External Studies Degrees

External Studies History

The Tabernacle Baptist College External Studies Program was founded in 1983 under the name of Trinity Baptist Bible Institute. The name of the school was changed in 1989 since there were a number of ministries having the name Trinity. The school was transferred to Greenville, South Carolina, in the spring of 1996.

The purpose of the Tabernacle Baptist College External Studies Program is to provide a well-rounded, Bible-based curriculum for those who are unable to attend at the Greenville campus. The program also has several satellite schools in the United States as well as overseas.

We offer majors in the field of Theology as well as Religious Education. Degrees may be received for completing a one-year Certificate program and continue all the way to the Doctorate level. Those who major in Theology mainly enter into the Pastorate or Evangelical Ministries, while those who receive a Religious Education degree often enter into the field of Christian Education.

Courses offered in the program range from Old Testament studies, such as the Pentateuch or Poetical Writings, to New Testament studies, such as the Gospels or Pauline Epistles. Some other Bible related courses offered range from Missions to Cults. Our curriculum endeavors to cover a wide range of subjects in order to equip the student for his or her future ministry.

Our student body is normally composed of a wide variety of individuals from different backgrounds. Some may have just graduated from high school, some may be presently active in a pastorate, and others may be active in various career occupations. We have had wives of missionaries and pastors who just wanted to broaden their education and be more qualified to assist the women under the pastors' ministry.

Those wishing to contact the Tabernacle Baptist College External Studies Program may do so by either emailing, calling, or writing to our Greenville office. The contact information is:

Tabernacle Baptist College - External Studies Program
3931 White Horse Rd.
Greenville, S.C. 29611-5546

Phone: 864.269.2760, ext. 240

We would be glad to hear from you.

Certificate of Biblical Education - 32 hours

The one-year Certificate of Biblical Education is a 32-hour program for laymen. Its purpose is to provide training for Sunday School teachers and Christians who wish to know more about the Bible and further their education. This program is not open to men who have been called into the ministry.


Bible I - Pentateuch	2 hours
Bible I - Gospels	2 hours
Evangelism	3 hours
Hermeneutics	4 hours
English Grammar	6 hours
Bible Geography	3 hours
Analysis I (John)	4 hours
Western Civilization	4 hours
World Geography	4 hours

TOTAL	32 hours

Associate of Theology - 64 hours

The two-year Associate of Theology degree is a 64-hour program for laymen. Its purpose is to provide training for Sunday School teachers and Christians who wish to know more about the Bible and further their education. This program is not open to men who have been called into the ministry.

First Year
Bible I - Pentateuch	2 hours
Bible I - Gospels	2 hours
Evangelism	3 hours
Hermeneutics	4 hours
English Grammar	6 hours
Bible Geography	3 hours
Analysis I (John)	4 hours
Western Civilization	4 hours
World Geography	4 hours

TOTAL	32 hours
Second Year
Bible II - O.T. Historical Books	2 hours
Bible II - Acts	2 hours
Prophecy	2 hours
English Composition	4 hours
Bible Doctrines	4 hours
Hebrew History	4 hours
Analysis II - Romans	4 hours
Church History	3 hours
O. T. Missions	3 hours
N. T. Missions	4 hours

TOTAL	32 hours

Associate of Religious Education - 64 hours

The two-year Associate of Religious Education degree is a 64-hour program designed to train prospective Christian school teachers on the elementary level. Upon completion of the two-year program, a student will earn an Associate of Religious Education degree. 64 hours are required for graduation.

First Year
Bible I - Pentateuch	2 hours
Bible I - Gospels	2 hours
Evangelism	3 hours
Christian Philosophy of Education	2 hours
English Grammar	6 hours
Understanding Teaching	2 hours
Bible Geography	3 hours
Analysis I - John	4 hours
Western Civilization	4 hours
World Geography	4 hours

TOTAL	32 hours
Second Year
Bible II - O.T. Historical Books	2 hours
Bible II - Acts	2 hours
Psychology of Counselling	3 hours
English Composition	4 hours
Bible Doctrines	4 hours
Church History	3 hours
Hebrew History	4 hours
Analysis II - Romans	4 hours
Survey Basic Math I & II	6 hours

TOTAL	32 hours

Graduate of Theology - 96 hours

The Graduate of Theology degree (Bible Major) is a 96-hour program primarily for men who have been called into the ministry. Its purpose is to provide training for pastors, associate pastors, youth pastors, missionaries, evangelists and Christian educators. Though the focus is on ministers, this program is open to Christians who wish to know more about the Bible and want to further their biblical education.

