Academic Programs

Degree Programs

Earn your Associate in Theology through 13 flexible, work-at-your-own-pace modules — or pursue a focused certificate.
The Curriculum

Associate in Theology — 13 Modules

Complete all thirteen modules to earn your Associate in Theology. Each module includes a 50-question exam; pass with 90% to advance. Study at your own pace.

Foundations of Scripture — how the Bible is organized, its major themes, and how to read and study it with confidence.

The Bible Fundamentals module equips the reader with essential principles of the Faith, providing a strong theological foundation through scripture-based instruction. Readers will explore key topics such as Faith, Salvation, Repentance, The Transformative Power of the Blood of Christ, and Effective Prayer, along with the significance of The Resurrection, Baptism as the Gateway Sacrament, and The First Converted Christian. The module also examines The Work of the Church in the Life of the Believer, including the mutual responsibilities between the Church and its members, as well as The Work of the Holy Spirit, The Process of Sanctification, Old Testament Law versus New Testament Grace, Christian Denominations, and Comparative Religions. Additionally, students will study Heaven and Hell and The Marks of the Believer, focusing on The Evidences of Salvation, Living with Liberty Under Control, and Grace with Responsibility. Through this comprehensive study, students will deepen their understanding of biblical principles, strengthen their relationship with God, and gain insight into the workings of the Church and Christian faith. 📚

Syllabus

  • Introduction: The Nature of Biblical Knowledge
  • What We Believe and Discipleship
  • What Is Faith?
  • Bible Basics
  • What Is Salvation and How Does It Affect Me?
  • Repentance: What It Is and Why It Matters
  • Effective Prayer
  • The Ministry of Christ
  • The Beatitudes
  • Christ’s Sacrifice: The Power of His Blood
  • Baptism: The Gateway Sacrament
  • The Work of the Holy Spirit
  • The Process of Sanctification
  • Old Testament Law and New Testament Grace
  • Christian Church Denominations
  • Heaven and Hell
  • Marks of the Believer

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A survey of the whole Bible, Old and New Testament, tracing its key people, events, and the unfolding story of Scripture.

The General Bible module is designed to provide the reader with a broad and foundational understanding of the Holy Scriptures. Through comprehensive instruction, you will explore key topics such as the structure of the Bible, the themes of the Old and New Testaments, the relevance of biblical covenants, and the overarching narrative of redemption. This module emphasizes the unity and divine inspiration of Scripture, equipping you with the tools to study, interpret, and apply biblical truths in daily life. By building a strong scriptural foundation, students will deepen their knowledge of God’s Word and strengthen their spiritual growth and ministry impact. 📚

Syllabus

  • Introduction to the Bible
  • The Books of History
  • The Books of Poetry
  • The Books of Prophecy
  • The Covenants of the Bible
  • The Tabernacle: Worship in the Wilderness
  • The Dispensations of the Bible

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Explores the people, places, and nations of Africa throughout the Bible and their role in the biblical narrative.

The African Presence in the Bible module equips the reader with an understanding of Africa’s role in biblical history. Through scripture-based instruction, students will explore African genealogies, contributions to early civilizations, and cultural references in the Bible. This module deepens biblical understanding while highlighting Africa’s significance in God’s plan of redemption for all nations. The study of African presence in the Bible is not an attempt to insert Africa into Scripture, but to recognize where Scripture already reveals Africa through geography, genealogy, and people groups. When read carefully, the biblical record shows that African lands and African people were present at decisive moments in redemptive history. 🔑 Theological Foundation Acts 17:26 — “And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.” God prophetically names African nations as participants in worship and covenant response. Africa is not peripheral to God’s plan — it is prophetically included from the very beginning of redemptive history. 📚

Syllabus

  • Introduction and Theories of African Presence in the Bible
  • Means of Identification of African People in the Bible
  • Early Civilization and Biblical Geography
  • Pre- and Post-Flood Civilizations (Antediluvian and Postdiluvian)
  • Noah’s Sons and Their Descendants
  • Genealogy of Christ and Women of Color in the Bible

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A close study of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — the life, ministry, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

The Gospels Module is designed to immerse SOA students in the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as recorded in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This module provides an in-depth exploration of the distinct perspectives of each Gospel writer while highlighting their unified message of salvation and the Kingdom of God. Students will study the historical and cultural context of the Gospels, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, the parables of Jesus, and His miracles. By engaging with the Gospels, students will be equipped to communicate the transformative message of Christ with clarity and conviction, enriching their spiritual lives and ministry endeavors. 📚

Syllabus

  • Introduction to the Gospels
  • Origin, Development, and Transmission of the Gospels
  • The Gospel According to Mark
  • The Gospel According to Matthew
  • The Gospel According to Luke
  • The Gospel According to John

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Practical growth in Christian character, spiritual disciplines, and maturing in your daily walk with God.

