Meaningful Ministry in the Classroom and the Church
Earn a BS in Education and a M.Div
Here is an economic reality: 60% of Southern Baptist pastors work a second job to make ends meet. Those pastors use their outside employment as a means to reach the lost and grow their churches.
The Teacher Education Seminary Track at Boyce College is designed with bi-vocational ministers in mind. As you train to serve Christ and his church, you are also preparing to teach students in the classroom. Combining both degrees at the beginning of a minister's college experience saves thousands of dollars in tuition and reduces by two years the time typically required to earn both degrees.
Course Information
The purpose of this program is to provide students a full-orbed preparation for becoming an effective classroom teacher, as well as a comprehensive knowledge in biblical and theological studies, developing specific skills for effective ministry.
Use the tabs below to explore the courses, outcomes, and further information on this program.
| General Studies | 35 Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| BA 210 | Economics | 3 |
| +EN 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| EN 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| HS 161 | World History | 3 |
| HS 171 | American History | 3 |
| MA 111 | College Algebra | 3 |
| PS 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| SC 111 | Principles of Biology | 3 |
| SC 112 | Principles of Biology Lab | 1 |
| SC 121 | Principles of Physical Science | 3 |
| SC 122 | Principles of Physical Science Lab | 1 |
| SP 105 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
| SS 211 | American Government | 3 |
| Biblical and Theological Studies | 48 Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| 20200 | Old Testament Survey I* | 3 |
| 20220 | Old Testament Survey II* | 3 |
| 22100 | Hermeneutics* | 3 |
| 22200 | New Testament Survey I* | 3 |
| 22220 | New Testament Survey II* | 3 |
| 25100 | Church History I* | 3 |
| 25120 | Church History II* | 3 |
| 26200 | Southern Baptist Heritage & Mission | 3 |
| 27060 | Systematic Theology I* | 3 |
| 27070 | Systematic Theology II* | 3 |
| 28700 | Christian Apologetics | 3 |
| 20440 | Hebrew Syntax & Exegesis* | 3 |
| 22440 | Greek Syntax & Exegesis* | 3 |
| 20400 | Elementary Hebrew | 3 |
| 22400 | Elementary Greek | 3 |
| 40150 | Personal Spiritual Disciplines | 3 |
| Ministry Studies | 22 Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| 32960 | Introduction to Missiology* | 3 |
| 34300 | Introduction to Biblical Counseling | 3 |
| 32100 | Personal Evangelism* | 3 |
| 45260 | Discipleship & Family Ministry | 3 |
| 40301 | Pastoral Ministry | 3 |
| Or 40080 | Christian Leadership | |
| 44910 | Applied Ministry: Theology | 1 |
| 30000 | Christian Preaching | 3 |
| Or | Christian Teaching | |
| 30020 | Preaching Practicum | 3 |
| Or 40020 | The Worshiping Church | |
| Education Core | 60 Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| +ED 200 | Introduction to Education | 3 |
| ++ED 210 | Computers & Media in the Schools | 3 |
| ED 220 | Teaching Exceptional Learners | 3 |
| ++ED 230 | Child & Adolescent Development | 3 |
| ++ED 235 | Integrated Content for Elem. Grades | 3 |
| ED 240 | Educational Assessment | 3 |
| ED 310 | Elementary Math P-5, I | 3 |
| ED 311 | Elementary Math P-5, II | 3 |
| ED 315 | Literacy Assessment | 3 |
| ED 320 | Teaching Science P-5 | 3 |
| ED 330 | Teaching Social Studies P-5 | 3 |
| EN 351 | Children's Literature | 3 |
| ED 390 | Current Issues in Education | 3 |
| ED 410 | Teaching Language Arts P-5 | 3 |
| ED 420 | Teaching Reading P-5 | 3 |
| ED 430 | Classroom Management | 3 |
| ED 485 | Clinical Experience I: Teaching | 3 |
| *ED 491 | Clinical Experience II: Supervised Teaching |
9 |
| Total Degree Hours | 200 Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Credits Earned in Class | 167 | |
| Credits Earned by Examination | 33 | |
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to recognize the importance and value of teaching as a profession.
- Students will be marked by the disposition of servant-leadership.
- Students will be able to consistently engage in reflection as a means of professional development.
- Students will be able to demonstrate an awareness of the multi-faceted nature of educating individual, diverse learners.
- Students will be able to apply the best practices for effective teaching and learning to meet the diverse educational needs of an ever-changing society.
- Students will be able to demonstrate a growing, Christlike character and a sense of God’s calling to ministry.
- Students will be able to identify and embrace the Christian worldview and have a global vision for fulfilling the Great Commission.
- Students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the Bible, interpret Scripture’s original meaning, and apply Scripture to contemporary situations.
- Students will be able to display a biblical vision for ministry and lead with humble authority.
- Students will be able to preach/ teach Scripture clearly and passionately so as to engage the mind and move the heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Graduates of Boyce's Teacher Education Seminary Track program will have a variety of career and ministry options available to them. The program is designed to strategically equip students for vocational ministry in an ever-changing world. Students will be equipped to serve as a certified teacher, coupled with being a pastor, church planter, or missionary.
