Religious Studies and Theology

A major in religious studies and theology deepens knowledge of Catholic and Christian traditions, as well as a variety of non-Christian traditions, and their impact on modern life and issues.

Visit the Catalog to view additional details about religious studies and theology, including degree requirements, course descriptions and a sample plan of study.

Please consult with your holistic advisor for eligibility and timeline as you are scheduling your third-semester coursework.

Bachelor's Plus Master's

With UD's Bachelor's Plus Master's (BPM) program, you can earn your bachelor's degree and a master's degree at an accelerated pace — and at a discounted rate. Most students complete their master's degree within just one year of earning their bachelor's degree.

3+3 J.D.

For undergraduate students pursuing any Bachelor of Arts degree, the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Law offers a 3+3 J.D. program, allowing students to complete their Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctor in a total of 6 years.

Students can choose a primary or secondary major in religious studies and theology in order to:

• Prepare for graduate school in theology or religious studies.
• Train for church ministry in a Catholic parish, school, campus or agency.
• Learn the multidisciplinary skills and areas of theological study – e.g., scriptural, historical, systematic, ethical and pastoral.
• Foster informed and fruitful engagement with diverse global religious traditions and their impact on all aspects of modern life, including such fields as politics or economics.
• Study with academic rigor and thereby to appreciate more deeply the richness of the Catholic faith.
• Explore issues and questions pertaining to the practice of Catholicism and other religious traditions.
• Develop the thinking and communication skills that are fundamental in all the humanities.

University of Dayton students have access to the International Marian Research Institute (IMRI) and the resources of the Marian Library, recognized both nationally and internationally as a center for scholarship on the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Our students and faculty are engaged. Our community of scholars serves the University and local community through teaching, research, prophetic criticism and action.

Ready to take the next step? Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about religious studies and theology at UD.

Additional Religious Studies Programs

• Bachelor's Plus Master's Program
• Disability Studies (Minor)
• Jewish Studies (Minor)
• Marianist Studies (Minor)
• Religions and Professional Practice (Minor)
• Religious Studies (Minor)
• Theology (Minor)
• Theology - Catechesis (Minor)
• Pastoral Ministry (M.A.)
• Theological Studies (M.A.)
• Theology (Ph.D.)
• Campus Ministry (Graduate Certificate)
• Disability and Ministry (Graduate Certificate)
• Marian Studies (Graduate Certificate)
• Pastoral Care (Graduate Certificate)
• Campus Ministry (Post-Master's Certificate)
• Marian Studies (Doctoral Certificate)

Related Programs

• Adolescence to Young Adult Education (B.S.E.)
• Economics (B.A.)
• Human Rights Studies (B.A.)
• International Studies (B.A.)
• Political Science (B.A.)
• Media Production (Minor)
• Race and Social Justice (Minor)
• Women's and Gender Studies (Minor)
• Catholic Education (Undergraduate Certificate)
• Ethics and Leadership (Undergraduate Certificate)
• Nonprofit and Community Leadership (Graduate Certificate)
• Pastoral Counseling (Graduate Certificate)
• Discover (Undecided)

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.