Biblical and Theological Studies
Chicago, Illinois, United States, United States
Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies
North Park University
Biblical and Theological Studies
Program Overview: Biblical and Theological Studies at North Park University
The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies at North Park University invites you to deepen your Christian faith while exploring meaningful intersections among faith, work, and your sense of purpose in a changing world. You will gain foundational knowledge in biblical and theological studies, engage with the life of Jesus Christ and the Christian narrative, and examine various career paths in ministry, civic service, and social justice.
The program emphasizes critical thinking and the application of ethical learning, making it an excellent complement to fields like education, social work, business, and more. Set within North Park's urban, multicultural Chicago campus, students read the Bible and theology in contexts that reflect the diversity of God's world.
Graduates are well prepared for graduate study at leading theological seminaries, as well as careers in ministry, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement. The major requires 36 hours of coursework within a total of 120 credits for graduation, providing both depth in biblical scholarship and breadth through the university's liberal arts core curriculum.
Key Program Highlights
- Paired courses provide continuity in content, reading, and writing, offering a uniquely integrated learning experience across biblical and theological subjects.
- The Biblical Formation on Location course transports students from Old Testament Israel to the New Testament Church through immersive, experiential learning.
- Service-learning initiatives through University Ministries connect classroom study with real-world engagement in social justice and urban outreach.
- Direct pathway to graduate programs at North Park Theological Seminary and other prestigious institutions such as Duke Divinity School and Princeton Theological Seminary.
Curriculum and Modules
The Biblical and Theological Studies major at North Park University requires 36 semester hours of major coursework within a 120-credit degree. The curriculum blends foundational biblical studies with theological interpretation, ethics, and practical ministry preparation, all set within a robust liberal arts core.
Introduction to Biblical Studies
4 CreditsA foundational prerequisite course that introduces students to the methods, contexts, and key themes of biblical interpretation, serving as the gateway to all subsequent BTS coursework.
Jesus and the Marginalized: Jesus and the Gospels
4 CreditsThis paired course explores the personhood of Jesus and His interactions with marginalized communities as depicted in the Gospels, developing skills in close textual reading and theological reflection.
Christ in Global Context: Christology
4 CreditsExamines understandings and interpretations of Christ across various non-Western contexts, drawing on theology, literature, and social sciences while exploring contextual theology and postcolonial critiques.
Justice in Biblical and Practical Theology
4 CreditsEngages students with the Bible on issues of social justice, connecting theological principles with practical applications in community service and civic engagement.
Biblical Formation on Location
4 CreditsAn immersive experiential course designed to awaken students' imagination of the biblical world as a lived experience, transporting them from Old Testament Israel to the New Testament Church.
Fourth-Year Seminar in Biblical and Theological Studies
4 CreditsA capstone seminar limited to fourth-year majors that concentrates on critical reading, writing, and discussion skills while exploring current research in biblical and theological studies.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies at North Park University follows a holistic review process. The university considers your academic record, personal essay, recommendation letters, and extracurricular activities. All applications and inquiries are handled through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- High School DiplomaCompletion of secondary school equivalent to U.S. Grade 12 is required
- GPA RequirementMinimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale recommended
- Standardized TestsTest-optional policy; SAT and ACT scores are not required but may be submitted
- Recommendation LetterOne academic recommendation from a current or former teacher is required
- Personal EssayA personal essay demonstrating your interests, goals, and character is required
English Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 80 (lower scores may be considered based on subject scores)
- IELTSMinimum overall band score of 6.0 (lower scores may be considered based on subject scores)
- English Proficiency ExamAll international students must complete an English proficiency exam upon arrival
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
North Park University is committed to making education accessible and offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for both domestic and international students. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on available funding options for this program.
Academic Merit Scholarship
Merit-based awards for students who demonstrate strong academic achievement in their high school or prior studies. Award amounts vary based on GPA and overall application strength.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies prepares you for a wide range of careers in ministry, academia, nonprofit leadership, and beyond. The program's emphasis on critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and intercultural engagement equips graduates with transferable skills valued across many professional fields.
Potential Career Paths
Graduate School and Employer Destinations
Rankings and Recognition
North Park University is a private Christian institution founded in 1891 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The university has been consistently recognized for academic quality, social mobility, and educational value in national rankings.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Universities Midwest | U.S. News & World Report | #54 out of 161 |
| Top Performers on Social Mobility (Midwest) | U.S. News & World Report | #6 |
| Best Value Regional Universities (Midwest) | U.S. News & World Report | #25 |
| Best Value Small Colleges (Chicago) | SmartAsset | #1 in Chicago |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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