Pastoral Studies
Is a Pastoral Studies Major For Me?
Southwestern College’s pastoral studies program provides Professional Studies learners with preparation for graduate study, for professional study, or for a wide range of occupations for those persons pursuing service within any Protestant Christian denomination. This bachelor of arts degree can also lead to further theological education or to ordination.
Because our program is completely online, learners can finish their degree at their convenience without leaving current jobs or locations.
Required and Core Courses
Required Major Courses
HRD 210 Building Academic Success
PHIL 225 Critical Thinking
REL 200 Bible Survey
REL 215 Understanding the Old Testament
REL 216 Understanding the New Testament
REL 301 Systematic Theology 1
REL 302 Systematic Theology 2
PHIL 320 Philosophy of Religion
REL 333 The Church: Origins to the Middle Ages
REL 334 The Church: Renaissance to the Present
REL 340 Hermeneutics
REL 401 Theological Systems and Issues
REL 415 Denominational Heritage and Structure
CLO 499 Responsibility for the Future
Recommended Electives
REL 305 Applications in Youth Ministry
REL 325 Basic Preaching
REL 332 Caring In the Church Community
REL 420 Evangelism
REL 425 Church Administration and Finance
PSC 236 Comparative Religion & Philosophy
All classes are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated.
Course Descriptions
PHIL 225 Critical Thinking
This course introduces students to critical thinking skills necessary to recognize various forms of argumentation regularly employed in philosophical and theological writings. It includes learning to recognize informal fallacies developing skill in analyzing and summarizing arguments.
REL 200 Bible Survey
An introduction to the basic content of the Biblical books. The main objective of this course is to help students gain a solid overview and to discern major scriptural themes.
REL 215 Understanding the Old Testament
A study of the Hebrew scriptures seeking to understand them in their original context and thus their significance for today. `Prerequisite: REL 200 Bible Survey`
REL 216 Understanding the New Testament
The origin and development of the Christian religion as expressed in the New Testament. We will seek to understand the Christian scriptures in their original context and thus their significance for today.`Prerequisite: REL 200 and REL 215`
REL 301 Systematic Theology I
An introduction to the standard means by which theologians organize questions and ideas relative to Christian doctrine. This course focuses on theological method; i.e. the historical context and conceptual tools necessary for a systematic approach to thinking logically.
REL 302 Systematic Theology II
The second of a series of two courses introducing students to the standard categories by which theologians organize Christian thought. This course surveys the main categories of Christian theology from the Trinity to eschatology. `Prerequisite: REL 301`
PHIL 320 Philosophy of Religion
An inquiry into the general subject of religion from the philosophical point of view. Among the specific questions considered are: the nature, function and value of religion; the validity of the claims of religious knowledge; the nature of evil; and the existence and character of deity.
REL 333 The Church: Origins to the Middle Ages
This course introduces students to the major events and personalities that helped to shape the church in the West, especially in terms of its basic doctrines and practices, from the origins of the church to roughly 1300.
REL 334 The Church: Renaissance to the Present
This course introduces students to the major events and personalities that helped to shape the church in the West, especially in terms of its basic doctrines and practices, from roughly the fourteenth century to the present. It is a continuation of REL 333.
REL 340 Hermeneutics
An introduction to the basic principles involved in interpreting biblical texts. The course will look at theories as they relate to such questions as the relationship between author, text, reader(s), and the community of faith. `Prerequisite: REL 301`
REL 401 Theological Systems and Issues
A brief review of theological method and a survey of well-known modern systems of Christian thought including process, liberation, feminist, and neo-orthodox/evangelical theology. `Prerequisite: REL 301 & 302`
REL 415 Denominational Heritage and Structure
This course is designed to assist students in the knowledge of their chosen denomination as it relates to the universal Church. Independent research and personalized instruction will be part of the learning process.
CLO 499 Responsibility for the Future
Seniors with various majors will share learning and approaches from their different disciplines toward dealing holistically with issues that shape the future, seeking to integrate disciplines and to synthesize knowing, caring, and doing.
All classes are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated.
Admission Requirements
Entering students must have earned at least 30 college credits from previous college coursework or ACE evaluated military training, a GPA of 2.0, and have three years of work experience. Transfer hours accepted for Professional Studies admittance should include English Composition I and II, and mathematics (college algebra preferred). These courses may be considered in transfer or completed at Southwestern College.
Contact a program representative to evaluate your options.
Graduation Requirements
A total of 124 credit hours must be earned to graduate. You must have at least 60 credit hours from a four-year university or college and at least 30 hours from Southwestern College (does not include prior learning experience credits). Of the 30 hours required from Southwestern, 15 of the last 30 hours earned toward your degree must be at Southwestern College. See your advisor for more information.
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Southwestern College’s pastoral studies program provides learners with preparation for graduate study, for professional study, or for a wide range of occupations for those persons pursuing service within any Protestant Christian denomination.
