Take Action in a Crisis and Defend the Defenseless with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Religion – Humanitarian Action and Human Rights
We live in a broken and fallen world. Crises arise internationally on almost a daily basis. Who steps up to help? Who advocates for those whose rights are being violated? Who shows the love of Christ to every man, woman, and child they meet regardless of race, nationality, cultural, or religious background? With Liberty’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Religion – Humanitarian Action and Human Rights degree program, you can.
If you are interested in learning more about the history of Christianity and serving in nonprofit humanitarian response organizations, local churches, and non-governmental organizations, our 100% online degree program in religion with a focus on humanitarian action and human rights may be a great fit for you. As churches and faith-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs) respond to increasing needs in local communities and around the world, there is a growing necessity for evangelical leaders with solid foundations in Scripture and theology to address human rights issues and humanitarian response. By completing our program, you can take an in-depth look at how Christianity has grown and developed over time and how Christians can help others in need.
What Is the Difference Between a Bachelor of Science in Religion and a Bachelor of Science in Bible?
There are several differences between the BS in Religion and the BS in Bible. Regardless of specialization, the BS in Religion degree programs have 36 credit hours of core major courses while the BS in Bible has 51 credit hours of core major courses. The 2 programs share many of the same core courses, but there are several key differences.
The BS in Religion takes a broader approach to studying Christianity and its history. The origins of the church, global studies, and the history of life are also studied in the religion degree program. The BS in Bible offers a more focused study of Scripture itself. This encompasses background information on both the Old and New Testaments, studies of the epistles and prophets, and analysis of the different types of books in the Bible.
Why Choose Liberty’s Religion – Humanitarian Action and Human Rights Degree?
Liberty University has been dedicated to Training Champions for Christ since our founding in 1971. We accomplish this mission by providing world-class education with a biblical worldview in many disciplines. As a Christian university, our religion degree programs are a hallmark of our school. If your goal is to work for a nonprofit organization focusing on humanitarian action and human rights, earning your degree from a nonprofit, Christian university like Liberty can help set you apart.
The purpose of this program is part of a greater vision of the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity – to come alongside the local church, train leaders in humanitarian action and human rights, and help the helpless. You can learn to increase your compassion and love for others through Liberty.
Our Bachelor of Science in Religion – Humanitarian Action and Human Rights is offered 100% online, this offers more flexibility than a standard residential program. At Liberty, you can take courses at your own pace. This can allow you to serve or work in humanitarian aid settings while earning your degree. Our degree also allows you to maintain your personal commitments as you pursue your education.
We seek to foster the fruit of the Spirit in our students by providing dedicated faculty and staff. Our faculty can help you grow those fruits through the coursework and meaningful interaction. You can continue the development of these attributes within yourself and others as you grow in the knowledge and application of the field of religion and of humanitarian action and human rights.
With our Bachelor of Science in Religion – Humanitarian Action and Human Rights, you can also be prepared to pursue our Master of Divinity degree if you would like to become a pastor or a director of a ministry or apologetics organization.
What Will You Learn in Our Bachelor’s in Religion – Humanitarian Action and Human Rights Degree?
Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Religion has a curriculum rooted deeply in Scripture. You will take courses analyzing the history of Christianity and how it has been studied in the past as well as the history of life. The classes that make up the program also cover introductions to apologetics, church ministries, and global studies. You will explore methods for studying the Bible, research and writing for religious disciplines, and practical teaching of Scripture. Both Acts and Romans are discussed in-depth. You will also complete a capstone to culminate the core major courses.
The specialization in humanitarian action and human rights includes courses that will introduce you to actions that humanitarians take. You can become equipped to address issues in areas such as:
- Disaster relief
- Human rights violations
- Human trafficking
- The sanctity of human life
- Trauma healing
Your coursework will introduce you to the field of humanitarian action and allow you to explore the related theological foundations. Two courses discuss the theology of humanitarian response and the theological foundations for human rights. Based on the Judeo-Christian ethic of universal benevolence, the courses can give you a firm grasp of the principles we must uphold and defend for vulnerable populations globally.
Emphasis will be placed on principles of sustainable relief that do not harm the local economy and that maintain the dignity of those assisted. The specialization also includes a humanitarian action in praxis course that can give you real-world knowledge of how humanitarian assistance is carried out.
Featured Courses
- CLCM 205 – Introduction to Humanitarian Action
- CLCM 475 – Humanitarian Action in Praxis
- THEO 320 – A Theology of Humanitarian Response
- THEO 325 – Theological Foundations for Human Rights
Highlights of Our Humanitarian Action and Human Rights Degree
- We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility. Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America. Earning your online degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
- Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.
- To continue our mission of providing affordable education, electronic textbooks are provided for all undergraduate courses at no cost to you. As a full-time student, this could save you an estimated $800-2,000 per year on textbooks!
- Prepare to meet the needs of others who are desperate and hurting in a local, national, or international setting with your training.
- Strengthen your biblical and theological foundations so you can better help others.
Bachelor of Science in Religion – Humanitarian Action and Human Rights Degree Information
- This program falls under the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity.
- Download and review the Degree Completion Plan.
- View the Undergraduate Divinity Course Guides (login required).
Military Benefits for Our Online Undergraduate Programs
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe. Whether you are a current service member, discharged or retired from service, or the spouse of a service member or veteran, we are here to support you every step of the journey.
As a thank-you for your dedication and service to our country, Liberty is honored to serve and support you in your pursuit of online education by offering the following benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $565 per course)
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
- Potential college credit for military training
Potential Career Opportunities for Liberty’s Undergraduate Religion – Humanitarian Action and Human Rights Program Graduates
The job market offers an exciting variety of vocational opportunities for which a BS in Religion is appropriate. If it is not your intention to go directly into a career, this program can also be a solid foundation for further graduate studies. Some of the careers you can pursue with this degree include:
- Advocacy advisor
- Christian nonprofit leader
- Humanitarian aid worker
- International humanitarian aid worker
- Ministry assistant
- Ministry coordinator
- Outreach coordinator
- Refugee care worker
Admission Requirements for Our Online Bachelor’s in Religion Degree
Applicants must have a 2.0 or above cumulative GPA for admission in good standing. Please visit our admission requirements page for more detailed admissions-related information.
All applicants must submit the following:
- Admission application
- Application fee*
- Official college transcripts
- Unofficial college transcripts may be accepted with a completed official transcript request form**
- Official high school transcripts or official GED test scores are required for an official admissions decision
- Students may be allowed to enroll in up to 12 credit hours with Liberty with the submission of an unofficial high school transcript and our High School Self-Certification form
- Proof of English proficiency (for applicants whose native language is other than English)
*There is no upfront application fee; however, a deferred $50 application fee will be assessed during Financial Check-In. This fee is waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required.
**An official transcript is needed within 60 days of acceptance or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first.
