A meaningful experience for a meaningful existence.
Develop vocational skills. Deepen your faith. Explore life’s big questions. Whether you are called to attend seminary, wish to teach religion or want to pursue a career with a religious or humanitarian organization, a theology degree will prepare you to serve God, the church and the world.
Studying theology is also preparation for a meaningful life, no matter your intended career path. Nationwide, theology majors are consistently among the top achievers on graduate school entrance exams, and they are often among the most versatile creators, artists, philosophers and scientists.
Expected growth in demand for religious workers (BLS, 2019)
Average median salary for religious workers in Indiana (BLS, 2019)
of 2020 graduates were employed or advancing their education within six months
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:
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.
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.
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.
Broaden your understanding of faiths of all kinds, dive deep into the gospels or explore ancient texts with an array of electives, such as:
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:
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.
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:
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
The theology major prepares you for a range of positions in faith-based and secular organizations, such as:
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.
USF students follow their calling to a variety of positions and places, such as:
USF alumni have been accepted to programs such as:
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
Your first step to becoming a USF Cougar is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.
Apply NowWhether you know what you want to see, who you want to meet or are just exploring your options, we will personalize your campus visit to fit your needs.
Visit USFAn academic plan is a general blueprint showing how one might complete the degree, semester by semester. Get an idea on what each semester could look like.