Academic Programs

Compass Bible Institute offers various programs and courses that will serve to equip you to effectively serve the Lord in your calling.

Whether you plan to complete a bachelor’s degree at CBI or simply take a couple courses for enrichment or transfer purposes, our goal is set you up for success.

THE GOAL OF CBI IS TO PROVIDE A THOROUGH BIBLICAL EDUCATION WHICH WILL PREPARE MEN AND WOMEN FOR LEADERSHIP IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY.

CBI seeks to meet the training needs of those who will plant churches, those who aspire to full-time employment in Christian ministry, and those who desire to serve in key leadership roles as highly committed participants in their churches.

CBI provides courses in Bible, theology, spiritual disciplines, biblical languages, comparative religions, church history, expository preaching, biblical counseling, ministerial leadership, worship, and church management. Areas of study are for those who aspire to be pastors, biblical counselors, church planters, church administrators, youth ministers, and worship leaders.

PASTORAL MINISTRY CERTIFICATE

The Compass Bible Institute Pastoral Ministry Certificate is our Seminary-level program.

Designed to prepare men for Christian service through hands-on training and mentoring in a church-based context. Students will acquire the exegetical, application, and ministerial skills needed to serve effectively in vocational ministry within the local church. Students will develop initial competency in the classroom and advance in proficiency through practical ministry experiences.

For more information, email tracy@compassinst.org.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS (24 UNITS)

  • PCM711 - Expository Preaching (3 Units)
    A study of the organization, style, and delivery of expository sermons. Topics will include studying like a scholar, planning like a pastor, preparing like a preacher, prayer and sermon preparation, and crafting an effective sermon series.

    Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

    • Find good sources and conduct effective study for sermon preparation.

    • Discern the pastoral intentions of the text in light of the select audience.

    • Develop an effective Praying for Sunday

    • Create a sermon series that is faithful to the text and relevant to the audience.

    PCM712 - Preaching Practicum (3 Units)
    An observation and evaluation of sermons delivered in various ministry contexts. The delivery and content of sermons by individual students will be analyzed and graded.

    Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

    • Prepare and preach an expository sermon based on the Preaching that Changes Lives

    • Demonstrate principles of effective communication.

    • Apply principles for continual growth and improvement in relation to expository preaching.

  • PCM713 - Biblical Counseling (3 Units)
    A study of the principles of biblical counseling. Topics will include: long term counseling, emergency counseling, common Issues, methods of biblical counseling, how people change, question framing, homework.

    Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

    • Understand fundamental components of biblical counseling, and how these different from other forms of counseling.

    • Understand effective methods for biblical counseling.

    • Create homework assignments that help, instruct, and motivate counselees.

    PCM714 - Counseling Practicum (3 Units)
    An observation and evaluation of biblical counseling conducted by students. Observation may take place via live observation, recordings, or student reports. The content and style will be analyzed and graded.

    Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

    • Understand how contemporary issues such as human sexuality, social justice, and psychology relate to biblical counseling.

    • Demonstrate principles of effective communication.

    • Counsel utilizing biblical instruction and godly wisdom.

    • Apply principles for continual growth and improvement in relation to biblical counseling.

  • PCM715 - Pastoral Ministry 1 (3 Units)
    A guide to the integration of theological and practical aspects of ministry with in-classroom and out-of-classroom instruction, observation, and evaluation. Topics include leadership, public speaking, public prayer, time management in the office, administration, hospital visits, shepherding, rest, reading (what and why), marriage and family life in full time ministry, and personal spiritual disciplines.

    Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

    • Apply theological concepts within practical church ministry contexts.

    • Understand roles and responsibilities of biblical ministry.

    • Demonstrate principles and practices of leadership.

    • Maintain effective spiritual devotion to Jesus Christ.

    PCM716 - Discipleship Practicum (3 Units)
    A guide to effective discipleship processes as provided in Scripture. Students will study various methods to discipleship, and be given practical steps to effective biblical discipleship. Students will implement classroom principles in hands-on settings.

    Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

    • Understand various methods to discipleship.

    • Evaluate best practices for effective, Bible-based discipleship.

    • Implement effective, Bible-based discipleship practices.

    • Apply principles for continual growth and improvement in relation to effective discipleship.

    PCM717 - Pastoral Ministry 2 (3 Units)
    A guide to the integration of theological and practical aspects of ministry with in-classroom and out-of-classroom instruction, observation, and evaluation. Topics include weddings, funerals, financial aspects of church, organizational management, assimilation, outreach, evangelism, growing a ministry, baptism, communion, and ethical issues in contemporary ministry settings.

    Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

    • Apply theological concepts within practical church ministry contexts.

