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Religion
Major | Minor
Faith Seeking Understanding
Study the biggest questions rigorously, and put what you learn to work in the world.
Goshen College’s Bible and religion major takes faith seriously, guided by the motto ”faith seeking understanding,” it blends rigorous academic work with ethics, peacemaking, and community engagement. The courses build a strong foundation in biblical studies, theology, ethics, and religious history, with an emphasis on intercultural understanding and Anabaptist values.
The program fits students who feel called to ministry and students who simply want to understand the church’s story, the world’s religions, and today’s ethical questions more deeply. Either way, you graduate with critical-thinking, ethical-reasoning, and intercultural skills that carry into meaningful work in ministry, education, social advocacy, and beyond.
Is Religion at Goshen Right for You?
A Bible and Religion degree builds critical thinking, ethical reasoning, intercultural communication, and graduates have been accepted to Harvard Divinity School, the University of Notre Dame, and the University of Chicago. Goshen Alumni work in faith-based leadership, social impact and advocacy, education and research, media and communication, and as lawyers, counselors, and seminary administrators.
It’s also a place to pursue these questions as fully yourself. Alongside the academics, you’ll find spiritual formation, community, and people who take both faith and hard questions seriously. The program welcomes students of every background, whether you arrive sure of your convictions, searching, or somewhere in between.
What You’ll Study
You will gain a strong foundation in biblical studies, theology, ethics, and interfaith engagement. As well as explore key theological texts, their historical contexts, and contemporary ethical issues. Some of the core class include options like “Sustainability and the Sacred” and “Introduction to World Religions.” View the complete program requirements in our catalog,
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Religion at Goshen extends well past the seminar table. You’ll complete a field study or internship aligned with your vocational interests. This process is coordinated by a faculty mentor who connects students with churches, nonprofits, and social-advocacy organizations. You can also spend a summer in ministry through the Ministry Inquiry Program, serving as a pastoral intern.
On campus, you can get involved with Campus Ministries, planning chapel services, leading prayer groups, writing devotionals, and organizing service events, or serve as a worship assistant or ministry leader in the residence halls. Campus events and discussions centered on spiritual life, ethics, and social justice round out the experience.
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Title and professional placement
Paying for Goshen
It’s worth asking about early. Bible and Religion students are eligible for a variety of Goshen College scholarships. To see your own price after aid, run the net price calculator and talk with a real person in the financial aid office.
Common Questions About Religion Major/Minor
No. The program fits students called to ministry and students who simply want to understand the church’s story, world religions, and today’s ethical questions more deeply. It welcomes students of every background, and the critical-thinking and ethical-reasoning skills you build carry into law, advocacy, education, writing, and graduate study.
You’ll build a foundation in biblical studies, theology, ethics, and interfaith engagement, exploring key theological texts, their historical contexts, and contemporary ethical issues. Core options include courses like “Sustainability and the Sacred” and “Introduction to World Religions,” all with an emphasis on intercultural understanding and Anabaptist values.
You’ll complete a faculty-mentored field study or internship with churches, nonprofits, or social-advocacy organizations, and you can spend a summer as a pastoral intern through the Ministry Inquiry Program. On campus, Campus Ministries lets you plan chapel, lead prayer groups, write devotionals, organize service events, or serve as a worship assistant in the residence halls.
Alumni work in faith-based leadership, social impact and advocacy, education and research, and media, and as lawyers, counselors, and seminary administrators. Many continue at top theology and religious-studies programs; graduates have been accepted to Harvard Divinity School, the University of Notre Dame, and the University of Chicago.
Bible and Religion students are eligible for a variety of Goshen College scholarships. Use the net price calculator on the financial aid page to see your real number rather than a sticker price, and review current opportunities on the scholarships page. A financial aid counselor can walk you through the options and the steps to apply.
Ready to get started?
Luke Kreider
Associate Professor of Religion and Sustainability
Elizabeth Miller
Director of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism
Assistant Professor of History
& Convocation CoordinatorBreanna Nickel
Associate Professor of Bible & Religion
