Ministry Studies

The ministry studies major prepares students for careers in church ministry or in faith-based organizations. Students develop skills in reading and interpreting the Bible, reflecting on the Christian faith and history, engaging with religious neighbors, and practicing ministry. If you are considering a vocation of Christian service—such as pastor, chaplain, missionary, religious educator, or family minister—this is a great program for you. The program also prepares you for a career in the nonprofit world or in social work.

Program Requirements

Degree Options

Major: 33 Total Credit Hours
Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Minor: 18 Total Credit Hours

Careers

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Theta Alpha Kappa
The National Honor Society for Religious Studies and Theology
Christian Scholars Program (CSP)
Oxford Honors Program

Faculty & Contact

Connect with the faculty who teach and mentor Ministry Studies students.

TerryClark

Terry Ray Clark

Professor of Religion
Old Testament, Religion and Pop Culture, and World Religions
B.A., Western Kentucky University; M.Div., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Iliff School of Theology at the University of Denver
DerekHatch_Sp2026_2

Derek Hatch

Endowed Chair of Baptist Studies / Professor of Religion
Baptist History and Theology; Christian Ecumenism; Christian Theology and Ethics; and Liturgical Theology
B.A., East Texas Baptist University; M.Div., George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor; Ph.D., University of Dayton
SheilaKlopfer

Sheila Klopfer

Professor of Religion
B.A., New Mexico State University; M.A., New Mexico State University; M.A., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Bryan-Langlands

Bryan Langlands

Interim Vice President for Student Life, Campus Minister
B.A., The University of North Carolina; M.Div., Duke Divinity School; Th.M., Duke Divinity School; D.Min., Wesley Theological Seminary
JoAnnaLileWEB2024

Joanna Lile ’05

Lecturer of History & Religion
History of the South, Church History, and East Asian History
B.A., Georgetown College; M.A., University of Kentucky; Ph.D., University of Kentucky
APRIL-HOELKE-SIMPSON

April Hoelke Simpson

Assistant Professor of Religion
New Testament, Gospels, Gospel of Mark, Honor and Shame, and Women and Economics in Mark
B.A., Gardner-Webb University; M.A., Gardner-Webb Uinversity; M.Div., Gardner-Web U niversity School of Divinity; Ph.D. Southern Methodist University

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