Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies: Biblical Languages
Study Scripture in its original languages to deepen faith and understanding.
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Gain a Deeper Understanding of Scripture
Study the Scriptures in both English and the original Greek and Hebrew languages. As a Biblical Languages major at Concordia University Irvine, you’ll learn to engage the Scriptures with both intellectual rigor and reverence, developing the skills to interpret, teach, and apply Scripture thoughtfully and faithfully.
This program is designed for students preparing for ministry and lives of service grounded in deep theological understanding. You’ll learn how to understand, communicate, teach, defend, and believe the Christian faith through systematic inquiry of the Bible, the doctrines of the church, and other statements of faith.
As a student in Christ College, you’ll study alongside committed peers and faculty who are active scholars and practitioners in ministry today. Our professors are theologians and published authors who contribute to world-wide biblical scholarship and mentor students personally, helping you grow in your knowledge, faith, and vocations.
Career Relevant
Gain real-world skills for a life of service and leadership.
Collaborative Classes
Learn in classes with a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Seminary Ready
Build the foundation for seminary and graduate study.
Getting Started
Coursework in the Theological Studies: Biblical Languages major is intended to give you a comprehension of Scripture and understanding of biblical doctrine, while developing a well-informed faith in Christ. You will also become acquainted with other theological thought and engage with western philosophy, allowing you to have meaningful dialogue with people from other faiths and thought systems.
The Theological Studies: Biblical Languages curriculum is built to strengthen both biblical literacy and theological depth, preparing you for meaningful engagement with Scripture and service in the church and beyond.
Next Start
January 11, 2027
Curriculum
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
- GRE101 – Greek I
- GRE102 – Greek II
- HEB101 – Hebrew I
- HEB102 – Hebrew II
- GRE301 – Greek Readings
OR HEB301 – Hebrew Readings - REL321 – World Religions
OR REL375 – The American Religious Landscape - THL304 – History of the Christian Church
- THL311 – Old Testament Book of the Bible
OR THL312 – New Testament Book of the Bible - THL371 – Christian Doctrine and Confessions I
- THL372 – Christian Doctrine and Confessions II
- THL429 – Biblical Theology and Exegesis
- THL430 – Christian Apologetics
OR THL481 – The Mission of Christ’s Church
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of courses.
Through your coursework, you’ll:
- Study the Bible in Greek and Hebrew
- Examine biblical history, culture, and literary context
- Engage Christian doctrine and theological traditions
- Explore philosophy and other theological thought for meaningful dialogue
- Develop a well-informed, articulate Christian faith
This interdisciplinary approach equips you to read Scripture carefully, think critically, and communicate clearly — skills that serve you in ministry, education, graduate study, and lifelong discipleship.
Upon completion of the B.A. in Biblical Languages program, you’ll be able to:
- Express an understanding of the language, contents, history, culture, and themes of the Bible.
- Integrate and articulate biblical doctrine in systematic constructs.
- Accurately describe prominent religions, denominations, and philosophies of the past and present.
- Christian students shall articulate a personal faith in Christ that is well informed from a biblical perspective.
- Demonstrate the theological aptitude to support the church in the Great Commission and lives of service.
Tuition and Fees
At Concordia, we understand that investing in your education is a significant decision. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make your academic journey more affordable. In fact, 100% of our students receive some form of financial assistance! View tuition costs and fees for undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for full details on application and admission requirements.
Nationally Recognized Q&I Curriculum
Concordia University Irvine is among a distinctive group of universities that offer a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum for all of its students. Our nationally recognized Enduring Questions & Ideas curriculum (Q&I, for short) is carefully crafted so that you discover the purpose of a liberal arts education — to grow intellectually, ethically, and spiritually.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the B.A. in Theological Studies: Biblical Languages are prepared for meaningful service and leadership in the church and related fields. This program provides a strong academic foundation for called ministry or lay leadership in the church.
Concordia theology alumni are serving communities around the world as:
- Pastors and ministers
- Missionaries
- Military chaplains
- Professors
- Writers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that many roles in ministry and religious education typically require a bachelor’s degree, with clergy earning a median annual wage of $60,820.1 For students called to serve the church, you’ll build a strong foundation for lifelong learning, leadership, and faithful service in this program.
Academic Opportunities
As a Biblical Languages major, you can combine your degree with a related minor, major, or church work program. You may also transition directly into one of our post-baccalaureate or graduate programs.
Extracurricular Activities
Put your learning into action beyond the classroom. Through campus ministry, academic showcases, mission trips, and honor societies, Biblical Languages majors grow in faith, community, and service.
Life at Concordia
Join a community where you’re free to explore your interests and pursuits, make relationships that last a lifetime, and develop your own relationship with God. What will you explore?
Meet Our Faculty
-
Cari Chittick
Director of Lutheran Teaching Programs and LCMS Placement, Professor of…
FAQs
What makes the Biblical Languages major different from other theology programs?
This program emphasizes reading and interpreting Scripture in its original Greek and Hebrew. You’ll gain tools that allow you to engage the Bible more deeply and thoughtfully while being mentored by faculty actively involved in scholarship and ministry.
Is this major only for students planning to become pastors?
While many students pursue ministry or seminary, others prepare for graduate study, teaching, missions, or leadership roles in the church and nonprofit spaces. The skills you’ll develop — critical thinking, interpretation, and communication — serve a wide range of vocations.
Can I combine this major with a minor or another program?
Yes. Many students pair biblical languages with a minor, major, or church work program to tailor their academic path and vocational preparation.
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Sources
1U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm (viewed Dec. 19, 2025
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm#Community%20and%20social%20service%20occupations (viewed Dec. 19, 2025
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.