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Theology and Religion Major

Are you called to serve others? Want to find yourself and your gift to the world? Want to dig deeper into what it means to be a following of Christ? 

At EMU, a variety of academic programs focus on faith-informed life, spiritual exploration and building skills so you can minister to those in need. Theology and religion majors prepare for seminary or graduate studies, service in churches, hospitals and schools, and other leadership roles. 

EMU's 33-semester-hour major gives you flexibility to choose a concentration of in Theology or Religious Studies. A theology and religion major also can be combined with another area of interest for a robust double major.

  • Distinctives
    • Challenge yourself to grow personally and spiritually.
    • Find your purpose and explore your call to ministry, whether it is to congregations, hospitals, camps, social justice organizations or other professional venues.
    • Adventure into the land and meet the people who live where Jesus walked. EMU offers regular intercultural trips to biblical lands in the Middle East.
    • Develop and share your gifts of non-violent peacemaking, service and creation care, which are key to EMU's program.
    • Build personal mentorships through one-on-one connections with professors in your field.
    • Explore scripture in the Anabaptist tradition.
  • Practical experiences
  • Outcomes

    Students who graduate with a degree from the Theology & Religion Program at EMU are prepared for ministry and service as:

    • Pastors
    • Missionaries
    • Biblical scholars
    • Bible teachers

    Graduates have attended graduate school or seminary at

    • Vanderbilt University
    • Duke Divinity School
    • Princeton Theological Seminary
    • Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary
    • Eastern Mennonite Seminary
    • Fuller Seminary
    • and many more
  • Affordability
    • 99% of undergrads receive financial aid
    • The average assistance package is over $37,000
    • Over $21 million in aid is awarded each year

    Financial aid packages often include:

    Learn more by contacting  EMU's Financial Assistance Office or checking out our net price calculator.

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Career Options

Bright Outlook

Clergy

$48,801
Average Salary

Conduct religious worship and perform other spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faith or denomination. Provide spiritual and moral guidance and assistance to members.

Directors, Religious Activities and Education

$44,615
Average Salary

Coordinate or design programs and conduct outreach to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling, guidance, and leadership relative to marital, health, financial, and religious problems.

Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary

$73,666
Average Salary

Teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Social and Community Service Managers

$62,896
Average Salary

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

The above data was drawn from ONet and is intended for informational purposes only.

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Curriculum

Core classes (15 SH)

  • REL 201 Introduction to Religious Studies (3)
  • REL 202 Reading the Bible (3)
  • REL 205 Introduction to Theology (3)
  • HUM 200 Foundations of Humanities (2)
  • HUM 490 Seminar in Humanities (4) 

Concentrations (12 SH)

Students select either the Theology track or the Religious Studies track and then any 12 SH from the courses designated for that track:

Theology (choose 12 SH)

  • *PHIL 412 Philosophy of Religion
  • *REL 301 Gender in the Bible
  • *REL 302 Jesus, God, and Film
  • *REL 303 Money in the Bible
  • *REL 304 Politics in the Bible
  • REL 323 Jesus, Justice, and Violence
  • *REL 365 Mennonite History and Thought
  • REL 410 Hebrew Bible: Text in Context
  • REL 411 New Testament: Text in Context
  • *REL 412 Liberation Theologies

Religious Studies (choose 12 SH)

  • *PHIL 412 Philosophy of Religion
  • *REL 231 Jewish and Islamic Traditions
  • *REL 232 Hinduisms and Buddhisms
  • *REL 233 East Asian Traditions: Confucianism, Daoism, Shinto
  • *REL 234 Indigenous Traditions
  • *REL 304 Politics in the Bible
  • REL 323 Jesus, Justice, and Violence
  • REL 341 African American Religions
  • *REL 342 Sex, Love, God: Religion and Sexuality
  • *REL 343 Witches, Cripples and Other Monsters: Religion and Disability
  • *REL 412 Liberation Theologies

Electives (choose 6 SH)

Students may choose 6 SH from courses in the above Theology track, Religious studies track, or the courses listed below:

  • PHIL 201 Introduction to Philosophy
  • REL 212 Faith, Meaning, and Adolescence
  • REL 235 Spiritual Formation
  • REL 310-315: Topics in Religion
  • REL 334 Ministry with Children and Adolescents
  • *REL 338 Missiology
  • REL 423: Elementary Greek
  • REL 424: Greek Readings
  • REL 451: Church Work Practicum
  • REL 462: Mission Practicum

* indicates the course is offered in alternate years

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