Why Choose Theology at Bushnell?
Small classes, faculty mentorship, and hands-on ministry training rooted in spiritual formation. Bushnell’s Bible & Theology program prepares students to study Scripture deeply, think theologically, and lead effectively in churches, nonprofits, ministry settings, and graduate programs through coursework that combines biblical study, Christian leadership, and practical ministry experience.
Faculty actively serving in pastoral ministry provide personalized mentorship and real-world ministry insight throughout the program. Rather than learning ministry only through textbooks, students gain practical leadership experience through preaching opportunities, discipleship leadership, grief support ministries, church partnerships, and community outreach experiences that connect theological learning to real ministry settings.
Bushnell’s emphasis on experiential learning and vocational discernment helps students build confidence and meaningful ministry experience before graduation. Many students actively serve in ministry leadership roles while completing their degree, including youth ministry, church leadership, discipleship groups, and community-based ministry opportunities. Graduates leave prepared for seminary, vocational ministry, nonprofit leadership, and faith-informed service across a variety of professional settings.
25+
Internship and field experience partners across churches, schools, and non-profits
12
Upper-division elective credits to personalize your area of focus
2
Accounting graduates secured employment within six months of graduation
(As of May 2025)
Internship and Ministry Experience
Bible & Theology students gain hands-on ministry experience through internships, discipleship leadership, preaching opportunities, and ministry partnerships that connect classroom learning to real-world service and leadership. Students regularly work alongside pastors, ministry leaders, churches, and nonprofit organizations while strengthening communication, teaching, pastoral care, and leadership skills.
Experiential learning opportunities include leading discipleship and small groups, preaching in local churches, mentoring younger students, facilitating grief support groups through partnerships with Everyone Village, and serving in community outreach ministries. Many students actively serve in ministry positions while completing their degree, helping them build practical experience and professional ministry relationships before graduation.
Recent internship and ministry partners have included Eugene Faith Center, Willamette Christian Center, Twin Oaks Christian Church, Grace Community Fellowship, YoungLife, and Everyone Village.
What You’ll Study
How the Curriculum is Structured
The Bible and Theology curriculum combines rigorous study of Scripture with practical ministry preparation and spiritual formation. You’ll build a strong foundation in biblical interpretation, Christian doctrine, theology, ministry leadership, and the historical and cultural contexts that shape Christian thought.
Coursework includes classes such as History of Theology, Preaching, Christian Ethics and Social Responsibility, and World Religions. Students may also study biblical languages including Greek or Hebrew to strengthen their interpretation and theological analysis skills.
Experiential learning is integrated throughout the program through internships, preaching opportunities, discipleship leadership, ministry partnerships, and community engagement projects. All students complete both an internship and senior capstone experience before graduation.
Skills You’ll Gain
Through Bushnell’s Bible & Theology program, you’ll develop practical, ministry-focused skills including:
- Interpret and apply biblical texts thoughtfully and contextually
- Communicate theological ideas clearly through speaking and writing
- Strengthen preaching, teaching, and discipleship leadership skills
- Apply biblical and theological principles to real-world ministry settings
- Develop pastoral care, mentoring, and community leadership abilities
- Lead small groups, ministry teams, and outreach experiences effectively
- Engage thoughtfully with theology, ethics, and Christian doctrine
- Strengthen critical thinking and theological reasoning skills
- Integrate faith, vocation, and spiritual formation into leadership
- Prepare for seminary, ministry, nonprofit leadership, and graduate study
Widget (Careers and Skills)
Graduates of Bushnell’s Bible and Theology program pursue meaningful careers in ministry, nonprofit leadership, education, missions, and graduate study. The program prepares students with transferable communication, leadership, critical thinking, and relational skills that apply across a variety of vocational settings.
Common career paths include:
- Pastor or Associate Pastor
- Youth or Campus Minister
- Nonprofit Ministry Leader
- Missionary or Church Planter
- Chaplain (with additional training or certification)
- Christian School Educator
- Seminary or Graduate Student
- Community Outreach or Discipleship Coordinator
Many graduates continue into seminary or graduate programs while others step directly into ministry and leadership roles within churches, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based communities.
Frequently Asked Questions?
A Bible & Theology degree from Bushnell University prepares students for careers in ministry, nonprofit leadership, missions, education, church leadership, and community outreach. Many graduates also continue into seminary or graduate programs in theology, ministry, counseling, and related fields.
Yes. Students complete internships, ministry partnerships, discipleship leadership opportunities, preaching experiences, and community outreach experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world ministry settings. Many students actively serve in churches and ministry organizations throughout the program.
No. Prior knowledge of biblical languages is not required. Students have opportunities to study Elementary Greek or Classical Hebrew as part of the curriculum to strengthen biblical interpretation and theological study skills.
Yes. Many students pair Bible & Theology with programs such as Christian Ministry, Psychology, Interdisciplinary Studies, or Business Administration to prepare for careers in ministry, nonprofit leadership, counseling, education, and community leadership.
Contact Us
Have questions about Bushnell’s Bible & Theology program? An admissions counselor can walk you through requirements, discuss transfer credits, and help you figure out your next step.
Agam Iheanyi-Igwe
Associate Dean of Bible, Theology & Ministry
Professor of Bible, Theology, & Ministry
View Bio
Our faculty and staff are 100% committed to your learning and invested in your success.
Come learn with us!
Related News
Faculty Features: Christy Silverthorne, M.A.
For marketing professor Christy Silverthorne, teaching begins with a simple idea: students often need someone to help them see the strengths they cannot yet recognize in themselves. Silverthorne remembers what…
Read More
Bushnell University Honors Two Students at Commencement
EUGENE, Ore. – Two graduates of Bushnell University’s Class of 2026 were awarded the University’s most prestigious student awards during its Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony. The Dr. Kendall E. Burke…
Read More
The Register-Guard: See Inside Bushnell’s University District Campus Renovation
Written by Miranga Cyr, Eugene Register-Guard Even as sections of the former PeaceHealth University District hospital are demolished, one part of the campus is getting a second life. Bushnell University…
Read More
Next Steps
Interested in becoming a part of the Beacon community? We’re here to answer questions and help you see if Bushnell is right for you.
