You might not be ready to commit to a four-year degree. You may want to be grounded in your faith before pursuing career studies. During your FOCUS Year, you will take a total of 20 credits in Bible and theology over 2 semesters as you learn to study the Bible for yourself. This lower academic load is customizable so that you can ease into college academics or use the extra time to work. Additional classes outside the Bible core can be audited for half price or taken for credit at full tuition. All credits earned during your FOCUS Year would be applied toward a two- or four-year degree if you decide to continue studying at IBCS, and they could transfer to other colleges.
The cost is $13,400 for two semesters, which includes room and board. FOCUS Year also gives you a wide variety of ministry opportunities in the local church. Your studies and interactions will help you form a personal philosophy of ministry and practice, develop your leadership skills, grow you as a follower of Jesus Christ, and provide you with a community of spiritual relationships.
Program Learning Outcomes
Through the FOCUS Year, IBCS seeks to develop leaders who possess a knowledge of God, a deep love for Him, and who are able to apply scriptural truth to daily decisions.
Job Opportunities
With a lighter academic load, you can develop job skills and work experience. Positions are available on campus as well in Chandler and in nearby cities.
- Develop your working skills.
- Join our thriving job market.
- Choose from a wide selection of job opportunities.
Co-curricular Ministry Opportunities
You shouldn't wait to graduate to get involved in church ministry and begin using your spiritual gifts. At IBCS, our students serve in a variety of ministries, gaining breadth of experience outside of the classroom, both in church and in other kinds of ministries.
- Children’s ministries
- Youth ministry
- Christian school ministries
- Media ministry
- Summer camp ministries
- Pastoral internships
- Chandler outreach ministries
- Missions trips
Future Educational Opportunities
Future Ministry Opportunities
The goal of the FOCUS Year is to equip you to minister effectively wherever the Lord leads you. Besides the personal enrichment and aid to your own study of God’s Word, here are just some of the ways you could minister:
- Sunday School teacher
- Discipleship leader
- Deacon
- Youth leader
- Children's ministry worker
- Church or Christian school support staff
- Faithful Christian in secular employment