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Theology & Religious Studies (TRS)

Professors Emeriti: S. E. McGinn, P. K. Nietupski; Professors: E. P. Hahnenberg (Department Chair), Z. Saritoprak, J. T. Bretzke, S.J.; Associate Professor: K. Tobey, N. Bickart (Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Chair in Jewish Studies)

John Carroll University considers the study of theology and religion an integral part of a liberal education. As a Jesuit and Catholic university, John Carroll provides the opportunity for students to choose courses designed to give them an understanding of the religious dimensions of the human experience commensurate with their other learning. The University Core requirement in theology and religious studies (TRS) is satisfied by two appropriately designated 3-credit TRS courses, at least one of which must be taken at the 300 level.

TRS courses at the 100, 200, and 300 levels are open to all students except where prerequisites are specifically stated, and may be used to fulfill requirements of the JCU Core Curriculum. Enrollment in 400-level courses typically is restricted to TRS majors, minors, and graduate students; other students with special interests may seek permission of the department chair. Course numbers indicate subject areas more than the level of difficulty of a course. 100- and 200-level courses involve broad surveys of one or more issues and topics fundamental to the field, with 100-level courses serving as introductions to the academic study of religion at the college level. 300-level courses allow students to engage in more in-depth study of one or more of the issues and topics significant to a contemporary understanding of theology and/or religious studies

The Department of Theology & Religious Studies offers a major and minor. The major in Theology and Religious Studies may serve as partial fulfillment of the requirement for the certification of elementary and high school teachers of religion in the Diocese of Cleveland.

The department also collaborates with the Borromeo Seminary Institute (BSI) in offering undergraduate theology courses for pre-seminarians and other interested undergraduates. For details, see BSI program.

The Department of Theology & Religious Studies offers graduate courses in biblical studies, historical theology, moral theology, sociology of religion, systematic theology, world religions, and spirituality, leading to the Master of Arts degree. The department also hosts three certificate programs: a Certificate in Theological Education (CTE), the Certificate in Ecclesial Ministry (CEM), and the certificate in Ignatian spiritual direction, the latter offered through the Ignatian Spirituality Institute (ISI). The Master of Arts program meets the educational requirements of those interested in continued academic study; the Master of Arts and the certificate programs address the needs of those interested in religious education, ministry, and other professional careers related to theology and religion. For more information, visit the TRS website.

TRS Endowed Programs

The TRS department is privileged to host four endowed programs that support curricular efforts and related programming in particular areas of theology and religious studies, as well as efforts in interreligious engagement. For information on these programs, please consult the respective websites.

  • The Walter and Mary Tuohy Chair in Interreligious Studies 

  • The Bediüzzaman Said Nursi Chair in Islamic Studies

  • The Jack and Mary Jane Breen Chair in Catholic Systematic Theology

  • The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Chair in Jewish Studies

TRS Certificate Programs

The TRS department sponsors three post-baccalaureate certificate programs that can be pursued independently or in conjunction with the TRS Master of Arts degree program.

  • The Certificate in Ecclesial Ministry (CEM) meets the intellectual formation components necessary to become a Certified Lay Ecclesial Minister in the Diocese of Cleveland.

  • The Certificate in Theological Education (CTE) is designed for teachers (or those intending to become teachers) in Catholic secondary schools.

  • The Ignatian Spirituality Institute (ISI) certificate program prepares people  to become spiritual directors in the tradition of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola.

Five-Year Integrated B.A./M.A. Program

The five-year integrated B.A./M.A. program in Theology & Religious Studies is designed for undergraduate Theology and Religious Studies majors who wish to earn the master’s degree with an additional year of study beyond the baccalaureate degree. Undergraduate students majoring in Theology & Religious Studies may apply for admission to the M.A. program in their junior year. Once accepted, they may begin taking graduate courses in order to complete the M.A. in their fifth year. The master’s degree is a 30-credit-hour program. Normally students will complete 6 graduate credits by the end of senior year, 6 credits in the summer between their fourth and fifth years, and 18 credits between the fall and spring of the fifth year. More information about this program is available on the department website.