Academics

Our Mission Statement

Heartland Baptist Bible College is committed to excellence in educating and training preachers, missionaries, and Christian workers.

At Heartland, we believe local church ministry should be done with excellence, which means servants in local church ministry should be trained with excellence. Our approach to ministry training excellence utilizes many of the same educational tools as are used in other higher education contexts. However, our insistence on a biblical philosophy of education and our accountability to local churches propels us to educate in unique and beneficial ways. To learn more about our passion for academic excellence, feel free to explore this section of our website. Here is an overview:

Heartland offers 1-, 2-, and 4-year programs of study across 15 majors. The majors are divided into 6 academic departments:

All 4-year majors include courses in general education, Christian life, Bible, theology, and church ministries—as well as major-specific courses. All 4-year majors also include an integrated internship program through which students build relationships with experienced ministry examples and practice the ministries for which they are preparing. Our 1-year Certificate of Practical Bible Training prepares graduates to serve in a variety of non-vocational church ministry contexts, and our concentrated 2-year Ministry Secretarial program prepares graduates for service in a ministry office.

Our instructors include current and/or former pastors, missionaries, youth leaders, music ministers, and Christian educators with over 1,000 years of combined ministry experience. Our courses are designed with an intentional synergy of academic rigor and spiritual development. Chapel services each week infuse the class schedule with bold preaching and godly, encouraging music.

To learn more about specific majors (including course requirements), check out the Areas of Study pages devoted to each major.

To begin your own journey of ministry training excellence, apply today!

FAQs

How many majors does Heartland offer?

Heartland offers 15 majors across 6 academic departments. The majors include 4-year programs in a variety of pastoral, missions, youth ministries, education, and music disciplines, as well as a 2-year Ministry Secretarial program and a 1-year Bible Certificate program. See the complete list of majors and the course catalog here.

How does Heartland support students academically?

Heartland desires for all students to thrive academically and provides multiple layers of academic support. All students are assigned to an academic department through which the student’s department chair is available to answer program-related questions and to give academic counsel. The Academic Affairs Office monitors students’ academic progress and provides guidance for those who need additional support. Instructors view their teaching responsibilities as a ministry to students and are eager to offer personalized help. Tutors are also available for a variety of subjects.

All of these support layers (and more) reinforce our care for students.

What quality of education will I receive at Heartland?

Heartland’s administration and board of directors (comprised of 22 pastors) are dedicated to excellence in ministry training without the influence of any accreditation association led by theologians from other denominations. Because the college is not entangled in bureaucratic accreditation processes, Heartland’s resources can be focused on giving students a high-quality education that prepares them for real-life Christian service. This quality of education is rooted in instructors’ personal walk with God and extensive ministry experience, as well as the leadership’s high academic standards. Through purposefully designed curriculum—and enriching and practical instruction—students are challenged to devote their minds to Christ, which gives them grace to excel in the academic rigors they encounter.