Bachelor of Arts in Christian Theology
The Bachelor of Arts in Christian Theology is a four-year degree programme designed to develop biblically and theologically sound scholars with the skills and competencies to serve effectively in the Church and community. Students study Old and New Testament studies, biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew), systematic theology, historical theology, Christian ethics, pastoral ministry, preaching, counselling, mission studies, and Christian education.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 138,720 a year at a public institution, Ksh 554,880 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 312,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 4 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Dental Ceramist, at 3 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The programme is offered at Pan Africa Christian University, a CUE-accredited private university in Nairobi, through its School of Theology and Department of Biblical and Theological Studies. Graduates pursue careers as pastors, theology lecturers, chaplains, Christian educators, missionaries, church planters, and faith-based NGO officers.
The programme is delivered over eight semesters through lectures, seminars, field education, and ministry attachments. Students engage in biblical exegesis, theological writing, preaching practicum, and community outreach.
Entry-level salaries for Christian theology graduates in Kenya range from KES 30,000–55,000/month depending on the role and organisation, with opportunities in churches, schools, theological colleges, and mission organisations. The programme suits students with a calling to theological scholarship and Christian ministry.
Skills RequiredBiblical Exegesis and InterpretationBiblical Languages (Greek and Hebrew)Systematic Theology and DoctrineHistorical Theology and Church HistoryPreaching and HomileticsPastoral Care and CounsellingChristian Ethics and Moral ReasoningMission and Cross-Cultural StudiesTheological Research and WritingChristian Education and DiscipleshipKey SubjectsOld Testament StudiesNew Testament StudiesBiblical Languages (Greek and Hebrew)Systematic TheologyHistorical TheologyChristian EthicsPastoral MinistryPreaching and HomileticsMission StudiesChristian EducationCertificationsOrdination by Denominational BodyKenya Association of Professional Counsellors (KAPC) MembershipEvangelical Alliance of Kenya Ministry CertificationSpecializationsBiblical StudiesFocus on the in-depth study of Scripture — covering Old and New Testament studies, biblical exegesis, hermeneutics, biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew), and the application of biblical content in ministry and teaching. Pastoral StudiesFocus on practical pastoral ministry — covering preaching, pastoral care, counselling, worship leadership, church administration, and the practical skills for leading a local church or ministry.
Christian EducationFocus on educational ministry — covering curriculum design for church programmes, teaching methods, discipleship training, and faith formation across age groups in Christian communities.
What you study
10 subjects- Old Testament Studies
- New Testament Studies
- Biblical Languages (Greek and Hebrew)
- Systematic Theology
- Historical Theology
- Christian Ethics
- Pastoral Ministry
- Preaching and Homiletics
- Mission Studies
- Christian Education
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Old Testament
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational study of the Old Testament — covering the structure, content, historical context, and theological themes of the Old Testament books, with introduction to exegetical methods.
Introduction to New Testament
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational study of the New Testament — covering the structure, content, historical context, and theological themes of the New Testament books, with attention to the Gospels and Epistles.
Introduction to Biblical Greek
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to biblical Greek — covering the Greek alphabet, basic grammar, vocabulary, and the translation of simple New Testament passages, providing tools for exegetical study.
Systematic Theology I
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to systematic theology — covering the nature and method of theology, revelation, Scripture, the doctrine of God, and Christology, with application to Christian life and ministry.
Biblical Exegesis and Hermeneutics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Methods of biblical interpretation — covering exegetical methods, hermeneutical principles, historical-critical approaches, and the application of interpretive tools to biblical texts.
Church History
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Survey of church history — covering the early church, medieval Christianity, the Reformation, and the spread of Christianity including African church history and Pentecostal movements.
Systematic Theology II
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced systematic theology — covering pneumatology, ecclesiology, eschatology, and the application of systematic theology to contemporary issues in church and society.
Preaching and Homiletics
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Theory and practice of preaching — covering sermon preparation, expository preaching, narrative preaching, delivery skills, and the theological foundations of homiletics.
