General Studies
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Credits
Bachelors 120
Avg. Completion Time
3 - 3 ½ years for a full-time student with no transfer credits.
Delivery Method
Online
Study General Studies at LBC
Our general studies program is a flexible option for those who are still discerning God’s call on their life.
Rather than preparing you for a singular career path, this program allows you to sharpen your skills in reading, writing and critical thinking – all skills that are needed in a variety of professional settings. You will learn how to communicate effectively and utilize knowledge from many areas of study. This degree requires our core biblical studies and general education curriculum but allows you the flexibility to pick and choose courses that pique your interest by choosing a minor in anything from business, counseling, communication, ministry and more.
This bachelor’s degree is part of LBC’s online undergraduate program, which is designed for busy people as they balance working full time, family responsibilities, serving in ministry and more. Each course is taught online in an 8-week subterm. Refer to the catalog link below for the engaging courses that are part of this bachelor’s degree program. Students can customize the sequence of their classes based on which courses are being offered and their prerequisites. This way, with the help of their LBC Student Success Coach, students can chart a class schedule that fits their stage in life. To be considered a “full-time student,” students must take four 3-credit courses in a semester (16-week term).
Course Length
8 weeks
When Can I Start?
As soon as you are ready! LBC has 6 enrollment points per year, meaning that you are only ever a few weeks away from the next course starting.
Program Cost & Financial Aid
Can I Transfer Credits?
Yes! If you have completed courses in other regionally accredited colleges or in the military, you may be able to transfer in credits. Read our transfer policy.
Get Credit for Life Experience
You may be able to start our degree path at LBC with some college credits! Life experience credit is college credit a student can earn based on prior learning. Read more.
General Studies Program Plan
Bachelor of Arts (BA) (120 Credits)
Bible & Theology Courses 30 Credits
Arts & Sciences Courses 37 Credits
Electives 53 Credits
View the Academic Catalog for the complete curriculum plan, course descriptions and program details.
Schedule a Time to Chat
Want to learn more about this online undergraduate program? Consider scheduling an appointment to talk virtually with an Admissions Counselor who will be glad to answer all your questions about earning an undergraduate degree.
Program Distinctives - What makes this program at LBC unique?
- Fast & Flexible Schedule: The fast-paced schedule allows you to concentrate on one or two 8-week courses at a time.
- Life Experience Credit: Earn college credits from our evaluation of your life experiences.
- Accredited: Earn your degree from an accredited Bible college in PA.
Career Paths
The General Studies bachelor’s degree prepares students for a wide range of technical and/or ministry contexts. Here is a sampling of careers and opportunities this degree affords:
- Non-profit Leader
- Entrepreneur
How Do I Determine Which Courses to Take?
Each student’s path to degree completion is unique, depending on the courses you transfer into the program. The curriculum plan gives a broad picture of the required credits. If your transfer credits come from mostly one of those areas, you will need to take credits in the other areas. The remaining courses you need for graduation can best be determined after reviewing your transcripts. With flexible electives, Biblical Studies requirements and Arts & Sciences requirements, most students are able to transfer to LBC the maximum number of credits.
Credits for Prior Learning. Students can earn up to 30 Life Experience Credits, through the Credits for Prior Learning evaluation process, which will often reduce the time to complete a degree. The Life Experience Credit evaluation process is done after a student begins a program.
Our Admissions Counselor are here to help guide you in planning your course of study.
Enhance Your Resumé by Adding a Minor
Adding a minor to your degree program can give you many benefits as a student and prospective employee. In addition to giving you a wider skill set, a minor can enhance your resumé and showcase your work ethic. Minors also allow you to study a subject area you enjoy, but that you might not want to pursue as a career. Select from the following available minors:
Business Administration
Required Courses for a Minor in Business Administration (18 credits)
- BUS 113 Foundations of Accounting (3)
- BUS 201 Business Ethics (3)
- BUS 204 Managerial Economics (3)
- BUS ____ Business Elective* (3)
- BUS ____ Business Elective* (3)
- BUS ____ Business Elective* (3)
View the Academic Catalog for details.
Communication
Required Courses for a Minor in Communication (15 credits)
- COM 102 Introduction to Communication (3)
- COM 110 Principles and Practices (3)
- COM 201 Communication Ethics (3)
- COM ____ Elective (3)
- COM ____ Elective (3)
View the Academic Catalog for details.
Criminal Justice
Required Courses for a Minor in Criminal Justice (15 credits)
- CRJ 101 Intro to Criminal Justice (3)
- CRJ 203 American Judicial System (3)
- CRJ 211 Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice (3)
- CRJ ____ Criminal Justice Elective (3)
- CRJ ____ Criminal Justice Elective (3)
View the Academic Catalog for details.
Ministry Leadership
Required Courses for a Minor in Ministry Leadership Studies (12 credits)
- CML 102 Foundations of Ministry (3)
- CML 210 Fundamentals of Leadership (3)
- MIN 201 Strategic Ministry Leadership (3)
- CML 324 Spiritual Formation of Ministry Leaders (3)
View the Academic Catalog for details.
Pastoral Ministry
Required Courses for a Minor in Pastoral Ministry (12 credits)
- PAS 102 Pastoral Ministry (3)
- PAS 201 or CML 201 Biblical Preaching or Teaching Skills (3)
- PAS 402 Pastoral Care (3)
- CML 210 Fundamentals of Leadership (3)
View the Academic Catalog for details.
Sport Management
Required Courses for a Minor (15 credits)
- SPM 105 Intro to Sport Management (3)
- SOC 412 Sociology of Sport (3)
- SPM 140 Fundamentals of Coaching (3)
- SOC 305 Sport Psychology (3)
- The fifth class is any other SPM course offered by the department
View the Academic Catalog for details.
A Graduate Shares His Experience
Hear from Carroll Briggs (’17) about his experience earning his undergraduate degree online.
Watch Video