Biblical Studies, Christian Ministries, Intercultural Studies & Philosophy

Purposeful Programs, Creative Options

Though all Taylor students take biblical classes within this department, students who desire to dive further into an enriching and challenging study of the Bible, ministry, or philosophy should consider majors within the Biblical Studies, Christian Ministries, Intercultural Studies & Philosophy department (BSCIP). Students in the BSCIP department experience purposeful programs, stimulating classes, and refreshing relationships with wise and caring faculty and motivated and talented classmates. Students also gain valuable preparation for careers in churches, ministries, or educational institutions, or become equipped for further studies in seminary or graduate school.

In this department students can pursue five different majors—Biblical Literature, Christian Ministries, Youth Ministry, Philosophy, and Intercultural Studies—seven different minors, and many different combinations of majors and minors or double-majors. These options and combinations open doors to many possible careers after graduation, including church ministry or Christian ministry with other organizations, cross-cultural ministry opportunities, Bible translation work, teaching in secondary schools or colleges, student development positions in higher education, and work in law, ethics, or public policy.

Active Learning and Application

Learning in the BSCIP department takes place through classroom lectures and discussions, carefully crafted assignments and projects, and hands-on summer practicum opportunities. Some students plan and lead retreats together. Others present major papers to classmates, invited guests, and professors, and a few even teach a class session for an introductory course in their area.

Students also have opportunities to contribute to three major departmental grants, including the Center for Scripture Engagement featured on the Bible Gateway website and the home of the Abide Bible, and the Sacred Roots theological resource initiative. Some students put their critical thinking skills to the test in the nationally ranked Ethics Bowl team—Taylor’s chapter of a national intercollegiate program where students from different schools debate complex ethical topics.

Ministering Locally and Abroad

Students in the BSCIP department are also encouraged to participate in on-campus and local activities, including campus chapel bands, peer-leadership positions in the dorms, church youth groups, and community-based ministry and service projects.

Biblical- and ministry-focused study abroad opportunities are especially recommended for students in the BSCIP department. Students can walk in the footsteps of the apostle Paul and study the New Testament while exploring Greece and Italy, or visit important sites from Old Testament history and the areas where Jesus ministered during a trip to Israel. Other opportunities include semester-long academic trips and January-term or Spring Break mission trips that allow students to represent Christ in diverse cultures around the world.

Caring and Gifted Faculty

Devoted faculty serve as scholars, mentors, and teachers who push students to think through critical issues, expose students to important ideas and great literature, invest in students’ spiritual formation, and give students opportunities to develop their leadership competence and sense of calling. Many students also enjoy attending cookouts or breakfasts at professors’ homes, having lunch or coffee with professors, or traveling to conferences or special events with professors and classmates.

Professors are committed to both a high view of Scripture as divine revelation and staying well informed on new developments in their fields. Professors in the department regularly make significant scholarly contributions in their research and writing, and give presentations at professional conferences and ministry retreats. BSCIP faculty have also published a number of books, book chapters, journal articles, popular-level printed or online articles, and study-Bible materials in recent years.

Minoring in Biblical Studies, Christian Ministries, Intercultural Studies, or Philosophy

If you want to add depth to your faith and your ability to engage God’s world, but you’re majoring in something else, consider adding a minor in Biblical Languages, Youth Ministry, Ethics, Intercultrual Studies/Missions, Philosophy, Christian Ministries, and Biblical Literature.

Equipped to Learn, Serve & Lead

Taylor’s Biblical Studies, Christian Ministries, Intercultural Studies & Philosophy graduates have a 99% placement rate coming out of Taylor. Recent graduates are working at many different churches, in organizations such as InterVarsity Press and Youth for Christ, in cross-cultural missions, as teachers in high schools, and in student development positions at various universities. Others have gone on to graduate school or seminary at:

• Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
• Wheaton Graduate School
• Denver Seminary
• University of Notre Dame
• Princeton Theological Seminary
• University of St. Andrews (Scotland)
• Taylor University’s Master of Arts in Higher Education program

Learn more about Taylor’s career placement rates.