Religious & Theological Studies / Bachelor of Arts
Program: BA-THEO-4
Total Credit Hours: 120
Major Credit Hours: 38-41
The Religious & Theological Studies 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 Religious & Theological Studies examine both historical and contemporary points of view. Topics may include: Scripture, the development of Christian perspectives, Catholic intellectual tradition, the function of sacraments and liturgy history and practices of diverse religious traditions, interreligious and interfaith interactions, or other timely topics.
Religious & Theological Studies Majors in the Pastoral Ministry concentration should take THEO 10600 Introduction to Christian Theology, the preferred foundation course. Religious & Theological Studies Majors in the Religious Studies concentration should take THEO 10000 Search for Faith.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| THEO 10000 | Search for Faith | 3 |
| or THEO 10600 | Introduction to Christian Theology | |
| THEO 21400 | Introduction to Christian Ethics | 3 |
| THEO 21700 | Writing in Theology | 1 |
| THEO 31600 | A History of Christian Thought | 3 |
| THEO 31700 | Research in Theology | 1 |
| Concentration | ||
| Select one of the following: | 27-30 | |
| Advanced Writing Requirement | ||
| The advanced writing requirement of the General Education curriculum is satisfied by successful completion of: | ||
| Research in Theology | ||
| Total Hours | 38-41 | |
Majors are required to maintain a 2.3 GPA in their Religious & Theological Studies courses.
Theological Studies Concentration
Concentration: THLG
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses in Scripture Studies | ||
| THEO 22300 | Hebrew Bible | 3 |
| THEO 22500 | New Testament and Early Christian Literature | 3 |
| Concentration Courses | ||
| In consultation with their advisor, students will select 12 credit hours of Religious & Theological Studies 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 42000-Level | Special Topics 2 | 12 |
| Additional Courses for Theological Studies | ||
| THEO 41500 | Theology and Religious Studies Seminar 1 | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Students will complete 6 credits in Religious & Theological Studies coursework at the 20000-, 30000-, or 40000-level. | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 27 | |
- 1
The Capstone course should be taken in the final year of study after the completion of most other Religious & Theological Studies requirements.
- 2
THEO 42000 will be repeated 4 times, for a total of 12 credit hours.
Pastoral Ministry Concentration
Concentration: PSTR
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses in Scripture Studies | ||
| THEO 22300 | Hebrew Bible | 3 |
| THEO 22500 | New Testament and Early Christian Literature | 3 |
| Concentration Courses | ||
| In consultation with their advisor, students will select 12 credit hours of Religious & Theological Studies 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 42000-Level | Special Topics in Theology 2 | 12 |
| Additional Courses for Pastoral Ministry | ||
| THEO 30200 | Theology of Pastoral Ministry | 3 |
| THEO 40200 | Pastoral Ministry Practicum 1 | 3-6 |
| Electives | ||
| Students will complete 3 credits in Religious & Theological Studies coursework at the 20000-, 30000-, or 40000-level. | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 27-30 | |
- 1
The Capstone course, THEO 40200 Pastoral Ministry Practicum, should be taken in the final year of study after the completion of most other Religious & Theological Studies requirements.
- 2
THEO 42000 will be repeated 4 times, for a total of 12 credit hours.
Religious Studies Concentration
Concentration: RLST
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses in Scripture Studies | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Hebrew Bible | ||
| New Testament and Early Christian Literature | ||
| The Qur'an and the Bible | ||
| Concentration Courses | ||
| THEO 24000 | Methods in Religious Studies | 3 |
| THEO 29800 | World Religions | 3 |
| THEO 42000-Level | Special Topics in Theology 1 | 6 |
| Additional Courses for Religious Studies | ||
| THEO 41500 | Theology and Religious Studies Seminar 2 | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Students will complete 9 additional credits in Religious & Theological Studies coursework at the 20000-, 30000-, or 40000-level. | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 27 | |
- 1
In consultation with their advisor, students will select 6 credit hours of Religious & Theological Studies 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 42000 will be repeated (at least) 2 times, for a total of (at least) 6 credit hours.
- 2
The Capstone course should be taken in the final year of study after the completion of most other Religious & Theological Studies requirements.