Bachelor of Arts
Theology

Theology at Greenville University

Draw near to God in your study of Christian thought and life. Deepen your faith and expand your understanding of God and creation as you learn the history of the church, study the Bible, and prepare for a future in the area of ministry you choose.

Providing a solid theology basis, our program allows you to pursue a track either in Ministry or Biblical Studies.

The focus of the Ministry track includes theological and practical applications of ministry that conclude in a valuable internship experience. A degree with a track in Theology / Ministry prepares you for ministry of all types (pastoral, parachurch, etc.), as well as careers as a teacher, professor, lawyer, journalist, and businessperson.

The focus of the Biblical Studies Track is to develop your understanding of biblical texts, languages, and methods of interpretation. A degree with a track in Theology / Biblical Studies prepares you for careers in public and Christian education, law, business, and journalism.

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GU in a View

Beyond the classroom

Apply your education beyond the classroom. Study the scriptures abroad, attend lectures and conferences featuring top international scholars in the field, and take advantage of GU’s collaboration with other institutions across the country and the world.

Global Christianity

Travel with GU theology professors for overseas courses in places like Israel, Honduras, Spain, and more.

Seminary Success

Embrace lifelong learning and discipleship as you prepare for seminary or graduate school.

Why GU

Unity. Nurture positive relationships with the whole body of Christ. GU’s Andrews Chair brings together Christians of various denominations and backgrounds for learning and sharing. GU’s Shapiro Chair promotes respectful Christian engagement with the Jewish community with studies that blend Judaism and Christianity's interconnected past, present, and future.

Seminary success. Join the ranks of GU graduates who pursue graduate studies at acclaimed schools including Duke Divinity School, Dallas Theological Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary, and others.

Focus your studies. Concentrate your studies in one of two areas, ministry or biblical studies. Our ministry concentration includes an internship and philosophical and practical applications of ministry. In our Biblical studies concentration, you'll grow in your understanding of biblical texts and languages.

Bachelor’s and master’s. With the pastoral leadership track at Greenville University and Seattle Pacific University, earn two degrees in five years. Complete your bachelor of arts in Theology in three and a half years at GU, then transfer to SPU to earn your master of arts in Christian leadership in just a year and a half.

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Success Stories

I decided to come to GU because I love the community here. I was surrounded by great people that really invested in me and always pushed me to be greater than I formerly was.

-Johnny Milabu

Theology, BA Course Requirements

Visit the Online Undergraduate Catalog for an explanation of graduation requirements.

The theology major requires completion of 33-39 credits (depending on the chosen concentration) and leads to a bachelor of arts degree.

Theology, BA Courses

Learning to read the Bible through the eyes of the original author and audience is a critical skill for those who wish to understand the Bible and learn to apply it to a modern audience. Many things in the Bible seem strange to us today because they represent aspects of an ancient culture that are very different from our own. The Bible in its World offers an introduction to the discipline of biblical studies by addressing the various ways modern Bible readers can reconnect with this ancient culture to become better interpreters of the Bible. Students will learn about the history and culture of the ancient Near East, how geography shapes culture, and how archaeology can give us a window into the lives of biblical characters. Students will then practice interpreting biblical passages in a collaborative environment to gain experience applying this new information and skill set in a way that will prepare students to engage their biblical and theological studies at a more mature level. (Offered spring semester of odd calendar years.)

An historical and philosophical study of the development of Christian theology over the centuries. Prerequisite: THEO 110 or THEO 310. Offered: Fall semester.

An introduction to theological method, with a focus on doing Wesleyan theology in the 21st century. A consideration of how the student may do theology today Prerequisite: Senior Status. (Offered spring semester.)

This course introduces the student to the central story of the Old Testament by examining its characters, events, unifying themes, and literary characteristics. Meets the general education biblical studies requirement. (Offered every semester.)

The course is a rapid survey of the books of the New Testament, focusing primarily on their content and theology. The course will also acquaint the student with the political, social, and religious environment of the New Testament period and introduce the student to issues of authorship, dating, transmission, and canon. Meets the general education biblical studies requirement. (Offered every semester.)

