Why Major in Faith and Social Justice?
In a world filled with injustice, your gifts and commitment are sorely needed. Whether your goal is to lead change or provide direct service, this program will guide you in preparing to engage the world.
You can customize your studies to support your individual interests, from championing social justice issues to serving disadvantaged communities to engaging in mission work. No matter which track you choose, you’ll spend nearly a third of your major gaining practical experience through a three-hour internship and a six-hour externship anywhere in the world.
As you explore your calling to a purpose-filled life, you’ll have countless opportunities to get hands-on experience. You might mentor refugee families, assist with art therapy for the homeless or serve as a ministry intern with a local congregation.
You can also engage in mind-shaping opportunities to see the world. You might travel to sacred sites in Israel, Jordan and Greece or work with Tanzanian nonprofits to address the AIDS epidemic. Or you might share your faith through mission trips in the United States and in places like Brazil, Guatemala and Jerusalem.
Am I an Adult Student?
Adult Degree applicants should be 24 years or older. However, exceptions for those under the age of 24 might include evidence of two years or more of military service, marriage or having a family of your own.
Want to transfer previous college credits?
See how your courses will transfer to Belmont University.
What makes Adult Degree Programs special?
Your Success is Personal: Our students are not one-sized fits all, and neither is our commitment to you. Your path to a college degree is unique, and we take your success as personally as you do. Our staff and faculty will be with you from the first point of contact all the way through graduation and beyond, providing personalized guidance and assistance so you don’t have to go it alone.
Education Designed to Elevate Your Career: Whatever adult degree program option you choose, a career-focused curriculum will help you elevate your current career or prepare you for new professional or personal opportunities.
Unique Tuition Discount for Adult Degree Program Students: Belmont is dedicated to offering access to high-quality education for busy adults. Students in Belmont’s Adult Degree Program receive more than a 60% discount off of the tuition cost that traditional Belmont students pay for the very same quality, private school education.
What You'll Learn
As a faith and social justice major at Belmont, you'll take classes in humanities, social sciences, arts, quantitative reasoning and wellness to complete the University’s general education BELL Core.
Within the department, you'll study core topics in theology, church history, Christian ethics, spiritual formation and Christian life.
You'll also pursue one of three tracks of focused study:
- Advocacy and Activism prepares you to be a voice of change, leading organizations that champion social justice issues.
- Policy and Development is a good choice if you plan to pursue hands-on work to meet the needs of the less fortunate.
- Missions and Ministry equips you to share your faith with communities around the world while working to right society's wrongs.
No matter which track you choose, you’ll spend nearly a third of your major gaining practical experience in your field.
Program Details
Curious about your coursework? View requirements for this degree in the course catalog.
Find out what God is calling you to do – and then prepare to change the world. At Belmont, you have numerous ways to explore your purpose.
- Explore the world. From addressing the AIDS epidemic in Botswana to visiting important biblical sites, our study-away program immerses you in new experiences around the globe.
- Engage in service. Mentor refugee families or provide art therapy for the homeless. You’ll find limitless opportunities to give back.
- Get practical experience. Our Field Education program gives you hands-on opportunities to explore your vocation and get valuable feedback.
- Join a club. From honor societies to faith-based groups, our student organizations help you grow your faith, broaden your horizons and build lasting friendships.
The admission decision process for the Adult Degree Program is different from what someone might experience right out of high school. To be eligible for an Adult Degree program, applicants must be 24 years or older or provide evidence of two years or more of military service, marriage or having a family of your own.
Even if you struggled academically when you first attended college, the Belmont Admissions Committee looks at more than just your academic history. We also consider your professional experience and personal accomplishments as we review your application materials.
Career Possibilities
A Belmont education prepares you to follow your calling wherever it takes you, whether that's seminary or divinity school, mission work, church service and other ministries, nonprofit work or entrepreneurial ventures. Here are just a few of the career paths you could take:
- Pastor
- Chaplain
- Nonprofit leader
- Social service agency director
- Attorney
- Social worker
- Teacher
- University administrator
- Social entrepreneur
Student Testimonial
"I chose the Faith and Social Justice major because I believed God had called me to a kind of ministry that went beyond the walls of a church building. Through the advocacy and activism track, I was able to intern at the Wind River Native Advocacy Center and help organize efforts for economic development and opportunity for indigenous communities in Wyoming. Those experiences changed my life and broadened my perspective both spiritually and vocationally."
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Kim Powell
Admissions Coordinator
615.460.6850
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