Study from anywhere in the world at your own pace.
Each course comes with outline and PDF books for easy understanding.
Ministry practicum and hands-on projects included in the program.
Develop research and writing skills through academic projects.
Prepare for local and global ministry with a Kingdom focus.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Bachelor of Diaconal Studies (B.D.S.) is an undergraduate degree program designed to prepare students for Christ-centered service through biblical knowledge, compassionate ministry, and practical leadership. The program explores the biblical and theological foundations of diaconal ministry while equipping students to serve individuals, families, churches, and communities with wisdom and compassion. Through the integration of theology, pastoral care, social ministry, leadership development, and practical service, students are trained to become effective servants of the Church and society, demonstrating Christ’s love through ministry, mercy, and servant leadership.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Biblical Service Foundations
- Servant Leadership Skills
- Pastoral Care Ministry
- Church Administration Competence
- Biblical Teaching Ability
- Ethical Ministry Leadership
COURSE STRUCTURE
Semester 1 (17 Credit Hours)
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
BDS 101 |
Introduction to the Old Testament (Pentateuch) |
3 |
|
BDS 102 |
Foundations of Deacon Ministry |
3 |
|
BDS 103 |
Principles of Servant Leadership |
3 |
|
BDS 104 |
Church Polity & Administration |
3 |
|
BDS 105 |
Spiritual Disciplines & Formation |
3 |
|
BDS 106 |
Christian Ethics & Moral Leadership |
2 |
Semester 2 (17 Credit Hours)
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
BDS 107 |
Historical Books of the Old Testament |
3 |
|
BDS 108 |
Doctrine of Christ (Christology) |
3 |
|
BDS 109 |
Pastoral Care & Deaconal Ministry |
3 |
|
BDS 110 |
Homiletics & Devotional Teaching |
3 |
|
BDS 111 |
Early Church History |
2 |
|
BDS 112 |
Elective I (Introduction to Counseling / Family Ministry) |
3 |
Semester 3 (17 Credit Hours)
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
BDS 201 |
Wisdom Literature |
3 |
|
BDS 202 |
The Gospels |
3 |
|
BDS 203 |
The Doctrine of Holy Spirit |
3 |
|
BDS 204 |
Hermeneutics (Biblical Interpretation) |
3 |
|
BDS 205 |
Social and Community Development |
3 |
|
BDS 206 |
Servant Leadership in Acts of the Apostles |
2 |
Semester 4 (17 Credit Hours)
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
BDS 207 |
Major Prophets |
3 |
|
BDS 208 |
Acts of the Apostles & Deaconal Models |
3 |
|
BDS 209 |
Theology of Service & Compassion |
3 |
|
BDS 210 |
Worship & Liturgy in Deaconal Ministry |
2 |
|
BDS 211 |
Medieval & Reformation Church History |
3 |
|
BDS 212 |
Elective II (World Religions / Unreached People Groups) |
3 |
Semester 5 (17 Credit Hours)
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
BDS 301 |
Minor Prophets |
3 |
|
BDS 302 |
Pauline Epistles |
3 |
|
BDS 303 |
The Doctrine of Salvation |
3 |
|
BDS 304 |
The Doctrine of the Church |
3 |
|
BDS 305 |
Leadership & Church Growth for Deacons |
2 |
|
BDS 306 |
Elective III (Evangelism / Discipleship) |
3 |
Semester 6 (17 Credit Hours)
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
BDS 307 |
General Epistles |
3 |
|
BDS 308 |
Prophecy (Revelation) |
3 |
|
BDS 309 |
The Doctrine of Scriptures |
3 |
|
BDS 310 |
Christian Stewardship & Resource Management |
2 |
|
BDS 311 |
Applied Counseling for Deacons |
3 |
|
BDS 312 |
Elective IV (10/40 Window / Outreach) |
3 |
Semester 7 (17 Credit Hours)
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
BDS 401 |
Apocalyptic Literature |
3 |
|
BDS 402 |
Theology of Spiritual Warfare |
2 |
|
BDS 403 |
The Doctrine of Last Things (Eschatology) |
3 |
|
BDS 404 |
Apologetics & Defense of Faith |
3 |
|
BDS 405 |
Research & Writing Methods |
3 |
|
BDS 406 |
Elective IV (Church Planting / Missions) |
3 |
Semester 8 (17 Credit Hours)
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
BDS 407 |
Contemporary Issues in Diaconal Leadership |
3 |
|
BDS 408 |
Capstone Thesis / Research Project |
3 |
|
BDS 409 |
Modern Leadership Theories & Ministry Applications |
3 |
|
BDS 410 |
Elective VI (Women’s Ministry / Family & Youth Ministry) |
4 |
|
BDS 411 |
Elective VII (Intercultural & Interfaith Dialogue / Environmental Stewardship) |
4 |
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
Program Duration: 4 Years (8 Semesters)
Total Credit Hours: 136
Delivery Mode: Coursework + Research + Ministry Practicum
Teaching System: Semester System (Distance Learning)
Session Begin: 1st March and 1st September every year
Medium of Instruction: English Medium
Department: Ecclesiastical Leadership and Applied Ministries
Faculty: Diaconal Studies
ADMISSION CRITERIA
Applicant must hold a Diploma of Diaconal Studies (or equivalent) from an approved institution.
Program Fees
Per Semester
USD $800
RELATED PROGRAMS
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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
- Completion of 136 credit hours.
- Passing of a comprehensive examination.
- Completion and defense of a Bachelor’s thesis / major research project (15,000–20,000 words).
-
Demonstrated practical ministry impact project, such as:
o Developing a community-based servant-leadership initiative.
o Creating a discipleship or church service development program.
o Designing and implementing a social outreach or humanitarian aid project.
CAREER & MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
- Deacon
- Church Administrator
- Christian Social Worke
- Ministry Coordinator
- Christian Educator
- Chaplain Assistant
Prepare for Leadership, Service, and Global Impact
Our bachelor's degree programs provide comprehensive academic training, practical ministry development, and research-based learning to equip students for effective leadership and lifelong service in their chosen fields.
