Christian Studies, B.A.

Christian Studies, B.A.

Program Overview

Are you called to serve Christ and the church in ministry or missions? Do you have a passion to learn more about Scripture, God, and your faith? If so, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies will allow you to blend your zeal for Jesus with your desire for meaningful ministry and service.

After gaining a solid foundation in the fields of biblical history, philosophy, theology, and either Hebrew or Greek, you’ll be ready to select the concentration that will prepare you to answer the call on your life. Whether your heart’s passion is to see youth who are on fire for God, or to become a ministry leader, whether you want to further the Kingdom at home or abroad, a Christian studies degree from PLNU will prepare you to be the hands and feet of Christ.

With six concentrations to choose from, a Christian studies major will provide you with a broad understanding of God and the Bible while allowing you to focus your attention on one area of study. Alternatively, you can choose a general concentration, which will give you a broad perspective on Christian ministry, theology, philosophy, and the Bible.

Concentrations:

  • Biblical Studies: Learn to identify the major context and content of the Bible, translate biblical texts into Hebrew or Greek, and apply the interpretation of Christian biblical literature to ministry in local church congregations.
     
  • General: Choose from among the courses in Christian ministry, theology, philosophy, and biblical studies that most interest you and will serve your vocational calling.
     
  • Leadership: Focus on what it means to be a leader both in and out of the church by diving deep into Christian leadership principles and practices, as well as building a strong foundation in biblical study and ministry.
     
  • Philosophy: Study philosophy as an intellectual discipline, learning to apply it to relevant issues bearing on the church and society.
     
  • Theology: Devote yourself to the study of God as an intellectual discipline and as an act of service, applying theological principles to those difficult issues facing the church and culture today.
     
  • Youth & Family: Learn to identify trends in contemporary youth culture and adolescent faith development, and apply your study of biblical texts, Christian biblical literature, theology, and philosophy to ministry to young people.

 

Faithfully Formed

9 Essential Spiritual Disciplines for the Ministry Student
Kara Lyons-Pardue: A Woman’s Journey to Educational Ministry

Living the Word: Biblical Studies in Action

Videos (3)
Articles (16)
9 Essential Spiritual Disciplines for the Ministry Student Spiritual disciplines are one of the main ways Christians can pursue spiritual formation. Here are 9 disciplines ministry students can practice to get closer to God. Discover
Kara Lyons-Pardue: A Woman’s Journey to Educational Ministry Kara Lyons-Pardue’s upbringing and experiences are reflected in the ways she teaches students to engage with Scripture in deep, fulfilling, and curiosity-filled ways. Discover
Should I Major in Religious Studies or Philosophy? Explore the similarities and differences between the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy majors at PLNU. Discover
Gary and Jerri Zimmerman: Faith, Mourning, Hope, and Joy Gary and Jerri Zimmerman are loving their community in Bolivia through their nonprofit organization, Love in Action. Discover
2024 Distinguished Achievement Awardee: Harold Raser (68) Harold Raser (68) shares about his faith-centered path to ministry and teaching. Discover
Meeting the Moment: Judith Hernandez’s Journey to Becoming a Confident Ministry Leader For as long as she can remember, Judith Hernandez knew she belonged at PLNU. Discover
Spiritual Practices: A Guide to Growth Through Daily Rhythms Finding ways to connect to faith community and God are important rhythms in our lives. Check out this guide to daily spiritual practices. Discover
2025 Distinguished Achievement Awards: Reverend Steve Scott Reverend Steve Scott (’77, ’80) devoted his life to ministry and mentorship, earning PLNU’s 2025 Distinguished Achievement Award. Discover
How Learning About Moral Injury Can Change How We Read the Bible In his new book, Dr. Brad Kelle shares how the concept of moral injury can influence how we read the Bible. Discover
Vocation vs. Profession: What’s the Difference? Ever wondered about the difference between vocation and profession? Learn what is a vocation, what is a profession and how to choose a career based on both. Discover
Christian Studies Class Explores Important Role of Women in the Church Learn about the PLNU School of Theology and Christian Ministry’s course on the history of women in the church. Discover
A Historical Tour of PLNU’s Stained Glass Windows Dr. David Strawn’s stained glass windows have graced PLNU’s campus for decades, and bless generations of students each time they pass by. Discover
Derrick Thames Brews Connection at BLEND Coffee in Dundee Derrick Thames’ Scotland-based coffee shop has all of the sustainable practices of a high-end roastery with one notable difference: it’s also where Thames preaches. Discover
Integrating Technology in Ministry: Adapting for the Digital Age Integrating technology in ministry can help boost ministry opportunities in the digital age, allowing for greater reach and impact in church ministry. Discover
Reclaiming Sabbath We are stressed out, time-strapped people, living in a world that is filled with suffering and injustice. Perhaps unexpectedly, one aid to improving the psychological health of individuals and health of our communities and world may be the commandment least attended to by modern-day Christians: keeping the Sabbath. Discover
Losing Sabbath Discover

Course List

For information about the courses required for the Christian Studies, B.A. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Major Map

Start Application

Are you ready to take the next step to begin your PLNU journey? Whether you’re a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we’re looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.

