Christian Studies Dual-level Program (BS in Bible + Master of Divinity)
Whether in a church or parachurch setting, begin your full-time ministry up to three years faster with the BS in Bible + MDiv dual-level program.
Why Christian Studies BS + Master of Divinity?
This program is for highly motivated individuals who are strongly considering or already know that they want to pursue a Master of Divinity degree. While not required for full-time pastoral ministry, an MDiv is a preferred degree that many churches look for on an application. Having an MDiv degree communicates that you have dedicated a significant amount of time to preparing for ministry through a study of theology and the Scriptures—usually in the original languages.
This program can prepare you for ministry or, if you are considering an academic route, be your next step toward a ThM and PhD program.
The Cairn University dual-level BS in Bible/MDiv program allows you to condense what would be eight years of study (four-year bachelor’s + four-year master’s) into just five years by starting master-level courses as early as your sophomore year. You’ll be able to complete all requirements for both degrees in as few as five years without taking summer courses.
You will also continue to receive your undergraduate scholarships and tuition aid for all five years of study, which will save you thousands of dollars.
Christian Studies + Master of Divinity at Cairn
Academic Opportunity
Study the Bible cover to cover, taking courses that range from surveys of the Old Testament to exegetical studies of Revelation.
Career Preparation
Develop the skills of pastoral ministry
Personalized Education
Learn how to properly exegete and translate the Scriptures through an in-depth study of Greek and Hebrew (four semesters of each language).
Graduate School Preparation
Deeply explore each branch of systematic theology and the history of theology.
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Get an inside look at our Christian Studies BS + Master of Divinity Program
There are over 70 unique programs at Cairn to choose from! Not sure if this is the best program for you? Here are some more details to help you decide.
Required Credits: 168
Curriculum Highlights:
- BIB 700 Canon/Context of the Bible
- CHM 791 Guided Field Experience
- HEB 432 Exegesis of Hebrew Poetry
- THE 711 History/Doctrine of Triune God
- THE 712 Hist/Doc of Human/Sin/Salv
- THE 751 Apologetics
Senior Pastor
Associate/Assistant Pastor
Camp Director
Bible Teacher
Chaplain
Missionary
Professor (with further study)
- Youth and Family Ministry (BS) + MA Religion Dual-Level Program
- Youth and Family Ministry (BS) + MBA Dual-Level Program
- Youth and Family Ministry (BS) + MDiv Dual-Level Program
- Youth and Family Ministry (BS) + MS in Nonprofit Leadership Dual-Level Program
- Youth and Family Ministry (BS) + MS in Organizational Development Dual-Level Program
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An Affordable Education
While the cost of a Cairn University education is competitive with similar institutions, we realize you may need financial assistance to take this journey. You are not alone. 97% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance.
Meet Our Faculty
Gregory Parker Jr.
Assistant Professor, School of Divinity
Gregory Parker Jr. joined the School of Divinity faculty in 2022. He teaches courses in systematic theology at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, including Triune God, Narrative of Redemption, and Life and Calling.
After graduating from Cairn University in 2013, Greg pursued graduate school in theology, receiving an MDiv and a ThM from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA.
He completed his PhD in systematic theology at the University of Edinburgh under the supervision of James Eglinton. His dissertation focuses on the relationship between the dogmatics and ethics of the 19th century Dutch Reformed theologian, Herman Bavinck. He also played lacrosse for the University of Edinburgh.
In addition to teaching, Greg loves Philadelphia sports, hanging with friends and family, and advocating for Tame Impala.
He is delighted to be teaching at Cairn because, in his words, “Students here are guided toward a different path than that of the world, but it is the glorious and narrow path that all Christians are called to walk—one in which we ‘cleave to God’ (Ps. 73:28) and make much of his love.”
Kevin McFadden
Professor of New Testament, School of Divinity
Kevin McFadden teaches New Testament courses at the undergraduate and graduate level. Before coming to Cairn he studied New Testament Interpretation at Southern Seminary and taught for three years in the Christian Studies department at Louisiana College. He is originally from Michigan.
One of his most formative experiences was a mission trip through Inter-City Baptist Church to Tanzania where he saw the sufficiency of Scripture in action as God used his word to build up his people. Another was a pastoral internship at Capitol Hill Baptist Church where he understood more clearly that the gospel teaches us that people are saved by faith in Jesus Christ and not by what we do.
His main role at Cairn is teaching students how to read Greek in order to better understand and interpret the New Testament. His thoughts about the importance of learning the original languages of the Bible can be read here. He is currently working on a book about faith in Pauline theology. He and his wife, Colleen, are members at Trinity Community Church in Abington, PA.
What Our Students Have To Say
Makenzie Landis
I have found the Christian studies program to be a good fit for me, as it allows me to take the Bible classes I enjoy while also allowing flexibility to take other classes to fit the type of ministry I would like to go into. The faculty are incredible, and I’ve appreciated the mentorship I’ve been able to have with many of my professors.
