School of Theology & Christian Ministry

Preparing students to serve God and people in the setting of today’s Church is foundational to the mission of Olivet Nazarene University. Students enter with a desire to serve and graduate prepared to serve. A degree from Olivet’s School of Theology and Christian Ministry is a comprehensive one that provides entry-level knowledge and skills in the areas of biblical studies, theology, philosophy and the history of Christianity, as well as practices such as Christian education and spiritual formation.

The diversity of experience and preparation of our faculty makes for a rich and challenging learning environment, while our varied courses of study offer a stimulating range of options from which to choose.

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Learn why Olivet’s dedication to faith and integrity have earned its rank as Illinois's number one Christian university.

Department of Theology & Philosophy

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Religion and the minor in Theology are for students who want to engage in the academic study of God. The discipline of theology is at the heart of the preparation of future ministers as well as those who want to more deeply understand Christian doctrine and ideas.

The Salvation Army Partnership

The Salvation Army and ONU partnership is designed so officers can continue the education they began at the CFOT through The Salvation Army Officer Continuing Education Program (SACEP). The SACEP equips officers with the skills needed to better serve in today’s changing communities, where they are called to serve.

Opportunities to Serve

There’s more to education than books and lectures. That’s especially true for ministry students. Olivet offers many opportunities for students to put their faith to work: mission trips, volunteering and service in local churches, to name a few. In the process, students grow into the leaders the world needs.

Meet the Faculty

Dr. Perabeau has extensive faculty experience at Drew Theological Seminary, Asbury Theological Seminary, and for the past sixteen years, at Olivet as a professor of Sociology, where he also served as chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and taught in the University’s Honors Program and Ed.D. program. He is fluent in Spanish, has a passion for international missions, and has led a number of student trips to Latin America.