Bachelor of Arts

The foundational degree at Leavell College is a Bachelor of Arts (BA). Leavell College offers the following BA degrees: Biblical Studies, Christian Studies, Church Ministry, Intercultural Studies, Ministry to Women, Music, Psychology and Counseling, Teaching and Learning, Theology, Worldview and Apologetics, and Worship Ministry. All BA degrees with the exception of the BAs in Christian Studies or Music can be utilized for the BA + MDiv track.

Each BA degree requires 120 credit hours to complete. 60 hours are core classes that every student is required to take, including 30 hours of general education and 30 hours of Christian foundations. Each student selects a major, most of which consists of 30 hours of major-specific courses, 15 hours of minor-specific courses, and 15 hours of free electives. The BA in Christian Studies consists of 48 hours of major-specific courses and 12 hours of free electives. The BA in Music consists of 54 hours of major-specific courses and 6 hours of free electives. Students who complete the BA may participate in accelerated programs at NOBTS.

Associate of Arts 

The Associate of Arts (AA) is a 60 credit hour degree.  A student may choose to take this degree in order to receive a basic level of education based upon the BA core or to complete an intermediate degree which will allow one to continue working toward a bachelor's degree. The AA consists of 51 hours of general education and Christian foundations as well as 9 hours of free electives. 

Leavell College Certificate

The Leavell College Certificate provides 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. 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 Certificates

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 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.

Overview of Academic Programs

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. 

General Education

Students earning an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree at Leavell College must complete a core containing general education courses and achieve the following general education competencies:

  • Critical Thinking—Students will develop the ability to recognize, analyze, 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.

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.

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 the Registrar’s Office by emailing Registrar@nobts.edu. Advisors can also help with the process of the transfer of earned hours from an accredited institution.