Religion, BA

Total Credits: 124

Program Description

The BA in Religion is designed for students seeking a mastery of basic principles of biblical interpretation, theological reasoning, and practical ministry. This degree does not aim for intentional integration with a student’s primary major and related vocational goals, but instead provides a broad-based immersion into Adventist theology and practice. It is suited as a degree for non-traditional students who for various reasons are not in the position to complete a BA in Theology. The degree does not meet pre-Seminary requirements and students are encouraged to add another major.

Major: Core Requirements - 42-43

• Biblical Studies (15)

• RELB 111 - Introduction to the Old Testament Credits: 3
• RELB 112 - Introduction to the New Testament Credits: 3
• RELB 210 - Jesus in His Time and Ours Credits: 3
• RELB 406 - Studies in Daniel and Revelation Credits: 3

• Choose one of the following courses:

• RELB 216 - Law and Writings of the Old Testament Credits: 3
• RELB 335 - Acts and Epistles Credits: 3
• RELB 274 - Prophetic Writings of the Old Testament Credits: 3

•  

• Theological Studies (15-16)

• RELT 250 - Personal Spirituality and Faith Credits: 3
• Or  RELT 315 - Christian Discipleship Credits: 3
• RELH 400 - SDA History and Prophetic Heritage Credits: 3,4 (3-4 credits)*
• RELT 325 - Theology I Credits: 3
• RELT 326 - Theology II Credits: 3
• RELT 340 - Religion and Ethics in Modern Society Credits: 3

•  

•  Practical Studies*

• RELP 200 - Religion Forum Credits: 0 (Every semester in residence)

• Choose five to six credits from the following courses:

• RELP 240 - Personal Witnessing Credits: 2–3

• Any RELP course.

•  

• Electives (6)*

  • Courses from RELP, RELG, RELH, RELT, or RELB.

  *Please see note below regarding electives for those wishing to enter the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. Students wishing to enter the seminary should take RELH 400 for (4) credits. 

Andrews Core Experience - 60-61

Students must take all courses designated in the BA & BS Degree Requirements  of the Andrews Core Experience.

• RELT 100 - God and Human Life Credits: 3 (Or Test Out)

•  

• Language*
  Choose one of the following sets:

• BIBL 211 - Greek I Credits: 3
• BIBL 212 - Greek II Credits: 3
• BIBL 313 - Greek III Credits: 3

• Or

• BIBL 341 - Hebrew I Credits: 3
• BIBL 342 - Hebrew II Credits: 3

• Or

• Any modern foreign language, through the intermediate level.

•  

  *Note: Language requirements may be fulfilled by any intermediate level foreign language course. Major requirement can be fulfilled by taking one of the Biblical languages.

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum grade of “C-” for all major classes and cognates.
• Minimum overall GPA of 2.25
• Major GPA of 2.50
• Practical service in accordance with the requirements of the department.

Program Outcomes

Seek Knowledge

1. Document foundational knowledge in the areas of Bible, history, and theology from an SDA perspective

Affirm Faith

2. Effectively communicate the global mission, beliefs, and heritage of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
3. Exhibit growth in awareness of Christian values and life skills

Change the World

4. Document service experiences & skills in community and cross cultural contexts

Off-campus Locations

This program is also offered at approved off-campus location(s).

Additional Information

For students wishing to directly enter the seminary, it is recommended that you choose the following prerequisite courses in addition to the prerequisites built into the degree: RELP 485 (Pastoral Ministry), RELH 316 (History of the Chrisitan Church I), RELH 317 (History of the Christian Church II), and RELP 330 (Homiletics). One of the RELP courses can count towards your practical studies elective component of the degree, and two of the three remaining courses can fit into your general departmental electives, leaving you with only (1) additional course. 

Employment/Future Academic Progress Information

For students desiring to directly enter the ministry upon graduation, the Theology, BA is the standard, in-depth degree that has greater employment options. The religion degree should be done in conjunction with another major for employment purposes except for transfer/major change students attempting to finish up and go directly to the seminary.