Online Christian Studies Degrees
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Christian studies degrees include coursework that explores biblical texts and their applications in church and society. These degrees are often used to prepare students for careers as pastors, ministers, or youth leaders in community churches, but advanced degrees can also help prepare interested students for jobs in academia. Some scholars pursue Christian studies without a personal background in Christianity because they are interested in the history, culture, and political consequences of the religion. Many people who enter this degree track have been studying the Bible as churchgoers since they were children, although they may struggle with biases or interpretive predispositions in comparison to students with little or no background in Christianity.
While in school, students typically study theology, doctrine, and biblical interpretations. Classes in Christian history are also important and it is not unusual for universities to require that their Christian studies majors take political science classes in order to understand their worldview in light of other competing philosophies and religions. Communications and public speaking classes are also important for some disciplines.
Graduates of Christian studies programs can go in a number of different directions, depending on their skills and interests. Going into teaching or social work is possible, especially with Christian organizations. Many graduates of these programs are interested in seminary schooling, and going on to become ministers. Still others choose to take the academic track, becoming Biblical scholars and working at universities or community colleges.
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What are some of the specializations within this degree program?
- Counseling: Many Christian churches and other religious organizations offer counseling services to those in need. Counselors need to have specialized training and specific certification, but a bachelor's degree in Christian studies can be an excellent prelude to these graduate and certification programs.
- Catholic Studies: Catholicism is a very specific niche in Christian studies. Those who are particularly interested in this specialization will focus on the structure of the Catholic church and its rich history.
- Biblical Study: People have devoted their entire lives to studying, interpreting, and re-interpreting the Bible. This is an academic field unto itself, but is, at some schools, included as a specialization option within Christian studies degrees.
- History of Christianity: The history of Christianity spans thousands of years, and is steeped in both the Bible and historical fact. Lifetimes can be dedicated to pursuing the study of the Christian church, so most people choose to focus their studies on a very particular niche in history, such as Papal history or the history of Calvinism.
What degree levels are available?
- Associate Degree: 2 years
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years
- Master's Degree: 2 or 3 years
- Doctorate Degree: 4 to 6 years
What are the educational and certification requirements?
The required education for Christian studies majors is dependent on their chosen profession. To go into the ministry, having a master's degree is often required. Most ordained ministers satisfy this requirement by studying theology at a seminary school. Teachers and social workers also typically have master's degrees, though this is not necessarily required.
A student hoping to become a minister must become ordained, especially because performing wedding ceremonies is such an important responsibility of being a minister. Becoming ordained is not difficult, and can often be done online. Anyone who attends a seminary school will receive assistance in becoming ordained.
What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?
- Principles of Theology: This is an introductory course that any Christian studies major can expect to take; not only do students learn the foundations of the Christian faith, but they study religion as a whole and other religions in particular.
- Old Testament Foundations: Christian studies majors would, of course, need to establish a certain level of familiarity with the Bible as a scholarly text; in courses like this one, students focus on the Old Testament in depth and build upon existing knowledge.
- Biblical Leadership: Students in a course like this one study Christian leaders and learn techniques for leading ministries and other religious organizations; leadership courses are more often found in master's degree programs for people hoping to take on church management roles.
- Biblical Languages: Another course for upper-level Christian studies students, a course on biblical languages allows students to delve further into the history and meanings of the religious readings they encounter. This academic course is essential for people hoping to study or teach religion at a graduate level.
- Mission Studies: Mission work is an important part of many Christian studies students professional goals, and in this course they study other people's missions and strategies for completing their own.
If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?
On-site training is not required for most Christian studies majors. This major is primarily academic and so does not have any technical or hands-on training that needs to be completed in order to more fully understand the field or be meet any future requirements for employment. That said, some Christian studies majors who hope to go into ministry or social work roles may find it helpful to have some experience in their desired field before graduation; employers look favorably on recent graduates who already have some professional experience.
What are some other degrees that are related to this program?
Because religious studies is such an interdisciplinary field, it has many related degree programs. A degree in history might be better suited to students primarily interested in the historical implications of religious movements. Degree programs in modern and ancient languages could be more appropriate for students who want to dedicate themselves to the study and research of religious texts. Ethics or philosophy doctoral programs delve into the metaphysical and ethical questions that are raised in certain religious studies programs. Individuals interested in entering the church as clergy or ministers could look into master's or doctoral degrees in theology, which study religious practice from the point of view of the religiously devoted.
