Biblical and Theological Studies | Undergraduate Studies

Big questions. Deep reflection. A space to grow.

At CMU, studying Biblical and Theological Studies (BTS) means diving into the big questions of life, faith, and purpose. Whether you're thinking about a future in ministry, community work, education, or you just want a better understanding of Christianity and how it connects with the world today, BTS gives you the tools to think deeply and live meaningfully.

In BTS, you'll explore the Bible, theology, Christian history, and practical aspects of faith commitments. Professors bring a rootedness in Christian conviction, and create a space that welcomes your growth—helping you encounter God, deepen your thinking, and develop your voice in a complex world.

BTS isn’t just for the classroom. It connects to how you live and what kind of future you want to shape.

Why Study Biblical and Theological Studies at CMU?

Explore life's big questions.

Whatever your background, you'll reflect deeply on who you are, what matters to you, and how you want to live in the world.

Be spirituality nurtured.

BTS offers space to ask honest questions, deepen your understanding, and grow in love of God and neighbour — both in class and through spiritual life on campus.

Build critical skills.

You'll learn to read texts closely, think theologically, write clearly, and engage in thoughtful dialogue-skills that apply to any field.

Connect classroom concepts with hands-on learning.

All CMU students complete a work placement. Through work-integrated learning, you will gain hands-on experience in a church, nonprofit, governance board, or social service organization.

Gain cultural and historical insight.

Whether you identify with a Christian tradition, another religion, or none at all, you'll explore how Christianity has shaped history, literature, institutions, and culture. You'll also learn how to place your own beliefs—or the traditions you grew up with—in a historical and cultural context, expanding your understanding of where they came from and why they matter today.

“CMU professors have not only provided me with knowledge in the classroom—I was able to exercise their wisdom outside of the classroom and into my daily life.”

– Trisha Boodhoo

What Makes Biblical and Theological Studies at CMU Different?

Rooted in the Christian tradition, open to all.

Grounded in the Anabaptist tradition but welcoming to all students, regardless of background or beliefs.

No assumptions, just openness.

Professors bring deep Christian commitments. Students bring their full selves—whether you're devoted, exploring your faith, deconstructing it, or have never been religious, your perspective matters here.

Theological study as dialogue.

You'll explore a wide range of perspectives—including historical, theological, cultural, and contemporary viewpoints—and reflect on how they intersect with your own experiences and faith.

Integration with life.

BTS isn't just for the classroom. In connects to who you are, how you live, how you lead, how you serve, and what kind of future you want to shape.

Student-informed and evolving.

Recent program changes were shaped directly by student and alumni feedback, making the program even more relevant, more flexible, and more engaging.

“If we here at CMU can work together to help students find that calling, where their deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet, that is what I long for.”

– Dr. Sheila Klassen-Wiebe, Associate Professor of New Testament

Careers in Theology, Faith, and Public Life

Where can a BTS degree take you? Anywhere big questions and compassionate leadership matter.

In BTS, you'll develop biblical literacy, trace how Scripture has shaped culture, and explore how different interpretations have led to different traditions and practices. You might come in with questions or doubts; BTS helps you engage them with honesty, clarity, and care.

Graduating with a degree in BTS from CMU means you'll be equipped to think critically, communicate thoughtfully, and lead with humility and purpose. You'll bring a grounded, reflective voice into whatever field you choose, whether that's in ministry, education, advocacy, or beyond.

Here are just some of the paths you might take:

Support people through faith in action.

Work for a faith-based non-profit to serve communities with compassion, service, and spiritual grounding.

Offer care in moments that matter.

Become a chaplain in a hospital, school, or correctional setting, providing presence, support, and spiritual care for people of all backgrounds.

Teach with purpose and depth.

Become a teacher or educator who brings theological insight and ethical reflection into classrooms, churches, or academic spaces.

Walk alongside young people on their faith journeys.

Lead youth or engage in campus ministry, helping students and young adults explore identity, community, and spirituality.

Build bridges across difference.

Work as a community engagement coordinator in interfaith or intercultural spaces to promote dialogue and connection.

Speak into the cultural conversation.

Write, teach, or present as a thought leader, sharing insights on faith, justice, and spirituality through books, blogs, podcasts, or public speaking.

Deepen your studies and expand your impact.

Pursue graduate school, seminary, or a professional program in theology, spiritual care, counselling, law, education, or another field where your BTS degree can serve as a strong foundation.

Check out CMU's graduate programs!

Preach, teach, and lead with care.

Serve as a pastor or church leader, creating welcoming spaces for worship, justice and spiritual growth.

Note: Some careers may require additional training, certification, or graduate studies.

“The soft skills taught at a place like CMU are equally as important as the academics. Approaching things with a sense of ethics, of people first, of decolonization, of exploring where we are and who was here before... that's a big part of being an arts leader.”

– Evan Klassen (CMU ’02), Executive Director of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre (MTC)

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)

CMU is committed to learning by thinking and doing. Every degree includes a WIL placement.

These hands-on experiences allow you to connect your learning to life's questions and clarify how your faith and commitments can make a difference in the lives of others.

Purpose

To cultivate thoughtful, compassionate, and theologically grounded individuals who seek to understand faith in context and live with purpose. The BTS program invites students to explore scripture, tradition, and their own experiences as they grow in their ability to think critically, act justly, and engage faithfully with the world around them.

Commitments

We see a world where people of faith contribute meaningfully to their communities with wisdom, humility, and a deep commitment to justice, peace, and reconciliation. We envision graduates who are prepared not only for ministry or academia, but for lives of service, leadership, and dialogue in an ever-changing world.