Biblical & Theological Studies Major
Undergrad Majors & Programs Biblical & Theological Studies Majors & Minors
Biblical & Theological Studies

A Biblical and Theological Studies major is for students who are passionate about understanding the Bible, theology, and what it means to be a Christian today. It’s for students who want to teach God’s word, serve in churches, or infuse their Christian faith into their work in businesses or nonprofits. It's for students with a deep interest in developing their worldview, and growing in their relationship with God. Students are mentored and guided to ask questions to discern their faith, their calling, and their impact on God’s kingdom. Graduates often pursue seminary or advanced degrees in Bible, theology, or religion so they can continue to grow as critical thinkers and develop skills for a range of career options.
What can I do with this degree?
Our graduates are living as salt and light as:
- Pastors
- Teachers or professors
- Youth ministers
- Ministry leaders
- Chaplains
- Writers/editors
- Missionaries
- Camp counselors or directors
- Church planters
- Directors of Christian organizations
- Church administrators
- Journalists
- Humanitarian relief workers
- Business leaders
- Community organizers
- Nonprofit directors
- Social workers
- Worship leaders
- Lawyers
- Urban ministry directors
Graduate schools or seminaries our alumni attend:
- Bethel Seminary
- Denver Seminary
- Duke Divinity School
- Fuller Theological Seminary
- Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
- Luther Seminary
- McCormick Theological Seminary
- Princeton Theological Seminary
- Regent College, British Columbia
- Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
- United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Minnesota
- Vanderbilt University
- Yale Divinity School
- Wheaton College
What skills will I develop?
- Ethical thinking
- Global perspectives of theological ideals, not just Western thought
- Introductory knowledge of biblical languages
- Interpretation and discernment of Scripture, and engaging the sacred text within current culture
- Writing and research skills in preparation for graduate programs
- Critical thinking
- Theological thinking in a manner that is attentive to today’s world
- Being attentive to issues that affect Christian thought
- Analytic and philosophical thinking
- Leadership principles for effective ministry in the church
You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the R.E.A.L. Experience—a program specifically designed to help you gain the relevant, hands-on experience employers desire—so that when you graduate, you’ll be as impressive in practice as you are on paper.
What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?
World-renowned faculty
You'll learn from professors internationally renowned in their specialized fields. Our faculty exemplifies diversity in gender, cultural backgrounds, theological traditions, and areas of expertise.
Study abroad
Our department offers multiple opportunities to bring Scripture and theology to life, and experience first-hand ways to live out your faith in the midst of a broken world. Interim term trips to Israel, Turkey and Greece, Ireland, and Cambodia do just that. Semester-long opportunities are also available.
Undergraduate Bible & Theology Conference
Students and faculty attend the Twin Cities area Undergraduate Bible & Theology Conference to hear from scholars, dialogue with students and faculty from other schools, and sometimes present papers.
Research and scholarship
Bethel's academic reputation and active faculty means there are opportunities for students as undergraduates to participate in significant research. You could have opportunties to collaborate with faculty in their research as an assistant. Bethel was one of the early institutional partners of the Green Scholars Initiative, where students and a faculty member researched a biblcal text artifact for the first time.
Lead your peers
As a Christian institution, there are plenty of on-campus outlets for being part of ministry-related activities like faciliating dorm Bible studies, being involved in student ministries, participating in a missions trips, community outreach, and much more through the Office of Christian Formation and Church Relations.
150
students in the department
8
full-time professors in the department
Recent News
Bethel Professor Receives Prestigious Fellowship Award from Yale
May 05, 2023 | 10 a.m.
New This Spring, Community Groups Meet Mondays Opposite Chapel
May 01, 2023 | Noon
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My time in Bethel's Biblical and Theological Studies Department was intellectually stimulating and spiritually formative. It ignited me to pursue a career in Biblical Studies. On account of Bethel's incredible professors and in depth course offerings, I entered graduate school with a major advantage. I also learned by example how to be a Christian scholar and use my mind in service of the Church.
Tucker Ferda '07Grad school: University of Pittsburgh Divinity School

I’m extremely grateful I got a liberal arts education. I didn’t just learn the answers in undergrad—I learned how to find the answers myself while working through problems and issues, and how to apply what I learned in different settings. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my Bethel degree, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Ryan Wahlund '06business risk consultant

Aside from giving me an extraordinary background in the Bible, Christian history, and theology, the BTS major allowed me to develop skills in close reading, research, and writing that continue to serve me well after graduation.
Sara Misgen '13Grad school: Yale Divinity School (Accelerated Masters Program)

A beautiful thing happened. The coaches, my professors, this incredible group of guys, the community aspect of Bethel transformed me.
Zac Bush '13Pastor of Community Life at Westwood Community Church

My degree has not only enhanced my knowledge of the Bible, theology, and Church history, it taught me how to engage my faith in a world that is full of different ideas, beliefs, and faith practices.
Daniel Commerford '08Current job: Senior Pastor, Bethany Presbyterian Church (Covington, Ga.)