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Christian Studies Major

See the Degree Plans  page for degree plans and requirements for the various specializations.


The major in Christian Studies is offered with five different specialization options.   Students majoring in Christian Studies will take a core of classes that provides a biblical foundation and emphasizes the learning of principles of biblical interpretation and of the primary teachings of the Christian faith. 

BIBLE

Students who specialize in Bible will take coursework that focuses on understanding and interpreting the content of the Bible.   Students will choose a balance of courses from the Old Testament and New Testament and also take at least one class focused on learning to communicate lessons/sermons/messages based on the biblical text. 

BIBLICAL LANGUAGES

Students who specialize in Biblical Languages will take coursework that focuses on Greek and/or Hebrew, the primary languages in which the Old and New Testament texts were written.   Biblical Languages students will develop skills in the translation and interpretation of biblical texts.

PHILOSOPHY

Students who specialize in Philosophy will take coursework that focuses on the development of skills in thinking and reasoning.   Philosophy students will study the universal fallibility of humankind, the resultant ambiguity, the possibility nonetheless of arriving at a reasoned position in life, and the need to make definite commitments.

PRACTICAL THEOLOGY

Students who specialize in Practical Theology will take coursework that focuses on a combination of classes in applied ministry, theology, and history.   These students will also receive hands-on training for ministry through a supervised ministry internship. 

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Students who specialize in Religious Education will take coursework that focuses on principles of teaching and learning in the context of the local church.   Religious Education students will be prepared to give leadership to educational ministry for various age groups through the local church.  These students will also receive hands-on training for ministry through a supervised ministry internship.

 

FAQ’s

What can I do with a major in Christian Studies from Howard Payne University? 

Our majors are prepared to succeed in seminary/graduate school and/or to begin working in a Christian ministry vocation.  We encourage all of our students to attend a seminary or graduate school, and well over half of them do so.  On the other hand, a substantial number    of our seniors go into missions or local church ministry immediately upon graduation and wait until later to continue their education.

I feel that God has called me to ministry, but I am not sure which specialization or major to choose. 

You have plenty of time.  Since the five specializations within the Christian Studies major share a common core of classes, you can take general education classes and Christian Studies core classes for the first couple of years.  Then, as you seek God’s direction, take a personal strengths inventory, gain more experience, and reflect on God’s calling, you can make the decision on which specialization is best for you. 

What other majors do you offer?   

Along with the major in Christian Studies, we offer majors in Cross-Cultural Studies and in Youth Ministry.