Degree Overview

The Leavell College curriculum is based upon eight competencies:

  • Biblical Exposition

  • Christian Heritage

  • Servant Leadership

  • Interpersonal Relationships

  • Spiritual and Character Formation

  • Disciple Making

  • Worship Leadership

  • General Education

These competencies serve as the basis for effective ministry whether in the local church or on a denominational level. Our mission at Leavell College is to prepare students for current ministry and for furthering their education at the graduate level. We strive to prepare students to walk with God, proclaim His truth, and fulfill His mission. Leavell College requires students to complete 30 semester hours in a general education core. The general education competencies should thus be understood as a process whereby students attain certain proficiencies as they progress through the general education core. More specifically, students earning an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree at Leavell College must achieve the following general education competencies:

  • Critical Thinking—Students will develop the ability to recognize, analzye, critique, and synthesize arguments.

  • Oral Communication—Students will develop and deliver oral presentations clearly and effectively across a variety of contexts.

  • Written Communication—Students will communicate effectively in writing across a variety of contexts.

  • Quantitative Reasoning—Students will apply logical and analytical reasoning to the solution of real-world problems. These competencies more specifically address the purposes of the general education program at Leavell College. They also support the mission of Leavell College and the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

To assess growth in the general education competencies, all entering students will take the ETS Proficiency Profile (EPP), a proctored, standardized exam. Then upon graduation, students will take the EPP again to determine their growth in the competencies. Students will take the EPP in person at one of our campuses or online using the online proctoring service ProctorU. (An additional fee, paid directly to ProctorU, will be incurred by students who chose to take the online version of the EPP.)

Bachelor of Arts Degree Overview

The foundational degree at Leavell College is the Bachelor of Arts (BA). The degree requires 121 semester hours to complete. Included in this degree is a General Education component of 30 hours. The purpose of the courses in the General Education core is to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve the four general education competencies. A 19-hour Christian Foundation core, required of all BA students, includes a variety of courses designed to provide students with a knowledge of Christian principles expected of those graduating from a Bible college. With the exception of students majoring in music with an emphasis in worship, students earning a BA will choose a major comprised of 24 hours of major-specific courses. The music major is comprised of 42 hours of music-specific courses. All BA students choose one 18-hour minor. Music students have 12 hours of free electives, while students in all other majors have 30 hours of free electives, enabling them to select courses they desire to round out their BA degree. Students who complete the BA also are prepared to participate in the Accelerated MDiv program at NOBTS.

Associate of Arts in Christian Ministry

The Associate of Arts in Christian Ministry is a 70-semester hour degree that serves as a basis for the BACM degree. A student may choose to take this degree in order to receive a basic level of education based upon the competencies outlined in the BACM degree or to complete an intermediate degree which will allow one to continue work toward a baccalaureate degree. The Associate of Arts in Christian Ministry consists of 24 semester hours of General Education courses, 19 semester hours of Christian Foundation courses, 18 semester hours of Christian Ministry courses, and 9 hours of free electives. Students are not required to complete the Associate of Arts in Christian Ministry before pursuing the BACM degree, though some may choose to do so.

Diploma of Christian Ministry

The Diploma in Christian Ministry is designed to prepare students for ministry in the local church. This degree is composed of 48 semester hours. Included in this particular degree is the study of biblical interpretation, pastoral ministry, church organization and administration, as well as personal spiritual growth. Students who have not completed a high school diploma or its equivalent are eligible to apply for the DCS. All other requirements are the same as that of the degree program requirements.

Leavell College Certificates

The Leavell College Certificates provide students the opportunity to experience Leavell College basic level work while earning a certificate of completion. The courses successfully completed for the certificate can be transferred into either the Associate of Arts in Christian Ministry or the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry. Each certificate is composed of six courses with each course being a three-semester hour course. These courses are offered online, as well as on campus and at the extension centers. In order to be a part of the Leavell College Certificate program, a student must have a high school diploma or its equivalent and complete the online application, including the supporting documents.

Church Leadership Certificate Program

The Church Leadership Certificate Program grew out of a vision to prepare individuals for whatever task to which God has called them. The program is designed to address the need of ministry leadership by providing specialized, short-term training for church leaders. Each certificate is composed of courses totaling between 8 semester hours. The courses provide a biblical foundation for various ministries as well as practical applications. Students can request a transfer of credit hours from the certificate program into a degree program.

Degree Requirements

A Note Regarding Degree Requirements On the following pages, the course requirements for each of the degrees are listed. Special attention should be given to the numbering system and to the prerequisites. The courses are numbered with the more basic courses being numbered as 1000 or 2000 level courses. These courses should be taken near the beginning of a student’s tenure at college. Upper level courses often have prerequisites that must be completed before a student can take the course for credit. (See course descriptions.)

Prospective students can seek assistance from a Leavell College faculty member in the selection of a degree program. Current students can seek academic advising from Leavell College faculty or from lcadminasst@nobts.edu The Leavell College faculty member can also help with the process of the transfer of earned hours from an accredited institution.

Degree Completion Plan for Students with an Associate Degree

A student qualifies for the degree completion plan, if he or she has earned:

  • an associate degree from Leavell College

  • an associate degree from another accredited institution,

  • hours towards a degree from an accredited institution.

Students who have completed an associate degree from another institution or who have earned academic hours at another institution should contact the Leavell College office for advising for a plan individually tailored for the purpose of moving towards the completion of the degree. This plan may include courses taken on-campus, online, at an extension center, or at specialized intensives. The faculty member will work with each person to develop a plan that best meets the life situation of the student.