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Biblical and Religious Studies Major in Pennsylvania
Deepen your Christian commitment, interpret biblical texts responsibly and minister to others with wisdom and compassion in our biblical and religious studies Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree program.
Study Biblical and Religious Studies at a Christian University
In Messiah University’s flexible biblical and religious studies Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree program, you’ll interpret biblical texts, reflect on religious beliefs and practices and acquire leadership skills that enable you to mature academically and spiritually. Throughout the biblical and religious studies degree program, we focus on training you to ultimately become an agent for reconciliation in church and society. You will study a broad range of topics in Bible, Religion and Theology, allowing you to tailor your courses according to your interests.
As a biblical and religious studies major at Messiah University, you’ll be able to:
- Take an in-depth look at the main tenets of Christian theology.
- Learn about Islam, Buddhism, Judaism and Hinduism.
- Study world Christianity, including Christianity in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
- Pursue practicums/internships in local churches, nonprofits and community development organizations while studying at the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg.
- Spend a semester off campus at locations such as Munich, Germany; Oxford, England (Reformation history and theology); Middle East Studies Program (Islam, inter-religious conflict and dialogue); Jerusalem, Israel; Uganda; and Greece.
- Participate in student-led Bible studies, worship communities and Theta Alpha Kappa, the National Honor Society for Religious Studies and Theology.
- Enjoy learning and socializing in one of the University’s state-of-the-art buildings, Boyer Hall, which includes 21st-century “smart” classrooms and an inviting student lounge.
As a graduate of the biblical and religious studies program, you'll be equipped to secure jobs in areas such as:
- Churches
- Parachurch ministry
- Social work
- Seminary
- Nonprofits
For more information on career planning for the biblical and religious studies program, visit the Messiah University Career and Professional Development Center.
Messiah’s nationally recognized internship program places students in a variety of biblical and religious studies internships. A few BRS internship examples include placements at:
- Religion and Society Center
- Brethren Housing Association
Major requirements
The biblical and religious studies (BRS) program is built on a core set of courses that explore various aspects of biblical texts. You will take a wide range of courses on various aspects of biblical text, including Pentateuch, historical books, poetical and wisdom literature, Gospels, Paul and His Letters, and Revelation. Because of the flexibility of the BRS major, you may wish to pursue electives in other departments, choose a double major, or even customize an individual major based on your personal career goals.
Programs related to Biblical and Religious Studies
In the Biblical and Religious Studies program, you will take a selection of courses that successfully prepare you for a career in a related field. Hands-on experiences and classroom learning within the framework of Christian faith will give you the skills and knowledge to achieve your goals. Our programs offer a wide variety of courses that will not only help you excel in your future career, but challenge you to develop a deeper understanding of your field of study.
Course options for Biblical and Religious Studies:
Biblical and Religious Studies careers and outcomes
Where our grads work
Graduates of the Biblical and Religious Studies program work in positions of leadership in their places of employment, using the tools and knowledge a Messiah University education prepared them with. Each year, eager employers and some of the nation's best graduate schools welcome Messiah graduates into their organizations.
Where they work
- Wyndamere Heights Church
- Brethren In Christ World Missions
- Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalya University
- Missionary Athletes International
- Kiddie Academy of East Brunswick
- Smithsonian Institution - Museum of the American Indian
- Oasis Center
- Country Meadows Retirement Communities
- Manor Church
- Fellowship Baptist Church
- Technology Advancement Group
- Youth With A Mission (YWAM)
- Autism Learning Partners
- The Shalom Project
- King Street Church
- Thompson Memorial Presbyterian
What they do
- Director of Youth Ministries
- Regional Coordinator to the Caribbean
- Pastoral Resident
- Outreach Coordinator
- English Teacher
- Urban Eagles Missionary
- Pastor-in-Residence
- Director of The Gathering
- Staff Member
- Behavior Technician
- Youth Pastor
- Minister of Music
- Network Analyst
- Volunteer
- Student Ministry Administrative Assistant
- Youth and Family Ministries Director
Graduate school
- Princeton Theological Seminary
- Public Policy
- Johns Hopkins
- Messiah University
- Tai Sophia Institute
- Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
- Law University of Pittsburgh - School of Law
- Divinity Princeton Theological Seminary
- Divinity Biblical Theological Seminary
- Divinity Drew Theological Seminary
- Divinity Princeton Theological Seminary
- Divinity Ashland Theological Seminary
- Divinity University of Notre Dame
- Evangelical School of Theology
- Fuller Theological Seminary
- Marquette University
96% of the Class of 2022 respondents were employed or in graduate school within 6-9 months of graduation.
Our Alumni
Regional and national employers seek out Messiah graduates for their academic preparation, work ethic and personal character. The transformation you experience at Messiah readies you to transform the lives of others through your chosen career path.
Meet Alumni from the Department of Biblical, Religious and Philosophical Studies
Messiah's unique approach to hands-on learning
Learning in the classroom is important but actually applying that knowledge in a hands-on way can make all the difference. At Messiah University, the Experiential Learning Initiative (ELI) allows Messiah to take this hands-on learning to a new level by giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned to various real world contexts--such as an internship/practica, service learning, off-campus program, holding a student leadership position, or participating in undergraduate research.
Graduate degree preparation
It is not surprising that students in the biblical and religious studies major are extremely successful in finding ministry-oriented employment and in gaining admission to prestigious graduate schools, law schools and seminaries, including Evangelical School of Theology, Wesley Theological Seminary, Villanova University, Princeton Theological Seminary, Duke Divinity School, Yale Divinity School, University of Notre Dame, Fuller Seminary, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. In fact, about half of Messiah's BRS graduates go onto graduate school. Others go on to become directors, ministers and teachers, among other influential positions.