BACHELOR OF DIVINITY

Programme Overview

The rapid and ever-changing processes of modernization and globalization have led churches and Christian organizations, particularly in Africa, to face challenges of pluralism, materialism, and loss of faith. To effectively respond to these challenges, there is a need for a new breed of church leaders who understand the events in the world today and are equipped to provide relevant responses. These Christian leaders must have the relevant theological knowledge, creative ministerial skills, and strong spiritual formation to competently manage the people and other resources entrusted to their care. They must also be trained to reach out to communities outside the church efficiently.

The Bachelor of Divinity program at Central University is therefore designed to meet the increasing demand for effective professional Christian ministry training that produces reflective leaders for evangelical churches. The program is a four-year (4) professional degree that prepares students for ordination and diverse ministries of congregational leadership.

The program will provide students with relevant training and the skills necessary to analyze ministry practices through sustained biblical, ecclesiological, and theological reflection, and to discern, shape, and disseminate new practices in the service of the gospel. The program also prepares candidates for various types of chaplaincy, mission work at home and abroad, and other forms of church vocation, as well as for graduate studies in theology and related disciplines.

The Bachelor of Divinity (BD) program includes the study of religious texts and languages, doctrine, worship practice, Christian ethics, engagement with world religions, and practical ministerial skills. Though the Bachelor of Divinity prepares for ministry, it also prepares for further research in religious studies.

The Bachelor of Divinity (BD) curriculum is designed to provide students with the spiritual formation, knowledge, and skills required to become committed, effective ordained clergy. The program is predominantly taught with research in the fourth year. The fourth year of study draws together the knowledge and skills learned in the first three years.

AIMS OF PROGRAMME

The Bachelor of Divinity program aims to:

  1. Offer a theological degree, Bachelor of Divinity, to qualified candidates to enable them to use their God-given gifts extensively to serve the Lord and his church.
  2. ⁠Prepare students for ordained ministry of the church in a rapidly changing society.
  3. ⁠Integrate theological education with ministerial and spiritual formation to foster the link between academics and ministry as vital components in today’s ministerial training process.
  4. Train church workers for continuous personal and professional growth in ministry.
  5. Provide students with a solid foundation and preparation for advanced theological education at the postgraduate level, particularly in Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, and Pastoral Studies.

OBJECTIVES OF PROGRAMME

Upon completion of the program, the Bachelor of Divinity students will have:

  1. Been equipped with a solid theological and ministerial foundation, coupled with leadership for ordained ministry as well as other non-ordained types of Christian ministries, including leadership, teaching, counseling, etc.
  2. Developed appropriate skills in analyzing biblical texts and arguments and produced clear written accounts of their knowledge and arguments.
  3. Gained the solid academic foundation required for higher postgraduate studies
  4. Adequately prepare for any work of ministry, having been equipped with the relevant tools that will enable them to squarely confront the challenges and expectations of their vocation in church and society.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENT

Academic entry requirements vary by program and are advertised on the University website and in other media. The University ensures that entry requirements conform to standards set by the National Accreditation Board and various regulatory and professional bodies. The University’s admission requirements are as follows:

  1. West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
    • An applicant must have credit passes (A1-C6) in core English, core Mathematics, and either core Integrated Science or Social Studies and three elective subjects, with an overall aggregate score of Thirty-six (36) or better. In addition, candidates must satisfy the specific requirements of the relevant Faculty/School. The entry is at Level 100.
  1. Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE).
    • An applicant must have credit passes (A-D) in core English, core Mathematics, and either core Science or Social Studies, and three elective subjects, with an overall aggregate score of twenty-four (24) or better. In addition, candidates must satisfy the specific requirements of the relevant faculty/school. Entry is at Level 100.
  1. General Certificate Education (GCE) Ordinary and Advanced Levels.
    • An applicant must have at least credit passes in 5 subjects (including English Language and Mathematics at the GCE Ordinary Level and at least 3 passes at the GCE Advanced Level. One of the Advanced Level passes must be grade D or better. A pass in General Paper must also be obtained. Entry is at Level 100.
  1. Professional qualifications/Tertiary Diplomas (Entry at levels 200 and 300).
    • The level of placement for professional certificate and tertiary-level diploma holders will depend on the assessment of their certificates or diplomas in relation to the desired program. All professional certificate and tertiary level diploma holders must have either G.C.E. ―Ordinary Level credit passes in English Language and Mathematics or SSSCE/WASSCE credit passes in English Language and Core Mathematics to qualify for admission. The submission of fraudulent certificates is grounds for withdrawal at any point in a student’s enrolment.
  1. Admission through the Mature Students’ Entrance Examination.
    • The candidate must be at least 25 years old by 31st December of the year preceding the examination. A certified copy of the birth certificate is required. The date of issue of the birth certificate should not be less than five years from the date of the completion of the admission forms. Mature Students’ Entrance Examinations consist of a General Paper for all candidates and two papers in the area(s) of specialization desired.
  1. Foreign applicants must have qualifications equivalent to the above to be considered for admission.
    • Their results must also be translated into English, and they should be able to read and write in English. Applicants may also be required to pass an entrance examination/interview.

Enoch Jackson Okine