Bachelor's Degree in Christian Studies

Start your ministry journey with a Christian Studies degree!

Do you have a heart for worship and service? Want to pursue a biblical studies major, earn your degree and head directly into a ministry? Thinking about moving from theology undergraduate to master’s candidate in pursuit of a seminary degree in the future? Let us help you prepare to take your place in Christian service with a major in Christian Studies. 

Let our bachelor’s in Christian Studies program give you the skills you need to pursue a ministry in evangelism, church planting, and discipleship, leading personal and compassionate ministry for all people.

• Mission and Goals
• Careers in Biblical Studies with a Christian Studies degree
• Degree Requirements for Christian Studies Degree
• Is Pursuing a Christian Degree worth it?
• More Information on Christian Studies Degree

Mission and Goals

The Department of Missions and Ministry at Cumberlands is dedicated to providing the best possible training to our Christian studies degree students who hope to pursue missions and ministry careers. Experienced ministers and accomplished scholars will guide you as you develop the skills to mature in your Christian faith and commitment and to minister for Christ in the 21st century. Whether you plan to pursue a seminary degree or not, our Christian studies program has five different paths to help you follow God's call.

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Careers in Biblical Studies with a Christian Studies degree

What careers can you pursue with a biblical studies degree? Quite a few, actually. Graduates of our Christian Studies degree program have served and still serve in Christian missions around the world. You could join them and take the Gospel to people who have never heard it, planting churches in areas others have never reached. You could also serve in the local church – as a pastor, youth or children’s leader, worship minister – or pursue leadership positions, such as Director for Religion and Education, in national, regional, or international organizations. Plus, with a Bachelor of Christian Studies from Cumberlands, you’ll have a firm foundation for further studies at a graduate level, further opening up doors of opportunity down the line.

Graduates professionally prepared with degrees in Christian studies, biblical studies or theological studies can pursue career opportunities in and around ministry, including:

DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES¹

A degree in religion, missions or biblical studies can help you pursue a number of ministry career opportunities, serving God where He sends you, from planting churches and global missions to serving in the local church. For example, a director position in Religious Activities offers a median salary of $46,980 annually with a projected growth rate of 4-5 percent over the next decade.

POSTSECONDARY INSTRUCTOR²

A ministry-related program University of the Cumberlands can also help you pursue a postsecondary teaching position in religious studies, missions or biblical ministry. With a median annual salary of $79,640, employment opportunities as a college professor or instructor are projected to grow 12 percent by 2030.

CAREERS:

• Local Church Pastor
• Youth Pastor
• Collegiate Minister
• International Missionary
• Church Planter
• Adult Ministries Director
• Religious Education Coordinator
• Religious Studies Professor
• Adjunct Professor of Biblical Studies
• Adult Ministries Director
• Christian Education Director
• Ministry Instructor
• Director of Religious Activities

"12 Percent" Projected Growth Rate for Postsecondary Teachers by 2030²

¹Director, Religious Activities and Education
²Postsecondary Teachers

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Degree Requirements for Christian Studies Degree

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Christian Studies 

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE WITH A MAJOR IN CHRISTIAN STUDIES – 31 SEMESTER HOURS 
 
Core Courses (13 semester hours) 

• MSMN 138     Understanding Cultures or MSMN 239 Exploring World Religions 
• MSMN 234     Interpreting the Bible 
• MSMN 235     Developing Our Spiritual Life 
• MSMN 236     Introducing Christian Theology 
• MSMN 410     Transitioning to Christian Ministry 

 
Biblical Studies (9 semester hours from the following)

• MSMN 133     Introducing Church History 
• MSMN 331     Focusing on the Old Testament 
• MSMN 332     Focusing on the New Testament 

Electives (9 semester hours) – from any other MSMN courses 

Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies 

Completion of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree plus a world language through the intermediate level.

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Is Pursuing a Christian Degree worth it?

When you answer God’s call in your life, you choose a life of service to others. In this respect, a Christian studies degree is abundantly “worth it,” giving you the tools you need to more faithfully fulfill God’s will for you in any number of ministry opportunities. 

Pursuing Christian studies from one of the best biblical studies colleges in the nation—University of the Cumberlands—also helps you connect with a host of students, staff and alumni that share your faith and your dedication to others. All of which can help you pursue any number of career opportunities, from church planting to leading Christian organizations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2020, the average wage for religious workers came in around $40,000 annually—$56,000 for members of the clergy, $45,000 for directors and leaders of religious activities and education.

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More Information on Christian Studies Degree 

TUITION

Costs for programs of study at University of the Cumberlands are competitive and affordable. Click here to view tuition rates and fees. 

ACCREDITATION 

Click here to view University of the Cumberlands' accreditation information. 

Faculty

Whether you’re seeking a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science, University of the Cumberlands offers some of the best biblical studies programs in the nation. Our experienced faculty members are accomplished scholars and ministers, each dedicated to helping you develop strategies and skills for serving Christ in the U.S. and around the world.

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Serving God might take you anywhere in life, and we are ready to help you follow God's call through our Christian ministry degree program! Fill out the form on this page for more information. Let’s talk about our test-optional college admissions process, scholarship opportunities, and more!