The School of Theology cultivates a vibrant Christ-centered community committed to real-world ministry, guided by expert faculty who are deeply invested in students’ spiritual, academic, and vocational formation. Through coursework in biblical studies, theology, and Christian ministries, students are equipped to integrate a resilient Christian faith with academic excellence and a thoughtful vision for faithful service in the world. The school provides strong preparation for graduate study as well as immediate leadership and service opportunities in a wide range of ministry and vocational contexts. Rooted in the Wesleyan theological tradition, the School of Theology

• nurtures critical thinking and habits of the mind that move beyond the superficial;
• creates space for exploring important and pressing questions within a Christian context, preparing students to be a compelling presence in a diverse world;
• inspires curiosity and imagination about the historical and cultural forces that shape the world of the Bible and our interactions with it;
• deepens students’ capacity for theological and moral reflection rooted in Scripture and its interplay with tradition, reason, and experience; and
• models a value for human and cultural diversity as a pathway toward virtuous engagement with the world. 

In addition to excellent preparation for various forms of ministry and Christian leadership, students also benefit from the resources and support offered by the Institute for Faith, Leadership, and Service. 

The major course of study builds on the general education (GE) program’s Bible and theology requirements, and all students in the School of Theology must maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade-point average in all courses for their major. In general, correspondence courses are not accepted to fulfill Bible, theology, or religion requirements. A student may, however, petition to have 3 correspondence units count toward his/her major or minor upon department approval. The course(s) must match existing courses, and the student may be asked to pass an exam. Double majors require 24 units that are distinctive to one major, and 18 units must be upper-division.

Students transferring into the university may waive some GE courses as specified in the GE transfer policies for traditional and professional undergraduate students. The specific courses waived are selected in consultation with a department faculty advisor.

Faculty

Associate Dean, Undergraduate School of Theology

Eunny Lee, PhD, Professor, Biblical Studies

Chair, Department of Biblical Studies, Theology, and Ministry

Justin M. Smith, PhD, Professor, Biblical Studies

Professors

Justin Ashworth, ThD, Theology

Paul Boles, PhD, Theology

Gregg Moder, DMin, Practical Theology

Robert Mullins, PhD, Biblical Studies

Kirsten S. Oh, PhD, Practical Theology

Federico A. Roth, PhD, Biblical Studies

Kay Higuera Smith, PhD, Biblical Studies

Alice Yafeh-Deigh, PhD, Biblical Studies

Associate Professors

Traci Birge, PhD, Biblical Studies

Martin Rodriguez, PhD, Practical Theology

Jessica Wai-Fong Wong, PhD, Theology

Faculty Emeriti

Bruce Baloian, PhD, Biblical Studies

Cheryl Crawford, PhD, Practical Theology

John Culp, PhD, Philosophy

Craig Keen, PhD, Theology

Dennis Okholm, PhD, Theology

B.J. Oropeza, PhD, Biblical Studies

Richard “Dick” Pritchard, DMin, Practical Theology

Kenneth L. Waters Sr., PhD, Biblical Studies

Steven Wilkens, PhD, Philosophy

Jacquelyn E. Winston, PhD, Theology

William Yarchin, PhD, Biblical Studies