Christian development is a complex and multifaceted process that involves various aspects of personal, spiritual, and social growth. At its core, it is about becoming more like Christ and living out His teachings in everyday life. This involves not only a deepening of faith and understanding of God, but also a transformation of character and behavior. Christian development typically includes regular prayer, Bible study, and participation in a Christian community, as well as engagement in acts of service and outreach. It also involves cultivating virtues such as love, compassion, forgiveness, and humility, and overcoming negative habits and attitudes. Ultimately, Christian development is a lifelong journey that requires ongoing effort, commitment, and reliance on God’s grace and guidance. 📚

Syllabus

  • What Does It Mean to Be Saved?
  • Christian, Know Yourself
  • The Power of the Christian Life
  • The Path of the Just
  • The Ongoing Responsibility of the Christian
  • Trials, Tribulations, and Judgment

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Biblical principles for moral decision-making and living out Christian values in today’s world.

The “Introduction to Christian Ethics” module aims to explore moral norms, ideals, and practices from a Christian perspective. These courses examine significant historical and contemporary debates regarding the application of Christian principles in ethical decision-making. They delve into how Christian commitments influence the evaluation of human pursuits, permissible actions, and character traits that are praised or admonished. Christian Ethics is both theological and practical, equipping believers to navigate complex moral issues in a way that glorifies God. It addresses topics such as integrity, justice, compassion, and stewardship, offering biblically sound principles for ethical decision-making. In a world filled with moral uncertainty, the study of Christian Ethics empowers believers to live as salt and light, bearing witness to the transformative power of the gospel and demonstrating God’s love through their choices and actions. 🔑 The Foundation Christian Ethics is grounded in God’s will and His unchangeable moral character. It is the study of moral principles and behaviors rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Word of God. Romans 12:1–2 — “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God…and be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” 📚

Syllabus

  • Introduction — Christian Ethics Defined
  • Foundations of Christian Ethics
  • Living Out Christian Ethics — Micah 6:8
  • Believers in the Heavenly Kingdom
  • Justification and Sanctification — The Doctrine of Regeneration
  • The Ethical Pathway to Divine Union

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How to accurately interpret Scripture — context, language, and sound methods for uncovering a passage’s true meaning.

The Fundamentals of Biblical Exegesis provides the methodological foundation for accurately interpreting Scripture, ensuring that students engage the text with both rigor and reverence. Exegesis begins with careful attention to the text itself — including the original languages, grammar, syntax, and literary structures — in order to discern the intended meaning of the inspired authors. Context is critical: historical, cultural, and geographical factors shape the way a passage communicates within its original setting, particularly in the ancient Near Eastern world where covenant, kingship, and social norms inform understanding. Hermeneutical principles guide the interpreter in bridging the original audience and contemporary readers, avoiding the imposition of modern assumptions while seeking theological and practical application. Finally, exegesis requires reflective application, moving from textual meaning to doctrinal formulation and ethical living — demonstrating that faithful interpretation is inseparable from spiritual discernment and obedience to God. 🔑 The Mandate for Proper Handling 2 Timothy 2:15 — “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Proper handling of the Word of God is not optional but foundational. The Greek word for “rightly dividing” (temeo) means “to cut straight, properly cut on the line” — the same root that gives us English words like Orthopedics, Orthodontist, and Orthography. All correct handling begins with a straight cut. 🗒️

Syllabus

  • Introduction to Biblical Exegesis
  • The Authority and Inspiration of Scripture
  • Principles of Sound Interpretation
  • #4 & #5 — Historical, Cultural, and Literary Context
  • #6 & #7 — Word Study, Language Tools, and Grammatical Analysis
  • The Role of the Holy Spirit in Exegesis
  • #9 & #10 — Application vs. Interpretation and Common Errors
  • #11 & #12 — The Exegetical Process and Its Goal

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Core Christian doctrines organized by theme: God, Christ, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the church, and more.

