Eastern Mennonite University

What you'll study

The Religion major at Eastern Mennonite University blends biblical studies, theology, church history, ethics and religious studies methods with opportunities for hands-on ministry and peacebuilding practice. Core coursework typically includes Old Testament and New Testament surveys, systematic theology, Christian ethics, and the history of Christianity, alongside courses in Anabaptist/Mennonite tradition and peace and conflict studies.

Students usually take language and research components—introductory biblical Hebrew and/or Koine Greek, seminar-style research methods, and a senior capstone or thesis. Practical elements often include supervised ministry placements, internships, or community-engaged projects, and elective options let students pursue specialisms such as pastoral care and counselling, youth ministry, intercultural ministry, chaplaincy, or religion and the arts.

• Biblical exegesis and interpretation
• Theology and Christian thought
• History of Christianity and Anabaptist studies
• Ethics, social justice and peacebuilding
• Practical ministry skills and supervised field experience
• Research methods, capstone project or thesis
• Electives in pastoral care, worship, counselling foundations, and global Christianity

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a secondary school diploma or equivalent and provide official transcripts. Admission typically considers academic records, a personal statement outlining vocational interests and reasons for studying religion, and one or more letters of recommendation.

Because Eastern Mennonite University is a small, residential institution with an intentional faith-based community, applicants may be asked about their engagement with faith and service; however, programmes in Religion are open to students of diverse backgrounds. Transfer students should provide college transcripts and may receive transfer credit for previous coursework in religion, languages or related fields.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in Religion from EMU pursue a wide range of careers. Common pathways include ordained or lay ministry, youth and campus ministry, pastoral care and chaplaincy, non-profit leadership, community development and peacebuilding organisations, and roles in education or faith-based social services.

The degree also prepares students for graduate study such as Master of Divinity, theological masters programmes, counselling or social work degrees, and interdisciplinary graduate work in peace and conflict studies. The programme’s emphasis on writing, research, ethical reasoning and practicum experience is valued in secular careers that require communication, programme management and intercultural competence.

Why study at Eastern Mennonite University

EMU offers a small-campus environment with close faculty mentoring and a curriculum shaped by the university’s Anabaptist commitments to peace, reconciliation and service. Students benefit from strong links to the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, internship partnerships with congregations and non-profit organisations, and opportunities for applied learning in community contexts.

The Religion programme emphasises formation as well as academic study, combining theological reflection with practical experiences that prepare students for both vocational ministry and civic leadership. Small class sizes, opportunities for undergraduate research and a residential learning community create a supportive setting for spiritual, intellectual and professional development.