Theology and Biblical Studies B.A.

Degree Overview

The theology and biblical studies major will prepare you for graduate and professional training that will lead to careers in pastoral and youth ministry, Christian education, missionary service, campus ministry, institutional chaplaincy, parachurch ministry and teaching.

Whether you want to work in a Christian church setting or plan to bring your Christian faith into the community as a servant leader, you’ll find the foundation of your theology degree useful and powerful. You’ll quickly learn how much some people need you, need Christ’s teachings and need the ways you’ll bring your faith into their lives. On USF’s campus in Sioux Falls, you’ll be equipped to mature into the person Christ wants you to be, to do your life’s work with passion and to improve our shared world in the best ways possible – all with the reputation of an accredited Christian university behind you.

Outcomes

A degree in Theology offers graduates a variety of career opportunities in religious and secular settings. Graduates can work as Clergy, leading religious services, providing pastoral care, and offering spiritual guidance to individuals and communities. 

Others may pursue roles in religious education, teaching theology, scripture, or ethics in schools, seminaries, or religious institutions. Some graduates work in nonprofit organizations, humanitarian agencies or social services, where they provide support and assistance to vulnerable populations, often guided by their faith-based values.

Career Outlook

  • Average Salary: $107,392
  • Job Postings: 164

Average salary is based on a Pastor position from Salary.com. Job posting data is for Pastor positions and is provided by Lightcast. This number represents unique job postings from companies looking to hire in the last 30 days as of May 2024.

Courses

In addition to meeting the liberal arts core requirements of the University (which include THE 140 and 240), students must take at least 36 semester hours of study.

Required Major Core Courses

Complete the following courses. Alternatives for the following courses: THE411 or THE413.

THE413

Christianity and Culture

(3.0 s.h)

THE411

Christianity in America

(3.0 s.h)

THE303

History Of Christianity

(3.0 s.h)

PHI207

Intro to Philosophy

(3.0 s.h)

THE317

Jesus & the Gospels

(3.0 s.h)

THE318

Letters of Paul

(3.0 s.h)
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Old/New Testament Requirements

Complete two of the following courses: One must be an Old Testament course.

Old Testament Courses

THE353

Exodus

(3.0 s.h)

THE352

Genesis

(3.0 s.h)

THE359

Minor Prophets

(3.0 s.h)

THE351

Old Testament Elective

(3.0 s.h)

THE356

Psalms and Wisdom

(3.0 s.h)

New Testament Courses

THE366

1 Corinthians

(3.0 s.h)

THE367

2 Corinthians

(3.0 s.h)

THE365

Acts of the Apostles

(3.0 s.h)

THE363

Gospel of Matthew

(3.0 s.h)

THE319

Hebrews to Revelation

(3.0 s.h)

THE394

Issues in Biblical Studies

(3.0-4.0 s.h)
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Philosophy or World Religions

Complete one of the following courses.

PHI341

Ethics

(3.0 s.h)

THE381

Foundations of Professional Ministry

(3.0 s.h)

THE313

Religions of the World

(3.0 s.h)

Elective(s) in Major

Complete 9 s.h. of elective coursework from Theology or Philosophy or HIS304.

THE366

1 Corinthians

(3.0 s.h)

THE367

2 Corinthians

(3.0 s.h)

THE365

Acts of the Apostles

(3.0 s.h)

THE340

Christian Spiritual Formation

(3.0 s.h)

THE413

Christianity and Culture

(3.0 s.h)

THE411

Christianity in America

(3.0 s.h)
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Youth Ministry Concentration

Required Emphasis Core

Complete the following courses. Alternatives for the following courses: PSY306 or SOC306 or PSY412.

PSY412

Adolescent Psychology

(3.0 s.h)

THE381

Foundations of Professional Ministry

(3.0 s.h)

PSY306

Social Psychology

(3.0 s.h)

SOC306

Social Psychology

(3.0 s.h)

THE396

Youth Ministry Internship

(3.0 s.h)

THE372

Youth Ministry Leadership & Communication

(3.0 s.h)
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