The Systematic Theology module is designed to provide SOA students with a structured and comprehensive study of core Christian doctrines. Through in-depth exploration, students will examine key theological topics such as the nature of God, Christology, pneumatology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. This module emphasizes the importance of understanding how these doctrines are interconnected and grounded in Scripture. By fostering critical thinking and biblical analysis, students will gain a deeper understanding of the Christian faith, enabling them to articulate their beliefs with clarity and confidence while applying theological principles to their personal lives and ministry. 🔑 Systematic Theology Defined Systematic theology is the disciplined study and organization of theological beliefs within a comprehensive framework, aiming to articulate and understand the fundamental doctrines of a particular faith tradition. These doctrines serve to provide believers with a comprehensive understanding of their faith, defend against false teachings, equip for ministry, and promote unity within the church. Ephesians 4:13–15 — “Till we all come in the unity of the faith…that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine.” Recommended Text: “The Great Doctrines of The Bible” by William Evans 🎬

Syllabus

  • Introduction and the Ecumenical Councils
  • The Doctrines of the Trinity
  • Soteriology: The Doctrine of Salvation
  • Hamartiology: The Doctrine of Sin
  • #5 through #9 — Bibliology, Anthropology, Ecclesiology, Angelology, Eschatology

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A reasoned defense of the Christian faith and how to respond thoughtfully to common questions and objections.

In this class, you will learn how to defend the Christian faith with both your mind and your heart. You will explore apología — Greek for “reasoned defense” — and discover that apologetics is not about winning arguments but opening doors. Across seven sections, you will cover what apologetics is, Scripture as its foundation, four core arguments (creation, resurrection, fulfilled prophecy, faith and evidence), and how to respond to objections from science, history, suffering, atheism, and pluralism. A full Greek and Hebrew vocabulary grid is included to support your study. In the second half, you will move from theory to practice — learning that your lifestyle, personal testimony, and willingness to listen (shama) are themselves powerful forms of witness, and that the Holy Spirit’s power (dynamis) is what makes it all effective. You will also learn what to avoid: arrogance, prayerlessness, losing sight of Scripture, and winning a debate while losing a soul. By the end of this module, you will be ready — because the world is full of people just one honest conversation away from meeting the Savior.

Syllabus

  • Introduction: What Is Apologetics?
  • Biblical Foundation
  • Basic Apologetic Approaches
  • Responding to Objections
  • Practical Apologetics
  • Common Mistakes to Avoid
  • Application for Life and Ministry

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The journeys, letters, and ministry of the Apostle Paul and his lasting impact on the early church.

In this class, you will trace the life of the Apostle Paul from his birth in Tarsus to his enduring legacy in the Church. You will learn how he was trained under Gamaliel — the most distinguished rabbi of his era — and how, before his conversion, he was one of the most feared persecutors of early Christians, present at Stephen’s stoning and actively hunting believers. You will then study his dramatic Damascus Road encounter around 33 CE, where a blinding light and the voice of Christ transformed the church’s greatest enemy into its greatest missionary. From there, you will follow Paul through three missionary journeys across Cyprus, Asia Minor, Europe, and Ephesus, and examine the landmark Jerusalem Council of Acts 15, where it was established that salvation comes by grace alone. You will study the Book of Romans as Paul’s theological masterpiece — walking through universal sin, justification, sanctification, God’s sovereign plan, and practical Christian living. By the end of this module, you will see how Paul’s education, zeal, suffering, and even his shipwrecks were all preparation for a purpose far greater than he could have imagined — and that God wastes nothing. “God waste nothing — education, zeal, suffering, shipwrecks — all preparation for purpose.”

Syllabus

  • Background: The World That Shaped Paul
  • Early Religious Involvement and Conversion
  • Section 3 & 4 — Character Study: Works and Character of Paul
  • The Three Missionary Journeys
  • The Great Controversy: Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Council
  • His Gospel: The Book of Romans
  • Paul’s Place in History
  • The Message of the Epistles: Overview

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A guided study of Revelation — its symbols, prophecy, and message of Christ’s ultimate victory.

In this class, you will be immersed in the entire Book of Revelation — all 22 chapters — written by the Apostle John from exile on the island of Patmos. You will learn how the book was addressed to seven real churches in Asia Minor while also serving as a prophetic map of the end times. You will study its sweeping structure: seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls of judgment, each wave more intense than the last. Key topics include the two major judgments — the Bema Seat for believers and the Great White Throne for the unbelieving dead — along with SOA’s position on the pre-tribulation rapture (harpazō). You will also explore the Nicolaitans, Daniel’s connection to Revelation, the four horsemen, the 144,000, the two witnesses, the mark of the beast, and a rich symbol guide covering the Lamb, the Dragon, the Beast, and the Bride. In the second half, you will walk through all 22 chapters with a detailed recap of each, and connect Revelation to Jesus’ Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24 and the prophecies of Zechariah. Key eschatological terms — judgment, hell, predestination, and death — will be clearly defined. By the end of this module, you will understand that Revelation is not a book meant to frighten but to strengthen. The Lamb has already prevailed, and every symbol and prophecy points toward one certain conclusion: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

