Major
Majors in theology enjoy great freedom in developing their own course of study. In community with some two hundred fellow majors and a welcoming faculty of almost sixty scholars, students choose from a range of elective courses that address everything from ancient Judaism to environmental ethics to Catholic dialogue with Islam.
This diversity of offerings is built around coursework in Scripture and the Tradition: “Introduction to Old Testament,” “Introduction to New Testament,” “Christian Traditions I,” and “Christian Traditions II.” The first two of these prepare our majors to engage the texts of Scripture, and the latter two offer a survey of the central theological works of the Patristic, Medieval, and Modern periods.
Students who wish major in theology can choose between the Full Major, the Supplemental Major, and the Joint Major in Philosophy & Theology.
“If you really want to understand who you are, major in Theology.
If you want to understand history, study Theology. If you want to help people, study Theology.
You will better understand people — and therefore be a better business leader, doctor, lawyer, family member, or friend.”
— Kim Lisiak Fraleigh ’13, Director of Leadership Development, Lippert Components, Inc.
Requirements
Full Major in Theology (28 credits):
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Required Courses:
- Introduction to the Old Testament
- Introduction to the New Testament
- Christian Traditions I
- Christian Traditions II
- Proseminar (1 credit)
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Elective Courses:
- elective #1 (Theo 4xxxx)
- elective #2 (Theo 4xxxx)
- elective #3 (Theo 4xxxx)
- elective #4 (Theo 4xxxx)
- elective #5 (Theo 2xxxx or higher)
- The major requirements may be taken in any order.
- Two electives may be satisfied by an ancient language class (Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Syriac, etc.)
Supplemental Major in Theology (19 credits):
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Required Courses:
- Introduction to the Old Testament OR Introduction to the New Testament
- Christian Traditions I
- Christian Traditions II
- Proseminar (1 credit)
-
Elective Courses:
- elective #1 (Theo 4xxxx)
- elective #2 (Theo 4xxxx)
- elective #3 (Theo 2xxxx or higher)
- The major requirements may be taken in any order.
- Two electives may be satisfied by an ancient language class (Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Syriac, etc.)
Joint Major in Philosophy and Theology (48 credits):
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Required Courses:
- Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
- Modern Philosophy
- Formal Logic
- Introduction to the Old Testament OR Introduction to the New Testament
- Christian Traditions I
- Christian Traditions II
- Ancient Language (2 semesters)
- Philo / Theo Joint Seminar
- Senior Thesis (3 credits)
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Elective Courses:
- Two upper level electives in Philosophy
- Two upper level electives in Theology
- Two upper level electives in Philosophy, Theology, or Classical Language
- The major requirements may be taken in any order.
- The required senior thesis is completed as a 3-credit course. Students with a major GPA of 3.66 or higher are encouraged to apply to complete an honors thesis, for which an addition three credits are required.