St. Petersburg Christian University
St. Petersburg Christian University (SPbCU) is an Evangelical theological college located in St. Petersburg, Russia. Founded in 1990, the university was one of the first Evangelical higher educational institutions to be established in Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It offers Bachelor and Master-degree programs in Theology, Christian Education and Pastoral Ministry, along with an International Program in English. The campus is located at 13 B Narvsky Prospect near the center of the city.
Study Programs
Bachelor of Theology
The Bachelor of Theology program requires a 4-year study of personal and community spiritual life and their theological foundations. The course of study includes: Biblical Interpretation, including Greek and Hebrew; Biblical teachings about God, man and Jesus Christ, God’s plan of salvation; Church History with emphasis on Russian church history; Russian Culture and Philosophy in light of the Bible; and Instruction for Practical Ministry.
Practical ministries, related to this program, are performed by all students in local Churches, orphanages, and Christian summer camps.
Bachelor of Youth Ministry
The program of study is three years and focuses on practical ministry aspects. The main focus of the program is on the practical sphere of youth ministry. Students study practical theology, youth ministry and leadership. Students are also required to have practical experience in youth programs before and during the course of study.
Bachelor of Christian Education
This three-year study focuses on aspects of practical ministry. The major coursework concerns practical ministry as well as education. Students study practical theology, various areas of pedagogy as well as small group organization and leadership. Students are required to have practical experience with children and youth before and during the three years of study at SPbCU. Students must actively participate in a Church ministry organization while studying and during the summer months.
Part-time Bachelor of Christian Ministry Program
The goal of this program is to prepare students to conduct ministry in local churches. The four-year program consists of two two-week sessions per year (one during the fall semester and one during the spring semester). With the successful completion of the program the graduate will receive a diploma from St. Petersburg Christian University.
Each session consists of 60 hours of class time. The course includes lectures, reports, exams, and assignments to be completed after students return to their home ministry. In between sessions the students are required to participate in 210 hours of service either in the church or in a Christian ministry. Coursework includes: Introduction to the Old and New Testaments; Systematic Theology; Evangelism and Discipleship; Apologetics; Rhetoric and Speech; Christian Leadership; Church Planting and Church Growth; Foundations of Mentoring/Discipleship; Foundations of Social Ministry; Programs of Church Education; Foundations of Religious Rights; History of Christianity in Russia and Eastern Europe, and Marriage and Family.
Master of Theology in Biblical Studies
The Master of Theology program is a 2-year study using British research degree format. Classes are held on the campus and the students remain on the SPCU campus to do their writing and research. The degree is accredited through the University of Wales. The program trains professors for Bible Schools, Christian Colleges, and Christian Universities as well as to prepares specialists in the area of Evangelical Christian Apologetics.
International Program
The International Program at St. Petersburg Christian University focuses on Russian language, literature and culture. Academic studies are offered in Russian History, Russian Language, Russian Fine Arts, Russian Literature, with classes on Russian Business, Politics, and Religion and Theology from a Russian Perspective being offered if students are interested. Classes are geared towards English-speaking students and are taught by teachers from SPbCU and other local universities. Trips to Moscow and Novgorod are part of the program as well as several excursions to museums, palaces, and attractions within the city itself.