Undergraduate
Why theology?
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.”
Theology endeavors to know God and all things in light of God. Majoring or minoring in theology at Notre Dame allows you to ask questions most central to human existence and learn from the finest faculty in the world.
You will explore the primary texts of sacred tradition in coursework covering the different areas of theology — moral, liturgical, biblical, historical, systematic, and interreligious. In a community of supportive peers, you will be challenged to read closely, think deeply, and communicate skillfully.
Your four undergraduate years are the ideal time to reflect on existence and how you fit into the world. More than the principles of a specific faith, theology teaches you how to approach complex ideas and cross ideological boundaries. To study theology is to sharpen your mind, refine your intellectual conversations, and enrich all other academic and personal pursuits at Notre Dame.
Can I fit a theology program into my schedule?
Adding a theology program to your undergraduate education is not only edifying but accessible.
The theology department includes students from every college and major. Dozens of courses are available each semester, including several that fulfill requirements in the Core Curriculum, with no shortage of opportunities to earn credit over the summer or internationally. Plus, many theology and philosophy programs have overlapping requirements, allowing students to move easily from one course of study to another.
Programs offered
We offer the following undergraduate programs for students interested in theology:
- Major in Theology
- Supplemental major in Theology
- Joint major in Philosophy and Theology
- Minor in Theology
- Minor in Liturgical Music Ministry
- Minor in Catholic Social Tradition
What opportunities will I have while studying theology?
There are many ways for theology students to take their learning outside of the classroom. As an undergraduate, you can:
- Enroll in a research apprenticeship
- Conduct a research project
- Write a senior honors thesis
- Study, serve, intern, or research abroad
“Theology reminded me why studying itself is worthwhile. It was only in my theology courses that I found studying to be formative in and of itself, and not a means to an end.”