Christian Studies

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    • Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies Program

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    Enhance your ability to minister in local churches and agencies.

    The Christian Studies major prepares students for ministry careers through the study of the Christian scriptures, engagement with Christian traditions, the sharpening of students’ minds, and experiences in Christian ministry. In small-class settings with an opportunity to work closely with their professors, Christian Studies majors learn foundational material in the study of the Bible, theology, philosophy, Christian history, and spiritual formation. Through connections with area churches, students gain practical ministry experience through internships and immersive ministry settings. Christian Studies majors choose one of five concentrations: Discipleship Studies, Youth Discipleship Studies, Biblical Studies, Missiology, and Philosophy & Theology. Christian Studies majors will graduate with the preparation and experience necessary to enter ministry careers and to pursue graduate-level ministry education.

    Curriculum

     

    What You’ll Learn

    Program graduates demonstrate the following skills and abilities:

    • Interpretation and application of scripture in ministry settings
    • Perform research in biblical and theological studies
    • Communicate both orally and in written work
    • Lead others in authentic Christian discipleship

    Program Objectives

    Each concentration includes 24 hours of coursework (normally eight classes) specific to that concentration.

    1. Deepen students’ understanding of the Bible and Christian theology.
    2. Give students experience in practical ministry settings.
    3. Help students communicate effectively to become skilled Christian leaders.

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    Contact Info

    Dr. Scott Shauf

    Professor of Religious Studies,
    Department Chair

    Religious Studies and Philosophy

    [email protected]

    (704) 406-2140

    Campus Box: 7320

    228E Lindsay Hall

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    Program hours
    1
    Years (avg.)
    1
    Class Type

    Face-to-face

    Total Credit Hours

    120 hours required

    Transfer Credits

    Transfer in up to 60 semester hours

    Accreditation

    Gardner-Webb University is accredited by SACSCOC and CHEA

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    AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

    Students majoring in Christians Studies choose one of five concentration options, described below.

    Christian Studies Concentrations

    The concentration in Biblical Studies will provide students with a deeper understanding of the Old and New Testaments. Students will also study Greek and Hebrew and the contexts in which the biblical text was shaped.

    Additional information, including descriptions of specific courses and their corresponding credit hours, is available in the Academic Catalog.

    The concentration in Discipleship Studies will give students an understanding of the basic principles of Christian discipleship among various age groups. The student will learn about leadership and administration principles for effective discipleship processes.

    Additional information, including descriptions of specific courses and their corresponding credit hours, is available in the Academic Catalog.

    The major in Missiology provides an opportunity to explore the field of Christian Mission. The biblical, historical, and practical foundation for Missiology will enable students to discover how they might interact effectively with people from a variety of cultural and religious backgrounds.

    Additional information, including descriptions of specific courses and their corresponding credit hours, is available in the Academic Catalog.

    The concentration in Theological Studies will immerse the student in the traditions of Christian theology and engage the student in thinking critically and creatively about how theology is formed and practiced. Students will learn both the biblical foundations for theology and the ways that different historical and cultural contexts have shaped theology in the lives of Christians.

    Additional information, including descriptions of specific courses and their corresponding credit hours, is available in the Academic Catalog.

    The concentration in Youth Discipleship Studies will provide the student with an understanding of the basic principles of youth discipleship in a Christian context. The student will learn how to develop leadership and administration skills necessary for effective youth discipleship.

    Additional information, including descriptions of specific courses and their corresponding credit hours, is available in the Academic Catalog.

    Accelerated Master of Arts in Religion

    In addition to the University’s prerequisites, the Accelerated Master of Arts in Religion requires the completion of 30 credit hours, including 18 hours of common coursework (which optionally may include a thesis), and 12 hours from a concentration of the student’s choice.  Students who choose the thesis option must pass a successful oral defense of their thesis.  This fast-track allows up to 9 hours of your graduate courses to count in both the undergraduate and the graduate programs.

    Qualified undergraduate GWU students may apply for admission to the Accelerated Master of Arts Program (AMP) in Religion during their junior year (or at the completion of 60 credit hours).

    For a more in-depth look at program and admission requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.

