Why choose biblical and theological studies at Northwestern?

Be prepared for a meaningful career using advanced training in biblical interpretation and theology. Discover and develop your unique skills in teaching, research, and ministry. Establish a solid biblical foundation that will equip you to serve wherever God leads you.

Fulfill your desire to study Scripture in-depth by gaining advanced knowledge of New Testament Greek. Learn from Christian scholars with expertise in Bible translation techniques.

Gain theological insight by studying themes (“biblical theology”) and categories (“systematic theology”). Discover how these ideas have been shaped over time (“historical theology”).

Expand your cultural awareness as you learn about the customs, context, and geography of the Bible. Understand how personal and cultural biases affect biblical interpretation.

As you excel in your studies you’ll be learning transferable skills in communication, research, and analysis.

Consider enhancing your major with a minor in Ancient & Classical Languages or related field of your choice.

Experience more

There's more to experience outside the classroom:

• Present a paper at the Undergraduate Theology Conference
• Discover first-hand what it’s like to do archaeological excavation
• Get involved in local ministry
• Collaborate with faculty on research and publication projects
• Share your ideas in our Science & Theology chapel series
• Explore the culture and rich history of the land of the Bible by studying abroad in Israel

Your academic achievements will be recognized if you qualify for induction into our local chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society. You may be selected to receive an award for outstanding work in Greek, Hebrew, and theology.

Accelerated Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS)

Planning on graduate school? Consider the affordable option to combine an undergraduate B.A. degree in Biblical and Theological Studies with an accelerated Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS). Apply through the Biblical & Theological Studies department for this streamlined track designed to save you time and money. You’ll complete 14 credits of the MATS degree during your undergraduate program and the remaining 22 credits during one additional year of graduate study on campus or online. You have the option to culminate your MATS program with the writing of a thesis guided by a faculty member. This accelerated pathway saves you 14 credits of graduate tuition expense as you add a MATS degree to your portfolio in just one year.

5 ways to save on tuition

• Take free test-out exams in Old and New Testament History & Literature (earn up to 6 credits)
• As a Biblical and Theological Studies major, you may qualify for select ministry scholarships in addition to your financial aid package
• Apply for Northwestern's prestigious Eagle Scholars honors program with generous scholarships for high-ability students
• Complete your high school requirements and earn free college credits through PSEO classes at Northwestern (for Minnesota residents)
• Consider taking affordable online courses to graduate sooner

If you have a passion to study the Bible, want to understand important theological issues, and desire to have a career with significance, this might be the right degree for you.

What will you learn?

You will learn to perform advanced biblical interpretation, evaluate current issues using theological methods, explain Christian theology, and develop your skills in communication, research, and analysis.

Some classes include:

• Elementary and Intermediate Greek
• Biblical Theology
• Second Temple Judaism
• Biblical Customs and Geography
• Seminar in Theological Method