Catholic Biblical School Program Format

Catholic Biblical School Program Format

Grow in a Deeper Relationship with God's Word. In-Person, at Home, or Anywhere in the World. 

The Catholic Biblical School provides an integrated learning experience that engages both the head and the heart. Offering courses both in-person and online, which are taught by acclaimed University of Dallas faculty known for their serious, academic, and faith-filled work, CBS students are offered the opportunity to explore scripture in a personal, spiritual and intellectual ways and may take any of the courses for self-growth or to earn a Certificate of Advanced Biblical Studies from the Neuhoff Institute. 

The class is open to adults of any faith. Our approach to scripture is rigorous, scholarly and in conformity with the best of Catholic biblical tradition.

Certificate of Advanced Biblical Studies

The first two years of the CBS program, focus on the biblical books that form the foundation of both the Old and New Testaments. Years three and four of the program cover the remaining books of the bible, emphasizing their contexts and principle themes. While starting at the beginning of the four year cycle is encouraged, a student can join the program at any point. Students completing the requirements of all four years of the Catholic Biblical School program will receive a Certificate of Advanced Biblical Studies from the Neuhoff Institute. 

Old Testament Foundations—Genesis through Kings
  • Module 1: Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers
  • Module 2: Deuteronomy and Genesis
  • Module 3: Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings
New Testament Foundations—Jesus and Discipleship
  • Module 4: Mark and Luke
  • Module 5: Acts of the Apostles and the Pauline letters
  • Module 6: John, Johannine letters [1 John; 2 John; 3 John], and Revelation
Exile and Restoration
  • Module 7: Amos, Hosea, I Isaiah, Micah, Zephaniah, Nahum, and Jeremiah
  • Module 8: Lamentations, Obadiah, Ezekiel, II-III Isaiah, Haggai, Ezra, and Nehemiah
  • Module 9: 1 & 2 Chronicles, Joel, Malachi, Ruth, Song of Songs, and Psalms
The Word in the Hellenistic World
  • Module 10: Proverbs, Habakkuk, Job, Ecclesiastes, Sirach, and Book of Wisdom
  • Module 11: Jonah, Esther, Tobit, Baruch, 1 & 2 Maccabees, Judith, and Daniel
  • Module 12: Matthew, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, James, 1 & 2 Peter, Jude, and Hebrews 

Courses are split into three 10-week modules, which open on the second half of August and ends on the first half of May. Online classes are held asynchronously in which students engage with classmates and their professors through online discussion boards and watch relevant lectures posted by professors. A variety of methods of instruction appropriate to adult learning are used. These include:

  • Weekly reading assignments, including scripture passages and other resources
  • Weekly writing assignments, typically answering questions on the read passages
  • A short prayer service included in each course
  • Small group discussion with others who also desire to learn more about the Bible
  • Presentations by an instructor who as an advanced theology degree

CBS students typically spend 4 to 5 hours per week on the homework assignment that includes readings from the biblical book being studied and supplementary materials, as well as writing the answers to 5 to 6 study questions, which are the basis for the small group discussion. 

My journey with the Catholic Biblical School has deepened my understanding of Scripture and ultimately my relationship with God. The weekly lectures and discussions provide an opportunity to delve into the various books of the Bible and to hear how others have been enlightened by a close examination of the Scripture.
Kathleen Spector, CBS ‘14