    • Understand roles and responsibilities of biblical ministry.

    • Prepare and conduct a funeral, wedding, baptism, and communion service.

    • Create a budget that demonstrates financial stewardship and ambitious ministry.

    PCM508 - Evangelism Practicum (3 Units)
    A guide to Christian evangelism. Students will learn about evangelism in classroom settings, but primary learn by engaging in evangelism conversations with follow-up and feedback.

    Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

    • Understand various methods of evangelism.

    • Evaluate best practices for effective, Bible-based evangelism.

    • Implement effective, Bible-based evangelism practices.

    • Apply principles for continual growth and improvement in relation to effective evangelism.

  • Item description

FEES & TUITION

  • New Student Application fee: $50 (one time)

  • Registration fee: $50 (every semester)

  • Cost per unit: $100

    *Textbooks not included in tuition cost

ONE-YEAR BIBLE PROGRAM

The 30-credit One-Year Bible Program Certificate is designed to prepare high school graduates ages 18-24 to live like Christians in an increasingly hostile world, by training them to think biblically, theologically, and practically in an immersive, ministry-focused environment at a highly formative life stage.

In addition to courses that will give students a solid Christian foundation, the One-Year Bible Program offers once-in-a-lifetime study trips to the East Coast (to study the American Great Awakening) and to Greece and Rome (to study Paul’s missionary journey).

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?

  • Students planning to go straight into the workforce who want a year of formative Christian college experience.

  • Students planning to go to a four-year Christian college who want to transfer One-Year Bible Program credits to the school they plan to graduate from.

  • Students who are unsure of their next steps, but know that their faith is important.

  • Home school students entering senior year.

NEXT STEPS

COMMUNITY

  • Study with a cohort in a church-based context

  • Grow through educational experiences with like-minded peers

  • Be mentored by CBI faculty and pastors

  • Attend weekly chapel and fellowship gatherings

  • Get involved in The Bridge College Ministry

  • Serve within the local church

COST: $15,000

  • Includes:

    • Tuition

    • Great Awakening Trip

    • Footsteps of Paul Trip

SCHEDULE

    • BS-101 Old Testament Survey

    • PCM-101 Personal Spiritual Disciplines

    • TH-101 Christian Worldview

    • TH-301 Theology 1

    • TH-315 The Great Awakening (includes 1-week trip to East Coast)

    • BS-102 New Testament Survey

    • BS-201 Biblical Interpretation

    • TH-302 Theology 2

    • TH-303 Apologetics

    • BS-371 Paul’s Missionary Journeys (includes 2-week trip to Greece and Italy)

BIBLICAL STUDIES CERTIFICATES

CBI offers courses in Bible, Theology, and Practical Christian Ministry. Students can take individual courses or complete whole programs. Programs range from 6-course certificates to full Associates and Bachelors degrees. Students who have already completed Bachelors degrees can take courses with the Biblical Studies program for graduate credit.

SMALL GROUP LEADER CERTIFICATE

This certificate program is designed to equip people with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead local church small groups effectively. Graduates of this program will be able to study and explain the Bible, facilitate a Bible study or discussion, and mentor fellow believers.

    • BS201- Biblical Interpretation

    • PCM201- Small Groups and Discipleship

    • PCM101- Personal Spiritual Disciplines

    • PCM301- Biblical Care and Counseling 1

    • PCM302- Teaching the Bible (Biblical Interpretation is a prerequisite).

    • Elective- 3 units

BIBLICAL STUDIES CERTIFICATE

This certificate program is designed to equip people with the knowledge and skills necessary to study the Bible with familiarity and confidence. Graduates of this program will be able to read the Bible in context, make thematic connections across the testaments, and explain how the Bible has been interpreted throughout church history.

    • BS101- OT Survey

    • BS102- NT Survey

    • BS201- Biblical Interpretation

    • BS301- Introduction to the Bible

    • BS356- Romans

    • TH201- Church History

APOLOGETICS CERTIFICATE

This certificate program is designed to equip people with the knowledge and skills to defend the truths of the Christian faith with boldness. Graduates of this program will be able to explain key doctrines clearly, respond to critics intelligently, and share the gospel faithfully.

    • BS301- Introduction to the Bible

    • TH202- Cults & World Religions

    • TH303- Apologetics

    • TH101- Christian Worldview

    • PCM101- Personal Spiritual Disciplines

    • PCM102- Evangelism, Church Planting and Missions

BIBLICAL COUNSELING CERTIFICATE

This certificate program is designed to equip people with the knowledge and skills necessary to counsel others compassionately with the Bible. In addition to earning certification through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors, graduates of this program will be able to interpret and apply the Bible accurately, counsel others through difficult circumstances from a biblical perspective, and offer theologically sound direction on how to grow spiritually.