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Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

Career Opportunities

The skills gained by every Christian studies student at PLNU are applicable across a range of careers, with ministry, education, and law being some notable favorites of PLNU Christian studies majors. PLNU cultivates passion, professionalism, and a values-driven approach to work in a context that combines your intellect with your faith and equips you to become a purposeful and trustworthy leader in ministry.

What can you do with a Christian studies degree?

Recent alumni have gone on to work as pastors, youth ministers, and children’s ministers in local churches; served as chaplains in various government and social service agencies; and joined mission agencies, nonprofit ministries, and social justice initiatives.

Some of the positions our graduates currently hold:

Missionary

Missionaries serve communities both locally and internationally by sharing their faith, supporting educational and health initiatives, and promoting social justice. Their roles can vary widely depending on their mission, organization, and location — from teaching and preaching to humanitarian aid and community development.

  • Median Pay: $50,000/year (Varies widely)
  • Number of Jobs: Varies by region and organization
  • Job Outlook (2024–34): +5% (About as fast as average)
  • Employment Change: Data not specified
View Full BLS Profile

Community and Social Service Specialist

Community and Social Service Specialists support individuals and communities through advocacy, counseling, program development, and outreach. They often work in nonprofit, healthcare, or government settings to connect people with critical services and improve community wellbeing.

  • Median Pay: $56,520/year
  • Number of Jobs: Broad category — data varies by role
  • Job Outlook (2024–34): +10% (Faster than average)
  • Employment Change: Category-wide data not specified
View Full BLS Profile

Head / Senior Pastor (Clergy)

Head or Senior Pastors lead congregations in worship, spiritual guidance, and community outreach. They plan and deliver sermons, oversee church operations, and offer pastoral care to members of their faith community.

  • Median Pay: $63,730/year
  • Number of Jobs: 240,300
  • Job Outlook (2024–34): +4% (About as fast as average)
  • Employment Change: +9,500 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

A Calling, Not Just A Career

"Witnessing the Call"
"Rich in Purpose"

Vessels of Truth

Quotes (3)
Pictures (5)
Witnessing the Call
"One of the coolest parts of Point Loma is that the professors are so relatable. They allow themselves to be known by you. They talk about what they do, their families, their character, their heart for the church, their academic studies. That’s how I found my call to ministry: just witnessing them and seeing how their character is so remarkable and seeing their calling to love Christ and the world changed my life."
Kevin Portillo Philosophy, Theology, and Christian Ministry B.A.
Rich in Purpose
"I cannot imagine going into the world to try to do what I do – what anybody does – without Point Loma Nazarene. We had exposure to culture, theology, philosophy, and holy Scripture. It was essential learning. It’s one of the few things in my life that I would go and do again. It was rich. They were building up and feeding students before they go out into the world. I can’t find words that are strong enough to describe its impact on my life."
Harold Raser Religion and History B.A.
Worship That Forms
"I learned to appreciate the ways liturgy provides a coming together with the body of Christ. It helped me develop a greater patience because even if it doesn’t always inspire, it shapes who I am as a person and informs what kind of world I want to live in."
Julius Obregón Philosophy and Theology B.A.

Department Faculty

Get Involved

Polkinghorne, an older man, speaks from a podium to community in Crill Hall at PLNU

H. Orton Wiley Lecture Series

Do you enjoy intelligent discourse on subjects relevant to Christian life and ministry? The H. Orton Wiley Lecture series engages and enriches students.

A group of students sit in a living room and have class as part of the community classroom experience

Community Classroom

Do you have a desire to serve or work in a multicultural or cross-cultural setting? If so, you should take advantage of Community Classroom.

A female student leaving first chapel of the year

Theology and Christian Ministry School-Specific Scholarships

Are you called to serve in ministry, but concerned about the cost? PLNU understands this concern and aims to support the next generation of ministers.