Theology & Religious Studies, B.A.

Program Learning Goals

Students will:

1. Critically analyze the religious dimensions of human experience as expressed in sacred texts, art, ritual practice, ethical commitments, philosophy/theology, and social structures.

2. Appreciate how religious or ethical traditions provide resources for responding to injustice and living ethically.

Major Requirements

The TRS Major consists of 36 credit hours, half of which must be at the 300 or 400 level. Courses are to be distributed as follows:

Area Requirements (15 credits)

At least one 3-credit course from each of the following areas:

1. Sacred Texts (105, 200–209, 300–309, 400–409)

2. Religion in History & Society (120-129, 220–229, 320–329, 420–429)

3. Catholic Theology (130-139, 230–239, 330–339, 430–439)

4. Non-Catholic Religions (210-219, 240-259, 310-319, 340-359, 410-419, 440-459)

5. Religious Ethics (160-169, 260–269, 360–369, 460–469)

Five Electives (15 credits)

Advanced Writing/Oral Presentation (3 credits)

Senior Seminar Capstone (3 credits)

Total Credit Hours: 36

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

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