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Major & Minors

Every person desires to know God and to know all things in light of God. As St. Augustine writes, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” 

The study of theology at Notre Dame works toward this end by thoughtfully engaging all that is opened to us in divine revelation and by thinking with the great authors of past three millennia.

Our community of majors and minors study the books of Scripture and the central works of the Tradition. Together with a diverse and talented faculty, students carry forward the task of “faith seeking understanding” in elective courses and in their research. 

In all of this, our students grow to become critical thinkers, excellent writers, and more well-formed men and women. 

Learning Goals

We have designed our theology program with certain goals that we hope, when met, will leave you better prepared to enter the world and pursue your own objectives. Listed below are a series of cognitive, behavorial, and affective goals we have for each and every student in our program.

Over the course of the Theology program, students will: 

Knowledge (Cognitive) 

1. Have an understanding of what theology is as a tradition of the Church and as a discipline in the liberal arts
2. Demonstrate understanding of fundamental theological themes and vocabulary based in Sacred Scripture and in Christian traditions
3. Exhibit familiarity with one or more of the theological methodologies appropriate to the sub-disciplines represented in the department

Skills (Behavioral)

1. Employ critical theological thinking skills (e.g., analysis, synthesis, evaluation)
2. Become precise, articulate, and coherent theological writers within multiple genres
3. Develop effective and engaging oral communication about theological topics
4. Become better equipped for their future work

Dispositions/Values (Affective)

1. Recognize the significance of theological study for their life of faith
2. Give evidence of openness to ecumenical and interreligious dialogue with multiple traditions
   
   
   

“It’s really been a chance to learn and grow in my faith and to also be challenged by it."
— Jenna Ahn, Theology Major

The courses are fascinating. They allow you to dive into a wide range of topics from scripture to world religions to sacramental theology. You learn to think and write about the most important questions.

Sofia Carozza, Dual Major in Theology and Neuroscience & Behavior