Syllabus

  • Introduction to the Book of Revelation
  • The Rapture & The Tribulation
  • The Nicolaitans
  • The Book of Daniel & His Visions
  • The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
  • The Seven Judgments: Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls
  • The Seven Churches of Revelation
  • Signs, Symbols & Reigning Themes
  • The Olivet Discourse
  • The 144,000, Two Witnesses, & Mark of the Beast
  • Eschatology, Key Words, & Zechariah
  • Twenty-Two Chapter Recap

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Sharing the Gospel effectively — biblical foundations and practical tools for reaching and discipling others.

In this class, you will learn what it truly means to be an evangelist — not simply someone who travels and preaches, but someone who shares the Gospel with intentionality and purpose. You will study the evangelist’s proper role and a critical boundary: the evangelist carries no authority over believers, only over the harvest field of the lost. Through Acts 1:8, you will understand the three spheres of outreach — home, marketplace, and the ends of the earth — and trace the full history of evangelism from the Book of Acts through persecution, and into the four great revivals: the First and Second Great Awakenings, the Welsh Revival, and the Azusa Street Revival. Character studies will take you from God as the first evangelist in Genesis, through Philip and the Woman at the Well, to modern giants like Whitefield, Wesley, and Billy Graham. In the second half, you will move into the practical work of evangelism — learning that the Holy Spirit does the converting while you plant and water. You will study the four pillars of the Gospel message — Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and ascension — alongside a full elements table moving from God’s love through to the Great Commission. You will also work through eight criteria for becoming an effective evangelist, covering faith, Scripture knowledge, communication, empathy, integrity, prayer, discipleship, and cultural sensitivity. The module closes with an introduction to homiletics — exegesis, contextualization, delivery, and application — grounded in one guiding principle: never confuse people into the Kingdom.

Syllabus

  • What Is an Evangelist?
  • The History of Evangelism
  • Character Studies: Noted Evangelists
  • The Work of the Holy Spirit in Evangelism
  • Effective Communication: The Written Gospel Message
  • Section 5B — Effective Communication: The Oral Gospel Message
  • The Elements of the Gospel Message
  • Preparing to Be an Evangelist

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Equips students to teach and lead — lesson preparation, delivery, and guiding others through Scripture.

In this class, you will discover that teaching is a sacred trust — not merely the transfer of information. Rooted in the Hebrew lamad and Greek didaskō, you will see that Christian teaching has always been covenantal and relational at its core. You will explore the philosophy of Christian education, which holds that all knowledge originates with God, and engage two landmark thinkers: Aquinas, who argued that faith and reason work together, and Kierkegaard, who saw faith as a leap beyond reason. You will also survey the history of education across Jewish, Athenian, Spartan, and Roman systems — and see how Christianity absorbed the best of each. Along the way, you will study the three vehicles of Christian education (home, school, and church), five developmental stages of childhood from infancy through adolescence, and gain working knowledge of five world religions and five cultic movements so you can respond to each with truth and compassion. In the second half, you will move into the practical work of teaching — covering the sociology of education, what it means to be a truly effective educator, and how to set meaningful goals for your students. The module closes with the Exit Protocols: a three-phase framework covering lesson preparation, implementation, and a structured close that includes recap, reflection, an exit ticket, and closing prayer. By the end of this course, you will be equipped not just to deliver content, but to create environments where minds are sharpened and hearts are transformed — because teaching is a sacred trust, and you are called to do it with excellence.

Syllabus

  • Introduction: History and Significance of Teachers
  • The Philosophy of Christian Education
  • The Philosophy of Religion
  • History of Education in Relation to Christian Theology
  • Christianity and Pagan Culture
  • Three Vehicles of Christian Education
  • Three Influences Toward Christian Education
  • Early Childhood Education: Five Developmental Stages
  • The Weekly School Ministry
  • Comparative Religions
  • Cultic Religions
  • Sociology, Effectiveness, and Goals of the Educator
  • The Exit Protocols: Preparation and Implementation of a Lesson Plan

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Certificate Programs

Focused Certificate Programs

Prefer a targeted path? Each certificate stands on its own.

Explore the core doctrines of the Christian faith — the nature of God, the Holy Spirit, and salvation.