Christian Ethics
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Christian moral reasoning — covering ethical theories, biblical ethics, social ethics, bioethics, and the application of Christian ethical principles to contemporary social and moral issues.
Pastoral Care and Counselling
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Pastoral care and counselling in ministry — covering active listening, crisis intervention, grief counselling, family pastoral care, and the integration of psychological principles with theological...
Mission Studies and Evangelism
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Biblical and theological foundations of mission — covering the mission of God, evangelism strategies, cross-cultural mission, church planting, and contextualisation of the gospel.
Research Project in Theology
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Independent research project or thesis — demonstrating mastery of theological method, biblical exegesis, and the ability to conduct original theological research with practical application.
Specialisations
Biblical Studies
Focus on the in-depth study of Scripture — covering Old and New Testament studies, biblical exegesis, hermeneutics, biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew), and the application of biblical content in ministry and teaching.
Pastoral Studies
Focus on practical pastoral ministry — covering preaching, pastoral care, counselling, worship leadership, church administration, and the practical skills for leading a local church or ministry.
Christian Education
Focus on educational ministry — covering curriculum design for church programmes, teaching methods, discipleship training, and faith formation across age groups in Christian communities.
Mission Studies
Focus on Christian mission — covering biblical foundations of mission, cross-cultural mission, evangelism strategies, church planting, and contextualisation of the gospel in diverse cultural settings.
Systematic Theology
Focus on Christian doctrine — covering the doctrine of God, Christology, pneumatology, ecclesiology, eschatology, and the systematic articulation of Christian beliefs in contemporary contexts.
Historical Theology
Focus on the historical development of Christian thought — covering patristic theology, medieval theology, Reformation theology, and modern theological movements with attention to African Christian theology.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on biblical studies, theology, or biblical languages with afternoon seminars on preaching, counselling, or church history. Students engage in exegetical exercises, theological debates, and sermon preparation. Field education in churches and community organisations provides hands-on ministry experience, with students preaching, teaching, counselling, and leading outreach. Research papers and exegetical projects are regular assignments.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Rigorous theological training — the programme covers biblical languages, exegetical methods, systematic theology, and historical theology, providing a strong academic foundation for ministry and further study. | Expensive private university — PAC University charges KES 312,000/year, making it one of the more expensive private universities for theology programmes. |
| Specialisation options — students can specialise in Biblical Studies, Pastoral Studies, Christian Education, or Mission Studies, tailoring their degree to their ministry calling. | Niche field — the programme is specialised for Christian theology, which may limit career flexibility outside religious and faith-based sectors. |
| Diverse career paths — graduates serve as pastors, theology lecturers, chaplains, missionaries, educators, and NGO officers across churches, schools, and organisations. | Modest salaries — church and ministry roles typically offer lower salaries compared to corporate or government positions, though international NGOs may offer competitive packages. |
| Christ-centred environment — PAC University provides a supportive Christian community with spiritual formation integrated into the academic programme. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 188 arts & humanities coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
Pwani (public) BA Theology 138.7K/yr; Chuka BA Religious Studies 122.4K/yr. PAC 312K, Kabarak 154K
Students can access HELB loans, church denominational sponsorship, and PAC University internal scholarships and bursaries. Many churches and mission organisations offer sponsorship for students called to theological training and ministry.
Funding options
HELB Undergraduate Loan
Church Denominational Sponsorship
University Scholarships and Bursaries
Scholarships
5 recordedHigher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Needy Kenyan students enrolled in accredited university programmes.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
St. Paul's University Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Students admitted to theology and related programmes at St. Paul's University
PAC University Internal Scholarships
BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan
Needy students enrolled at Pan Africa Christian University, applied through the financial aid office.
Scholarships you could apply for
3 usable where it is taught- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE mean grade C+ or equivalent, or KCSE C plain with Pre-University Certificate, or relevant Diploma from a recognised institution, or mature age entry.
When it next starts
Taught at 4 institutionsIncluding Africa Nazarene University, Tangaza University, Kabarak University.
