Religious Studies
Bachelor of Arts in 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.
This is a 36-semester-hour program. Students take the following courses:
- an introductory course (REL 103/ASI 110)
- four electives in topic areas, choosing from church history, ethics, religion and culture, scripture, systematic theology, and world religions;
- five open elective courses;
- one capstone course (REL 490); and
- three one-semester-hour readings courses (REL 399).
Core Program
Incoming Religious Studies and Theology majors are automatically enrolled in Core, an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum that fulfills many of the University's Common Academic Program requirements. Through this program students live and learn together in community as they explore the theme "Human Values in a Pluralistic Culture."
Program Outcomes
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; and
- develop the thinking and communication skills that are fundamental in all the humanities.