 16-week terms. Your completion time depends on your program, approved prior credits, and course plan.

01
Explore

Study Scripture, leadership theory, and relevant organizational practice.

02
Reflect

Examine how those ideas relate to the challenges you encounter.

03
Apply

Create work that demonstrates what you are learning.

2026-27 Academic Catalog

Your curriculum.
120 credits, clearly mapped.

Build your foundation in biblical study, arts and sciences, and professional ministry. Focus your electives around your goals.

View official degree requirements ↗

Requirements from the published 2026-27 catalog.

Arts & Sciences Core (51 Credits)
Christianity & Contexts (15 Credits)

Four required courses plus one theology alternative. Each course counts once toward the program.

BIB100 · Principles of Bible Study — 3 credits

BIB110 · Bible Survey — 3 credits

COU209 · Spiritual Formation & Identity — 3 credits

THE120 · Foundations for Christian Living — 3 credits

Theology Elective (3 Credits)

Select 1 of the following options.

THE211 · Introduction to Biblical Theology — 3 credits

THE201 · Theology Survey — 3 credits

Communication & Collaboration (6 Credits)

Select 6 credits from the eligible courses.

Communication, collaboration and information literacy.

Eligible Courses (9 Courses)
  • OLE245 · Team Dynamics — 3 credits
  • COM101 · Speech Communication — 3 credits
  • ENL300 · Great Authors — 3 credits
  • COM150 · Small Group Communication — 3 credits
  • ENC100 · Fundamentals of Written Communication — 3 credits
  • COM320 · Communicating for a Cause — 3 credits
  • COM225 · Interpersonal and Group Communication — 3 credits
  • ENC137 · English Composition II — 3 credits
  • COM321 · Intercultural Communication — 3 credits
Critical Thinking & Creativity (3 Credits)

Select 3 credits from the eligible courses.

Eligible Courses (9 Courses)
  • LDR340 · Introduction to Accelerated Learning — 3 credits
  • PHI210 · Logic & Critical Thinking — 3 credits
  • ETH230 · Service, Ethics & Civic Responsibility — 3 credits
  • PHI130 · Introduction to Ethics — 3 credits
  • PHI110 · Foundations of Worldviews — 3 credits
  • MAT121 · Problem-Solving Strategies — 3 credits
  • SLS167 · Foundations of Learning — 3 credits
  • DES111 · Design Thinking & Creativity — 3 credits
  • PHI120 · Contemporary Worldviews — 3 credits
Civic & Global Engagement (3 Credits)

Select 3 credits from the eligible courses.

Eligible Courses (10 Courses)
  • ETH230 · Service, Ethics & Civic Responsibility — 3 credits
  • LDR330 · Servant Leadership — 3 credits
  • OLE250 · Leadership, Ethics & Community Formation — 3 credits
  • HIS221 · Roots of Christianity — 3 credits
  • CIV220 · Applied Civics & Community Impact — 3 credits
  • ANT210 · Introductory Cultural Anthropology — 3 credits
  • LDR130 · Fundamentals of Leadership and Service — 3 credits
  • GLS150 · Social Problems — 3 credits
  • GLS220 · World Religions — 3 credits
  • GLS210 · Survey of Global Issues — 3 credits
Contextualization (Social & Scientific) (3 Credits)

Select 3 credits from the eligible courses.

Eligible Courses (14 Courses)
  • SLS150 · Foundations of Lifelong Learning — 3 credits
  • PHI130 · Introduction to Ethics — 3 credits
  • PHI110 · Foundations of Worldviews — 3 credits
  • STA210 · Statistics for Social Impact & Program Evaluation — 3 credits
  • PSY130 · Human Performance & Resilience — 3 credits
  • LDR310 · Introduction to Emotional Intelligence — 3 credits
  • HLP150 · Personal Health — 3 credits
  • ANT210 · Introductory Cultural Anthropology — 3 credits
  • SLS167 · Foundations of Learning — 3 credits
  • GLS150 · Social Problems — 3 credits
  • PSY101 · Introduction to Psychology — 3 credits
  • GLS210 · Survey of Global Issues — 3 credits
  • COM321 · Intercultural Communication — 3 credits
  • PHI120 · Contemporary Worldviews — 3 credits
Computation (Quantitative Reasoning) (3 Credits)

Select 3 credits from the eligible courses.

Eligible Courses (4 Courses)
  • MAT121 · Problem-Solving Strategies — 3 credits
  • STA210 · Statistics for Social Impact & Program Evaluation — 3 credits
  • FIN230 · Budgeting, Supplies, & Resource Planning for Programs — 3 credits
  • FIN131 · Personal Finance — 3 credits
Additional Arts & Sciences (18 Credits)

Select 18 credits from the eligible courses.

