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Biblical & Theological Studies

Study the Bible and theology. And in the process, find yourself transformed.

The Department of Biblical and Theological Studies builds on a strong biblical foundation that prepares you to serve and lead capably and knowledgeably. But we don’t stop there. Beyond biblical knowledge, you’ll experience deep spiritual and personal transformation as you integrate your faith into everything you do.

Majors, Minors, and Programs

Biblical & Theological Studies Major Minor
Gender Studies Minor Minor
Missional Ministries Major

Recent News

A Match Made at Festival of Christmas

November 29, 2023 | 10:20 a.m.

Upcoming Events

APR 6 2024

Understanding Creation: A Christian Reflection on Artificial Intelligence

8:30 a.m. Anderson Center Community Room

The annual faith/science mini-conference, co-hosted by Bethel University and Crown College, will explore a Christian perspective on artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Be transformed. Transform the world.

Biblical and Theological Studies graduates are prepared to serve and lead in all kinds of settings, at home and overseas, in business or nonprofits, in parachurch or traditional church settings, serving youth, preaching, teaching, or planting churches. And we provide you with a strong foundation for entering competitive graduate and seminary programs after graduation.

Student-led worship at Bethel University.

150

students in the department

8

full-time professors in the department

Program Highlights

Spiritual transformation

Beyond expanding your knowledge of the Bible, you’ll grow in your personal faith as you learn to integrate it into everything you do.

Leadership preparation

Our graduates serve in leadership positions at home and abroad, in churches, schools, business, missions, and nonprofits.

Seminary and grad school placement

Our program focuses on strong scholarship and rigorous theological study. You’ll be fully prepared for graduate education, including study at Bethel Seminary if you so choose.

Expert faculty

Our professors are respected scholars, speakers, and writers. Our small class sizes allow you to know them, be mentored by them, and collaborate with them on significant research projects.

Global engagement

Study abroad in Israel, Turkey, Greece, Cambodia, or Ireland and take classes in World Christianity to understand the church in a global context. Travel on missions trips to locations worldwide.

Plentiful ministry opportunities

Hone your ministry skills as a leader in opportunities like Twin Cities Outreach, internships at local churches and ministry sites, or Bethel’s own Campus Ministries.

What can I do with a theology degree?

Students preparing for careers in business, education, nursing, or any career find that our majors and minors give them a solid foundation for serving God’s kingdom.

Careers

Biblical and theological studies graduates are:

  • 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
  • Relief workers
  • Business leaders
  • Community organizers
  • Nonprofit directors
  • Social workers
  • Worship leaders
  • Lawyers
  • Urban ministry directors

Graduate Schools

Graduate schools or seminaries our alumni attend:

  • Bethel Seminary
  • Denver Seminary
  • Duke Divinity School
  • Fuller Theological Seminary
  • Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
  • McCormack Theological Seminary
  • Princeton Theological Seminary
  • Regent College, British Columbia
  • Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Minnesota
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Yale Divinity School
  • Wheaton College