Religion Bachelor of Arts

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.

OVERVIEW

Program Type: Bachelors degree
Program Length: 120 credits
Course Format: On-Campus
Program Entry: August and January
Application Deadline for August: July 15
Application Deadline for January: November 15

Click here to apply now

OUTCOMES

Students who complete this program should be able to:

Document foundational knowledge in the areas of Bible, history, and theology from a Seventh-day Adventist perspective.
Effectively communicate the global mission, beliefs, and heritage of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Exhibit growth in awareness of Christian values and life skills.
Document service experiences & skills in community and cross cultural contexts.

ADDITIONAL 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. Not all prerequisites are necessarily met.

Learn more: Undergraduate Admission Policy

COST (per semester):

Tuition: $16,200
Residence Hall: $2,742
Meal Plan: $2,283
General Fee: $655
Textbooks: $550
Semester cost is for full time students. Most students receive scholarships and financial assistance. For more information go to: Student Financial Services

ANDREWS CORE EXPERIENCE

Andrews Core Experience (ACE) courses are required for all undergraduate students regardless of major. These courses count towards the 120 total credits for a degree. The J.N. Andrews Honors Program replaces the Andrews Core Experience Requirements for students who apply and are accepted to the program.

Official requirements for baccalaureate degrees are found in the Andrews University Bulletin at this link.

CORE EXPERIENCE — 43 credits

Faith:
4 Religion classes (completed in major)

Wellness:
HLED 135 - Wellbeing 360°

Mathematics:
MATH 145 - Mathematics for the (Mis)Information Age

Communication:
COMM 104 - Communication Skills
ENGL 115 - College Writing I or ENGL 117 - College Writing I: Writing Across Cultures
ENGL 215 - College Writing II

History:
HIST 110 - Worldviews, Cultures and Gods

Theory - One or two courses from:
ARTH 220 - Language of Art Credits
ENGL 255 - Studies in Literature
MUHL 214 - Enjoyment of Music
MUHL 250 - Music to Change the World
PHIL 224 - Introduction to Philosophy

Experience - If only one theory course, remaining credits from:

Studio Art
Ensemble
Applied Music
Elementary or Intermediate Modern Language
INEN 221 - Introduction to Innovation & Entrepreneurship - Foundations of Play

Natural Sciences - choose one course from:
BIOL 100 - Human Biology
BIOL 110 - Principles of Biology
CHEM 100 - Consumer Chemistry
PHYS 110 - Astronomy

Social Science - choose one course from:

ANTH 200 - Cultural Anthropology
BHSC 225 - Global Social Issues
ECON 208 - Principles of Economics
GBST 101 - Introduction to Global Studies
PLSC 104 - American Government
PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology
SOCI 119 - Principles of Sociology

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

MAJOR - 41 Credits

Biblical Studies - 15 credits
RELB 111 - Introduction to the Old Testament
RELB 112 - Introduction to the New Testament
RELB 210 - Jesus in His Time and Ours
RELB 406 - Advanced Studies in Daniel and Revelation

Choose one of the following courses:
RELB 216 - Law and Writings of the Old Testament
(RELB 216 is a seminary prerequisite.)
RELB 274 - Prophetic Writings of the Old Testament
RELB 335 - Acts and Epistles

Theological Studies - 15-16 credits
3 credits of RELH 400 - SDA History and Prophetic Heritage
RELT 325 - Theology I
RELT 326 - Theology II
RELT 340 - Religion and Ethics in Modern Society

Choose one of the following courses:
RELT 250 - Personal Spirituality and Faith
RELT 315 - Christian Discipleship

Practical Studies - 5-6 credits
RELP 200 - Religion Forum (required every semester registered)

Choose 5-6 credits from the following courses:
RELP 240 - Personal Witnessing
Any RELP/RELG course.

Electives - 6 credits
Choose 6 credits from RELB, RELG, RELH, RELP, or RELT.

NOTE: Students, please consult your academic advisor to plan your electives and practical studies electives if you are planning on entering the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary after graduation to plan prerequisites accordingly!

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 Christian 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 one additional course.

God and Human Life Challenge Exam:

Students must take the God and Human Life test. If they fail this test, they are required to take RELT 100, God and Human Life.