Including Africa Nazarene University, Kabarak University, University of Eastern Africa, Baraton.
Including Africa Nazarene University, Tangaza University, Kabarak University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Coursework25% of the mark
Written tests covering biblical studies, theology, church history, and ethics — assessed through mid-semester and end-of-semester examinations.
Exegetical Papers and Theological Essays
Coursework30% of the mark
Exegetical assignments using Greek and Hebrew, theological essays, research papers, and sermon preparation — developing analytical and academic writing skills.
Ministry Practicum and Field Education
Coursework20% of the mark
Practical ministry attachments in churches and community organisations — assessed through ministry reports, supervisor evaluations, and reflection papers.
Final Examinations and Research Thesis
Examination25% of the mark
End-of-semester written examinations and a final-year research project or thesis demonstrating mastery of theological method and original research.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities offering degree programmes. The Bachelor of Arts in Christian Theology is CUE-accredited at Pan Africa Christian University.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) at Pan Africa Christian University. The programme is offered through the School of Theology and Department of Biblical and Theological Studies.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesPastor / Church Minister
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 55,000
Leads a local congregation in worship, preaching, pastoral care, teaching, and administration — serving in denominational or independent churches across Kenya.
Theology Lecturer (with postgraduate study)
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 70,000
Teaches theology and biblical studies in theological colleges and universities after completing postgraduate studies — preparing future ministers and Christian leaders.
Chaplain
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 55,000
Provides spiritual care and counselling in hospitals, schools, prisons, or military settings — offering pastoral support and faith-based guidance.
Missionary / Church Planter
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 50,000
Engages in cross-cultural mission and church planting — sharing the gospel, establishing new churches, and developing community transformation initiatives in diverse cultural contexts.
Christian Educator
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 50,000
Leads Christian education programmes in churches and theological institutions — covering curriculum design, teaching, discipleship training, and faith formation across age groups.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates serve as pastors, theology lecturers, chaplains, Christian educators, missionaries, and NGO officers — in churches, theological institutions, schools, and mission organisations.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Dental CeramistHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Occupational Therapist AssistantHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- PsychologyHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Dental ProsthetistHealth Sciences4Low exposure
- Dental Laboratory TechnicianHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- General DentistHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- Veterinary PathologistHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- Community Health NurseHealth Sciences6Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Bible Study Software (Logos/Accordance)
SoftwarePrimary
Digital Bible study platform providing original language tools (Greek and Hebrew), commentaries, dictionaries, lexicons, and theological resources — essential for exegesis and theological research.
Microsoft Office Suite
SoftwarePrimary
Productivity tools including Word for research papers and sermons, Excel for church administration, and PowerPoint for teaching and presentations.
Google Workspace
Software
Collaboration and productivity tools for document creation, team coordination, and communication in church and academic contexts.
Online Bible Platforms
Resource
Online Bible resources providing multiple translations, original language tools, search functions, and reference materials — supporting exegesis and sermon preparation.
University Library Resources
Resource
Physical and digital library resources including theological texts, biblical commentaries, language tools, church history archives, and research databases.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Christian Theology is just about memorising Bible verses.
The programme involves rigorous biblical exegesis, original languages (Greek and Hebrew), systematic theology, historical analysis, and philosophical reasoning — it is a demanding academic discipline.
Theology graduates can only become pastors.
Graduates work as theology lecturers, chaplains, Christian educators, missionaries, counsellors, NGO officers, and writers — with diverse career paths across education, ministry, and social services.
Christian Theology is not academically rigorous.
The programme involves biblical languages, exegetical methods, historical theology, philosophical analysis, and research — it is one of the most academically demanding humanities disciplines.
You need to be ordained to study theology.
The programme is open to anyone with KCSE C+ — ordination is a separate denominational process. Many graduates work in education, counselling, and NGOs without ordination.
Christian Theology and Religious Studies are the same.
Christian Theology focuses on Christian doctrine, biblical interpretation, and ministry — while Religious Studies is broader, covering multiple religions from a comparative and phenomenological perspective.