Ministry in action.
God’s presence is what changes us and the world we live in—one day and one person at a time.
Whether mentoring young people as a pastor or teacher, shepherding a congregation, leading others in Christian service or getting involved in online ministry, you can prepare to follow God’s calling.
Why study religion and theology?
- Experience a deeply rewarding career.
- Cultivate and practice Christian discipleship, developing a deeply-rooted relationship with Christ while leading others to Him.
- Participate in lifelong leadership, service and evangelism.
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2009 graduates—Mic now serves as youth pastor at the College View Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Real experience starts long before graduation.
The classes and skills learned at Union will launch you into a life of Christian ministry. By learning about the Bible and applying its lessons to real life, Union’s religion program empowers students to serve and lead others to God.
Why study at Union College?
- You can learn to read the Bible in its original languages, give engaging sermons, share your testimony with many different people and explore your personal call to ministry.
- The religion program at Union includes three majors: theology, religion and religious education.
- The Ministry Club provides lots of opportunities for involvement, including spiritual retreats, weekly prayer and share time, camping trips and gatherings at faculty homes.
- During the fall semester of their senior year, every theology student spends their time working with a mentor pastor in a local church setting where they receive academic credit for their ministerial work.
Beyond the theology and training I received through my coursework, my real preparation began with the professors who invested in me to be successful and effective in ministry once I graduated. It began in an environment where the demand for relevancy and practical application launched our theological training into something greater than just head knowledge.
2010 graduate and now associate chaplain at Southern Adventist University in Tennessee
Majors and minors
Union College offers the following degrees in religion, religious education and theology.
Theology major — four-year bachelor of arts degree with the following emphases:
- Pastoral preparation
Degree completion guides: 2019-2020 | 2020-2021 - Youth ministry
Degree completion guides: 2019-2020 | 2020-2021
Religion major — four-year bachelor of science degree.
Choose an emphasis or minor combination:
- Mission service minor
Degree completion guides: 2019-2020 | 2020-2021 - Pastoral care emphasis
Degree completion guides: 2019-2020 | 2020-2021 - Pastoral care emphasis with social work minor
Degree completion guides: 2019-2020 | 2020-2021 - Youth ministry minor
Degree completion guides: 2020-2021
Religious education major — four-year bachelor of science degree with teaching certification. Degree completion guides: 2019-2020
You may also pair a minor in mission service, religion or youth ministry with a major from any discipline. See the Academic Bulletin for details.
Career options
High school teacher
Teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.
Job outlook
8% growth (average)
Median pay
$59,000
Pastor
Plan, direct, or coordinate programs designed to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group.
Job outlook
7% growth (average)
Median pay
$53,000
Marriage and family therapist
Help people manage and overcome problems with family and other relationships.
Job outlook
23% growth (much faster than average)
Median pay
$48,000
Meet the Faculty
Get to know a little more about our religion faculty. They all have impressive credentials, but they're pretty cool too.
Division of Religion
Our religion and theology program is a part of an academic division that offers a variety of religion majors and minors.
Pastoral Internships
Every senior spends a semester working in a church with a mentoring pastor, learning every aspect of pastoral life. Read their stories.