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Biblically rooted. Theologically formed. Biblical and Theological Studies

A major in Biblical and Theological Studies (BTS) puts Christ at the center of your personal and professional development. Intellectual growth and spiritual maturity are the hallmarks of our program. You’ll deepen your understanding and appreciation of the global evangelical church and leave Wheaton prepared for advanced study or service to society.

Credential Type

  • B.A.

Major Credits Required

  • 124

Offered As

  • Major, Minor

25+ faculty members

The breadth of expertise among our 25+ faculty members means that students have many possibilities for learning and exploration.

50+ years of summer travel

Wheaton has a rich tradition of bringing students to the Holy Lands for immersive, intercultural experiences. Walk in the footsteps of Jesus in Israel, and follow Paul and the apostles in Greece and Italy.

55+ denominations represented

Wheaton’s diverse faculty, students, and staff collectively represent more than 50 evangelical denominations. This department is a place to explore your roots and engage people from different backgrounds.

Connect with Admissions

You can reach us anytime via admissions@wheaton.edu.

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Corpus Art

Faces & Spaces Where You'll Learn, Who You'll Meet

Our Faculty

A large, accomplished faculty from a variety of backgrounds and church traditions means we have expertise in a range of areas, including Old Testament, New Testament, Historical Theology, Systematic Theology, Christian ethics, and Archaeology.

Meet Our Faculty
Archaeology Museum Billy Graham Center Wheaton College IL

Our Experiences

Biblical and Theological Studies students enrich their Wheaton experience in many ways, including spending a semester or summer abroad in Israel, Greece, or Italy. They also dive into topics that matter via independent research with a faculty mentor.

Wheaton Students Group Photo in the Holy Lands 2014 Judean Wilderness
Featured Program

Wheaton in the Holy Lands

Experience the land of the Bible with Wheaton professors and local experts. During this six-week study tour program, you will explore the New Testament, Christian theology, and historical geography in places such as Israel, Greece, Turkey, and Italy. Locations, itinerary, and courses vary from year to year.

With Wheaton Opportunities Across Campus & Beyond

Interdisciplinary learning is a way of life at Wheaton. Aside from your work within your major, you can enrich your educational experience by connecting with peers and professors across campus.

Real-World Learning at Wheaton & Beyond

  • Wheaton in the Holy Lands
  • Wheaton in the Black Hills
  • Semester in Jerusalem
  • Tel Shimron Excavations
  • Human Needs and Global Resources (HNGR Program)

Other Opportunities

  • Internships
  • Research
  • Other study abroad and domestic travel experiences including Pilgrimage to Santiago, Semester In Jerusalem, and Wheaton in Mexico

Related Centers, Organizations & Co-Curriculars

  • Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies
  • Library and Archives of Wheaton College

Additional Academic Opportunities: Common Minors, Certificates & Second Majors

  • Biblical Archaeology
  • Classical Languages
  • Certificate for Mission Studies
  • Early Christian Studies Certificate
  • 5th year accelerated master’s degree program in biblical and theological studies
Edman Chapel Clock Tower Summer
Theology for Christ & His Kingdom

Faith & Learning at Wheaton

A Wheaton education is built on the foundation of our unique Christ at the Core general education curriculum. The Biblical and Theological Studies major relates closely to this curriculum and the heart of our college’s mission. You’ll learn to interpret the Bible faithfully, think deeply about theological questions, and pursue your vocation in light of God’s call.

Learn More About Christ at the Core

After Wheaton What You Can Do With a Biblical and Theological Studies Degree

Biblical and Theological Studies students are called to serve God and their community in a variety of ways.

See All Outcomes

Careers

BTS majors have started their careers in roles like:

  • Alumni association program coordinator
  • Associate attorney
  • Associate editor
  • Corporate paralegal
  • Development manager
  • Editorial assistant in Christian publishing
  • Foster care adoption worker
  • Immigration legal services associate
  • International student services coordinator
  • Pastor
  • Operations coordinator
  • Project manager
  • Research analyst
  • Social worker
  • Youth minister

Continued Learning

Students have used their Biblical and Theological Studies degree as a foundation for future study in programs such as:

  • Baylor University (M.Div.)
  • Boston College Law School (J.D.)
  • Boston University (M.S., Journalism)
  • Covenant Seminary (M.Div.)
  • Duke Divinity School (M.Div., M.A., PhD)
  • Fuller Theological Seminary (M.A.T.)
  • Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.)
  • Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div., Ph.D.)
  • Reformed Theological Seminary (M.Div.)
  • Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (M.Div.)
  • University of Chicago (M.Div., Ph.D.)
  • University of Notre Dame (M.A.)
  • University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School (J.D.)
  • University of Texas AT Arlington (M.S.W.)
  • Wake Forest School of Medicine (P.A.)
  • Western Theological Seminary (M.Div.)
  • Westminister Theological Seminary (M.Div.)
  • Yale Divinity School (M.Div.)

 

Sadie Rynbrandt headshot
Students in Action

The Intersection of Learning & Ministry

“I’m in class with a lot of future pastors. It’s encouraging to watch my professors equip these students with the ability to challenge and nuance their beliefs.”

– Sadie Rynbrandt ’23

Sadie Rynbrandt’s passion for youth ministry was reinforced when she worked with junior high students at a local church. Her interest in historical theology also deepened at Wheaton. She earned a Certificate of Early Christian Studies, participated in the inaugural Semester in Jerusalem program, and plans to continue her academic journey at seminary.

Read Sadie's story

Next Steps

Interested learning what it's like to study theology and biblical studies at Wheaton? Request more information about our biblical studies degree or start your application today.

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