North Central’s Biblical and Theological Studies major is designed for students who want to pursue a graduate degree, apply for ministerial credentials, or pursue ministry goals like Bible translation, chaplaincy, or university teaching. This theology major program will prepare you with a deep and broad knowledge of the Bible and Christian Theology so you can serve and minister in any context.
We sponsor two study abroad trips. Biblical and Theological Studies majors are especially encouraged to take advantage of these study abroad opportunities, which are also available for all North Central students.
The Israel Study Tour is a three week trip during May Term to Israel and Jordan. The trip includes opportunities to learn from some of the leading archeologists and scholars in Israel and visits to ancient sites in Israel and Jordan. You’ll also have opportunity to participate in activities such as snorkeling in the Red Sea, a Camel trek through Wadi Rum, swimming in the springs of Sakne, hiking down the Arbel Cliffs, Jeep treks through the desert in Jordan, an evening boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, floating in the Dead Sea, participating in the Temple Mount sifting project, and an archeological dig in Beth Gurvin. Learn more about the details, application materials and year-specific trip information.
Ridley Hall is a semester-long fall program to study Bible and theology at the University of Cambridge, England. Two students are selected for this program each year. You’ll have the opportunity to live at the famous Ridley Hall while participating in its community and worship life and taking a full schedule of classes through the Cambridge University Divinity Faculty. To learn more, contact:
Vienna Lewin
Study Abroad Coordinator
vglewin@northcentral.edu
612.343.4184
Liechty Hall 103
Join the Society for Bible and Theology or our weekly student-led discussion group.
Read more. HideWe know it’s important for students to get involved and take an active interest in their program. So we offer a couple of different ways for you to make connections.
The Society for Bible and Theology is a student-led group for anyone who loves discussing issues relating to biblical studies or thinking through the theological implications of various ideas. Throughout the school year, the Society sponsors lunchtime lectures, game nights, outings, and other get togethers.
We also have a weekly student-led discussion group (with snacks) that meets every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Institute for Biblical and Theological Studies office (Miller Hall 248). This is a great way for you to get to know other Biblical Studies majors and support each other in your desire to grow both academically and spiritually. Past discussions have ranged from things like the gifts of the Spirit and revival, the I AM statements from John’s Gospel, denominationalism, Church history, and how to hold together NCU’s vision for both ministry and academics.
Connect with Biblical Studies students, faculty, and alumni.
Read more. HideStudents, faculty, and alumni of NCU’s Biblical Studies program connect through the NCU Biblical Studies Society group on Facebook. You can join the group to get news, see what others are doing, hear about openings for jobs or studies, and share exciting things God is teaching you through the Bible and Theology.
When you graduate with a theology major, you’ll have knowledge of:
If you’re interested in pursuing credentialed ministry within the Assemblies of God, we offer the opportunity to take all the courses suggested for ministerial preparation while completing a Biblical and Theological Studies major.
Our students pursue graduate school, credentialed ministry, and a variety of other ministerial vocations. Here are some possible careers:
We want you to be well-rounded and well-prepared when you graduate, so you’ll have the opportunity to choose a minor or supporting program so you can explore another area of interest. Here are some possibilities:
See the full list of minors and supporting programs.
Jayson Gallatin '16
Polson, MT
"My time at North Central has put incredibly valuable tools in my hands. I think much more clearly and critically than I did before, I know how to research and write well, and when confronted with tough questions it is not something to shy away from, but rather another challenge to face."
Sutton Rehwaldt '15
Burnsville, MN
"My Biblical Languages program taught me a very important lesson: learning is a lifelong process. In order to become truly great at anything, it takes the discipline to do it every day. Just like any change you want to make in the world, success is initiated by continuous and intentional hard-work."
All students must complete the General Education Core and Christian Studies Core. General electives may be added or an optional minor may be selected. You need 124 total credit hours to complete the Biblical and Theological Studies degree.
After living in Los Angeles for 15 years, I decided to move to Minneapolis in order to teach at North Central University. Even in the dead of winter, I am glad I made that move. North Central University is a fantastic community with a mission that I wholeheartedly support.
My education is in historical theology, and my specialty is the early development of Pentecostal theology, particularly pneumatology (doctrine of the Spirit). My interests include church history (which I taught for years in other schools), global and ecumenical theology, and the intersection of theology and culture, including the sciences.
I have taught at a handful of schools since 2001, and never experienced the camaraderie among my peers that I have at North Central University. The students at NCU are also a pleasure to teach. I especially enjoy watching and guiding their development as some take class after class with me.
There is not a class that I don’t enjoy teaching, but the classes that I teach the most include “Pentecostal Distinctives” (covering the history and theology of the Pentecostal movement) and “God and the Gospel” which serves as our core theology class. I am excited about a number of classes currently in development that focus on the intersection of theology with the modern world. These classes, known as “worldview theology” classes, will answer significant questions such as “how do I faithfully navigate a world of diverse beliefs?”, “what does it mean to be human and what does that meaning require of me?”, “how can I contribute to and participate in contemporary culture?” and “what does it mean to work meaningfully in the modern world?”
