B.A. Theology
Theology is the study of God. Christian theology studies the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, through His self-revelation in His creation and in His Word, the Bible. A Lutheran Christian pursuit of theology places its primary focus on God’s work of salvation through the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ to reclaim humanity from sin’s deadly snare.
Christian theology also examines the human experience of faith, expressed both personally and corporately in the church and in the world. Christian theologians examine different religions and understandings of the meaning of life. Theology involves not only the study of the nature of God and humanity, but also history, art, culture, philosophy, the environment, biblical languages and more.
The theology program at Concordia University, Nebraska can help you understand the Christian faith in a profound manner so that, in partnership with the Holy Spirit, you might translate it into a way of life that richly expresses God’s gracious love in Christ Jesus for all his creation.
Enrich your life with God, enhance your service to the church and discover a deeper faith.
Program Highlights
WHY STUDY THEOLOGY AT CONCORDIA?
The theology program at Concordia University, Nebraska exists to educate students to communicate the Gospel effectively, serve the church faithfully and minister with integrity at home and abroad. Solid and critical grounding in the Lutheran Christian academic tradition engages students in dialogue with other disciplines across the university for understanding and commitment to the scholarship, exploration and promotion of our Christian faith.
Theology classes at Concordia welcome students from all religious backgrounds to engage the teachings of the Bible as the inspired Word of God. As part of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, the faculty members of Concordia’s Department of Theology, Philosophy, and Biblical Languages teach the Christian faith according to the standard of the Lutheran Confessions.
MEET OUR EXPERT FACULTY
As experts theology, our faculty and instructors bring years of experience to the classroom.
Meet our students
“At Concordia, you can unapologetically go into a Christian profession. There is a great community of people interested in the same thing as you, that is unsurpassed by any public institution.”
Caleb Jalas
Deshler, Neb.
Accreditation
Concordia University, Nebraska is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Degree Goals
A theology graduate from Concordia University, Nebraska will be able to:
- Communicate clearly and effectively in theological research papers and oral presentations.
- Think critically about historical and intellectual contexts and arguments regarding theological issues.
- Integrate broad and diverse learning within theology.
- Apply a reasoned approach to effective decision-making, according to sound and coherent ethical principles.
- Understand the Lutheran, Christian theological tradition in the context of historical, cultural and spiritual concerns.
Theology, Philosophy and Biblical Languages Minors
- Biblical Languages
- Classical Liberal Arts
- Philosophy
- Religious Education
- Theology
- Urban Ministry
- Youth Ministry
Career Outcomes
Pastor
- Serve the church by providing a balanced ministry of preaching, pastoral care and organizational leadership to the congregation
- Care for the spiritual growth of your congregation
Youth Ministries Director
- Plan and oversee programs and activities for children and adolescents at a church, community outreach or social service program
- Help your congregation or community flourish by providing supplemental education programs, alternative after-school activities and mission trips
Theology and Religious Studies Professor
- Teach the fundamentals of theology and religion
- Help your students discover and explore the basic fundamentals of religious and theological thought and delve deeper into the study of theology
FAQs
What unique opportunities are available on campus for theology majors?
One of the things that makes Concordia Nebraska exceptional is that we have many unique opportunities for reaching a deeper understanding of the inexhaustible love of God. Daily chapel, evening prayer, PRAISE! and other informal worship services provide a rich opportunity to honor God and sing His praises.
Concordia is a Lutheran Christian university, and we are proud of our heritage. However, we have students from all kinds of religious backgrounds. We teach religion and theology classes from a Lutheran perspective, but a respectful dialogue occurs in and outside the classroom, so you can discover new points of view and strengthen your faith daily by discussing different points of view with your fellow students.
If you’re interested in continuing your theological studies after graduation, you might want to join Concordia’s pre-seminary club. The goal of pre-seminary club is to promote fellowship, education, spirituality, maturity and faith for those who seek to be pastors in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
All students also have the opportunity to be involved in the spiritual life and growth of the campus community. The Student Worship Committee is committed to ensuring meaningful worship experiences for Concordia students by providing acolytes, ushers and behind-the-scenes liturgical duties at chapel services and praise opportunities.
What can I do with a degree in theology?
Studying theology and religious studies allows you to explore how religious beliefs and practices shape and influence the world we live in. A theology degree can be used to gain secular, religious and government employment. You might choose to become a pastor or deaconess or missionary, but you’ll also be prepared if you choose to find a career supporting and serving clients by meeting their spiritual and emotional needs in less obvious career field such as teaching, social work, journalism or counseling. There are also opportunities for careers as a historian, nonprofit worker or humanitarian.
Can I teach with a B.A. in theology?
A theology degree is an excellent starting point to enter a career that helps you share your knowledge and skills with the world. To teach at the elementary school, middle school or high school level, you’ll need your undergraduate theology degree and a teaching license or certificate, depending on the state you wish to teach in. You’ll also generally need classroom practicum experience.
If you wish to teach theology and religious studies at the university level, you’ll need to earn at least a master’s degree or, for some institutions, a doctorate.
If teaching theology is your passion, you can meet with your academic advisor to discuss all the options and figure out the academic path that will get you there.
Related Programs
Christian Education Leadership
The Christian education leadership major from Concordia University, Nebraska can help you serve Christ’s church through education as a Director of Christian Education (DCE), youth or camp ministry leader, Christian teacher or as a national or international missionary by equipping you to bring Christian values and leadership to God’s people in a church or school.
Secondary Education
With a degree in secondary education from Concordia University, Nebraska, you will be equipped to teach grades 7-12, encouraging intellectual and emotional growth at a critical time in the lives of your students. You’ll engage in rich coursework, collaborate with faculty and gain invaluable experience first shadowing a professional teacher and then teaching in your own high school classroom.
Pre-Seminary
Concordia University, Nebraska’s pre-seminary program will prepare you for admission to a theological seminary, so you can become a member of the ordained pastoral ministry. Designed to coordinate specifically with the Master of Divinity program of both seminaries of the LCMS, Concordia’s pre-seminary program is rooted in the liberal arts tradition and includes an emphasis in the biblical languages of Greek and Hebrew, along with a background in philosophy and the humanities.
1 Recent graduates attending graduate school or employed within six months of graduation.
2Average Class Size for Representative Subject Most Aligned with Major, Over Last 5 Years.