Bible & Theology Major

Prepare for your calling in Christian service and beyond.

The Bible and Theology major at Houghton University prepares you to be a spiritually vibrant Christian scholar. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of God’s word and the Christian faith. This major will prepare you to serve God in many fields of Christian service, including pastoral ministry, academia, missions, writing, counseling and chaplaincy.

Degree Snapshot

Undergraduate - Bachelor's

Degree Types: BA

Areas of Emphasis: Pastoral Ministry, Youth Ministries, Sports Ministry

Program Credits: 124

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What will I learn?

Page from the bible, Gospel of Like
Bible New Testament Christian Teachings Gospel St Luke Saint

Through Houghton’s degree in Bible & Theology you will discover your God-given calling as you:

  • Delve deeply into the Word of God as you study various aspects and areas of Biblical text. Through careful analysis and listening, you'll seek to hear the voice of God in scripture.
  • Wrestle with important questions as you and faculty seek answers together in Scripture.
  • Study introductory Greek and/or Hebrew, the primary texts of the Christian church.
  • Challenge yourself to graciously consider a breadth and depth of theological perspectives.
  • Explore the richness of the church's theological traditions from past to present, east to west

Why study Bible & Theology at Houghton?

Build a Solid Foundation

As a Bible & Theology major, you will spend most of your time in the Word. Many of your courses take a deep dive into an individual book of the Bible or a series of books. In addition to this biblical foundation, you'll take a variety of core classes that will help you read, apply, and interpret Scripture well. This includes courses like spiritual formation and vocation. You will gain the foundation necessary for your next step, whether it be seminary, graduate studies, or your work in ministry or a related field.

The Pastoral Ministry concentration fulfills all academic and practical requirements for ordination in The Wesleyan Church, while also contributing to the ordination requirements of many other denominations.

Internships & Overseas Experiences

Expand your education overseas and travel to the Holy Lands of Israel and Palestine. In the Holy Land Tour course you’ll visit cultural, historical, and archaeological sites in Israel. You will also learn biblical history and geography which will aid your understanding of biblical works.

Solidify your ministry skills through the completion of an internship. For those pursing Pastoral Ministry, an internship is required and an essential part of the program.

A Vibrant Sense of Belonging

Learn from active scholars with roles in the local church who are also your brothers and sisters in Christ. You will learn and study alongside Biblically well-versed and theologically informed faculty who believe that God’s word is still relevant and important in Christ’s mission. Be a part of a community of Christians demonstrating generosity toward Christian traditions other than your own—with a faith-seeking understanding and acceptance that all truth belongs to God.

Receive additional spiritual direction by choosing to participate in the year-long Emmanuel Scholars experience.  Engage in weekly readings and discussions, retreats, and one-on-one mentoring.

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Kern Scholarship for Ministry Leaders

Pursue your passion for ministry and prepare for a seminary education. The Kern Scholarship Program is made possible by the Wesleyan Church and you could qualify for $1,000 in aid each academic year of your undergraduate degree.

Learn more about the Kern Scholarship

Meet a Faculty Member

Courses & Degree Requirements

Popular Courses

BIBL 231 Pentateuch

Analyze the critical and historical background, literary content, and development of the religion of Israel.

THEL 230 Building Shalom: Justice, Love, and the Christian Life

Examine the biblical, theological, and philosophical ideas related to the practice of justice. This course will focus on the intersection of justice and love in Christian endeavors to address real-life issues.

THEL 320 Spiritual Formation

Examine the nature and process of spiritual growth and maturing as a Christian. Explore writings from early medieval to the present and discover the role of the classical spiritual disciplines in the formation of character.

Degree Options

BA - 124 credits

45 credits
Required Courses

79 credits
Elective courses + general education

Degree requirements

Areas of Emphasis

Pastoral Ministry

Fulfills all academic requirements for ministerial ordination in The Wesleyan Church and many other denominations

Youth Ministries

Meet the need of young people in church and non-profit ministries

Sports Ministry

Pursue a calling in local church ministries, missions or education through coaching, camping, recreation, equestrian studies and more

What can I do with a degree in bible and theology?

Career Opportunities

Students earning a degree in Bible & Theology from Houghton University are prepared for careers as:

Clergy
Counselors
Postsecondary Teachers
Public/Private School Teachers
Program Directors
Social Workers
Writers/Authors

Graduate School

Here are some common Master's degrees a Bible & Theology major could pursue:

  • Divinity
  • Biblical Studies
  • Theology
  • Ministry
  • Global Studies
  • Sports Chaplaincy
  • Education
  • Counseling
  • Apologetics
  • Biblical Languages

3%

Career growth for postsecondary philosophy and religion teachers.

From 2022 to 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Silhouette of student worshipping during a KOIN worship service at Houghton University.

What Graduates Say

My experience at Houghton helped me discover my passion for theology which pushed me to continue my education in seminary. In seminary I became increasingly grateful for the education I received at Houghton. The knowledge I gained from my studies there helped me to test out of several of the basic required courses, which freed me up to take classes that aligned with my interests. More importantly, however, Houghton shaped me into a curious and collaborative student with the ability to think critically and engage with difficult material. I consider it a privilege to have been formed at a place like Houghton which not only prepared me for seminary but also helped me to be a lifelong learner with a passion for learning from others.

Chris Henderson '19
Staff Chaplain at Lehigh Valley Health Network

My studies in Bible and theology at Houghton prepared me exceedingly well for coursework at the graduate level. The rigor of Houghton's classes presented a healthy challenge as a student, and I was adequately prepared to further my education following graduation. Even now, in my third year of seminary, the wisdom imparted by my professors at Houghton remains deeply influential.

Julia Hotchkiss '21
Master of Divinity Student, Asbury Theological Seminary
Learn more about Alumni Success and Outcomes

Related Majors

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Worship Arts Majors

Undergraduate - BS
Houghton student walking down first path following Tanzanians.

Global Studies Major

Undergraduate - BA
Houghton student sitting in class.

History Major

Undergraduate - BA

Ready for what's next?

Discover if earning your degree in Bible & Theology from Houghton University is right for you.

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Questions?

Contact Undergraduate Admission

Email: admission@houghton.edu
Call 1-800-777-2556