Theology (BA)

Why Study Theology?

The study of theology is essential to the humanizing and liberating objective of a Catholic education. By virtue of its subject matter (God) and methodology (reflection on Divine Revelation), theology promotes the essential dialogue between faith and reason, thereby offering students a unique perspective that is not found in other academic disciplines or forms of intellectual discourse.

The study of theology reflects the University’s mission of forming the “whole person by providing an encounter with the heart and mind of Jesus Christ so that God, who is Love, may be loved.” It is core to our commitment to students for “personal and professional lives of virtue, service, and joy.”

Why Major in Theology at Saint Francis?

Perhaps no other major at Saint Francis embodies our school’s founding mission more than Theology. At its core, theology is the act of “faith seeking understanding” (Saint Anselm of Canterbury).

As a Theology major at Saint Francis, you will actively seek a deeper understanding of God by asking and attempting to answer big-picture questions regarding the origin, meaning, and final destiny of the world. In addition, you will:

• Be immersed within the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and learn from its greatest thinkers
• Encounter the heart and mind of Jesus
• Learn from nationally and internationally recognized theologians who are committed to teaching in full communion with the Catholic Church
• Join a community of Theology majors who engage in intellectual dialogue, friendship, and faith practice

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

Study Abroad in Italy

Theology in Rome and Assisi (THEO 200) is an immersive and experiential class designed for Saint Francis students to earn three credits and fulfill a required course by traveling for one week in Rome and Assisi, Italy. Students visit the Vatican, St. Peter’s Square and Bascilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Bascilicas of Saint Francis and Saint Clare and other sites, and learn about their historical, theological and cultural significance.

Study Abroad in Greece

Theology in Greece (THEO 201) offers students three credits while fulfilling a required course by traveling for one week in  Greece. Students walk in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul and visit historical, cultural and religious sites such as the Agora, the Acropolis, Mars Hill, Theatre of Dionysus, National Archaelogical Museum, Temple of Poseidon, Monastery of St. Paul, Plato’s Academy, and Aristotle’s Lyceum in Athens; Bema, Acrocorinth, and Apostolos Pavlos Church in Corinth; Acropolis of Mycenae, the Oracle of Delphi and more.

See our Study Abroad Instagram page and enjoy students’ foreign adventures.

Assisi Program for Discipleship and Leadership

The Assisi Program for Discipleship and Leadership is a four-year formation program that prepares students to celebrate their Catholic faith in their lives and careers. Through formation in five pillars of Christian life—prayer, service, fellowship, study and mission—students prepare to go forth in their lives as joyful disciples of Christ.

Each year, 10 first-year students are selected. Participants receive a $6,000 stackable Room and Board scholarship each year and complete an 18-credit minor in Catholic Leadership Studies. Learn more about the Assisi Program and see how to apply.

Meet Our Theology Faculty

Saint Francis theology faculty are leading scholars, passionate teachers, and active members of the Catholic faith community. Here are the professors you’ll meet:

Dr. John P. Bequette specializes in pre-scholastic medieval theology, Christian humanism, Christian-Jewish relations, and Christian spirituality.

Dr. Vincent Birch specializes in fundamental theology, Christology, theological anthropology, and sacramental theology. Much of his work draws inspiration from the Thomistic tradition and semiotic theory.

Dr. Robert Koerpel specializes in theological anthropology, metaphysics and epistemology, and fundamental moral theology.

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.