McKissic School of Christian Studies | Arkansas Baptist College

McKissic School of Christian Studies | Arkansas Baptist College
1600 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 420-1200
christianstudies@arkansasbaptist.edu
Arkansas Baptist College  ·  Est. 1884
Where Purpose
Is Your Major
James & Rosa McKissic School of Christian Studies
"Called. Equipped. Sent."
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HLC Accredited
Open Admission Policy
5 Concentrations
HBCU · 140+ Year Legacy
A Message from Our Dean
Phillip L. Pointer, D.Min.
"The mission of the James & Rosa McKissic School of Christian Studies is more than to offer a program — it is a sacred trust."
The James & Rosa McKissic School of Christian Studies at Arkansas Baptist College is a faith-grounded, HBCU-rooted academic initiative committed to equipping the next generation of church leaders, educators, counselors, and ministry administrators for the glory of God and the good of the world.
Whether you are called to preach, teach, counsel, administer, lead worship, or serve your community, there is a path here for you. Every course, every conversation, and every practicum hour is designed to form not just your mind — but your character and your calling.
“We are not just awarding degrees. We are releasing ministers, counselors, educators, and leaders into the world — equipped by faith, formed by scholarship, and sent with purpose.”
— Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Dean of the McKissic School
Meet Our Faculty
Arkansas Baptist College
McKissic School of Christian Studies
A faith-grounded, HBCU-rooted academic initiative committed to equipping the next generation of church leaders, educators, and ministry administrators for the glory of God and the good of the world.
PROGRAMS
Degree Offerings
You don't just enroll in a program — you enroll in a calling. Five distinct concentrations, one foundation of faith and scholarship.
Christian Education
Teach the Word
Curriculum design, teaching methodology, and educational leadership for youth, church, and denominational contexts.
Ministry of Education track
Children's & Youth Ministry
Christian school leadership
Church Administration
Lead Well. Steward Faithfully.
Organizational leadership, strategic planning, and resource stewardship for growing churches and faith-based organizations.
Church & nonprofit management
Strategic planning & budgeting
Human resource leadership
Worship Arts
Where Excellence Meets Purpose
Worship theology, sacred music history, and liturgical leadership — rooted in the HBCU worship tradition.
Worship leadership
Sacred music history
Liturgical arts coordination
Homiletics & Pastoral Leadership
Preach with Power
The craft of biblical preaching and pastoral care, grounded in the African American preaching tradition.
Expository preaching
Pastoral theology
AA preaching tradition
Christian Counseling
Heal · Counsel · Transform
B.A. in Human Services with a Concentration in Christian Counseling.
Christian counseling theory
Crisis & trauma intervention
Certificate Offerings
18-credit-hour certificates designed for bi-vocational ministers, working adults, and ministry professionals.
Certificate
Christian Education
18 Credit Hours
Online / Hybrid / In-Person
CED 303
Intro Christian Writing / Research Methods
REL 308
Church Worship & Liturgy
CED 311
Teaching Methods in Christian Ministry
CED 306
History & Philosophy of Christian Education
CED 300
Digital Tools in Christian Education
CED 404
Biblical Theology for Christian Education
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Certificate
Worship Arts
18 Credit Hours
Online / Hybrid / In-Person
REL 308
Church Worship & Liturgy
REL 316
Foundations for Worship Theology
REL 320
History of Sacred Music
CED 300
Digital Tools in Christian Education
CED 320
Worship Leadership & Administration
MUS ___
Music Elective — One 3-credit MUS course selected in consultation with your advisor
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Certificate
Church Administration
18 Credit Hours
Online / Hybrid / In-Person
REL 308
Church Worship & Liturgy
CED 410
Strategic Ministry Planning & Budgeting
HSH 254
Intro to Public Policy & Non-Profit Law
BAD 317
Human Resource Management
CED 300
Digital Tools in Christian Education
CED 315
Leadership & Conflict Management
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Certificate
Homiletics & Pastoral Leadership
18 Credit Hours
Online / Hybrid / In-Person
REL 308
Church Worship & Liturgy
REL 425
Preaching in the African American Tradition
CED 300
Digital Tools in Christian Education
REL 300
Intro to Homiletics
REL 420
Pastoral Theology
CED 315
Leadership & Conflict Management
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Who These Programs Serve
Bi-Vocational Ministers
Working Adults
Seminary-Bound Students
Mid-Career Professionals
Pastors Seeking Credentials
Worship Leaders
Church Administrators
Christian Educators
Non-Ordained Ministry Staff
Main Entrance · Est. 1884
The Buffalo · Campus Landmark
Little Rock · Heart of the Delta
Chapel · Where Formation Begins
Join the McKissic Community
Your Next Step Starts Here
Whether you are ready to apply, exploring concentrations, or looking to partner — we have a path for you.
Apply for Admission
Ready to take the next step? Review our step-by-step admissions guide — what to prepare, what to submit, and what to expect.
How to Apply →
Contact an Advisor
Have questions about transfer credits, degree requirements, or financial aid? Our advisors are ready to guide you step by step.
(501) 420-1200