Theology Why major in Theology? 1. By majoring in theology, you demonstrate to employers and others that you are a person who is unafraid to ask the big questions.
2. By majoring in theology, you develop the specific skills in critical reading and research, analysis of complex ideas and communication that employers value and seek.
3. By majoring in theology, you gain respect from employers who will appreciate your ability to understand and bridge cultural and religious differences in our global society.
Program Objectives Theology, defined as “faith seeking understanding” (St. Anselm), studies the human experience of God, the traditions and doctrines that transmit it, and the rituals that express it. Theology allows for greater understanding of one’s personal beliefs and relationship with God, and fosters understanding across religious boundaries. While accenting the Catholic tradition, our inquiries include other Christian and religious traditions. As a Catholic and Jesuit university, we recognize that the continuing synthesis of a Christian perspective with other forms of human knowledge is conducive to wisdom, and that the truth discovered through human reason ultimately does not conflict with the truth of faith.
Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know truth — in a word, to know Himself — so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth about themselves. — Pope John Paul II (Fides et Ratio)
Career Opportunities
Research Opportunities
Graduates in theology hold positions such as:
Students graduating with a degree in theology from Saint Peter’s have gone on for advanced degrees at such institutions as Yale, Columbia, and the University of Chicago. Sample areas for graduate study or professional careers include:
Attorney • Magistrate • Campus Minister • Computer Educator • Director of Religious Education • Hospital Chaplain • Social Worker • Human Resources Specialist • International Business Executive • Provost • Journalist • Activist • Lay Minister • Liturgy Director • Medical Doctor • Medical Technician • Musician • Actor • Novelist • Pastor • Pastoral Associate • Retreat and Spiritual Director • Risk Assessment Specialist • Youth Minister • Teacher • Theologian
Career and Professional Resources The American Academy of Religion is the central national resource for career trends and resources (www.aarweb.org/employment-services).
For course descriptions and additional information visit
www.saintpeters.edu/academics 11/21
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Systematic and Philosophical Theology: Study the work of a particular theologian, theological topic, religion or denomination
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Pastoral theology: Evaluate and implement pastoral applications
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Liturgical and Ritual Theology: Analyze principles and practice of worship
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Archaeology or Museum Curatorship: Specialize in historical, cultural, religious investigations and preservation
Theology Who You Will Learn From: Theology Faculty Maria Calisi, Associate Professor and Chairperson Ph.D., Fordham University Systematic Theology, Feminist Theology, St. Bonaventure Chris Durante, Assistant Professor Ph.D., McGill University Moral & Political Theology, Bioethics, Comparative Religious Ethics Susan L. Graham, Associate Professor Ph.D., University of Notre Dame Early and Medieval Christianity, Biblical Studies, Jewish-Christian Relations Edmund W. Majewski, S.J., Associate Professor S.T.D., Gregorian University (Rome) Systematic Theology, St. Augustine
Theta Alpha Kappa Since 1979, the Theology Department has been home to the Alpha Iota Chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa, the National Honor Society for Religious Studies and Theology.
Theology Major Requirements In addition to core curriculum requirements, theology majors must complete the following courses (30 credits): TH 300 Methods and Sources of Theology TH 301 Modern Christian Community: The Church TH 320 Survey of the Old Testament TH 330 Survey of the New Testament TH 350 Who is Jesus Christ? Theology Electives (5 courses, 15 credits) at the 300- or 400-level Requirements for Minors Theology minors must complete core curriculum and their major requirements, plus 4 courses (12 credits) from 300or 400-level theology electives. A Sampling of Electives The Christian Challenge of Luke-Acts Christian Medical Ethics The Christian Sacraments Christian Spirituality Jerusalem from King David to Caliph ‘Umar On Death and Dying Paul’s Gospel for the Nations Saint Augustine and the Confessions Theology and Classic American Films Theology of Grace The Zen Spirit
For course descriptions and additional information visit
www.saintpeters.edu/academics