Bachelor of Arts in Theology
Deepen your spiritual knowledge with a broad-based theology degree.
Get Started Today
Ready to learn more about Concordia University Irvine?
Complete this form, and an admissions counselor will connect with you.
"*" indicates required fields
Become a Well-Rounded Scholar of Christian Thought
Develop a better understanding of this world, its Creator, and the people who live in it through your exploration of Christian theology. As a theology major at Concordia University Irvine, you’ll delve into a study of the nature of God revealed in the Scriptures.
As a student of Christ, you’ll learn how to understand, communicate, teach, defend, and believe the Christian faith. You’ll do this through systematic inquiry of the Bible, the doctrines of the church, and other statements of faith.
Your theology professors are scholars and called ministers who are actively involved in ministry today. They’re also published authors, contributing to worldwide biblical scholarship and serving Southern California’s diverse Christian communities in Bible study and devotion.
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.
Caring Community
Discover your second home on our beautiful campus.
“The theology program challenged me to think, to explore, and to understand. It was designed to challenge you, to push you, and to encourage you to grow.”
Mark Duerr ’13
Pastor at Sierra Lutheran High School
Getting Started
As a theology major, you’ll receive a well-rounded, mission-focused education. You’ll study a variety of types of theology, like exegetical, historical, and systemic theology. At Concordia, you’ll also experience a small learning environment, where professors cultivate lifelong mentoring relationships with the students they teach.
Subdisciplines include biblical interpretation, doctrine, comparative religions, church history, mission studies, ethics, and apologetics. Through this intellectual foundation in various kinds of inquiry, you’re prepared for further study of God and a more informed interaction with the world.
Next Start
January 11, 2027
Curriculum
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
- 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.
Upon completion of the theology degree 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.
- 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
Because theology is such a large subject of study, it can offer you a wider range of opportunities. Choose to work in missions, at churches and schools, or at colleges and seminaries. Or you may decide to work in business, science, or the public sector.
Some common careers for theology majors include:
- Camp director
- Campus minister
- Counselor
- Director of Christian education
- Military chaplain
- Minister
- Missionary
- Nonprofit manager
- Pastor
- Professor
- Psychologist
- Writer
Plus, clergy positions are on the rise. From 2023-33, 6,500 roles are projected to open.1
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?
Explore Financial Aid
Reduce your tuition costs with financial aid — with help from a team that wants to make your time at Concordia as affordable as possible.
Meet Our Faculty
-
Cari Chittick
Director of Lutheran Teaching Programs and LCMS Placement, Professor of…
FAQs
What is a theology major?
The theology major at Concordia University Irvine deepens your faith in Christ and your understanding of God’s love through an intellectually rigorous study of the Scriptures, church history, Lutheran Confessional documents, and the doctrines taught by various churches. You will learn how to interpret the Bible responsibly, how Christians have approached the faith through the ages, and how to apply Scriptural teachings to contemporary questions and issues. You will have the opportunity to take classes in apologetics, mission studies, or philosophy as well.
Is a theology degree worth it?
A theology degree is absolutely worth it. Not only do you get to study what you feel called to, but theology is a well-rounded, liberal arts program that can take you in a variety of directions. You will learn to think critically about difficult issues, communicate effectively, and solve problems, all of which are sought-after skills in nearly every occupation. Study what you love, learn about God’s love in Christ, and gain skills for an occupation with a theology major.
Where do Concordia theology majors study after earning their bachelor’s?
Concordia alumni who study theology go in a variety of directions. The most popular destinations are our two sister institutions: Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, and Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Other students have pursued graduate studies in our own master’s degree in theology, while others have earned doctoral degrees at schools like Notre Dame, St. Andrew’s, and Durham. Other graduates have gone into business and the non-profit sector.
Related Programs
-
Theological Studies: Christian Education Leadership
Prepare for Christian education leadership and church ministry.
-
Theological Studies: Biblical Languages
Study Scripture in its original languages to deepen faith and…
-
Theological Studies: Ministry Leadership
Develop your leadership skills to positively impact your congregation.
-
Christian Education Leadership with DCE Certification
Develop as a faith leader with a degree and Director…
-
Children’s Ministry
Learn to minister to children and their families.
-
Biblical Languages
Strengthen your study of Scripture through Greek and Hebrew.
-
Church Work Programs
Commit to a life devoted to God within the church.
-
Director of Christian Education – Program
Serve God and your congregation with DCE certification.
-
Biblical Studies
Study the Old and New Testaments to better understand God’s…
-
Youth Ministry
Share God’s love and teachings with young people.
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 Oct. 28, 2024).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.