    Additional opportunities

    Preparing for the Future.

    As a Christian Studies major, you will have opportunities to complete  coursework, internships, or other activities that will prepare you for your next steps. If you will continue your studies with a graduate or professional program, discuss your goals with your advisor and see what opportunities will best meet those future requirements.

    Internships

    All students complete either an internship during one summer or a practicum class during the school year.

    Most students choose to work in church settings. Others choose opportunities in camps or in missionary programs. We will work with whatever special interests students have.

    Research Projects

    A required capstone (senior seminar) class is taken during the student’s final semester before graduating. This includes a research paper and presentation.

    Career Preparation

    We mentor our students at every step of the way, from course selection to applications for internships and undergraduate research experiences to searching and applying for graduate and professional schools. 

    At GWU, I was challenged to make my faith my own. For the first time, I found a faith that was personal and not passed down. The friendships I made pushed me closer and closer to Christ and encouraged me in my walk with Him. The student-led worship services were always a highlight of my week. The Religious Studies Association gave me the opportunity to step into leadership and brought memories that I will not soon forget.

    Shelby Robinson, ‘17

    I liked the undergraduate program offered at GWU, which focused both on philosophy and religion. With apologetics playing such an important role in modern evangelism, it was important for me to have some training in philosophy. Knowing the various philosophical systems and archetypes is critical in maneuvering the differing worldviews that exist in our time.   

    Brian G. Chilton, ‘11

    Related Programs

    • Graduate

    AMP Religion

    • Accelerated Master's Program, Master's
    • Undergraduate

    Philosophy and Ethics

    • Minor
    • Undergraduate

    Missiology

    • Minor
    • Undergraduate

    Discipleship Studies

    • Minor
    • Undergraduate

    Accelerated Pastoral Ministries

    • Accelerated Master's Program, Bachelor's, Master's

    Why choose Christian Studies at Gardner-Webb?

    Average Class Size
    < 1
    of students complete internships in ministry settings
    1 %

    Related Clubs & Organizations

    • Honorary, Religious

    Theta Alpha Kappa
    • Religious

    Religious Studies Association

    outcomes

    What You’ll Do After Graduation

    A degree in Christian Studies offers you excellent training for careers in service and ministry. Depending on additional education and career goals, graduates may pursue professions including the following: 

    • pastors
    • youth and children pastors/ministers
    • missionaries
    • chaplains
    • directors/leaders in social ministries and agencies
    • christian education

    The degree also prepares students for further studies at the graduate level. Our students have pursued graduate degrees at such universities as Baylor, Duke, Harvard, Vanderbilt, and Wake Forest. Others have stayed at Gardner-Webb to pursue the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Religion, and the Doctor of Ministry degrees.

    This department has given me such a deeper understanding of the world around me and the Bible’s call to action. All of my classes have helped give me a better global understanding and sense of compassion for people that I used to not care about. Being able to connect the message of the Bible to our world today is a skill that I’ll use for the rest of my life!

    Abigail Hackworth, ’20

    I wanted to help people understand who Jesus is, and I wanted to see their lives impacted for the gospel. The classes I took were such a great preparation. Whether I agreed with everything the professors said or not, their teaching helped me form a philosophy for ministry. The whole environment of Gardner-Webb was very influential in shaping my ministry and helping me hear God’s call and direction.

    Jack Eason, ‘91

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    Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy

    The Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy will extend your understanding of religion and culture through Biblical study and analysis, develop your research and critical thinking skills, and prepare you for ministry and service careers.

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    Meet Our Faculty

    Religious Studies and Philosophy

    Dr. Don Berry

    Professor of Religious Studies
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-3840

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    Religious Studies and Philosophy

    Dr. Paula Qualls

    Professor of Religious Studies
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-4462

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    Religious Studies and Philosophy

    Dr. Scott Shauf

    Professor of Religious Studies, Department Chair
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-2140

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    Religious Studies and Philosophy

    Dr. Anna Sieges-Beal

    Assistant Professor
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-2515

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    Religious Studies and Philosophy

    Dr. Eddie Stepp

    Professor of Religious Studies, Director of the Accelerated Pastoral Ministry Program
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-3269

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