Because a certain level of knowledge of the Old Testament, New Testament, and theology is expected of church leaders, the Graduate School will now be requiring that students demonstrate aptitude in these areas by either 1) having the course at the undergraduate level with at least a B- grade; 2) passing the proficiency exam administered by the graduate school; 3) taking the class, which may add hours to the program.  Please visit the program pages to see the prerequisites required for each degree, as they vary from program to program.

The student who chooses to take the proficiency exams will have only one opportunity to pass them with a satisfactory grade.  If the student fails any one of the tests, he or she will be required to take the course in the area where there is a lack of proficiency.  This may add hours onto the current credit hour requirement for each degree. 

* Students enrolled in the program before the fall of 2004 are still required to satisfactorily pass Bible Content Exams in the areas of Old Testament, New Testament, and Theology/History before graduation.  Please contact Lori Garde at (260) 359-4039 if you have any questions regarding these requirements.

Preparing for the Proficiency Exams

1. Use a good Bible handbook, survey or introduction to identify the major themes, verses, events, people, quotes, places, and words in each book of the Bible.

    Resources:
     What the Bible is All About by Henrietta Mears
     Exploring the Old Testament by Samuel Schulz and Gary Smith
     Exploring the New Testament by Walter Dunnet
     Halley's Bible Handbook

2. Use a study Bible like the NIV Study Bible or the Life Application Bible to read and study each book.

3. Make a list of all the distinctive words, themes, quotes, events, and locations for each book and use it as a study guide.