Returning to its founding purpose, High Desert Christian College in downtown Bend will step away from liberal arts instruction this fall in order to focus on biblical studies.

The college, at 25 NW Minnesota Ave., obtained approval to offer an associate of arts degree in spring 2003, but has discontinued the program because of a lack of interest, said executive director Robert Pearson.

”Over 90 percent of our students signed up for only Bible study courses,” he said.

The college, which last year had 75 mostly part-time students, originally introduced liberal arts classes into its curriculum to provide a local, and less expensive, option for students interested in general education from a Christian worldview.

But students either had liberal arts degrees already, in the case of the older students, or were seeking their general education elsewhere and turning to High Desert Christian College to supplement their learning, Pearson said.

This year, the college has revamped its Christian ministry program, now a 24-credit program renamed the Christian Studies Certificate.

According to its Web site, classes offered will include Bible interpretation, church history, introduction to spiritual development and apologetics, and the use of evidence to support biblical claims.

The private college also offers a program for those interested in missionary aviation, in partnership with Mount Hood Community College’s professional pilot program at the Bend airport.

Courses are worth one credit each and have been shortened; each class will run six to eight weeks maximum. Each credit costs $70. Any class can be audited for no credit for $50.

Credits earned at the college can be transferred to George Fox University, Western Baptist College, Multnomah Bible College, Warner Pacific College and Eugene Bible College.

Seven additional colleges have said they will consider granting transfer credits.

Fall term begins Sept. 7, but classes begin throughout the year in order to accommodate part-time students and those who work. Classes are typically held one evening a week.

A copy of the fall course schedule is available on the school’s Web site, www.hdccbend.org, or by contacting the college at 318-4283.