Christ above all earthly powers

Flexible

Online & Modular Course Options

Affordable

$300 per credit hour

Scriptural

Orthodox, confessional, and baptistic

Foundational

Bachelor of Arts in Public Theology
Mission
The Institute of Public Theology exists to help the next generation of Christians to wield the sword of the Spirit effectively in the world which God has created.

As Abraham Kuyper has said, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!” The inerrant Word sits encased in glass on the mantel, well-lit and plenty sharp. But God’s people must not only admire that sword, they must lay hold of it and employ it in the battle as God commands. Doing so is costly. Doing so hurts. Doing so is dangerous. And courage is required.

The sons of Issachar lived in tumultuous times. They knew two things. They understood the times and they knew what Israel ought to do (1 Chronicles 12:32). The Institute of Public Theology aims to train a coming generation of Christians to know the times, learn the Word, believe the Word, and live by the Word.

Degree Program

What does our Bachelor of Arts in Public Theology program look like?

Applied Theology

30 Credits

Systematic Theology

21 Credits

Biblical Interpretation

21 Credits (Includes Greek and Hebrew)

Church History

13 Credits

Applied Theology

18 Credits

Electives

6 Credits

The Institute of Public Theology was established to help equip Christian leaders to wield the sword of the Spirit effectively in the world which God has created.

How to Apply

Applications to IOPT can be made at any time. Once a complete application is submitted, the admissions board will review it and respond. The application process takes time so the sooner an application is received before a given semester, the more likely that the applicant, if accepted, will begin courses in the forthcoming semester.

The application process for full-time students involves three parts.

First, the applicant must complete the admissions application. Second, two recommendations for the applicant must be submitted (one must be the pastor of the applicant). Third, the applicant must select a topic in public theology and write an essay on it. The essay must be 1,000-1,500 words for Jump Start and 1,500-2,000 words for certificates/BA. Please follow the Chicago Manual of Style. There is an application fee of $75.

A review of a given application will not begin until all three parts of the application have been received by IOPT. Applicants can expect to hear back from the admissions board within approximately one month of the entire application being submitted.

Applications are also accepted for those who desire to audit a class. The process includes an abbreviated application, short questionnaire, and simplified pastoral recommendation. Please go here to begin the application to audit a course.

Application
Recommendations
Essay
Application Fee

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Institute of Public Theology is not a seminary. We are a committed,
conservative Christian liberal arts program designed to equip students for faithful
engagement in the church, academy, and public square. However, all of our degrees
include a strong foundation in Bible training as part of the core general education. For
those pursuing pastoral ministry through seminary-level training, we encourage you to
explore our residential seminary program at Founders Seminary.

No, the Institute of Public Theology (IOPT) is not a seminary. We are a committed, conservative Christian liberal arts program designed to equip students for faithful engagement in the church, academy, and public square. However, all of our degrees include a strong foundation in Bible training as part of the core general education. For those pursuing pastoral ministry through seminary-level training, we encourage you to explore our residential seminary program at Founders Seminary.

We offer all of our classes at $300 per credit hour. This rate compares favorably with many theological training institutions, and we strongly encourage IOPT students to request tuition support from their churches.

IOPT offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Business, Classical Christian Education, and Public Theology. Each degree is grounded in a robust biblical and theological core. We also offer a Jumpstart program for qualified high school juniors and seniors, allowing them to begin college-level coursework early. Additionally, students can pursue a Certificate in Public Theology for focused study without committing to a full degree program. Visit our Academics page to learn more!

IOPT is not currently accredited, but we work with various institutions to transfer credits and recognize degrees on a case-by-case basis. Many institutions have already agreed to accept our coursework and honor our degrees. For more information, including current partner institutions and transfer policies, please visit the Standards Section of our website.

Students will be able to take all available courses online and select courses may be offered in an intensive modular format in Cape Coral, Florida. Click here to stay up-to-date.

IOPT is for men and women seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business, Classical Christian Education, or Public Theology—students who want a rigorous, Christ-centered college education without the concern of liberal compromise. Our programs are designed for those who desire to think clearly, live faithfully, and engage culture with a thoroughly biblical worldview. Click here to stay up-to-date.

Applications for those who desire to audit a class are accepted. The process includes an abbreviated application, short questionnaire, and simplified pastoral recommendation. Click here to apply to audit a class.

The application fee for auditing courses is $50, and the tuition is $400 per course.

Yes. We require a 79 on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for international students who (1) are not native speakers of English, and (2) did not earn a bachelor’s or higher-level degree from a U.S. institution.

Please note that IOPT does not yet offer full-time resident student programs, therefore we cannot help a prospective student apply for an F-1 student visa.