Theology (BA)

Why Earn Your Theology Degree at USF?

Perhaps no other major at the University of Saint Francis embodies our school’s founding mission more than our ministry and theology degree programs.

As a theology major at USF, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of the Catholic intellectual tradition and its greatest thinkers. In addition, you will:

• Meet and learn from leaders of various religious practices
• Experience the diversity of worship traditions
• Learn in real-world settings through internships
• Participate in campus ministry
• Study with dedicated and enthusiastic theologians and philosophers

Plus, with a solid foundation in the liberal arts and strong communication and critical thinking skills, you’ll also leave USF well-prepared to pursue a graduate degree.

Personalize Your Theology Degree

Tailor your studies to meet your career goals by selecting one of our three theology concentrations:

Theology – this flexible concentration gives you space in your schedule to pursue a second major or multiple minors.

Pastoral Theology – this concentration focuses on ministry topics, including marriage and family,  grief and loss, interpersonal communication and catechetical methods; it also includes supervised ministry practicum experiences.

Teaching Theology – an education degree/state license is not required to become certified to teach religion. Rather, a theology degree coupled with education courses and field experiences can prepare you to teach religion at private and religious middle and high schools.

Add a Minor or Second Major

A theology background is valuable in many professions. Maximize your career potential by adding a minor or second major. Popular choices among our students include history, theology and social work.

Enrich Your Education with Electives

Broaden your understanding of faiths of all kinds, dive deep into the gospels or explore ancient texts with an array of electives, such as:

• Wisdom Literature
• Jesus: Person and Mystery
• Sin, Evil and Hope
• Philosophy of Religion

Real-World Learning: Our Mission in Action

In addition to internships and research projects, you also will have a chance to explore the world through service work and mission trips. Opportunities might include:

• See where St. Francis lived and visit the Vatican during a Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome
• Spend spring break in Kentucky volunteering with the Christian Appalachia Project
• Travel to Haiti with our Formula for Life mission trip
• Participate in activism events with Cougars for Life

Our Theology & Ministry Faculty

USF theology and ministry faculty members are expert scholars, passionate teachers and active members of the faith community. Here are a few of the professors you’ll meet:

Dr. John P. Bequette specializes in saints and early medieval texts; his most recent book is Christian Friendship: Engaging the Tradition, Transforming the Culture (Cascade Books, 2019)

Dr. Adam A.J. DeVille’s teaching and research interests include eastern Christianity in all forms, Christian-Muslim relations and ecclesiology.

Dr. T. Alexander Gilter’s work revolves around the relationship between God and creation and the human soul, as well as the dialogue between faith and reason.

Sister Jacinta Krecek, director of the ministry program, has been recognized for teaching excellence and service-learning, including her 2019 trip to Dominican Republic.

Through your general education and concentration courses, you’ll also learn from and be inspired by caring, dedicated professors from across the university.

All full-time faculty members at USF are Catholic and hold a mandatum from the local bishop: a commitment to teach in full communion with the Catholic Church.

Campus & Community Involvement

Fellowship is a big part of student life at USF. You’ll worship and celebrate your faith with fellow Cougars through a range of campus and Catholic traditions:

• Mass
• Reconciliation
• Adoration
• Praise and Worship

You can build your leadership skills as a peer minister or lend your voice or musical talent to our interfaith worship events.

The Campus Ministry building itself is always bustling with activity; it’s a place where you can study, relax, pray, have lunch or even shoot a game of pool with friends.

I’ve changed a lot since coming to USF, especially in my faith life. I feel that with the support of Campus Ministry, my faith has skyrocketed. I feel surrounded by the Catholic faith and it’s helped me so, so much.

Alaina Ganser ’23

What You Can Do With a Theology Degree

The theology major prepares you for a range of positions in faith-based and secular organizations, such as:

• Religion teacher
• Pastor
• Minister
• Youth director
• Chaplain
• College ministry
• Priest
• Deacon
• Canon lawyer
• Counselor
• Social worker
• Missionary
• Religion writer

Your bachelor’s degree can also be a stepping stone toward seminary or a Ph.D. program — and a career as a religious studies or theology professor.

Where You’ll Find Our Graduates

USF students follow their calling to a variety of positions and places, such as:

• Director of Advocacy and Education, Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support
• Associate Director of Communications, Office of Campus Ministry at University of Notre Dame
• Victim’s Services Case Manager, Catholic Charities
• Development Director, The Pines Catholic Camp
• Marketing Coordinator, John 23rd Retreat Center
• Campus Minister, DePaul Cristo Rey High School
• Director of Religious Education, St. Aloysius Catholic Church
• Faith Formation Counselor, Catholic Community of Saints Peter and Paul
• Youth Ministry Coordinator, St. Charles Borromeo
• Spiritual Care Coordinator, Heartland Hospice
• Staff Writer, Today’s Catholic

Graduate School & Other Opportunities

USF alumni have been accepted to programs such as:

• Byzantine Catholic Seminary
• Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Master’s of Divinity in Theology & Religious Vocations
• University of Notre Dame, Master’s in Nonprofit Administration
• University of Saint Francis, Master’s of Arts in Theological Studies
• University of St. Thomas, Master’s in Theology

At USF, I found a community of Catholic students that care about what they believe in and are passionate about walking the journey of faith together. I encountered an academic and ministry staff that cares about me holistically – mind, body, and spirit – and desires to facilitate both my academic and spiritual formation. Because of USF’s Catholic identity, I flourish in a way that I would not be able to at most other schools!

Natalie Lindquist ’22