Theology and Ministry Majors

Bible and Theology Major

Simpson’s Bible and Theology major is ideal for any student who desires a deeper relationship with God through deeper reflection upon his Word and the world.

As a student in the program, you learn one of the biblical languages, either Hebrew or Greek, and develop a foundation in biblical or systematic theology. Then you choose one of the three concentrations: Old Testament, New Testament, or Theology.

The Old Testament and New Testament concentrations allow you to pursue interest in specific books, such as Genesis, Job, or Daniel in the Old Testament or the Synoptic Gospels, Johannine Literature, or Pauline epistles in the New Testament. Both concentrations include the possibility of a study tour in Israel. Finally, as a capstone, you will investigate the critical issues and the theology of one of the testaments.

The Theology concentration builds a foundation for theological reflection by developing a deeper understanding of God, humanity, Christ and his church. It too includes courses in areas of particularly interest, including History of Early Christianity, Women in Church and Society, or Theology of World Mission. As a capstone you will grapple with issues in contemporary theology.

All three of these concentrations are designed to develop stronger understanding of the Bible and Christian theology.  Graduates will be better prepared to understand and assess life’s future challenges in biblically and theologically informed ways.

Current Degree Requirements:

Bible/Theology Credit Worksheet

Cross-Cultural Studies Major

Are you challenged and intrigued by the diversity of the human race? Are you interested in cultural differences around the world? Do you long to serve a culturally diverse world? If you answer yes to such questions, you may want to consider the Cross-Cultural Studies major.

It is difficult to reach out to people if you cannot understand their ways of life. As a student in the cross-cultural studies program you have opportunity to develop skills in understanding others. You will first develop a broad understanding of cultural anthropology, cross-cultural communication, religions, language acquisition, and theology. Then you will concentrate in one of three areas: Ministry, Business, or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Through the Muslim-studies track you can gain understanding into one of the most challenging blocks of people in the world today. Students also have opportunity to participate in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities overseas study programs. As a capstone, students are required to successfully complete a cross-cultural internship.

The Cross-Cultural Studies major combines marketable skills with empathy for other ways of life. As you leave Simpson you will have begun a lifetime of understanding the many different peoples that God loves so much.

Current Degree Requirements:

Cross-Cultural Studies Credit Worksheet

Discipleship and Education Ministries

You will begin by developing a broad foundation in spiritual formation, small group ministries, evangelism, preaching, and leadership. Then you will focus on particular ministries of interest, such as children’s ministry, youth ministry, adult ministry, together with the educational skills, psychological understanding, and counseling skills necessary to be effective. For a capstone you will be required to successfully complete a ministry internship.

As a Discipleship and Education Ministries major, you will gain firsthand knowledge of the value of teamwork and relationships, as you learn alongside other students who share your passion for this facet of ministry. Most importantly, you will leave Simpson with a foundation to serve Christ and his church.

Current Degree Requirements:

Discipleship and Education Ministries Credit Worksheet

General Ministries Major

Are you interested in ministry, but don’t know where God is calling you? 

The General Ministries major lets you explore a variety of ministry opportunities as you wait to understand God’s plan for your life. Whether you are interested in going to seminary or are just seeking to serve God better, this major provides you with basic knowledge and skills needed for ministry. Through courses on spiritual formation, small group ministries, biblical studies, leadership, and preaching, you will be exposed to a wealth of knowledge and experience that will provide a foundation for your future ministry decisions. 

This program is also perfect for tailoring your own ministry education. With a wide variety of ministry electives to choose from, you and your academic advisor can work to create an education focused on your interests, whether administration, youth ministries, women’s ministries, or even missions.

Between the rich course opportunities, internships, and a faculty dedicated to your personal educational success, the General Ministries major at Simpson may be just what you need to prepare for a lifetime of work and service.

Current Degree Requirements:

General Ministries Credit Worksheet

Pastoral Studies Major

As a Pastoral Studies major, you have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for pastoral ministry in a local church.

The required Bible and theology courses will not only familiarize you with biblical content, but will also will provide the backbone for your ministry. You will also develop a broad ministry foundation through courses in spiritual formation, small group ministries, evangelism, and leadership, and then focus on the skills required for effective pastoral ministry through specific courses in preaching, administration, and counseling. As a capstone, you will be required to successfully complete an internship with a pastor.

This major is ideal for anyone who wants to serve God’s people through leadership in a small church or on the staff of a larger church.

Current Degree Requirements:

Pastoral Studies Credit Worksheet

World Missions Major

Are you concerned about those who do not yet know Christ?  Do the world’s peoples intrigue and amaze you? 

Many who have answered yes to such questions have found that the World Missions major at Simpson University prepared them for careers in world service. As the “Gateway to World Service,” Simpson has long been known for its missionary heartbeat.

Building upon strong biblical foundations, the World Missions major seeks to prepare students for cross-cultural ministries. Courses in religions, anthropology, and cross-cultural communication will contribute to your understanding of other peoples; courses in evangelism, preaching, and language acquisition will build skills required for ministry. As a World Missions major you have the option of choosing the Muslim Studies track, which focuses upon one of the world’s least-reached peoples, or on a general ministry track. You also will have the opportunity to participate in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities overseas study programs. Successful completion of a cross-cultural internship will round out your preparation.

If you have been blessed with the courage, faith, patience, and skills necessary to venture into another culture, then the World Missions major will provide you with an educational foundation to help you on your journey.

Current Degree Requirements:

World Missions Credit Worksheet

Youth Ministries Major

Can you imagine anything more fun than hanging out with teenagers? Do you enjoy mentoring young people?  Do you miss going to youth group?

Simpson University has an excellent Youth Ministries major that might interest you. 

The Youth Ministries major has been designed to prepare you to guide and educate the youth of the church, as well as to reach out to the unchurched. The major, as with all of our ministry majors, will give you a foundational understanding in the areas of spiritual formation, small group ministries, preaching, leadership, evangelism and counseling skills. Then you will delve more deeply into contemporary youth culture and the latest methods for effective ministry. Your education will be completed by successful participation in an internship with a youth minister.

Youth are one of our most important treasures and resources. At Simpson we have endeavored to create a program that will prepare you for an intensely rewarding ministry career.

Current Degree Requirements:

Youth Ministries Credit Worksheet



Honors Program

If you are a Bible and Theology major, you may be able to choose the honors program. To take part in the honors program you have to have the approval of full-time Bible and Theology faculty.

The honors program requires three supervised research and writing projects and receives special recognition at graduation. As an honors program student, you will be supervised and advised by a member of the faculty.

Admission is limited by the availability of the faculty supervisors. If you are interested in the honors program you should apply as soon as possible. You need to have a cumulative 3.0 GPA and a 3.5 GPA in at least 12 hours of Bible and Theology courses you took under the foundation studies requirements. You also need to have a 3.5 GPA within your major by graduation to qualify. Contact your advisor for more information.