Christian Studies Dual Level (BS in Bible + MA Religion) | Online
Save time and money with Cairn University’s innovative Dual-Level Christian Studies Program (BS in Bible + MA in Religion). This accelerated online pathway lets you complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in as little as five years—condensing what would normally take six years—by beginning graduate-level courses as early as your junior year.
Why Christian Studies BS + MA in Religion?
The BS in Bible + Master of Arts (Religion) dual-level program is designed for students with a wide range of ministry and professional goals. All students receive a broad foundational education in the inerrant Word of God and in the key doctrines of the Christian faith. Students take foundational courses, plus innovative courses designed to prepare them for teaching, preaching, and other ministries in the local church. All courses are designed and taught by Cairn professors, who bring their scholarly expertise and ministry experience to bear.
The Cairn University dual-level BS in Bible/MAR program allows you to condense what would be six years of study (four-year bachelor’s + two-year master’s) into just five years by starting master-level courses as early as your junior 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 at Cairn
Deep Biblical Foundation
Study the inerrant Word of God through comprehensive Old and New Testament courses, systematic theology, church history, and practical ministry training (including Psalms/Wisdom Literature, OT Prophets, Pauline Epistles, and more).
Flexible Online Format
Perfect for busy students balancing life, work, and ministry. Asynchronous 7-week terms with no required summer classes.
Distinguished Faculty
Study with faculty who combine scholarship and pastoral wisdom.
Ministry-Focused
Prepares you for roles such as Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor, Bible Teacher, Chaplain, Missionary, Camp Director, or further graduate study.
more Details
Get an inside look at our Christian Studies + MA in Religion program
Whether you’re called to church ministry, parachurch organizations, or faith-based leadership, this Christ-centered program equips you with scholarly expertise, practical skills, and a strong biblical worldview to impact lives effectively—faster.
Upon successful completion of this program, the student receives a BS in Bible degree and an MA degree in Religion.
Learn More
Required Credits: 150
Curriculum Highlights:
- CHM 621 The Spiritual Life
- BIB 704 Psalms/Wisdom Lit
- BIB 703 OT Prophets
- BIB 712 Pauline Epistles
- BIB 713 Gen Epistles/Revelation
Senior Pastor
Associate/Assistant Pastor
Camp Director
Bible Teacher
Chaplain
Missionary
Professor (with further study
- Application: Submit the Application for Admission along with the $25 non-refundable fee. Apply today using code InChristAlone and we will waive the fee.
- Transcripts: Order official transcripts for all conferred degrees to be sent to Cairn University. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher is required.
Cairn University strives to keep tuition costs affordable despite providing a rigorous education. Courses are taught by Cairn faculty and not TAs. Cairn Online programs rank amongst the most affordable online bachelor’s and master’s programs.
The tuition rate for the 2026-2027 academic year is $4,900 block rate for 12-18 credits per semester resulting in $272/credit (with 18 credit load). Additional details on fees and part-time status are available on this page.
Cairn University also partners with many organizations and offers tuition discounts. Tuition discounts are also available for those working in Christian schools. Please contact us to find out if your organization has a partnership with Cairn University.
Additional information on scholarships, grants, and loans is available from this page.
Cairn University is regionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Cairn University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Addition
What is it like to attend Cairn Online?
Our program is intentionally grounded in God’s Word. Courses are thoughtfully designed by Cairn faculty to promote deep learning and active engagement through instructor-led instruction, research-driven activities, active learning, and meaningful interactions with peers and faculty. At Cairn, the students’ education and experience is designed to shape Christian character, cultivate wisdom, and prepare them to think, live, and serve biblically in an ever-changing world.
All courses, except the research courses, are structured in seven units and delivered in accelerated 7-week terms.
Each unit contains 5–7 modular activities, including:
- Assigned readings and reading reflections
- Instructional videos from Cairn faculty
- Active learning activities
- Weekly application projects
- A component of the ongoing course research project
Faculty also schedule a few optional Zoom sessions throughout the term to connect with students and address questions.
Faculty are actively involved throughout the week—guiding learning activities, leading asynchronous discussions, grading work, and delivering personalized feedback. Online students also receive priority technical support and have access to valuable resources from the Masland Library and the Writing Lab.
Can I transfer my college credits?
The course transfer depends on where you are transferring from, and what program you are transferring to. If you are coming to Cairn Online from another institution, it is very likely you will have some credits that will transfer. Because there are so many options, we encourage you to talk to an enrollment counselor. If you are transferring out, Cairn is a regionally accredited school and some credits should transfer with relative ease. Each college sets their own transfer criteria, so be sure to check their policies for specifics.
Is financial aid available for online degrees?
Cairn is approved to offer financial aid because of its regional accreditation. There are many options available and typically students qualify for at least one type of federal aid. Many students receive scholarships and grants that make earning their degree even more affordable. Cairn offers a variety of scholarships and discounts in addition to options for loans and grants. Please refer to this page for details.
I am applying for the Dual-Level Christian Studies (BS in Bible + MA Religion) program. Once I am admitted and enrolled, am I confirmed to be enrolled in the program?
Dual-Level Programs provide qualified students with an accelerated pathway to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in just five years. Students apply for the dual-level program at the time of initial admission. However, formal admission into the graduate portion of the program is determined after the successful completion of a minimum of one full academic year and meeting the specific academic and progression requirements outlined by the program. Please refer to these requirements and process for admission in the Cairn Theological Seminary dual-level programs
Connect With Us
An Affordable Education
Cairn University strives to keep tuition costs affordable despite providing a rigorous education. Courses are taught by faculty not TAs. The tuition rates are posted on this page.
Cairn University also partners with many organizations and offers tuition discounts. Tuition discounts are also available for those working in Christian schools. Please contact us to find out if your organization has a partnership with Cairn University.
Additional information on scholarships, grants, and loans is available from this page.
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.