Biblical & Theological Studies Major

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.

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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.

Academic Plans and Course Catalog

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150

students in the department

full-time professors in the department

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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 '07
Grad 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 '06
business 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 '13
Grad 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 '13
Pastor 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 '08
Current job: Senior Pastor, Bethany Presbyterian Church (Covington, Ga.)