Biblical and Theological Studies - NEW

Rooted in Scripture. Formed for Life. About the Department

At Wheaton College, the Undergraduate Department of Biblical and Theological Studies (BTS) cultivates Christians who are biblically rooted and theologically formed. Our faculty lead students in exploring Scripture, theology, archaeology, and world religions within the vibrant context of a Christian liberal arts education.

From the classroom to the chapel, BTS students learn to think biblically and theologically about every aspect of human life—connecting the truth of God’s Word with the complexity of the world.

Majors

Minors and Certificates

Biblical and Theological Studies Minor
Biblical Archaeology Minor
Early Christian Studies Certificate
Religions of the World Certificate

Other Academic Opportunities

Departmental Honors Endorsement
General Studies Endorsement for Fourth-Year Majors in Biblical and Theological Studies

Biblical and Theological Studies Program Distinctives

A Customizable Undergraduate Biblical and Theological Studies Major

The Biblical and Theological Studies major and minor integrate seamlessly with other majors across campus, making double-majoring common. Students may pursue an additional certificate in Religions of the World or pursue deeper academic learning through The Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies.

Biblical Archaeology Major

Few colleges offer the opportunity to study archaeology alongside theology. At Wheaton, students explore the Bible in its historical context through fieldwork at Tel Shimron in Israel and coursework in Old and New Testament Archaeology, Ancient Near Eastern languages, and more.

Global and Interfaith Understanding

The Certificate in Religions of the World helps students engage the diversity of global faiths with humility and discernment, equipping them to articulate the Gospel in a pluralistic world.

Our Mission

The mission of the Undergraduate Department of Biblical and Theological Studies is to cultivate Christians who are biblically rooted and theologically formed.

The Undergraduate Department of Biblical and Theological Studies pursues this mission by teaching biblical studies, theology, archaeology, and world religions in the context of a residential, undergraduate liberal arts education. This distinct mission is at the heart of Wheaton College’s ongoing commitment to offering a Christian liberal arts education.

Read on to learn more about our contribution to the Liberal Arts and how we view the integration of faith and learning.

Wheaton College IL Tel Shimron Excavations 2023

Archaeological Excavation at Tel Shimron, Israel

Archaeology Study Abroad

In addition to core courses in archaeology, history, and ancient languages (including biblical languages), the department includes participation in an approved archaeological excavation at Tel Shimron, Israel and an interdisciplinary emphasis that provides a strong liberal arts foundation for a variety of vocations.

Tel Shimron Excavation

The Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies

The Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies is an interdisciplinary program that fosters the study of early Christianity as a source of wisdom for contemporary issues. It provides a rigorous and integrative academic opportunity at Wheaton College for undergraduates and graduates to explore how the theology and practices of the early church address issues for the church and the world today.

More on The Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies

Study Abroad Opportunity: Wheaton in the Holy Lands (WIHL)

Have the study abroad experience of a lifetime, exploring the Holy Lands under the guidance and instruction of Wheaton professors and local experts.

Learn More About WIHL

Shiloh Inscription - Wheaton in the Holy Lands

Hiking with View - Wheaton in the Holy Lands

Annual McManis Lecture

Love, Democracy, and the Liberal Arts in Uncertain Times

Mar 23

Clock 4:00 P.M.

Location Blanchard Hall Room 339

Dr. Eric Gregory, Professor of Religion and former Chair of the Humanities Council at Princeton University joins us for a lecture on the liberal arts in these uncertain times. his interests include religious and philosophical ethics, theology, political theory, law and religion, and the role of religion in public life.

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Meet Our Faculty Biblical and Theological Studies Faculty

The primary strength of the Undergraduate Biblical and Theological Studies department is our faculty. For decades, the Undergraduate Biblical and Theological Studies faculty have distinguished themselves as outstanding teachers, distinguished scholars, faithful mentors, and committed servants to Wheaton. Thousands of students have been shaped by their teaching and example, and through these students, both the church and society are enriched.

The faculty could not thrive without strong support from department staff: Linda Bretz, Jill Chapman, and Angela Walters. Their selfless work and positive presence and care make the work of faculty possible and our department a positive and welcoming place for all.

