BUF-Ocala

APPLY NOW to BUF-Ocala  →

 

BUF-Ocala (Launching August 2024)

BUF-Ocala is committed to providing a first class, fully accredited Christian University training in North Central Florida. Come join us on the journey as we launch in August 2024 at the Marion Baptist Association office - 1520 NE 14th St, Ocala, FL 34470. Whether you know what kind of ministry you're interested in, or you want to explore different areas of ministry to discover your calling, BUF-Ocala will connect you with opportunities in Florida and around the world.

 

Intention

We are guided by a shared purpose to bring the Word of God to the world. Our students come here to challenge themselves and graduate prepared to serve the Lord.

What Does BUF Offer?

Vocation

We believe a career is more than a source of pride or income. It is a calling for students to change the world through the light of the Lord.

Explore BUF Degrees

Devotion

With unwavering faith, we teach and challenge our students to be stewards of the gospel in everything they do.

BUF Stories

BUF-Ocala specializes in offering the Biblical Studies and Pastoral Ministry Certificates. Whatever your interest, BUF-Ocala will equip and connect you with the Baptist University of Florida to Advance God's Kingdom with Your Calling.

The academic requirements, admission procedures, and costs are the same for all BUF campuses.

Auditing a class will help you receive Christian higher education at a reduced rate.

 

Classes Begin August 13, 2024

Personal Evangelism on Tuesday night from 6:00-9:00 pm.

Old Testament Survey on Thursday nights from 6:00-9:00 pm.

Biblical Studies Certificate

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are available for those wanting to increase their knowledge in a specific field, or those interested in becoming undergraduate students. BUF certificates are available for specialized fields after students complete a specific number of college credit courses. The credit from these courses may or may not be transferable toward an advanced degree program. If a student wishes to pursue a formal academic degree, the student should determine whether credits will transfer before enrolling in the related certificate program.

What to Expect

The Biblical Studies Certificate creates a pathway for the student to better understand how to read and interpret the Word of God for both personal study and to provide valuable application towards corporate studies (Sunday School teaching, Group Bible Studies, etc.).

APPLY NOW  →

Certificate (24 Hours)

Biblical/Theological Foundation (12 sem/hours)

  • BF 101. Old Testament Survey (3 hours)
  • BF 103. New Testament Survey (3 hours)
  • EV 201. Personal Evangelism (3 hours)
  • SF 101. Spiritual Formation (3 hours)

Additional Requirements (12 sem/hours)

  • BI 212. Biblical Hermeneutics (3 hours)
  • PHI 201. Introduction to Christian Worldview (3 hours)
  • OT Book Study (3 hours)
  • NT Book Study (3 hours)

Total: 24 sem/hours

Biblical Studies Certificate Admission Requirements

  1. Application
  2. Official transcripts requested (from high school and any college attended)
  3. Official ACT or SAT scores

APPLY NOW  →

Pastoral Ministry Certificate

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are available for those wanting to increase their knowledge in a specific field, or those interested in becoming undergraduate students. BUF certificates are available for specialized fields after students complete a specific number of college credit courses. The credit from these courses may or may not be transferable toward an advanced degree program. If a student wishes to pursue a formal academic degree, the student should determine whether credits will transfer before enrolling in the related certificate program.

What to Expect

The Pastoral Ministry Certificate creates a pathway for the student to better understand how to read and interpret the Word of God for both personal study and to provide valuable application towards corporate studies (Sunday School teaching, Group Bible Studies, etc.). Additionally, this certificate introduces the student to the pastoral ministry with a focus on sermon exposition and philosophy for the ministry

APPLY NOW  →

Certificate (24 Hours)

Biblical/Theological Foundation (12 sem/hours)

  • BF 101. Old Testament Survey (3 hours)
  • BF 103. New Testament Survey (3 hours)
  • EV 201. Personal Evangelism (3 hours)
  • SF 101. Spiritual Formation (3 hours)

Additional Requirements (12 sem/hours)

  • BI 212. Biblical Hermeneutics (3 hours)
  • PR 220. Preparing Expository Sermons (3 hours)
  • PM 210. Introduction to Pastoral Ministry Philosophy (3 hours)
  • PR 230. Preaching Practicum OR PM 211. Introduction to Pastoral Ministry Practice (3 hours)

Total: 24 sem/hours

Biblical Studies Certificate Admission Requirements

  1. Application
  2. Official transcripts requested (from high school and any college attended)
  3. Official ACT or SAT scores

APPLY NOW  →

BUF-Ocala Point of Contact:

Dr. Doug Hankins
Associate Vice-President for Graduate Studies and Distance Campuses
dhankins@buf.edu

APPLY NOW  to BUF-Ocala→

 

Excellence in Education

Ranked Top 2% of Regional Colleges
in the South for 2022-2023
U.S. News and World Report
Best Colleges

 

2023 Ranked #3 Best Value
Bachelor's Degrees in Theology
College Factual

2022 Top 10 for Online
Bachelor's in Music
Academic Influence

 

2022 Top 10 Online
Colleges in Florida
BestColleges.com

One of the "Best Christian Colleges in Florida"
BestValueSchools.org

 

2021 Best Colleges in America
Niche.com

Membership in:

The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements

Additionally, Baptist University of Florida is:

An accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music
Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education
A cooperating ministry of the Florida Baptist Convention