Complete 18 additional Arts & Sciences credits without double counting courses used in another block. Eligible pool requires confirmation.

Eligible Courses (62 Courses)
  • LDR340 · Introduction to Accelerated Learning — 3 credits
  • COM456 · Fundraising and Development — 3 credits
  • PHI210 · Logic & Critical Thinking — 3 credits
  • SLS160 · Introduction to Career Development — 3 credits
  • ETH230 · Service, Ethics & Civic Responsibility — 3 credits
  • CAM400 · Learning Activities, Games and Events — 3 credits
  • BIB316 · Romans — 3 credits
  • SLS150 · Foundations of Lifelong Learning — 3 credits
  • HLP100 · Personal Wellness Appraisal & Improvement — 3 credits
  • COM101 · Speech Communication — 3 credits
  • LDR220 · Introduction to Leadership — 3 credits
  • ENL300 · Great Authors — 3 credits
  • BIB320 · Phillipians — 3 credits
  • COM150 · Small Group Communication — 3 credits
  • PHI130 · Introduction to Ethics — 3 credits
  • PHI110 · Foundations of Worldviews — 3 credits
  • BIB305 · Nehemiah — 3 credits
  • COU139 · Understanding People — 3 credits
  • ENC100 · Fundamentals of Written Communication — 3 credits
  • BIB211 · Old Testament Directed Study — 3 credits
  • PEN251 · Canoeing — 1 credits
  • IDS110 · Living by Design: Identity, Purpose & Career Pathways — 3 credits
  • BIB315 · Acts — 3 credits
  • COM320 · Communicating for a Cause — 3 credits
  • CAM405 · Counseling in Active Learning Environments — 3 credits
  • SLS230 · Service Professions Seminar & Career Exploration — 3 credits
  • COM225 · Interpersonal and Group Communication — 3 credits
  • MAT121 · Problem-Solving Strategies — 3 credits
  • BIB325 · 1 John — 3 credits
  • ENC137 · English Composition II — 3 credits
  • STA210 · Statistics for Social Impact & Program Evaluation — 3 credits
  • BIB319 · Ephesians — 3 credits
  • HIS221 · Roots of Christianity — 3 credits
  • PSY130 · Human Performance & Resilience — 3 credits
  • BIB301 · Genesis — 3 credits
  • BIB111 · Old Testament Survey — 3 credits
  • PEN210 · Outdoor Living Skills — 1 credits
  • BIB313 · John — 3 credits
  • CRI240 · Service Professions Seminar & Career Exploration — 3 credits
  • CIV220 · Applied Civics & Community Impact — 3 credits
  • BIB112 · New Testament Survey — 3 credits
  • BIB212 · New Testament Directed Study — 3 credits
  • HLP150 · Personal Health — 3 credits
  • PEN220 · Recreational Activities — 3 credits
  • ANT210 · Introductory Cultural Anthropology — 3 credits
  • SLS167 · Foundations of Learning — 3 credits
  • BIB321 · James — 3 credits
  • LDR130 · Fundamentals of Leadership and Service — 3 credits
  • DES111 · Design Thinking & Creativity — 3 credits
  • GLS150 · Social Problems — 3 credits
  • BIB317 · 1 Corinthians — 3 credits
  • LDR230 · Personal & Team Leadership — 3 credits
  • PSY101 · Introduction to Psychology — 3 credits
  • GLS220 · World Religions — 3 credits
  • COM457 · Introduction to Grant Writing — 3 credits
  • GLS210 · Survey of Global Issues — 3 credits
  • COM321 · Intercultural Communication — 3 credits
  • BIB303 · Psalms — 3 credits
  • FIN230 · Budgeting, Supplies, & Resource Planning for Programs — 3 credits
  • PHI120 · Contemporary Worldviews — 3 credits
  • BIB310 · Matthew — 3 credits
  • FIN131 · Personal Finance — 3 credits

The published pool excludes 1 courses. See the official catalog for exclusions and advising details.

Professional Ministry Core (18 Credits)

LDR301 · Foundations of Leadership — 3 credits

MIN401 · Dynamics of Discipleship — 3 credits

MIN402 · Introduction to Impact Ministry Leadership — 3 credits

MIN403 · Principles of Ministry Strategy — 3 credits

MIN404 · Developing Dynamic Teams — 3 credits

MIN408 · Organizational Communication — 3 credits

Ministry & Leadership Electives (21 Credits)

Select 21 credits from the eligible courses.

Seven 3-credit electives from MIN, CAM, MIS or YMN, excluding courses used in the required core or another block. Confirm and attach the reusable eligible pool before approval. Optional concentration uses four aligned courses within these 21 credits, not additional credits.

