Why Choose Christian Studies at Bethel University?
Christian Studies is for the student who wants to know their faith deeply and put it to work in the world. The major takes you into Scripture, theology, church history, and ethics, building a serious, well-rounded understanding of the Christian tradition. Whether you sense a call to ministry or simply want to think carefully about the biggest questions, this degree gives you the foundation to do it well.
What rounds out the program is its practical and preparatory bent. Alongside biblical and theological study, you explore the foundations of Christian education and wrestle with the ethical questions believers face today, then tie it all together in a capstone designed to ready you for what comes next. Graduates leave prepared for ministry, nonprofit and church work, and graduate or seminary study.
What You’ll Learn
In this program, you will learn:
- A grasp of core Christian theology, including the doctrines of God, creation, humanity, sin, Christ, and the Church
- A knowledge of the Old Testament, including its prophetic, Torah, and wisdom literature
- An understanding of the New Testament, including the Gospels and the Epistles
- A working knowledge of the history of Christianity from the early church to the present
- An understanding of the foundations and practice of Christian education and ministry
- The ability to engage the major ethical questions of the Christian life
- The skills to integrate your learning and prepare for ministry, nonprofit work, or graduate study
Courses You'll Take
These are the main courses that define the major:
REL 224, Christian Theology I
REL 225, Christian Theology II
REL 301, Foundations of Christian Education
REL 301, Foundations of Christian Education
REL 311 or REL 323, Old Testament Studies
REL 313 or REL 314, New Testament Studies
REL 320 or REL 321, History of Christianity
REL 327, Christian Ethics
REL 497, Christian Studies Capstone
Beyond these, you will complete additional hours in religion and philosophy, including upper-level courses numbered 300 or above, chosen from the department's offerings.