First Year
Bible I - Pentateuch	3 hours
Bible I - Gospels	3 hours
Evangelism	3 hours
Hermeneutics	4 hours
English Grammar	6 hours
Bible Geography	3 hours
Analysis I - John	4 hours
Western Civilization	6 hours

TOTAL	32 hours
Second Year
Bible II - OT Historical Books	3 hours
Bible II - Acts	3 hours
Prophecy	3 hours
English Composition	6 hours
Cults	2 hours
Hebrew History	4 hours
Analysis II - Romans	4 hours
Church History	3 hours
Basics of Chr. Missions or Th. of Chr. Missions	2 hours
Daniel	2 hours

TOTAL	32 hours
THIRD YEAR
Bible III - OT Prophetical Books	3 hours
Bible III - Pauline Epistles	3 hours
History of Baptists	4 hours
Analysis III - Hebrews	4 hours
Bible Doctrines	6 hours
Missionary Techniques	3 hours
Church Business	3 hours
British Literature	3 hours
Homiletics	3 hours

TOTAL	32 hours

Bachelor of Theology - 128 hours

The Bachelor of Theology degree (Bible Major) is a 128-hour program primarily for men who have been called into the ministry. Its purpose is to provide training for pastors, associate pastors, youth pastors, missionaries, evangelists and Christian educators. Though the focus is on ministers, this program is open to Christians who wish to know more about the Bible and want to further their biblical education.

First Year
Bible I - Pentateuch	3 hours
Bible I - Gospels	3 hours
Evangelism	3 hours
Hermeneutics	4 hours
English Grammar	6 hours
Bible Geography	3 hours
Analysis I - John	4 hours
Western Civilization	6 hours

TOTAL	32 hours
Second Year
Bible II - OT Historical Books	3 hours
Bible II - Acts	3 hours
Prophecy	3 hours
English Composition	6 hours
Cults	2 hours
Hebrew History	4 hours
Analysis II - Romans	4 hours
Church History	3 hours
Basics of Chr. Missions or Th. of Chr. Missions	2 hours
Daniel	2 hours

TOTAL	32 hours
THIRD YEAR
Bible III - OT Prophetical Books	3 hours
Bible III - Pauline Epistles	3 hours
History of Baptists	4 hours
Analysis III - Hebrews	4 hours
Bible Doctrines	6 hours
Missionary Techniques	3 hours
Church Business	3 hours
British Literature	3 hours
Homiletics	3 hours

TOTAL	32 hours
FOURTH YEAR
Bible IV - OT Poetical Books	3 hours
Bible IV - General Epistles and Revelation	3 hours
General Biblical Introduction	6 hours
Apologetics	3 hours
Pastoral Theology	4 hours
Creation Science	4 hours
Christian Ethics	3 hours
Missions in the Bible	3 hours
History of Missions	3 hours

TOTAL	32 hours

Bachelor of Religious Education - 128 hours

The Bachelor of Religious Education degree is designed to train prospective Christian school teachers on the elementary level. Upon completion of the four-year program, a student will earn a Bachelor of Religious Education degree. 128 hours are required for graduation.

FIRST YEAR
Bible I - Pentateuch	3 hours
Bible I - Gospels	3 hours
Evangelism	3 hours
Christian Philosophy of Education	2 hours
English I (Grammar)	6 hours
Understanding Teaching	2 hours
Bible Geography	3 hours
Analysis I - John	4 hours
Western Civilization	6 hours
TOTAL	32 hours
SECOND YEAR
Bible II - OT Historical Books	3 hours
Bible II - Acts	3 hours
Psychology of Counseling	3 hours
English II (Composition)	6 hours
Teaching Techniques	2 hours
Hebrew History	4 hours
Analysis II - Romans	4 hours
Cults	2 hours
Church History	3 hours
Basics of Christian Missions	2 hours
TOTAL	32 hours
THIRD YEAR
Bible III - Prophetic Books	3 hours
Bible III - Pauline Epistles	3 hours
Survey of Basic Math I & II	6 hours
U.S. History	6 hours
Theology of Christian Missions	2 hours
British Literature	3 hours
Bible Doctrines	6 hours
American Literature	3 hours
TOTAL	32 hours
FOURTH YEAR
Bible IV - OT Poetic Books	3 hours
Bible IV - General Epistles and Revelation	3 hours
General Biblical Introduction	6 hours
History of Baptists	4 hours
Creation Science	4 hours
World Geography	3 hours
Christian Ethics	3 hours
Missions in the Bible	3 hours
History of Missions	3 hours
TOTAL	32 hours

Master of Theology - 32 hours (above Bachelor of Theology)

If you already have a Bachelor of Theology degree or have completed 128 hours in that program, then you would only need to complete the 32 remaining hours. If you do not already have a Bachelor of Theology degree or 128 hours in that program, then you will need to obtain that degree or complete the 128 hours before beginning this program.