    • BS201- Biblical Interpretation

    • TH301- Theology 1

    • TH302- Theology 2

    • PCM301- Biblical Care and Counseling

    • PCM305- Biblical Care and Counseling 2

    • PCM306- Biblical Care and Counseling 3

CHRISTIAN MINISTRY CERTIFICATE

This certificate program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to be effective in a variety of ministry settings by providing maximum flexibility in course options. Graduates of this program will be trained to serve the church with practical insight while standing on a sound biblical and theological foundation.

    • 12 Units Biblical Studies and/or Theology
      6 Units Practical Christian Ministry

BIBLE CORE CERTIFICATE

Combines biblical, theological, and practical classes in order to prepare men and women for Christian excellence in higher education, work, and ministry contexts. The Bible Core degree is a perfect “Gap Year” for students who want a solid biblical/theological foundation.

    • BS101- OT Survey

    • BS102- NT Survey

    • BS201- Bible Interpreation

    • BS301- Bible Introduction

    • TH301- Theology 1

    • TH302- Theology 2

    • TH202- Cults & World Religions

    • TH303- Apologetics

    • TH101- Christan Worldview

    • PCM102- Evangelism, Church Planting and Missions

    • PCM101- Personal Spiritual Disciplines

    • PCM100- Church Services (2 Semesters)

FEES & TUITION

  • New Student Application fee: $50 (one time)

  • Registration fee: $50 (every semester)

  • Cost per unit: $100

    *Textbooks not included in tuition cost

ASSOCIATES OF BIBLICAL STUDIES

Designed to prepare and equip men and women for church service and further education. Students will acquire the basic knowledge and skills needed for interpreting the Bible, articulating evangelical theology, and applying the Christian message to life and ministry.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS (63 UNITS)

    • BS101 - OT Survey

    • BS102 - NT Survey

    • BS201 - Biblical Interpretation

    • BS356 - Romans

    • TH301 - Theology 1

    • TH302 - Theology 2

    • TH201 - Church History

    • TH202 - Cults & World Religions

    • TH303 - Apologetics

    • TH101 - Christian Worldview

    • PCM101 - Personal Spiritual Disciplines

    • PCM102 - Evangelism, Church Planting and Missions

    • PCM201 - Small Groups and Discipleship

    • PCM301 - Biblical Care and Counseling 1

    • PCM302 - Teaching the Bible

    • PCM100 - Church Service (4 Semesters)

    • Undergrad Residential Electives

    • Undergrad Visitor Electives

FEES & TUITION

  • New Student Application fee: $50 (one time)

  • Registration fee: $50 (every semester)

  • Cost per unit: $100

    *Textbooks not included in tuition cost

BACHELORS OF BIBLICAL STUDIES

Combines the Associates of Biblical Studies degree detailed above with an outside Associates of Art degree (received from a community college, for example) to make for a bachelors degree. The Bachelors of Biblical Studies is primarily for students who want to continue their education into seminary.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS (120 UNITS)

    • BS101 - OT Survey

    • BS102 - NT Survey

    • BS201 - Biblical Interpretation

    • BS356 - Romans

    • TH301 - Theology 1

    • TH302 - Theology 2

    • TH201 - Church History

    • TH202 - Cults & World Religions

    • TH303 - Apologetics

    • TH101 - Christian Worldview

    • PCM101 - Personal Spiritual Disciplines

    • PCM102 - Evangelism, Church Planting and Missions

    • PCM201 - Small Groups and Discipleship

    • PCM301 - Biblical Care and Counseling 1

    • PCM302 - Teaching the Bible

    • PCM100 - Church Service (4 Semesters)

    • Undergrad Residential Electives

    • Undergrad Visitor Electives

FEES & TUITION

  • New Student Application fee: $50 (one time)

  • Registration fee: $50 (every semester)

  • Cost per unit: $100

    *Textbooks not included in tuition cost

ONLINE EDUCATION

Students who live outside of the Orange County area are eligible to take CBI courses online. The online course experience consists of viewing the class meeting weekly and uploading all assignments through Populi, our learning management software. Professors are available through the course bulletin board, email, or scheduled phone calls. While it is always preferable to engage in education in-person, we recognize that relocating to Orange County is not an option for everybody. Our online program allows students to receive CBI education while serving within their own local church.

No special application is required. Simply fill out the General Application linked below.

FEES & TUITION

  • New Student Application fee: $50 (one time)

  • Registration fee: $50 (every semester)

  • Cost per unit: $100

    *Textbooks not included in tuition cost