Biblical Studies, B.A.

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This major focuses upon providing skills for biblical interpretation and study. In addition to a foundation of spiritual formation and theology, nearly two thirds of this major is the study of the Scriptures.

BELL Core Requirements: 53 Hours (minimum)

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Prerequisites for Religion Major: 6 Hours

Students who choose a religion minor must substitute required courses in their minor with a course from the same subject area. In other words, a single course may not count for both major and minor requirements.

REL 1250 Introduction to New Testament and Exegetical Methods 3 Hours
REL 2350 Christian Doctrine 3 Hours ²

Major Requirements: 30 Hours

Core Emphasis: 9 Hours

REL 1410 Vocation and the Christian Life 1 Hours
REL 2410 Spiritual Formation 3 Hours
REL 2510 Christian Ethics 3 Hours
REL 4015 Colloquium for Religion Majors 2 Hours ³

Area Emphasis: 21 Hours

REL 2360 Hermeneutics 3 Hours

Religion and Society Course: 3 Hours

Select 1 from the following:

REL 3510 Poverty and Justice 3 Hours
REL 3520 Faith and Justice 3 Hours
REL 3540 Eco-Justice and Faith 3 Hours
REL 3550 Faith and Popular Culture 3 Hours
REL 3580 Psychology of Religion 3 Hours
REL 4550 Readings in Religion and Culture 3 Hours
REL 4560 Moral Vision of the Bible 3 Hours
REL 4590 World Religions 3 Hours
REL 2310 Understanding Church History 3 Hours

Theological / Historical Studies Course: 3 Hours

Select 1 from the following:

REL 2310 Understanding Church History 3 Hours
REL 2340 Martyrs, Mystics, and Saints 3 Hours
REL 2350 Christian Doctrine 3 Hours
REL 3310 Church History I: Ancient and Medieval Eras 3 Hours
REL 3320 Church History II: Reformation and Modern Eras 3 Hours
REL 3350 Contemplative Thought and Practice 3 Hours
REL 3360 Contemporary Issues in Christian Theology 3 Hours
REL 3380 Faith and Beauty 3 Hours
REL 4310 History of Religion in America 3 Hours
REL 4355 Theology and Worship Arts 3 Hours
REL 4360 Theology and Literature 3 Hours
REL 4370 Studies in Theology 3 Hours
REL 4380 Theology and the Arts 3 Hours
REL 4390 Religion and Arts Symposium 3 Hours

Biblical Studies Elective in OT: 6 Hours

Select 2 from the following:

REL 3210 Gender and the Bible 3 Hours
REL 3220 The Pentateuch 3 Hours
REL 3230 Psalms and Wisdom Literature 3 Hours
REL 4220 The Prophetic Literature 3 Hours
REL 4230 Old Testament Theology 3 Hours

Biblical Studies Elective in NT: 6 Hours

Select 2 from the following:

REL 3210 Gender and the Bible 3 Hours
REL 3250 Johannine Literature 3 Hours
REL 3260 The General Epistles and Hebrews 3 Hours
REL 4250 The Life and Letters of Paul 3 Hours
REL 4260 The Life of Christ 3 Hours

Minor Requirements: 18 Hours

General Electives: 21 Hours (minimum)

Total Required for the Program: 128 Hours

² REL 2350 Christian Doctrine is a prerequisite for the following: REL 2410 Spiritual Formation ; REL 2510 Christian Ethics ; all courses in Religion and Society division, in the Theological and Historical Division, and Biblical Studies Division.

³ Students take REL 4015 in the fall semester before the anticipated date of graduation.