  • CF306 – Developing a Biblical World View
    Shaping how you see the world through the lens of Scripture.
  • CF506 – The Names of the Holy Spirit
    Exploring the names and titles of the Holy Spirit and what they reveal.
  • CF550 – Angels of God
    A biblical study of angels — their nature, roles, and ministry.
  • CF515 – Soteriology
    The doctrine of salvation — how God redeems humanity through Christ.
  • CF518 – Manners and Customs
    The manners, customs, and culture of the biblical world for deeper understanding.

Survey the whole of Scripture and build sound foundations for reading and understanding the Bible.

  • CF104 – Old Testament Survey
    A guided walk through the Old Testament — its books, history, and major themes.
  • CF105 – New Testament Survey
    An overview of the New Testament, from the Gospels through Revelation.
  • CF106 – Strategies for Spiritual Harvest
    Practical principles for reaching people and bearing lasting spiritual fruit.
  • CF505 – Bible Introduction 101
    A beginner-friendly introduction to reading and understanding the Bible.
  • CF516 – The Names of Jesus
    The many names and titles of Jesus and the truths they reveal about Him.

Practical training for effective service — prayer, spiritual warfare, teaching, and kingdom living.

  • CF100 – Guide to Intercessory Prayer
    Learn to stand in the gap for others through focused, Scripture-based intercessory prayer.
  • CF201 – Spiritual Warfare – the Disciple’s Basic Training
    Biblical foundations for recognizing and standing firm in spiritual battle.
  • CF101 – Foundations of Faith
    The core beliefs of the Christian faith that every believer should stand on.
  • CF305 – Kingdom Living
    What it means to live under the reign of God in everyday life.
  • CF203 – Bible Teaching Methods
    How to prepare and deliver clear, faithful Bible lessons.

Develop biblical leadership grounded in the Holy Spirit, healing ministry, and knowing God’s voice.

  • CF204 – Biblical Leadership Principles
    Timeless leadership principles drawn from Scripture and godly examples.
  • CF210 – Healing Ministry
    A biblical look at healing and how to minister to the sick in faith.
  • CF200 – Ministry of the Holy Spirit
    The person, gifts, and work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.
  • CF309 – Knowing Gods Voice
    Learning to recognize and respond to the voice of God.
  • CF515 – Soteriology
    The doctrine of salvation — how God redeems humanity through Christ.

Learn to study and teach Scripture with confidence using proven, creative methods.

  • CF107 – Creative Bible Study Methods
    Fresh, effective methods for studying and engaging with Scripture.
  • CF203 – Bible Teaching Methods
    How to prepare and deliver clear, faithful Bible lessons.
  • CF309 – Knowing Gods Voice
    Learning to recognize and respond to the voice of God.
  • CF302 – Power Principles
    Key spiritual principles for walking in God-given power and authority.
  • CF504 – How We Got Our Bible
    The history of how the Bible was written, preserved, and handed down to us.

Equip yourself to share the Gospel, multiply disciples, and plant thriving churches.

  • CF301 – Management by Objectives
    Setting clear, goal-focused objectives for effective ministry and organization.
  • CF303 – Methodology of Multiplication
    Strategies for multiplying disciples, leaders, and churches.
  • CF304 – Principals of Environmental Analysis
    Assessing a community’s context to minister and plant churches effectively.
  • CF310 – Mobilization Methodologies
    Mobilizing believers for mission, outreach, and church planting.
  • CF405 – Leaven Like Evangelism
    An organic, influence-based approach to spreading the Gospel.

Grow as a Christ-centered leader through biblical principles and spiritual formation.

  • CF401 – Book Biblical Numbers
    Exploring the use and meaning of numbers throughout Scripture.
  • CF403 – Covenant of Abraham
    The covenant God made with Abraham and its significance for believers today.
  • CF588 – Christian Leadership – Principles and Practice
    Foundational principles and practical skills for Christian leadership.
  • CF589 – Equipping For Leadership
    Preparing and equipping believers to lead in ministry and the church.
  • CF590 – Church Leadership 101
    The essentials of leading and serving within the local church.

Deepen your prayer life and spiritual authority for effective ministry and intercession.

  • CF206 – Principles of the Anointing
    Understanding the anointing of the Holy Spirit and how it empowers ministry.
  • CF300 – Divine Provision
    How God provides for His people and how to live in trust of His provision.
  • CF308 – Battle for the Body
    A biblical view of stewarding and guarding the body in spiritual life.
  • CF509 – Confronting Crisis
    Biblical wisdom for facing and overcoming seasons of crisis.
  • CF514 – Strategic Spiritual Warfare
    Advanced, Scripture-based strategy for effective spiritual warfare.

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