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 & 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 & 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 Masters of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS)
An accelerated program, sometimes referred to as 3+2 or 4+1, allows students to complete their bachelors and masters in 5 years, saving students time and tuition.
The department of Biblical & Theological Studies offers an accelerated pathway from the B.A. in Biblical & Theological Studies to a Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS). While completing their undergraduate degree, students will complete 14 credits of graduate coursework, and an additional 22 graduate credits online after graduating.
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)
- As a Biblical and Theological Studies major, you may qualify for select ministry scholarships and more
median pay in 2023
job outlook growth
degree required
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Theology. Retreived May 2025.
My senior year I went on a once in a lifetime trip to Israel. As a Biblical and Theological Studies major, I saw all my hours of work and studying come to life in a way that has forever impacted how I read the Bible. My favorite memories include being baptized in the Jordan River, taking a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee, swimming in the Dead Sea, touching the water from the pool of Gideon, wandering the ruins of King Herod’s fortress at Masada, walking through the field where David killed Goliath, and retracing Jesus’ steps through Jerusalem.
I am grateful for the foundation laid by the Bible professors at Northwestern. God gave me a clear sense of a call to vocational ministry. Part of this came through my time at Northwestern and in seminary, but this primarily has come through my time as a member of a local church. God has used and continues to use his people to affirm the ways they see God's grace in my life. In addition, the elders of my local church have affirmed a call to vocational ministry and continue to walk through life with me as I pursue this call.
Getting my degree in Biblical and Theological Studies was foundational in leading me toward my calling. I knew that I wanted to pursue ministry, but I had no idea what form that would take. My professors at Northwestern introduced me to so many different options from scholarly work to teaching; pastoral leadership to Christian counseling. In the end, my degree equipped me with the skills I needed to land an administrative job at my church, and I couldn’t be happier!
Pursuing the Bible academically can be difficult at times, especially when studying and reading became part of my homework. I really had to focus and ask how a particular passage would affect me personally and not just what it meant academically. I learned to keep my academic time different from my personal time with the Lord.
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
What will I 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.
BIA3236
Biblical Customs and Geography
A study of the geography of the Fertile Crescent with special emphasis on Israel and Judah. Selected customs of the ancient Hebrews and surrounding peoples are studied for the light that they shed on Scripture.
BIA3235
Second Temple Judaism
A study of Jewish civilization from 538 B.C. to A.D. 135 as an aid to understanding both the formation of the Old Testament and the rise of Christianity. Primary emphasis is on political and social history, with considerable attention to the literary materials of the period.
BIB4460
Biblical Theology
The study of theology that identifies the themes emerging from the various books of the Bible and explains their contribution to the progress of divine revelation.
ACL2001
Elementary Greek I
The first course in a year-long sequence introducing elements of Classical and Koine Greek morphology, syntax and vocabulary. Emphasis is on reading classical and New Testament Greek.
BIB4835
Seminar in Theological Method
An integration of the historical, methodological and hermeneutical aspects of theology as well as a survey of its various methods and trends, enabling the student to begin constructing his/her own theological methods for doing systematic theology within the life and mission of the Church.
Still have questions about this program or how to apply?
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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.
