Program Overview

Theology Program at Xavier University

The Theology Major at Xavier University is a 120-credit hour program that offers students a rich academic and engaged atmosphere in the Ignatian tradition, where they pursue personal enrichment and the grounding for a variety of Christian vocations, career options, or future doctoral work. Theology is the study both of the human experience of God and of the transmission of that experience through religious traditions, doctrines, ethics, and rituals. It is essentially a dialogue between religious traditions and human experience.

Program Overview

The program is designed to help students develop a deep understanding of faith-based traditions, engage with diverse religious perspectives, and apply theological thought to contemporary issues. Students will participate in service-learning projects and volunteer work, putting faith into action and making a difference in their community.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes a variety of courses, such as:

• English 101: English Composition
• Core 101: GOA Co-Curriculum Program I
• First Year Seminar
• Second Language I
• General Elective
• Theology 111: Theological Foundations
• Core 102: GOA Co-Curriculum Program II
• Historical Perspectives
• Second Language II
• Theology 209: Exploring Christian Past I
• Theology Elective
• Philosophy 100: Ethics as Intro to Philosophy
• Mathematical Perspectives
• Creative Perspectives
• Theology 210: Exploring the Christian Past II
• Theology Elective
• Philosophical Perspectives
• Scientific Perspectives
• General Elective
• Theology 303: Christian Ethics
• Theology 295: Map to Theological Diversity
• English 205: Literature and Moral Imagination
• Natural Sciences Elective
• Oral Communications Flag
• Theology Elective
• Theology Elective
• Diversity Core Requirement Flag
• Social Sciences Elective
• Humanities Elective
• Theology 490: Senior Project
• Theology Elective
• E/RS Flag
• Writing Intensive Flag
• Quantitative Reasoning Flag
• General Elective

Outcomes

98% of undergraduate Xavier students, including those in the theology major, are working, volunteering, or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2023).

Career Opportunities

Theology majors can pursue a variety of careers, including:

• Religious Positions:
  • Clergy: Pastors, priests, rabbis, imams, etc.
  • Religious Educator: Teaching religion in schools or seminaries.
  • Chaplain: Providing spiritual care in hospitals, prisons, or the military.
  • Missionary: Working to spread religious beliefs and practices.
  • Youth Minister: Working with young people in religious organizations.
• Non-Religious Positions:
  • Teacher: Teaching religious studies, history, philosophy, or other humanities subjects.
  • Counselor: Providing counseling services, often incorporating spiritual perspectives.
  • Social Worker: Working with marginalized communities, often with a focus on faith-based organizations.
  • Nonprofit Worker: Working for organizations that promote social justice or humanitarian causes.
  • Writer or Editor: Writing for religious publications, newspapers, or magazines.
  • Librarian: Working in academic or public libraries, specializing in religious studies.
  • Law or Public Policy: Pursuing careers in law, government, or public policy, where their understanding of ethics and philosophy can be valuable.
  • Business or Management: Working in corporate settings, leveraging their strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Sample Courses

• Exploring the Christian Past I (THEO 209)
• Intro to Christian Scriptures (THEO 328)
• Map to Theological Diversity (THEO 295)
• Christian Ethics (THEO 303)

Clubs

• Alternative Breaks
• Coalition for Christian Outreach
• Life After Sunday
• Muslim Student Association

Related Programs

• Related Majors:
  • BA in Philosophy
  • BA in History
  • BS in Psychology
• Related Minors:
  • Religious Education
  • Spirituality and Solidarity
  • Health, Ethics, and Spirituality
  • Peace and Justice Studies
  • Jewish Studies
• Related Graduate Programs:
  • Institute for Spirituality and Social Justice

Program Features

• Engage diverse faiths
• Campus ministry
• Theology concentrations
• Earn your Master’s in 5 years
• Education for the greater good
• Study Abroad
• Xavier Expeditions

FAQ

• What career opportunities do theology majors have after graduation? Theology majors can pursue a variety of careers, including religious positions, teaching, counseling, social work, nonprofit work, writing, librarianship, law, public policy, business, and management.
• Does the BA in Theology allow room for a double major? Yes, with careful planning and guidance, students can pair a theology major with another field of study.
• Does Xavier offer an honors program for theology majors? Yes, the University Scholars Honors Program offers theology majors a more challenging curriculum within their chosen major, alongside close support from professors.