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Theology and Religious Studies (B.A.)

Turn Deep Reflection Into Leadership

When you earn your Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies through the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Dayton, you join a tight-knit community of learners exploring critical questions about the study of religion and theology today. You'll have opportunities for paid internships in parishes, hospitals, and non-profits. You'll encounter living theology in courses taught overseas, such as Rome or on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. You'll be prepared to contribute meaningfully to the fields of ministry, law, medicine, political science, business and education. Our graduates also go on to the nation's top graduate programs in religious studies and theology.

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Fast Facts

100% acceptance

into graduate schools the past 5 years

Accelerated Programs

opportunities to earn master's degree or a J.D.
About the Theology and Religious Studies (B.A.) Program

Why study theology and religious studies at UD?

Graduate Prepared

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.

International Marian Research Institute

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.

Opportunities to Get Involved

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

Take the Next Step

Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about religious studies and theology at UD.

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How do I apply to the theology and religious studies program?

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

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What is the tuition cost and is financial aid available?

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.

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Degree Requirements and Curriculum

Theology and Religious Studies (B.A.) Degree Requirements and Information
Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts, Theology and Religious Studies degree requires a total of at least 120 credit hours. This degree also includes requirements from our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP).

About the Degree

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

Transfer and Exam Credits
Bachelor's Plus Master's Program
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2026-27 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations and your personal goals and interests. Please contact the recruitment and admission team (prospective students) or your holistic advisor (current students) with questions.

Semester 1
  • ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
    1
  • First Year CORE Program
    4
  • CAP Mathematics
    3
  • REL Elective (200-level)
    3
  • Language 101
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 14
Semester 2
  • CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
    3
  • CAP Social Science
    3
  • CAP Natural Science with Lab
    4
  • REL Elective (200-level)
    3
  • Language 141
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 3
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • REL 399 – Readings in Religious Studies
    1
  • REL Major Course
    3
  • B.A. Humanities (other than REL)
    3
  • Language 201 or Contextual
    3
  • CAP Arts
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 4
  • REL Major Course
    3
  • CAP Interdisciplinary Investigations
    3
  • CAP Advanced Historical Studies
    3
  • B.A. Natural Science or B.A. Math
    3
  • B.A. Social Science
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 5
  • REL 399 – Readings in Religious Studies
    1
  • REL Major Courses
    6
  • CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies/Practical Ethical Action
    3
  • B.A. Interdisciplinary Programs
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 6
  • REL 399 – Readings in Religious Studies
    1
  • REL Elective
    3
  • B.A. Arts
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • General Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 7
  • REL 490 – Capstone Seminar
    3
  • CAP Diversity and Social Justice
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • General Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 8
  • REL Elective (400-level)
    3
  • General Electives
    9
  • Total Credit Hours 12
* REL major course requires selection from four different topic areas among the following: scripture, church history, systematic theology, ethics, world religions or religion and culture. One of the REL major courses must also fulfill CAP Advanced Religious Studies/Faith Traditions requirements.

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Bachelor's Plus Master's Program
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Accelerated Degree Options

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.

Additional Accelerated Programs Information
Transfer and Exam Credits
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Transfer and Exam Credits

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Transfer and Exam Credits

Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our College of Arts and Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.

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Fast Facts

$61,279 average

starting salary for recent UD graduates across all majors

97% success rate

after graduation across all majors

Beyond the Classroom: The UD Theology and Religious Studies Experience

A Career in Religious Education

Our collaborative program with the School of Education and Health Sciences and the Forum for Young Catechetical Leaders allows students to gain certification for careers in religious education, youth ministry and more.

Learn More About the Certification

Engaging in Research

Our students engage with faculty and students from other disciplines across the University to further their understanding of how the religious experience affects society as a whole. Please enjoy this example of recent student research.

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Marian Library

UD students have access to the Marian Library, which recognized both nationally and internationally as a center for scholarship on the Blessed Virgin Mary. It serves the research needs of the faculty and students, as well as visitors worldwide.

Explore the Marian Library

Bachelor’s Plus Master’s Program

The BPM degree option allows undergraduate students majoring in religious studies and theology to obtain both a bachelor of arts and a master of arts in five years.

Learn More About BPM
Walk. Run. Fly. Soar.

Success is a Journey

At the University of Dayton, you'll have a supportive community dedicated to fueling your success. Through guaranteed, real-world experience, you'll build the skills and confidence needed to be workforce ready.

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Ready to Study Theology and Religious Studies?

Let’s explore the possibilities. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.

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