Old Testament Introduction	6 hours
New Testament Introduction	6 hours
Elemental Theology	6 hours
Church History	6 hours
Eschatology	6 hours

Thesis Development (See Description Below)	2 hours

Total	32 hours

Master of Religious Education - 32 hours (above Bachelor degree)

f you already have a Bachelor of Religious Education degree or have completed 128 hours in that program, then you would only need to complete the 32 remaining hours. If you do not already have a Bachelor of Religious Education degree or 128 hours in that program, then you will need to obtain that degree or complete the 128 hours before beginning this program.


Teaching Methods of Jesus	6 hours
Church History	6 hours
Elemental Theology	6 hours
Bible and Modern Science	6 hours
Christian Philosophy of Education	6 hours
Thesis Development (See Description Below)	2 hours

Total	32 hours

Doctor of Theology - 32 hours (above Master of Theology)

If you already have a Bachelor of Theology and a Master of Theology degree or have completed 160 hours in those programs, then you would only need to complete the 32 remaining hours. If you do not already have a Bachelor of Theology degree and a Master of Theology degree or 160 hours in those programs, then you will need to obtain those degrees or complete the 160 hours before beginning this program.


Exposition of Old Testament Books	6 hours
Exposition of New Testament Books	6 hours
Systematic Theology	6 hours
General Biblical Introduction	6 hours
Practical Experience	6 hours


Dissertation Development (See Description Below)	2 hours

Total	32 hours

Doctor of Religious Education - 32 hours (above a Master Degree)

If you already have a Bachelor of Religious Education and a Master of Religious Education degree or have completed 160 hours in those programs, then you would only need to complete the 32 remaining hours. If you do not already have a Bachelor of Religious Education degree and a Master of Religious Education degree or 160 hours in those programs, then you will need to obtain those degrees or complete the 160 hours before beginning this program.


Exposition of Old Testament Books	6 hours
Exposition of New Testament Books	6 hours
Systematic Theology	6 hours
Introduction to Philosophy	6 hours
Practical Experience	6 hours


Dissertation Development (See Description Below)	2 hours

Total	32 hours

**Thesis and Dissertation Information

Form: Follow the guidelines set forth in the latest edition of A Manual for Writers, Kate L. Turabian.

Length: 15,000 words for Thesis and 25,000 words for Dissertation. These numbers are given as guides. The emphasis is on quality not quantity.

Topic: Master of Theology and Doctor of Theology degree candidates must choose a topic in the area of Biblical Theology. Master of Religious Education and Doctor of Religious Eductation degree candidates must choose a topic in the area of Religious Education. All students must submit their topic choice to the administration for approval.

Outline: After the topic has been approved in writing by the administration, the student must submit a detailed outline to the administration for approval. After the outline has been approved in writing by the administration, the student may begin working on the body of the thesis/dissertation.

Deadlines: A student has approximately two years (four semesters) to complete, submit, and defend his thesis/dissertation (no more than eight semesters). The student must be registered for Thesis/Dissertation Development until completion of the work (though he will not receive anymore credits).

No student will be given a diploma after eight semesters of Thesis/Dissertation Development.

Dropping out of Thesis/Dissertation Development after the first year will result in removal from the Master/Doctor program.

The student must make all necessary revisions before the deadline for the final draft.

In order for a student to graduate in May of any given year, the final draft of the thesis/dissertation must be received at TBC by April 1 of that year.

Copies Since a final draft copy must be given to each member of the thesis/dissertation committee, the student shall submit five copies of the final draft to TBC for grading purposes. A final, corrected copy and a computer disk copy must be placed in the Library at TBC after the thesis/dissertation committee meets and approves the work.

Tuition & Fees

When enrolling, a prospective student must make an application and pay an Enrollment and Application Fee. This Enrollment Fee covers the cost of office materials and records.

External Studies Tuition and Fees (per credit hour)
Undergraduate credit	$65.00
Master level credit	$100.00
Doctor level credit	$100.00
Additional Fees
Application Fee	$25.00
Enrollment Fee	$100.00
Mailing Fee per Course	$10.00
Graduation Fee	$100.00
Cap and Gown Fee	$50.00
Textbooks: Cost, plus shipping and handling.