Christian Studies provides knowledge and methods for understanding the intellectual, historical and social context of the development of Christianity and Christian thought. Its main focus of study is on the early stages of Christian thought and its impact on western culture, reformation philosophies and movements, contemporary considerations and its impact on contemporary society. The course also explores the connection between the scripture and Christian Traditions and its reflection in the Christian religion. Christian Studies combines elements and concepts from other fields such as philosophy, history, sociology and social work.

Students opting for a degree in Christian Studies will take up courses that cover topics such as principles of theology, religion and philosophy, god in the context of social justice, theory of truth, biblical foundations and Christian educational research methods. Additionally, Students will be equipped with a broad range of skills such as the ability to comprehend, analyse, interpret and integrate primary and secondary sources of theological, historical and ethical thought.

Graduates in Christian Studies have the opportunity to pursue careers as clergy members, director of ministries, cross-cultural missionaries, ministers of education, chaplain, worship leader, bible professor, church historian and many more.

Study levels:

Select colleges and universities across the world offer courses in Christian Studies at the undergraduate and postgraduate level. The different study levels include:

• Bachelors of Religious Studies (BRS)
• Bachelor of Arts in Christian Worldview and Apologetics
• Bachelor of Arts in Theology
• Bachelor of Biblical Studies
• Bachelor of Christian Studies
• Bachelor of Theology in Community Leadership: Christian Ministry
• Bachelor of Science in Church Ministries
• Bachelor of Ministry
• Bachelor of Arts in Church Planting
• Bachelor of Science in Biblical Counselling
• MA in Bible Studies
• MA in Church History and Theology
• Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
• Master of Divinity, Biblical Studies
• MA in Public and Pastoral Leadership

Specialisations:

Students interested in pursuing a Christian Studies degree have the option to specialise within their major by choosing an emphasis. Students can choose from a variety of emphasis and these include:

• Biblical Studies
• Biblical Languages
• Theology
• Intercultural Studies
• Global Ministry
• Philosophy
• Youth Ministry
• Worship Leadership Christian History
• Church Planting
• Evangelism
• Christian Psychology
• Christian Counselling
• Religion and Holistic Health
• Religion and Peace
• Christianity and Culture
• Sociology and Christianity
• Historical Theology
• Systematic Theology
• Practical Theology

Employability:

While a Theology degree logically prepares students for work in a theological field, degrees in Christian Studies teach students much more than specific knowledge about the Bible and religion. Throughout their degree, students will develop certain skills that will easily transfer over into their careers.

In addition, while there are plenty of faith-based jobs available as aforementioned, there are also many non-religious jobs that graduates can get into with a degree in Christian Studies. Gaining transferable skills prepares students to thrive in fields which involves a healthy amount of writing and critical thinking and job titles include:

• Pastor
• Theologian
• Teacher
• Professor
• Chaplain
• Counselor
• Evangelist
• Missionary
• Director of Christian non-profit organizations
• Clergy member
• Ministry Director
• Childcare Teacher for Bible Studies
• Journalist or Writer
• Ethicist
• Historian or Archivist
• Social Worker
• Community development worker
• Non-profit worker