BA in Biblical and Theological Studies
45 units
The School of Theology cultivates a vibrant Christ-centered community committed to real-world ministry, guided by expert faculty who are deeply invested in students’ spiritual, academic, and vocational formation. Through coursework in Bible, theology, and Christian ministries, the biblical and theological studies major equips students to integrate a resilient Christian faith with academic excellence and a thoughtful vision for faithful service in the world. The school provides strong preparation for graduate study as well as immediate leadership and service in a wide range of ministry and vocational contexts.
Career Opportunities
The biblical and theological studies major offers an avenue of sustained and thoughtful devotion to the God of the Gospel. At the same time, it provides students with the discipline and practices that are requisite for graduate study or other service in the Church and the world. Graduates have pursued studies at Duke Divinity School, Fuller Theological Seminary, Oxford Centre for Mission Studies, Princeton Theological Seminary, Yale Divinity School, and other institutions in fields such as education, sociology, law, theology, Church history, biblical studies, philosophy, and international relations. Alumni have also served as pastors, chaplains, teachers, social workers, community organizers, nonprofit program administrators, and relief workers, and in parachurch ministries.
Requirements
A minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA is required in all major courses. The biblical and theological studies major may be earned by completing all of the following courses:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Core Requirements | ||
| SOT 150 | Understanding the Old Testament: Creation, Covenant, Exile, Restoration 1 | 3 |
| SOT 200 | Understanding the New Testament: Christ, Redemption, Community, New Creation 2 | 3 |
| SOT 250 | Theology and the Christian Life 3 | 3 |
| Upper-Division Biblical Studies Course 4 | 3 | |
| Major Core Requirements | ||
| SOT 211 | Introduction to Practical Theology | 3 |
| SOT 212 | Studying and Teaching the Bible | 3 |
| SOT 260 | World Religions | 3 |
| SOT 371 | Church History: Apostolic Era to the Eve of the Reformation | 3 |
| SOT 373 | Contemporary Christian Theology | 3 |
| SOT 411 | Christian Ministry Internship I | 3 |
| SOT 444 | Women in the Biblical Tradition | 3 |
| SOT 446 | Global Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| Upper-Division Biblical Studies Course 5 | 3 | |
| Electives 6 | 6 | |
| Choose two of the following: | ||
| The Rise of the King: I and II Samuel | ||
| Old Testament Prophets | ||
| Ruth and Esther | ||
| Psalms and Wisdom | ||
| Life and Teachings of Jesus | ||
| The Gospel and Letters of John | ||
| Romans and Galatians | ||
| Thessalonian and Corinthian Epistles | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Total Units | 45 | |
- 1
Meets the APU Core: Understanding the Old Testament general education requirement.
- 2
Meets the APU Core: Understanding the New Testament general education requirement.
- 3
Meets the APU Core: Theology and the Christian Life general education requirement.
- 4
Meets the APU Core: Upper-Division Bible general education requirement.
- 5
This course must be different from the course taken to fulfill the GE Core requirement and the courses taken to fulfill the Electives requirement.
- 6
These courses must be different from the course taken to fulfill the GE Core requirement and the course taken to fulfill the Major Core requirement.