Dr. Melissa Tucker serves as the Program Coordinator for our teacher education program. Dr. Barry Gibson serves as the Associate Professor of Teacher Education. You can meet Dr. Melissa Tucker and Dr. Barry Gibson and our other Boyce faculty here.
As you progress through the program and begin taking seminary coursework, you will be taught by our world-renown faculty at Southern Seminary. You can learn more about them here.
As a prospective student, we have two next steps that we would love for you to consider taking. Follow the links below to take your next steps!
Visit Campus
Start your Application
Students who start their application must complete their application and submit the following additional documents:
Pastoral Recommendation
Spiritual Autobiography
Official High School Transcripts
Official ACT, SAT, or CLT test scores
Application Fee
You can view more information about our admissions requirements here.
Students who are admitted into the Seminary Track program begin taking Seminary classes after their first year of study at Boyce College. After their first year, students officially begin working towards both the B.S. and M.Div. (or MACE) concurrently. After 5 years of full-time study, qualified students will graduate with both his or her B.S. and M.Div. (or MACE)
Seminary Track students who are subsequently admitted into the concurrent Master of Divinity program will earn two degrees in as little as 4 ½ years for MACE and 5 years for M.Div. The two degrees:
Bachelor of Science in Education
Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in Christian Education
The Seminary Track program is designed for students who desire to be effectively equipped for their calling to the church and the classroom. The Teacher Education Seminary Track program will prepare students to fulfill their calling to serve students in the classroom and members in the church.
Students who feel called to ministry are often encouraged to complete their Master’s of Divinity following the completion of their undergraduate degree. The Seminary Track helps merge a student’s academic pursuits into one five-year program. With one five-year program, students will be able to save approximately 2-3 years of education compared to completing a four year degree and then a three year MDiv. In addition, The Seminary Track program can save students upwards of $15,000-20,000 by condensing their education into our five-year program.
Yes, Seminary Track students get the best of both worlds—the full undergraduate student life experience combined with the opportunity to achieve their academic goals more quickly. Seminary Track students live in undergraduate housing, take undergraduate courses throughout their degree, and can participate in Boyce College’s robust student life program.
Track 1 - Standard Entry (following one year of study at Boyce)
Students desiring to pursue the Seminary Track after their first year at Boyce may pursue admittance into the program after completing a minimum of 24 credit hours. Students wishing to begin the Seminary Track program must maintain a 3.5 GPA throughout their first year of study (at least 24 hours) and then undergo a character evaluation before gaining entrance into the program. After their first year of study, the student may complete the application process with his or her academic advisor.
Track 2 - Transfer Student Entry
Students transferring to Boyce College who would like to pursue the Seminary Track as a transfer student may also do so. If a student is transferring to Boyce with less than 24 hours of completed coursework must reach that minimum threshold to be able to apply for admission into the program. In some cases, however, if a student has already completed the necessary hours at the undergraduate level before transferring to Boyce may apply for acceptance into the program when they transfer to Boyce.
Students are able to begin the admissions process during their second semester at Boyce or once they are considered “in progress” for at least 24 credit hours. This often occurs during the month of December for the Spring semester or June for the Fall semester. Students will go through their academic adviser to receive the application information.
The character evaluation is intended to assess the Christian maturity of candidates and to consider their potential for success in graduate level study since the rigorous nature of this program will demand a lot of the student.
Students not admitted to the Teacher Education Seminary Track are encouraged to consider some of Boyce College’s other excellent undergraduate degree options. Students can complete a traditional Boyce College bachelor’s degree and then enroll in the Alumni MDiv, finishing both degrees in as little as 6 years.
Students who choose not to enroll in the Seminary Track will be able to transfer all of his or her Boyce College credit into the Teacher Education bachelor's degree or many other programs at Boyce.
Students who enter the seminary track pay the standard tuition rate for Boyce College during their first year of study. If students are admitted into the concurrent MDiv after completing their first year of study, the remainder of their tuition costs are paid through a program fee over the next four years ($53,039 SBC; $70,768 non-SBC [2024-25 school year]). A down payment of $1,000 is due after the admissions process to secure a student’s spot in the concurrent degrees. Then the balance of the program fee is paid monthly over the next 44 months. Students who do not complete both degrees during the 44 month period are subject to a continuation fee of $1,000 per year.
Yes. Seminary Track students may apply for Boyce College scholarships and must meet basic eligibility requirements including full-time study at the Louisville campus. Seminary Track students can apply for the need-based General Scholarship or the merit-based Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students who are members or members in-progress at a Southern Baptist church can qualify for the SBC tuition rate, which reduces tuition significantly.
Seminary Track students earn the credit hours toward their undergraduate degree in several ways. First, many classes will be taken at the undergraduate level. In addition, Seminary Track students will earn some of their hours through credit-by-examination tests at the conclusion of their semesters of study.
Seminary Track students are considered undergraduates until they reach 120 credit hours, with full-time status is 12 credit hours per semester. Once they reach 120 credit hours, Seminary Track students are considered masters-level students, with full-time status changing to 9 credit hours per semester.
Not entirely. The Teacher Education courses are to be completed on-campus. Most, if not all of the remaining coursework may be completed online. Click here to learn more about online learning.