traditional undergraduate on campus

Religious Studies

Trevecca’s Bachelor of Arts in religious studies is a unique, double-major program designed for students who want to major in an area outside of religion but who believe that a classical education in Bible, biblical languages, theology, church history and philosophy will supplement their future career or graduate studies goals.

Program Benefits

  • Learn from faculty who possess high degrees in their fields, who have relevant and valuable real-world experience and who make an effort to know you personally.
  • Enjoy our small class sizes and supportive campus community.
  • Earn a second major in a classical discipline. 

What to Expect

At Trevecca University, we believe that God has a unique plan and purpose for each student’s life. Our Bachelor of Arts in religious studies is a unique, double-major degree designed for students who:

  • Already have a major in a field outside of the Millard Reed School of Theology and Christian Ministry or have at least 60 hours of academic credit (in which case they may petition for acceptance into the program without having a second major).
  • Are not necessarily seeking ordination or a career in traditional ministry roles, but rather desire to build a strong base of classical knowledge in Bible, biblical languages, theology, church history and philosophy.

Students take classes such as Systematic Theology, Old Testament Theology, New Testament Theology and Christian Theology of World Religions. The religious studies major does not meet all of the educational requirements for ordination in the Church of the Nazarene, but it does provide the core of biblical, theology and historical courses required should students choose to pursue ordination in the future. 

Why Choose Trevecca?

Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.

Recognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.

As a Christian university, we offer programs that explore the ways faith intersects with your field of study. This means you can gain your religious studies degree in a supportive, Christian community with small classroom sizes and engaged faculty members who care about you, your faith and your goals.

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Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.

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Financial Aid & Costs

Financial Aid & Costs

Nearly every student at Trevecca receives some form of assistance in paying for college. Learn all about the affordability of a TNU education and options for receiving aid.

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Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.*


Theology of Holiness
THE 4090

An analysis of the biblical, historical, and theological resources for defining Christian perfection within the Wesleyan-holiness tradition.

Systematic Theology I
THE 4140

A study of the nature of theology as a systematic, logical, and disciplined activity within the Wesleyan-holiness tradition. This course will consider theological method and the doctrine of God.

Systematic Theology II
THE 4150

A theological analysis of the doctrine of humankind, Christ, Salvation, Spirit, Church, Sacraments, and Eschatology.

Christian Theology of World Religions
THE 4210

An introductory study of major world religions with express attention to each religion's self-conception and to Christian theological interpretation of the religions with emphasis upon missiological implications of intercultural and interreligious engagement.

Old Testament Theology
THE 4270

A study of the primary methods of the discipline of Old Testament theology as well as the major theological themes of the Old Testament within their canonical context.

New Testament Theology
THE 4280

A study of the approaches, methods, and major developments within New Testament theology.

Philosophy for Theology I
PHL 3210

An intensive study of Western philosophy from the Pre-Socratics to 1900 focusing on figures, topics, and themes which have been especially significant for Christian theological reflection.

Philosophy for Theology II
PHL 3220

An intensive study of Western philosophy from the 1900 to the present focusing on figures, topics, and themes which have been especially significant for Christian theological reflection.

General Education — 40 hours

Second Major and General Electives — 30+ hours

*This program also requires twelve (12) credit hours from Upper Division Bible courses (inc. BIB 2990, one OT course and one NT course) and six (6) credit hours of Biblical Language.

*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.