The Theology major provides the student with a broad view of the most important facets of the study of religion, from Theological, Pastoral, and Religious Studies perspectives. At the same time, the major provides the opportunity to pursue courses of personal interest to the student. A research project is completed under the guidance of a mentor. Foundation and advanced courses in Theology examine both historical and contemporary points of view. Topics may include: Scripture, the development of the Christian perspective, the meaning of Church, the function of sacraments, liturgical practice, history and practice of non-Christian religions, interreligious and interfaith interactions, or other timely topics.
Theology Majors in the Pastoral Ministry concentration should take THEO 10600 Introduction to Christian Theology, the preferred foundation course. Theology Majors in the Religious Studies concentration should take THEO 10000 Search for Faith.
Degree Requirements
Program: BA-THEO-4
I. Core Courses (11)
II. Concentration
A. Theological Studies (27)
Concentration: THLG
i. Required Courses in Scripture Studies (6)
ii. Concentration Courses (12)
In consultation with their advisor, students will select 12 credit hours of Theology Special Topics courses with one course in each of the four following domains - Ecclesiology, Christology, Religion and Culture, and Scripture - as designated by the specific course description.
THEO 420XX will be repeated 4 times, for a total of 12 credit hours.
iii. Additional Courses for Theological Studies (3)
| THEO-41500 | Capstone: Theology and Religious Studies Seminar | 3 |
The Capstone course should be taken in the final year of study after the completion of most other Theology requirements.
iv. Electives (6)
Students will complete 6 credits in Theology coursework at the 20000-, 30000-, or 40000-level.
B. Pastoral Ministry (27-30)
Concentration: PSTR
i. Required Courses in Scripture Studies (6)
ii. Concentration Courses (12)
In consultation with their advisor, students will select 12 credit hours of Theology Special Topics courses with one course in each of the four following designations - Ecclesiology, Spirituality, Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue, and Social Justice - as designated by the specific course description.
THEO 420XX will be repeated 4 times, for a total of 12 credit hours.
iii. Additional Courses for Pastoral Ministry (6-9)
The Capstone course, THEO 40200, should be taken in the final year of study after the completion of most other Theology requirements.
iv. Electives (3)
Students will complete 3 credits in Theology coursework at the 20000-, 30000-, or 40000-level.
C. Religious Studies (27)
Concentration: RLST
i. Required Courses in Scripture Studies (3)
Choose one course from the following:
ii. Concentration Courses (12)
In consultation with their advisor, students will select 6 credit hours of THEO Special Topics courses, which ought to include courses from at least two of the following five domains—Religion and Culture, Scripture, History, Spirituality, or Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue—as designated by the specific course description. THEO 420XX will be repeated (at least) 2 times, for a total of (at least) 6 credit hours.
iii. Additional Courses for Religious Studies (3)
| THEO-41500 | Capstone: Theology and Religious Studies Seminar | 3 |
The capstone course should be taken in the final year of study after the completion of most other Theology requirements.
iv. Electives (9)
Students will complete 9 additional credits in Theology coursework at the 20000-, 30000-, or 40000-level.
III. Majors are required to maintain a 2.3 GPA in their Theology courses.
IV. Advanced Writing Requirement
The advanced writing requirement of the General Education curriculum is satisfied by successful completion of: