BA in Biblical Studies
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The biblical studies major is centered on the study of ancient Mediterranean religious thought and practice, extending from the 2nd millennium BCE into Late Antiquity, encompassing the Hebrew Bible and its ancient Near Eastern contexts, Greco-Roman polytheism, and the classical contexts in which rabbinic Judaism and Christianity developed.
The major is rooted in ancient texts; it concentrates on the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament and related texts by studying them in the ancient languages and by situating them in their broad historical, intellectual, and religious contexts. This interdisciplinary program covers a diverse range of religious traditions, focusing on pivotal cultural encounters and interchanges in the ancient world. Students also have an exceptional opportunity to explore the vital relationships between past and present as they examine the ancient origins of modern religions. Students in this program gain a solid grounding in at least one relevant ancient language (Greek, Hebrew) and also study different methods of textual interpretation, both ancient and modern.
Career Paths
All liberal arts degrees help CLA students develop their Core Career Competencies, and biblical studies and classics majors develop specific skills that are applicable to lots of different careers. These skills include an enhanced vocabulary through the study of Latin and/or Greek, critical thinking and analysis, extensive knowledge of Greek and Roman culture and history, and of classical traditions, and knowledge of the methods by which society, culture, and language are studied.
Students who take the SuperStrong Interest Inventory receive a three-letter interest code, which identifies their top three areas of interest, work activities, potential skills, and personal values. The interest code "AIS" is often associated with this major, however, the SuperStrong assessment can help you understand how your interests connect to a variety of majors and career options. You can learn more about common employer types and occupations associated with this major. You can also see CLA specific examples of alumni careers below.
Internship & Job Search Websites
- Handshake
- The Social Service Job Site
- USA Jobs
- American Classics League
- Employment at the University - Current UMN employment opportunities, including student positions
- Higheredjobs
- Public Service Careers (Check out “Why Public Service?”)
- Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Job Board
Student Groups
Professional Organizations
- Society of Biblical Literature
- World History Association
- American Alliance of Museums
- National Council on Public History
- Society of American Archivists
- Society for Classical Studies
- The Classical Association of the Middle West and South
- Classical Languages Teachers Association
- Association of Ancient Historians
- American Translators Association
- Archeological Institute of America
- The Classical Association
- The American Classical League (ACL)
Graduate Programs
This is a small sample of programs alumni have gone onto, to find graduate programs in this field, search the Grad School Directory or Peterson's Guide.
Classics & Philosophy
- Master of Arts, Classics and Medieval History, University of Oxford & MLIS, Library Sciences, Dominican University. Postgrad job: Academic Editor, Walden University
- Doctor of Philosophy, Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, University at Buffalo
- PhD, Philosophy, University of St. Andrew. Postgrad job: Schoolmaster, Mysville Academy
Biblical Studies & Theology
- Master of Divinity, Candler School of Theology. Postgrad Job: Associate Rector, Christ Episcopal Church
- Leadership Development Institute, Church Planter Resident at Hope Community Church, Biblical Studies and Leadership. Postgrad job: Lead Pastor, Revolution Church
Alumni Career Examples
Below is a small sampling of what alumni with this major have pursued, organized by the most common career fields they go into (although keep in mind that there are alumni in all eight of the career fields). You can also utilize the LinkedIn's Alumni Tool and the Maroon and Gold Network to further explore alumni career pathways and connect directly with professionals.
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Entry-Level
- Algebra Teacher, Teach for America
- Office Specialist, Hennepin County Library
- Librarian, Minneapolis College of Design
Experienced
- Student Services Manager, Achievement First
Graduate Programs
- Master of Arts, Education. Post grad job: Academic Advisor, Carlson School of Management
- Master's Degree, Education, Teaching Second Languages and World Cultures-Latin, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Post grad job: Upper School Latin Teacher, St. Margaret's Episcopal School
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Entry-Level
- Law Clerk, Hennigson & Snoxell Ltd.
- Information Resources Assistant, Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly
Graduate Programs
- JD, Tulane University Law School. Postgrad job: Attorney, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
- JD, University of Minnesota Law School. Postgrad job: Attorney, Ross, Dixon, & Bell Associates
- JD, University of Minnesota Law School. Postgrad job: Associate Attorney, Sieloff & Associates P.A
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Government Sales Intern, Cummins Crosspoint
- Case Manager, Cap Pro Insurance Agency Services Inc
Entry-Level
-
Casualty Claim Adjuster, American Family Insurance
Experienced
- Account Executive, Bank of America
- Financial Paraplanner, Eide Bailly LLP
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Entry-Level
- Mentor Staff, YMCA
- Volunteer Coordinator, The Kabbalah Centre Miami
Experienced
- Publishing Editor, The Kabbalah Centre