Religion & Archaeology - Undergraduate Areas of Study

A group of female religious studies students smiling and talking

The La Sierra Advantage

At La Sierra, you can:

Get plenty of one-on-one time with your professors and advisors.
Study with professors who are involved in serious Biblical and theological scholarship.
Receive an education and practical training geared to 21st century ministry.
Learn from successful pastors in the field.
Find expression for your passion to serve the church and the world.

Why Study For Ministry At La Sierra University?

The School of Religion at La Sierra aims to equip students in their search for truth and to foster knowledge of God, self, and the world around us. We want to encourage service to the church and to the broader community. The School of Religion offers a religious studies major, several minors, and pre-professional training in ministry. In addition, the School of Religion offers the only Seventh-day Adventist graduate and profes- sional religious education programs in the western United States.

We offer the following:

In the classrooms of La Sierra’s School of Religion, my desire and passion to serve as a pastor became both a clear revelation and a tangible reality. The conversations in the classroom have been some of the most challenging and faith-stirring I have ever encountered. Because of them, I walk confidently in my faith. I’m equipped to make the gospel relevant for children and families. I feel ready to be an integral, hands-on part of the Adventist Church as well as the world church at large.

Beverly Maravilla, B.A., Pastor For Children And Families La Sierra University Church

What you find in our School of Religion are faculty members who are experts in their fields and who are committed Seventh-day Adventist Christians. As a student, I was challenged to discover fresh ways of understanding and communicating the gospel, and serving the church and the world for Christ. I feel prepared to face the challenges of real-life ministry.

Matthew Burdette, B.A. & M.A., Religion Teacher Redlands Adventist Academy

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Religion Undergraduate Programs

Religious Studies Bachelor of Arts

A religious studies professor instructing students

Students in this program take classes in Biblical, historical, and theological studies as well as religion and society, philosophy, and ethics. Students will:

Build a foundation for pastoral ministry.
Become aware of religious experience and expression.
Learn about Christian beliefs and heritage.
Engage with Scripture.
Become informed on the role of religion in society.
Be prepared for graduate studies in religion and theology.

This major prepares students who want to become religion teachers or who would like to work in pastoral ministry. It can also provide a good foundation for those going into medicine, dentistry, other health professions, anthropology, journalism, or philosophy.

Program Details

Archaeology Bachelor of Arts

Students practice sifting for small artifacts.

Archaeologists examine, recover, and preserve evidence and artifacts from past human cultures. They connect artifacts with information about historic environments to learn about the experiences, customs, and living habits of people in earlier civilizations. Archaeologists also manage and protect archaeological sites. Some work in national parks or historical sites, where they protect known historical or archaeological sites and educate the public. Others assess building sites to ensure that construction plans comply with federal regulations regarding preservation of these sites. Archaeologists often specialize in a particular geographic area, time period, or subject matter, such as animal remains or underwater sites. Many people with a Ph.D. in archaeology become professors or museum curators.

As the primary sponsor of one of the largest projects in the Middle East, La Sierra University is very active in archaeology in Jordan. A number of La Sierra students participate each dig season. La Sierra also has a large collection of Biblical-era artifacts, including cooking pots, lamps, jewelry, figurines, and other pieces.

Program Details

Pre-Seminary Professional Program

This program prepares students for professional ministry and meets the entrance requirements for graduate or professional studies in seminary or graduate school. It can also be combined with another major, although the religious studies major is the most popular. With competition strong for limited openings in traditional pastoral ministry, the completion of professional training in ministry on the graduate level is an increasing requirement for successful career placement. With additional education, ministers can specialize in hospital chaplaincy or focus on teaching (with educational credentials), youth ministry, administration, or another specialized ministry.

Program Details

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.