Eligible Courses (26 Courses)
  • MIN320 · Effective Bible Teaching — 3 credits
  • LDR340 · Introduction to Accelerated Learning — 3 credits
  • MIN411 · Planning for Integrative Learning — 3 credits
  • CAM400 · Learning Activities, Games and Events — 3 credits
  • MIS501 · Global Mission & Culture — 3 credits
  • CAM407 · Foundations of Experience-Based Learning — 3 credits
  • LDR330 · Servant Leadership — 3 credits
  • CAM409 · Recreational Programming — 3 credits
  • CAM405 · Counseling in Active Learning Environments — 3 credits
  • MIS311 · Intercultural Ministry Philosophy — 3 credits
  • MIN414 · Mobilization of Staff and Volunteers — 3 credits
  • YMN407 · Youth Evangelism — 3 credits
  • LDR310 · Introduction to Emotional Intelligence — 3 credits
  • CAM401 · Foundations of Camping & Outdoor Education — 3 credits
  • COU439 · Marriage & Family Counseling — 3 credits
  • MIS411 · Intercultural Evangelism — 3 credits
  • CAM424 · Management of Support Services — 3 credits
  • YMN301 · Youth Ministry Philosophy — 3 credits
  • MIN405 · Governance & Admin of Nonprofit Organizations — 3 credits
  • MIN311 · Personal Life of the Ministry Leader — 3 credits
  • YMN321 · Youth Ministry Communication — 3 credits
  • MIN312 · Family Life of the Ministry Leader — 3 credits
  • MIN407 · Risk Management of Nonprofit Organizations — 3 credits
  • LDR311 · Introduction to Nonprofit Management — 3 credits
  • YMN315 · Adolescents & Youth Culture — 3 credits
  • MIS321 · Intercultural Communication — 3 credits

The published pool excludes 6 courses. See the official catalog for exclusions and advising details.

Free Electives (30 Credits)

Complete 30 credits of free electives.

Total degree credits120
An ACU Faculty Story
Understand your investment

Your pace.
Your annual investment.

Explore a tuition estimate based on your expected credits and study pace. A credit review helps turn your estimate into a personal degree plan.

Estimated annual tuition
$7,500
$30,000 estimated remaining degree tuition

120 credits remaining · 4 years at this pace

Your undergraduate comparison
Selected Christian online bachelor’s programs
$400/credit benchmark · 30 credits this year$12,000
$4,500projected annual tuition savings

$18,000 lower tuition over your remaining 120 credits.

Traditional Christian undergraduate programs$35,920/yearPublished tuition & fees before aid · 2025–26
Comparison Sources & Assumptions

Online benchmark: rounded, equally weighted mean of seven selected schools’ 2026–27 tuition rates ($400.10, rounded to $400/credit). Full-time rates where applicable; Cairn’s block tuition normalized to 15 credits per semester. This is a selected-school comparison, not a national average.

Savings compare tuition for the same modeled credits at ACU and the online benchmark. Transfer credit and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) acceptance vary by school; equal remaining credits are an assumption, not a promise. Actual part-time and block tuition may differ. Fees, books, financial aid, additional ministry subsidies, and future price changes are excluded.

Campus reference: average annual tuition and fees at 40 reporting institutions in the 2025 Bethel survey of CCCU institutions, slide 65. Includes fees; ACU’s estimate is tuition only. Shown for context, not used to calculate savings. Housing is excluded. Sources reviewed October 29, 2026.

Most ministry partners subsidize $100/credit or more in addition to the partner rate; not included above.

Tuition estimate only; credit approval required. See the catalog for details.

Make an informed decision

Your questions.
Clear answers.

What will set me apart when I take my next step?

Anchor's integrated approach helps you move forward with financial freedom, demonstrated ability, and relationships that matter.

A path toward a debt-free launch. Accessible tuition, partner discounts, and additional ministry subsidies can help you prepare for ministry or further study without carrying education debt into your next chapter.

A portfolio that shows what you can do. Real projects completed throughout your degree give you concrete evidence of your competencies—work you can put on your résumé, discuss in interviews, and share with future ministry leaders.

People who can champion your next step. Learning and serving alongside organizational leaders builds a network of people who know your name, have seen your work, and can offer references, introductions, and encouragement as you move forward.

Do I need to be serving in ministry already?

The program connects learning to a real organizational context. Talk with admissions about your current role or opportunities to establish an appropriate context.

Can previous study or experience count?

A transfer and prior-learning review can evaluate eligible learning against program requirements. Credit is determined through that review.

How do I take the next step?

Start with an admissions conversation about your goals, background, learning context, and degree plan.

Talk with admissions ↗

Your next chapter
in leadership.

Let's explore how this degree fits the work you're called to do.

Talk with admissions ↗