Theology

Ignite change in your community and our world; Make your study of theology and religion relevant, meaningful, and applicable to your life goals. 

As a Theology student, you will:

  • Practice the methods of theological scholarship and develop religious literacy in a contemporary age.
  • Engage Christian theological traditions in conversation with different cultures, religions, philosophies, and social contexts.
  • Develop ethical awareness through theological studies.
  • Demonstrate attitudes, values, and skills for identifying and addressing civic issues as agents of change with others.

Theology Major

The theology major provides a solid foundation and sound knowledge of the Christian tradition by studying its biblical roots, historical development, and interaction with the religions and cultures of the world. 

Theology Minor

The theology minor engages Christian theological tradition in conversation with different cultures, religions, philosophies, and social contexts.

 

 

Program Information

Make your study of theology and religion relevant, meaningful, and applicable to your life goals. A major or minor in theology provides foundation and knowledge of the Christian tradition by studying its biblical roots, historical development, and interaction with the religions and cultures of the world.

Program Type

Major, Minor

Degree

Bachelor's

School

McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts

Academic Department

Theology

Duration

4-year

Required Credit Hours

30 (major), 15 (minor)

Modality

In-Person

"Even if you decide not to major in theology, you should take as many theology courses as you can. They force you to think, read and write critically, to engage in issues bigger than yourself. These skills have been of tremendous value in my postgraduate studies."

—Drew von Arx

Program Requirements

View Catalog
Some examples of core theology courses include:
  • THEO 141 Biblical & Historical Perspectives
  • THEO 142 Theological Views of the Person
  • THEO 143 Global and Cultural Perspectives
  • THEO 152 Theological Ethics
Curriculum includes nine credits of religious & theological studies. Some examples of the courses that fulfill this requirement are:
  • THEO 201 Women & Christianity
  • THEO 203 Hinduism and Buddhism
  • THEO 204 Approaches to Black and African Theology
  • THEO 206 Christian Mysticism
  • THEO 213 The Old Testament
  • THEO 214 The New Testament
  • THEO 226 Ancient Religions of the Middle East
  • THEO 228 The Birth of the Bible
Curriculum includes six credits of religious & theological studies. Some examples of courses that fulfill this requirement are:
  • THEO 207 Believing, Thinking, Feeling, & Choosing
  • THEO 230 Global Diversity: Churches and their Cultural Contexts
  • THEO 245 God, Money, and Power
  • THEO 246 Contemporary Perspectives on the Common Good
  • THEO 271 Anti-Semitism
Curriculum includes nine credits of Theology electives. Electives may be selected from the courses listed in prior sections, but some additional examples are:
  • THEO 220 Jesus the Christ
  • THEO 224 Ancient Near Eastern Mythology
  • THEO 226 Ancient Religions of the Middle East
  • THEO 232 Faith and Atheism
  • THEO 243W Jews Under Empire
  • THEO 248 Religion and Ecology
  • THEO 301 Marriage
  • THEO 313 Archaeology and the Bible
  • THEO 314W Thomas Aquinas
  • THEO 322 Jesus of Nazareth
If you would like to enhance another major with a minor in Theology, you will choose courses that to total at least 15 credits in theology (most classes are three credits). Credits from university core theology classes may applied to the minor.

Dual Major Opportunities

The theology department, in conjunction with the psychology and philosophy departments, is pleased to provide dual major opportunities for undergraduates.

Theology Requirements:
  • One core course in Bible, Theology or Theological Ethics
  • Two courses at the 200 level or above in Bible
  • Two courses at the 200 level or above in Theological Ethics
  • Three courses at the 200 level or above in Theology or Religious Studies
  • Two additional Theology courses at the 200 level or above

Note: At least 2 THEO courses must be writing intensive.

Learning Outcomes

In addition to the Liberal Arts General Outcomes for all Undergraduate Degree Areas, students in the B.A. in Theology program will demonstrate the following general competencies:

1. Moral thinking & awareness: Students will develop an appreciation for the importance of moral thinking and awareness through their theological studies.
2. Critical thinking skills: Students will develop critical thinking skills.
3. Breadth of the Christian theological tradition: Student will gain knowledge of the breadth of the Christian theological tradition in conversation with various religions, cultures, and social contexts.