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Impactful Career Opportunities if you have a Degree in Biblical Studies

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Biblical Wisdom

Do you have a strong faith and love the word of God? Do you have a burning desire to dig deeper into the Scriptures? Do you yearn to share the gospel with others, locally or abroad, but feel underequipped? Do you think about becoming a pastor or working in Christian education? Do you long to help others with their religious questions and/or spiritual development?

If you’ve answered yes to these questions or others similar to them, you may be considering a Biblical Studies degree. And then, you may be asking yourself, “But, what can I do with a degree in ministry or Biblical studies?” Fortunately, career options for people with a degree in Biblical Studies are many.

With a Biblical Studies degree, you can set your feet on the path to qualifying for work as a clergyman, a domestic or foreign missionary, humanitarian worker or as a ministry director. Depending upon further study, higher degree requirements and licensure standards, individuals with a degree in Biblical Studies have gone on to become school counselors, chaplains, social workers, youth pastors, educational program directors, and religious writers.

What is a Biblical Studies Degree?

According to Project Gutenberg Self-Publish Press, “Biblical studies is the academic application of a set of diverse disciplines to the study of the Jewish and Christian scriptures, the Bible. For its theory and methods, the field draws on disciplines ranging from archaeology, ancient history, cultural backgrounds, textual criticism, literary criticism, historical backgrounds, philology (the study of languages) and social sciences.”

“The study of Jesus Christ is the most noble subject that ever a soul spent itself upon ... God’s heart is opened to men in Christ.” – John Flavel

A Biblical Studies degree places great emphasis on studying the Word of God and living out the principles set forth in the Bible. Here at Geneva College, both the Old and New Testaments are viewed as a progressive unfolding of God’s redemptive plan, ultimately leading to the person and work of Jesus Christ. In Geneva’s Biblical studies program, three areas of growth and development are highlighted:

  • Scholarship
  • Spiritual formation
  • Practical ministry

Is a Biblical Studies Degree Right for You?

A degree in Biblical Studies may be right for you if you:

  • Want to pursue a career in Christian education or pastoral ministry
  • Are thinking about graduate study in biblical studies or a related field of study
  • Are interested in ancient history and culture
  • Want to work in the mission field
  • Want to learn more about the foundations of Christian beliefs
  • Have a desire to become a professional writer in biblical studies or a related field

Career Options for People with a Degree in Biblical Studies

Although “pastor” is often the first occupation people associate with a degree in Biblical Studies, career options with a Biblical Studies degree are many and varied. Still, pastor is at the top of the list:

Pastor

A Biblical Studies degree is the first step to becoming a pastor, followed next by the seminary. To become a pastor, ordination by a denomination is required. Once you become a pastor, you wear many hats—teacher, preacher, administrator, caretaker, counselor, performer of religious ceremonies, etc. It is not an easy career path, but if you are called by God to serve as a pastor, you will find it to be very rewarding.

Chaplain

Chaplains are similar to pastors; however, they don’t work in a church. Examples of the capacities to which they may serve include:

  • Hospital chaplainship
  • Military chaplainship
  • Prison chaplainship
  • Hospice chaplainship

Chaplains provide in-house pastoral care and occasionally perform religious ceremonies such as weddings, baptisms or funerals. Many chaplaincy positions require a seminary’s Master of Divinity, denominational ordination and completion of a chaplaincy program.

Bible Translator

As a Biblical Studies student, you will have studied various languages, such as Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. With additional training, you can learn how to translate the Word of God into other languages. Many organizations make it their mission to provide groups of people with Bibles written in their native tongue. Becoming a Bible translator can be a great option and a rewarding career for someone who has a knack for languages.

Missionary

A missionary is a member of a religious organization that promotes their faith to other cultures as well as performing ministries of service such as healthcare, economic development, literacy, education and social justice. Missionaries witness and serve in various locales and cultures, engaging in a wide range of activities and professions such as teachers, pastors, nurses, doctors, church planters, social workers, evangelists, etc.

Counselor

As a Christian counselor, you are trained to provide guidance, including Biblical advice, on personal, relational or emotional issues and/or problems. Counseling specialties include (but are not limited to):

General counseling

Marriage and family counseling

Rehabilitation counseling

Mental health counseling

School counseling

To practice as a counselor, you will need to obtain a master’s degree and licensure in the state in which you want to practice.

Teacher

As a teacher, you have an amazing opportunity to display genuine love to your students and passion for the subject matter. Responsibilities include such activities as creating course materials, instruction and presentation of materials, grading and reviewing schoolwork, and safeguarding the integrity of the students. The opportunities as a teacher range from teaching at the grade-school and high school level in private or public schools to teaching at a higher learning institution. Earning credentials beyond a bachelor’s degrees are often needed for more advanced teaching assignments.

Biblical Studies at Geneva

Julia, a Geneva alumna, has this to share concerning her Biblical Studies classes at Geneva, “I consider my professor in the Biblical Studies department as a father in faith for me. I can’t count how many times I saw him cry from sheer joy for Jesus. I love Geneva!” Instructors at Geneva have a deep love for their savior, Jesus Christ, and faith that can’t be shaken. They are ready to instruct and guide you on your journey of career development and will challenge you to a deeper walk of faith.

If you’d like to learn more about our Biblical Studies degree and the pursuit of a biblically based, Christ-centered education at Geneva, we’d love to chat with you. For more information on how Geneva College can help you pursue your education goals, please contact us at 855-979-5563 or email admissions@geneva.edu.

Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.

Dec 16, 2020

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