The course focuses on the first five books of the Bible, also known as Torah or Law. As the first major section of the Bible, Torah is foundational to the rest of the Biblical witness. In this course students will ascertain the primary theological emphases of a narrative that begins with creation and ends with the death of Moses. Meets the general education upper division writing intensive requirement. (Offered fall semester.)

A critical and exegetical study of the Former (Joshua, Judges, Samuels, and Kings) and the Latter (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the Twelve) Prophets with special consideration given to the social, political, and religious conditions of their times. Attention is given to the ministry and message both for their time and the present age. (Offered spring semester of even calendar years.)

The systematic study of the development of Western Christendom from the first through the fifteenth centuries focusing on major themes, figures, actions, and impulses. The historical method of research will be employed as a means of helping students to gain a contextualized understanding and appreciation for the developing role of the church and its relationship to culture. A major emphasis will be placed on the reading of primary sources as a means for understanding the development of Christian theology. Cross listed with THEO 343. Prerequisite: THEO 110. (Offered spring semester of odd calendar years.)

An historical and theological study of Christian thinking and practice from the first through the sixth centuries focusing on major movements, moments, and people. Primary sources will be foundational to this study. Crosslisted with HIST 343. Prerequisite: THEO 110 or THEO 310. (Offered spring semester of odd calendar years.)

Areas of Study

Biblical Studies

Courses

Intensive analyses of the ideas and literary patterns of the books of Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, Song of Solomon, and certain other selections from the inter-testamental literature of the Hebrews. Cross-listed with BIBL 120. Meets the general education biblical studies requirement. (Offered spring semester in odd calender years.)

A close study of Paul's letters in the New Testament, focusing on issues that arise in those letters and in the culture of the first-century church.

Intensive study of the three synoptic Gospels as they interpret the works and words of Jesus Christ. Meets the general education biblical studies requirement. Cross listed with BIBL 253. (Offered fall semester.)

This course will introduce the student to the fundamentals of Biblical language learning and relevant digital resources. Students will encounter several language learning methods, with a strong emphasis on Biblical Hebrew, providing a foundation for further study. The role of software and other digital resources in modern biblical studies will be explored, developing a skill set for research and biblical interpretation utilizing these tools. This will support students as they continue their biblical studies, either independently, in pastoral ministry, or in graduate studies. (Offered spring semeter of odd calendar years.)

The basic principles of koine Greek grammar with attention to the mastery of basic vocabulary and syntax using an inductive approach in the writings of John. Meets the general education world languages requirement when taken in conjunction with GREK 102. Prerequisite: 101 must be taken before 102. (Offered fall semester of odd calendar years and Interterm of even calendar years .)

Ministry

Courses

Prepares the student for admission to the Christian ministerial education program. Topics such as understanding God's call, grace-gifts, the different personalities of churches, church growth, church relationships, spiritual journeying, and Christian worship will be examined. Open to second semester freshmen and to sophomores. Required for admission to practica required in the fields of Christian ministry. (Offered fall semester.)

This course is a general overview of the varied topics within the field. The concept of relationship building will be emphasized and structured for the student to apply. (Offered spring semester of odd calendar years.)

This class will prepare students to discover their purpose for going into youth work. A solid foundational mission statement and the specific goals in which to accomplish their purpose will be emphasized. Prerequisite: THEO 110. (Offered spring semester of even calendar years.)

Analysis of the construction and delivery of sermons. For student and lay ministers. Prerequisite: BIBL 205 or BIBL 215. (Offered fall of even calendar years.)

This course introduces students to the language and various elements of Christian worship and provides instruction in the theology and leadership of central liturgical events within the Christian community, including weddings, funerals, and the sacraments of baptism and the eucharist. Prerequisite: BIBL 205 or BIBL 215. (Offered spring semester.)

Taken for two to nine credits. On-the-scene, supervised experience in an agency such as a church, a Christian school, a mission, a Christian camp, or other focus for practical experience related to one's departmental major.

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Bachelor of ArtsTheology

Theology at Greenville University

GU in a View

Why GU

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Success Stories

Theology, BA Course Requirements

Theology, BA Courses

Areas of Study

Biblical Studies

Courses

Ministry

Courses

Bachelor of Arts
Theology