American Theological University Catalog

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The ATU Bachelor of Christian Social Welfare (BCSW) provides students the tools to understand the dysfunctions of persons in society and the spiritual formation needed to prepare for professional studies in behavioral interventions within an understanding of the Kingdom of God. Concepts addressed include disease, abuse, addiction, and systemic problems that limit marginalized people from accessing the help they need. Field practica equip the student to see how these factors interact in real life and to observe and assist in professional interventions. A team mentality is fostered by a practicum in interprofessional education with healthcare professionals and students. In this simulation the student takes on the role of a case manager and learns how other professions contribute to the overall wellbeing of individuals in society. Another practicum gives an introduction to art therapy.

This degree consists of a minimum of 180 quarter units. The BCSW degree combines liberal arts and pre-professional coursework for a broad foundation. The vision for our degrees comes from Matthew 4: 23 (NLT): “Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.” This degree prepares students to follow in Christ’s footsteps by bringing healing to the ills of society.

 The ATU Bachelor of Ministry (BMin) degree provides students with the spiritual formation and tools needed to disciple, particularly to those who are marginalized by society. Our approach is to extend the Kingdom of God by ‘teaching and healing’ (Matthew 4: 23). As an undergraduate degree the emphasis is on foundational concepts that prepare students for graduate study that would develop professional intervention skills. These basic skills and concepts include spiritual formation, virtue ethics, understanding the biblical theology of the Kingdom of God, basic teachings of the Christian faith and how to use them in discipling and worship, as well as an understanding of the whole person: physical, mental, spiritual, socio-cultural, and their environment, and how these all interact in a system. These concepts are learned through reading, lecture, dialogue, and field practica. Root cause analysis in a multi-factor systems approach is used to develop a wholistic approach to discipleship as teaching and healing in a Kingdom context as Jesus taught his disciples but using insights from secular research as well. The vision for our degrees comes from Matthew 4: 23 (NLT): “Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.” 

This degree consists of a minimum of 180 quarter units and prepares students to do further study in Christian ministry to either serve as a chaplain, minister, or missionary (at least one missions trip is required for graduation).