Undergraduate Programs
Why Major in Theology?
When the former British prime minister Tony Blair was asked what effect his embrace of Christian faith at the University of Oxford had on him, he commented simply, “I began to make sense of the world.” A major in Theology at Notre Dame will challenge you to do just that.
Inspired by St. Anselm’s description of the theology as “Faith Seeking Understanding,” our majors encounter head-on the great questions of life: Where is the God of justice? What is truth? Who do you say I am? Why did God become a human? What must I do to inherit eternal life?
Yet majors in theology are challenged to do still more. They are challenged to think of their life journey not only in terms of how they might best be served by careers, but also how they might best serve others. Whether they go on to careers in law, medicine, business, journalism, education, ministry, government, or any other field, theology majors do so with an experience of intellectual and spiritual illumination that is absolutely unique.
Our majors also benefit from working closely with faculty in one of the premiere Catholic Departments of Theology in the world. Theology majors who study Theology at Notre Dame have majored in a field for which Notre Dame is renowned and will study with the best of the best. In addition, our majors may have the opportunity to visit the Holy Land at the Tantur Ecumenical Institute of Theology in Jerusalem, where the department regularly hosts courses and a pilgrimage during fall and spring break.
When Father Edward Sorin, C.S.C., envisioned the school that would be built next to two remote lakes in Indiana, he commented, “This college will be one of the most powerful means of doing good in the country.” This faith in the great potential of the school that would be called Notre Dame emerged from his belief in a Catholic education. Theology majors at Notre Dame, having experienced the fullness of a Catholic education, are indeed powerful forces for good in this country, and in the world.
You are the light of the world. A city on a hilltop cannot be hidden.
—Matthew 5:14
Questions?
If you have questions about our undergraduate programs, contact Director of Undergraduate Studies Gabriel Said Reynolds at 574-631-5138 or reynolds@nd.edu, or contact Undergraduate Program Assistant Lauren Fox at 574-631-5732 or lfox3@nd.edu.