School of Christian Thought

Department of Theology

When asked about the most important commandment, Jesus said “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and all your strength.”

In Houston Christian University’s Department of Theology we encourage our students to take Jesus’ words seriously. God wants us to love him with every part of our being. Our particular focus is helping you learn to love God with your mind, but we don’t separate this from loving God with your heart and soul, and from loving your neighbor as yourself. If you are looking for a school where you can be shaped spiritually and where your professors love the Lord, know their stuff, care about their students, bring a wealth of ministry experience to the classroom, and enjoy life, we invite you to consider the programs here at HCU.

You might be looking to prepare for a career in ministry, to find the answers to life’s questions, or to deepen your faith.  In any case, you will find something in our department for you. Our students hail from a variety of ethnic, social and denominational backgrounds, so you will definitely feel at home here with us.

Degrees

We offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in our department, and each one offers flexibility for you to pursue those areas where God is calling you. We offer undergraduate and graduate degrees that build from a strong foundation on the Bible and progress toward historical and theological studies in order to help you apply God’s Word in the modern world. With this strong foundation, you will be prepared to serve the Church in all sorts of ministries or pursue further study.

Faculty

Though based in the academy, our faculty bring a wealth of ministry experience from local, national and international settings.  We always teach with an eye towards building the Kingdom of God inside and outside the classroom through personal relationships with students.

The main strength and focus of our department is the study of the Bible. You will gain a strong grasp of the Old and New Testament and will learn to interpret the Scriptures for yourself, even studying them in Greek and Hebrew. Along with the study of the Bible, we give you a strong foundation in theological disciplines so that you can understand how Christian theology addresses the questions of modern culture and how your theology fits within the variety of Christian traditions and denominations over the past two millennia. In all our classes, we integrate discussion about how to apply the Bible in the church, but we focus specifically on these issues in a variety of Practical Ministry classes. Since God has gifted each of you in different ways, we help you explore your gifting and the needs of the Church, so you can ably share God’s love with a broken world.

Student Opportunities

What does it look like to be a student in our department? It starts with hard work. We push you to read the Bible with fresh eyes, sharpen your writing skills and engage Christian faith traditions outside your own. Loving God more deeply with your mind won’t be easy, but it will change your life. A big part of that change will be your new friendships that will last a lifetime. Are you willing to take the journey?

You might also be interested in these other items:

  • We don’t just talk Christianity; we live it. Our students often serve in ministry while in our programs, and many serve internationally on trips during the summer.
  • We have an active chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa, the national honor society for Theology and Religious Studies.

Check us out at the Department of Theology on Facebook.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. ~ 2 Corinthians 13:14

Degrees in Theology

Bachelor's Degrees

  • On Campus Online
    The undergraduate major in Biblical Studies prepares students for roles in ministry, mission work, faith-based organizations or teaching. Knowledge of the Bible in its original languages, as well as exegetical skills, are developed so that the message of God’s Word can be effectively communicated to others.
  • On Campus
    The Christian Ministry degree prepares you to serve God in a church, as a missionary, in parachurch ministry and other contexts. The program provides training in the Bible, theology and practical ministry.
  • On Campus
    The Christian Studies minor serves students by giving them an overview of theological principles of both the Old and New Testaments. Students study the history of Christianity, introductions to the original languages of Scripture, and the interpretation and application of the Bible to serve in many avenues.
  • On Campus
    Houston Christian University's Christianity Theology minor explores the depth and complexity of Christian theological thought through a carefully crafted 18-hour program. This program's integration of historical, ethical and systematic theological study prepares students to engage thoughtfully with contemporary scholarly and cultural challenges while maintaining a strong foundation in Christian tradition.
  • On Campus
    The 5-year dual degree BA in Christian Ministry and Master of Divinity provides you with a solid grounding in the Bible, theology, church history and practical ministry. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills to serve in churches or parachurch ministries.
  • On Campus
    The Integrated Behavioral Studies degree trains graduates with biblical knowledge and contemporary psychological concepts so you can help others flourish holistically. Coursework includes theology, psychology, counseling, and ethics. This degree would be beneficial for those serving in traditional ministries, counseling, and social work.
  • On Campus Online
    The Theological Studies undergraduate degree encompasses the important doctrinal tenets of the Christian faith. Core courses cover Old and New Testament theology, the history of Christianity and methods for studying Scripture. The degree is especially appropriate for one who is called preach or teach.

Master's Degrees

  • On Campus Online
    The Master of Arts in Christian Leadership graduate program equips learners for vocational and lay ministry. Biblical and theological knowledge is combined with pragmatic application. Graduates may carry out roles such as pastor, Bible teacher, ministry leader, missionary or organization director with doctrinal confidence.
  • On Campus Online
    The MDiv graduate program offers an integrated approach to Christian theological education, preparing graduates for the theological and pedagogical concerns of ministry and teaching. Courses include biblical languages, history of Christianity and systematic theology, along with an internship. Program areas include English Language and Biblical Languages tracks.
  • On Campus Online
    The MATS graduate program launches graduates into ministry, teaching, writing, and further study. Participants learn to integrate Christian Scripture and theology into contemporary concerns and life application. Students may focus on Biblical Languages, Biblical Studies, Entrepreneurial Leadership, or Theological Studies tracks.

Doctoral Degrees

  • Hybrid
    The Doctor of Ministry is a 30-hour program with core courses in kingdom theology and ministry, theology and culture, and strategic leadership and communication. Students also participate in cutting-edge research and discussion with renown and ecumenical faculty. The DMin program has two tracks in New Testament Studies and Faith and Culture.