Theological Studies, B.A.

Saint Louis University's Department of Theological Studies trains students in a variety of sources and methods to help them evaluate and appreciate the most vital aspects of religious experience and thought. The SLU department enters into this investigation from an academic perspective to help students clarify their own understanding.

The Catholic tradition is central to the work of the department, but Catholicism is studied in the context of the whole Christian tradition and in relationship to all of the world’s religious traditions.

Additional program highlights include:

• The SLU theology program allows students to explore major questions about life and God while studying with top scholars in the field.
• Students explore deep, theological issues in a welcoming environment that is both rooted in the Catholic tradition and open to all viewpoints.
• Students develop writing, research and critical thinking skills in preparation for graduate study and careers in various disciplines such as theology, law, social work, philosophy and many others.

Curriculum Overview

SLU's major in theological studies consists of 33 credits. Students are required to take the Theological Foundations course, one World Religions course, one Teachings in the Christian Tradition course, four electives, one capstone seminar and at least one course in the following areas:

• Sacred Texts
• Religious Traditions
• Religious Ethics

The introductory course, Theological Foundations, introduces students to the God of revelation within the Judeo-Christian tradition and understanding its implications for living a human life, respecting creation, and pursuing beauty and truth. This is done within an ecumenical and global context, examining other world religions and social realities. Subsequent courses focus on an aspect of Christian or other religious traditions, and address social and moral issues.

Following the introductory Theological Foundations course, the department offers undergraduate courses in the 2000–4000 level in Scripture, both Hebrew and Christian; the history of Christianity from its origins through today; constructive theology, which examines central themes and pressing issues in Christianity; theological ethics, which studies diverse Christian practices; world religions/comparative theology, which explores non-Christian faiths by either comparing or contrasting them with Christianity (e.g., Islam and Christianity) or by studying them individually (e.g., world religions); and spirituality, which examines the various expressions of Christian discipleship (e.g., Ignatian spirituality).

The capstone THEO 4960 Capstone Seminar I (3 cr) challenges students to explore methodologies used by contemporary scholars of theology and religion.

Research-Intensive Option

Qualified students take THEO 3430 Teachings in the Christian Tradition: God and Christ (3 cr) and THEO 3435 Teachings in the Christian Tradition: Church and World (3 cr). They are also required to complete THEO 4960 and, subsequently, THEO 4998 Advanced Independent Study (3 cr), which requires the completion of a senior thesis. These changes reduce the number of major electives from 12 to six credits for students in this option only.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

The Theology Club at Saint Louis University provides an opportunity for students and faculty to come together in an informal social setting. The club holds regular discussions, sponsors lectures and organizes participation in conferences nationwide. The department publishes a monthly newsletter, the Ignatian Herald, which keeps interested students informed about campus events. The department also sponsors regular lectures in which world-class scholars share their ongoing research with faculty, students and the wider University community.

Faculty members and academic advisors/mentors assist students in finding internships in the St. Louis area or in their hometowns that will utilize the knowledge obtained from the theology curriculum and enhance students’ skill sets.

Careers

Those who wish to remain in the field of theology after graduation may teach on the elementary and secondary levels or serve as religious education coordinators in a parish and pastoral associates in schools or parishes. Many students see the theology major as good preparation for graduate studies. Graduate studies in theology prepare students for various careers in ministry, teaching at the college or university level and entering many other professions. Some students choose to complete a double major to diversify their employment opportunities. Studies in theology enhance careers in journalism, social work, medicine, law or politics.

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED or HiSET.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• All academic records must include an English translation. An official course-by-course transcript evaluation may be required and accepted.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

1. Graduates will be able to explain how Christian theology, including the Catholic tradition, engages ultimate questions about the nature of faith; the nature, existence and personhood of God; the nature and ends of creation and human life; and evil (in ourselves and in the world) and salvation.
2. Graduates will be able to describe how key historical texts, figures, and episodes have contributed to major doctrines of Christian theology.
3. Graduates will be able to analyze entanglements of global movements and personal identities with religions, cultures and interreligious relations in the past and present.
4. Graduates will be able to apply concepts, including those from the study of ethics, sacred texts and religious traditions, to the question of the significance of theological and religious study for living a life of “faith that does justice.”
5. Graduates will be able to explain the impact of theories, methods and/or historiographies on academic theology and/or study of religion.
6. Graduates on the research-intensive track will be able to produce an original piece of research appropriate for the academic study of theology and/or religion.

Theological studies students must complete a minimum total of 33 credits for the major. Overall requirements are as follows:

• A single course cannot be used to fill more than one requirement. 
• At least 15 credits must be taken at the 3000-level or higher theology courses.

Sacred Texts (ST) Courses

Examples of courses with the Theology-Sacred Texts attribute:

Religious Traditions (RT) Courses

Examples of courses with the Theology-Religious Traditions attribute:

Religious Ethics (RE) Courses

Examples of courses with the Theology-Religious Ethics attribute:

Continuation Standards

A student must maintain a 2.00 grade point average (GPA) in Theology major coursework.  

Graduation Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses numbered below 1000).
• Complete the University Undergraduate Core curriculum requirements.
• Complete major requirements: minimum of 30 credits required.
• Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate or electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
• Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s), and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate or related elective credits.
• Complete department- and program-specific academic and performance requirements.
• Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
• Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
• Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Note: SLU-Madrid and SLU-St. Louis program requirements vary slightly by campus.

Students can complete all or part of the B.A. in theological studies at SLU-Madrid.

Learn More

For additional information about this program, please contact theology@slu.edu or call 314-977-2881.