Undergraduate Programs
School of Theology Minors
Christian Scriptures
Contact person: Dr. Sara KoenigThe purpose of the Chrisitan Scriptures minor is to lead students into more mature understanding of Scripture’s teaching about God. Not only is this minor designed to be intellectually invigorating, but each course also intends to relate Scripture to Christian formation in spiritually enriching and challenging ways.
Course by course, students will learn how to interpret Scripture with skill and grace. They will discover the historical, literary, and theological aspects of different biblical writings and the practical implication of each for Christian faith and witness today.
Christian Scriptures Minor Requirements
Christian Spirituality
Contact person: Dr. Robert DrovdahlThe Christian spirituality minor provides a formal way for students to attend to their growth in Christian faith during the college years. The courses introduce students to the historical and theological foundations of Christian spirituality, teach students the practices that cultivate spiritual growth, and teach the dynamics and value of life together on the journey of faith. The program culminates with a pilgrimage journey.
Christian Spirituality Minor Requirements
Christian Theology
Contact person: Dr. Douglas KoskelaThe Christian theology minor is intended for the student who wants to approach his or her major discipline from a perspective richly informed by the heritage of Christian thought and practice. As such, the student is given as much leeway as possible in course selection, within the general parameters established by the School of Theology for balanced and responsible theological inquiry.
Christian Theology Minor Requirements
Educational Ministry
Contact person: Dr. Ed SmythIssues in spiritual development and the educational/equipping ministry of the church affect all Christians. A minor in educational ministry provides an ideal program for exploring these issues and strengthening a student’s ability to serve in present and future life roles, including as a church leader or teacher; as a Christian parent; in a profession that involves a helping relationship; and in other roles concerned with nurturing spiritual development.
Educational Ministry Minor Requirements
Youth Ministry
Contact person: Dr. Jeffrey KeussReaching today’s youth with the gospel requires dedicated, capable leadership. This minor prepares students for effective ministry by educating them in the theological, relational, and programming foundations of youth ministry and trains them in the skills used in youth ministry. The minor culminates with an internship in a church or parachurch ministry.
Youth Ministry Minor Requirements
Download the School of Theology Youth Ministry Internship Handbook (PDF, 145 KB)
Young Life Program: Students may combine the Youth Ministry minor with a supervised internship with Young Life. Interns may work toward full-time placement after college through Young Life’s church partnership program or as full-time Young Life staff.
Global and Urban Ministry
Contact person: Prof. David LeongThe global and urban ministry (GUM) minor serves students in all majors. It equips students to understand the theological and contextual realities of the world today, which are heavily urban and multiethnic.
Through this minor, the School of Theology strives to develop global Christians who will participate in God’s transformation of the world. This program offers a minor, an internship, and a certificate. The internship may be completed either through the course, “Interpreting the City,” or through a minimum of six weeks spent in residence in an ethnic community overseas or locally, working on an academic project.
In the quarter preceding the field experience, the student will enroll in one credit of independent study with a GUM professor to design the project. Following the field experience, the student will enroll in one credit of independent study to write a paper summarizing the field research.
An internship will earn five credits, including the independent study credits.
Global and Urban Ministry Minor Requirements
International Service Certificate
This brief program offers useful training for students who hope to live and work as Christians in multicultural settings, but who cannot take enough courses to earn a minor in global and urban ministry.International Service Certificate Checklist (PDF, 48 KB)
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“Whether it has been in the context of the classroom, over lunch in Gwinn, a cup of coffee in Pura Vida, or even in their homes, faculty and professors have made studying theology a life-giving experience by taking the time to invest in our lives, and allowing us to share in theirs.”
Laura Opperman ’08