Biblical & Theological Studies
Department of Biblical & Theological Studies

Biblical & Theological Studies


  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Undergraduate

125 credits

required for program
  • Available online

Find your mission as you follow your passion to study God’s Word. Immerse yourself in theological topics. Interpret biblical passages and discover their relevance to life. See how church history shaped theology. Read the Bible in its original languages. Get cultural perspective on people and customs in the Bible. Enrich your experience by studying abroad in Israel. Be rewarded for excellence in your studies.

Biblical and theological studies may be the right degree for you if you

  • love to study the Bible
  • are interested in theology and how to live out your faith
  • want to learn biblical languages like Greek and Hebrew
  • are seeking excellent preparation for seminary or graduate school

Why choose biblical and theological studies at Northwestern?

Be prepared for a meaningful career using advanced training in biblical interpretation and theology. Collaborate with faculty on research projects and build your resume. Establish a solid biblical foundation so you can serve God wherever He leads you. Get equipped for graduate school and earn related degrees like MATS, M.Div., MAML, and more.

Study Scripture in-depth as you gain knowledge of New Testament Greek. Learn from Christian scholars with expertise in Bible translation techniques.

Discover theological insights by studying themes (“biblical theology”) and categories (“systematic theology”). Find out how these ideas have been shaped over time (“historical theology”). Discuss ideas with your classmates and professors.

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

Get personalized career advice from your faculty advisor. Graduates of this program have found jobs as pastors, professors, missionaries, Bible translators, teachers at Christian high schools, chaplains, youth pastors, leaders in para-church organizations, communication directors, and more. Some jobs require additional education.

Consider enhancing your major with a minor in Ancient & Classical Languages, Communication, History, Intercultural Studies, Linguistics, Philosophy, Science and Theology, Writing, or another area of interest.

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

You may qualify for induction into our local chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa national honor society. You may also receive an award for outstanding work in Greek, Hebrew, and theology.

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Accelerated Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS)

Planning on graduate school? An affordable option is 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 track designed to save you time and money. You’ll complete 14 credits of the MATS degree during your undergraduate program. You can complete the remaining 22 credits during one extra 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 one year.

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Ways to save on tuition

Take advantage of opportunities to save money as a Biblical and Theological Studies major:

  • Take free test-out exams for Survey of the Old Testament and New Testament (earn up to 6 credits)
  • Apply for Northwestern’s Eagle Scholars honors program with generous scholarships for high-achieving students
  • As a Biblical and Theological Studies major, you may qualify for select ministry scholarships and more

Careers in biblical and theological studies

A variety of career and academic pathways will emerge for you with a degree in biblical and theological studies.

What types of work are related to this degree?

  • Pastoral ministry
  • Bible translation
  • Leadership in nonprofit organizations
  • Research and writing
  • Theological librarian
  • Chaplain
  • University professor
  • Para-church ministry
  • Christian education
  • Missions
  • Communication
  • Camp ministry
  • Bible teacher
View Career Guide
95%
of seniors view the faculty as available and accessible
Travel
and study abroad in Israel at Jerusalem University College
79%
of graduates plan on further education
Student-life-3

Still have questions about this program or how to apply?

Our team is ready with answers!

Discover the Department of Biblical & Theological Studies


Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.