"The best part of Wheaton College is that Jesus Christ stands at the center of everything. The gospel is not just a motto here. It’s the basis of everything we do, especially in the classroom. Every day is spent learning how to love God with our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbors as ourselves." —Dr. Keith Johnson, Professor of Theology; Undergraduate Chair

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Andrew Abernethy, Ph.D.

Assistant Dean of Biblical and Theological Studies in the Litfin Divinity School; Program Director of the M.A. in Biblical Exegesis Program; Professor of Old Testament

Vincent Bacote, Ph.D.

Professor of Theology, Director of Center for Applied Christian Ethics

Jeffrey W. Barbeau, Ph.D.

Professor of Theology and Literature

Aubrey Buster, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Old Testament

Bradley Cameron, Ph.D.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Old Testament

M. Daniel Carroll R. (Rodas), Ph.D.

Scripture Press Ministries Professor of Biblical Studies and Pedagogy

Marc Cortez, Ph.D.

Dean of the Litfin Divinity School, Professor of Theology, Director of M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies

Michael Graves, Ph.D.

Armerding Professor of Biblical Studies

Keith Johnson, Ph.D.

Professor of Theology; Undergraduate Chair

George Kalantzis, Ph.D., F.R.Hist.S.

Professor of Theology; Director of The Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies

Michelle Knight, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Old Testament

Timothy Larsen, Ph.D., D.D.

Carolyn and Fred McManis Professor of Christian Thought; Professor of History

David Lauber, Ph.D.

Dean of Humanities and Theological Studies; Professor of Theology

Gregory Lee, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Theology and Urban Studies, Senior Fellow of the Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies, Supporting Coordinator of the Aequitas Fellows Program in Urban Leadership

Alexander Massad, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of World Religions

Daniel Master, Ph.D.

Blanchard Professor of Archaeology

Esau McCaulley, Ph.D.

Jonathan Blanchard Associate Professor of New Testament and Public Theology

Emily H. McGowin, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Theology

Jennifer Powell McNutt, Ph.D., Fr.Hist.S.

Franklin S. Dyrness Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies, Professor of Theology and History of Christianity, Director of M.A. in History of Christianity, Director of M.A. in Theology

Adam E. Miglio, Ph.D.

Professor of Old Testament

Rev. Amy Peeler, Ph.D.

Kenneth T. Wessner Professor of New Testament

Jordan Ryan, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of New Testament

Philip Graham Ryken, DPhil

Professor of Theology, President

Richard Schultz, Ph.D.

Professor of Old Testament Emeritus

Euntaek David Shin, Ph.D.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

Carlos Sosa Siliezar, Ph.D.

Professor of New Testament

Megan Stidham

Visiting Assistant Professor of New Testament

Daniel Treier, Ph.D.

Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Theology; Director of Ph.D. Program

Stephen Wunrow, Ph.D.

Visiting Assistant Professor of New Testament

The Places That Support Our Work

Our Facilities

The Biblical and Theological Studies (BITH) Department is uniquely situated on campus, being housed on the fifth floor of Billy Graham Hall. In 2013, the 5th floor underwent renovation to house the BITH department creating new student spaces, an art gallery narrating the biblical story, and exhibition and laboratory space for our Biblical Archeology program. Additionally, the department’s locations places students and faculty in the same building as the Billy Graham Museum and the Wheaton Archives & Special Collections.

Learn More About Our Facilities

Biblical and Theological Studies Department News

Black + Evangelical Documentary Now Available Online

Dr. Daniel Master Appointed New Blanchard Chair of Archaeology

Wheaton College IL New Testament Professor Dr. Amy Peeler

Dr. Amy Peeler Appointed Wessner Endowed Chair

Location and Contact Info

Visit us in the

Billy Graham Hall

Fifth Floor
500 College Avenue
Wheaton, IL 60187

630.752.5066
bts@wheaton.edu

Information for Prospective Students

Interested in studying with the Biblical and Theological Studies Department at Wheaton? Request more information or start your application today.

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