Grand Canyon University Announces New College of Theology

The name change reflects a new emphasis for the private university's Christian degree programs

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Jun 14, 2012, 12:00 ET

PHOENIX, June 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Grand Canyon University has renamed its College of Christian Studies to the new College of Theology, offering bachelor's and master's degree programs in Christian Studies with emphases in Christian Leadership, Pastoral Ministry, Youth Ministry and Biblical Studies.

"The College of Theology nomenclature is recognized by denominations and ministries around the world," said Dr. Steve Gerali, the college's dean. "This name will help distinguish the university as one that focuses on training and equipping church and ministry leaders with the highest theological scholarship and praxis."

The College of Theology's new name situates the university among other theological schools that offer specific, strong degree programs in the area of theology.

The change also is a response to the needs of secular institutions and organizations, said Gerali, who holds two doctoral degrees from Oxford Graduate School and designed the youth ministry degree programs at three other theological schools of higher education.

"Two-thirds of the world's population is younger than 25 years old, so organizations are opening their doors to professional youth workers in record numbers," Gerali said. "Even churches are seeking youth pastors — particularly women — at a more rapid pace than in years past."

Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949 and is Arizona's premier private Christian university. GCU is regionally accredited and emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students and the working professional in seven colleges: the Ken Blanchard College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Nursing, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Theology, the College of Fine Arts and Production, and the College of Doctoral Studies. GCU offers traditional programs on its growing campus, as well as online bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs. The University's curriculum fuses academic and clinical rigor with Christian values to prepare its students to be skilled, caring professionals. For more information about GCU, visit www.gcu.edu.

SOURCE Grand Canyon University