Women
You will examine the role and impact the Bible has had on women over time as part of your studies in our program.
Biblical Studies
A minor in biblical studies at the University of St. Thomas takes you beyond simply reading sacred texts. You will dive deeper by examining sacred scriptures in their historical, cultural and religious contexts, developing your critical thinking and analysis skills along the way.
Why Study Biblical Studies at St. Thomas?
The minor will build upon the skills you acquire in Theology 100: Foundations by interpreting various sacred passages throughout your undergraduate career at St. Thomas. You will explore the Christian theological tradition, as well as both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. From there, you can choose from a variety of advanced courses focusing on biblical study and interpretation, ultimately preparing you for a faith-filled and rewarding life after you graduate from St. Thomas.
Read the Bible From a New Perspective
Course Requirements
You will start by completing Theology 100: Foundations, which explores the Christian theological tradition and prepares you for your next courses focusing on the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. After the foundations course and the surveys of the Hebrew Bible and the Greek New Testament, you can choose from any keystone courses (THEO 221) on the Bible to wrap up your minor.
Four-Year Plan
You will have flexibility with a minor in biblical studies, so that means you can choose courses that match your interests.
The following courses are required for a minor in biblical studies:
- THEO 100 Foundations
- THEO 221 Bible: Old Testament
- THEO 221 Bible: New Testament
- THEO 221 Bible: Elective
Degrees Awarded
Minor in Biblical Studies
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
You will start by completing Theology 100: Foundations, which explores the Christian theological tradition and prepares you for your next courses focusing on the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. After the foundations course and the surveys of the Hebrew Bible and the Greek New Testament, you can choose from any keystone courses (THEO 221) on the Bible to wrap up your minor.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
You will have flexibility with a minor in biblical studies, so that means you can choose courses that match your interests.
The following courses are required for a minor in biblical studies:
- THEO 100 Foundations
- THEO 221 Bible: Old Testament
- THEO 221 Bible: New Testament
- THEO 221 Bible: Elective
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
Minor in Biblical Studies
Career Paths
We give you the tools and knowledge you need to work in a variety of different careers after graduation.
- Education
- Social services
- Healthcare
- Relief services
- Journalism
- Law
Deepening Your Understanding of Sacred Texts
A minor in biblical studies allows you to explore a range of topics in the Bible, ultimately understanding its various parts in historical, cultural and religious contexts.
Prophets
Prophets played a large part in ancient society, and our courses explore their roles in their communities more closely.
Jewish and Christian Religions
You will explore the Jewish and Christian religions as part of your studies, meaning you will examine the similarities and differences between the two faiths.
A Wide Range of Interests
Dr. Paul Niskanen
Dr. Niskanen is a professor of theology and specializes in the study of the Old Testament with an interest in late prophetic and apocalyptic texts.
Dr. John Martens
Dr. Martens focuses on the Apostle Paul, Hellenistic Judaism, apocalyptic thought and literature, biblical interpretation and much more.
Dr. Susan Myers
Dr. Myers' expertise is in the New Testament, early Christianity and Syriac-speaking Christianity.
Faith Seeking Understanding
You will have access to a wide array of opportunities ranging from study abroad to faculty mentorship.
Versatile Skillset
Bible courses expose students to biblical languages, ancient histories and cultures, and a wide variety of literary genres, thus they are interdisciplinary by nature.
See the World
Expand your horizons by studying abroad at our Bernardi Campus in Rome, or by enrolling in one of our many J-term programs abroad.
Nationwide Recognition
The Christian Theological Tradition was written by our faculty and is used by many universities around the United States.
Expand Your Knowledge
A minor in Biblical Studies allows you to dive deeply into the history and culture of those who were inspired by God to produce the text, informing how it might be interpreted in the modern world.
Exploring the Big Issues
We provide opportunities for you to explore the everyday contemporary issues affecting the world and society around us.
Theology Night Live includes a short faculty presentation followed by informal conversation over pizza. Recent topics have included the Bible providing spiritual guide to atheists, finding your calling and feminist theology with the #MeToo movement.
The New Frontiers lectures teach students about the latest theological research published by our faculty.
The Theology Department regularly organizes lectures, conferences, and other events that bring members of the wider community into conversation with our students and faculty about political, social, and economic questions in light of a Christian theological worldview informed by biblical scholarship.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.