Degree Plan

Major Requirements: 
The Bachelor of Arts in Religious and Theological Studies requires 30 hours of major courses. The curriculum introduces students to key facets of the study of religion and theology and our signature courses emphasize clarifying one’s values, experiential learning, and career readiness.

A few examples of courses students in this major take:             

• Global Religions – Understand how religion impacts beliefs and cultural practices by studying the religions of those right here in Austin and around the globe.
• History of Christian Theology – From the end of the first century to the fifth century, study the development of Christian Theology and dive into the controversies over the nature of God, the divinity of Christ and the structure of the Church and its teachings.  

Skills You Will Gain

Upon completing the Religious and Theological Studies program, you’ll be ready to:

• Conduct thorough research
• Critically think and interpret complex texts
• Construct a reasoned argument
• Understand different perspectives
   

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Religious and Theological Studies webpage.

Degree Plan

Major Requirements: 
The BA in Photography and Media Arts requires 51 hours of major courses, which include a combination of visual studies and photography coursework.

Electives: 
Students complete 6 hours of elective courses in photography, focusing on a range of different topics. Past topics include: Installation Strategies, Documentary Photography, Digital Darkroom, Alternative Processes and Photographic Book Design.

General Education Requirements: 
The degree requires 42–57 hours of general education courses that students complete over four years in addition to their major courses and electives. There is ample opportunity to minor in other areas in addition to the major and general education courses.

View and download the full degree plan for the Photography and Media Arts (PDF) major.

A few examples of courses students in this major take:          

• Intermediate Digital Imaging: Students build visual solutions while learning and working with techniques such as panoramic imagery, large-scale composite image prints, image post-production and handmade books.
• Large Camera – This course in black-and-white photography focuses on the use of the view camera, view camera optics, metering techniques and basic Zone System techniques.
• Studio and Location Projects – This course introduces students to the professional use of the studio, studio lighting and studio production techniques.
• Video – This course is an introduction to the theory and technical aspects of video production with an emphasis on the aesthetic and communicative potential of the medium.

For more details and course descriptions, view and download the Undergraduate Course Bulletin (PDF).

Skills You Will Gain

Upon completing the Photography and Media Arts program, you’ll be ready to …

• Cultivate your ability to think and create while mastering contemporary digital imaging technologies.
• Shoot and process black and white film.
• Gain experience in the creation of video/film narratives.
• Create silver gelatine prints.
• Break new ground with contemporary digital technologies.
• Think outside of the box through electives like Documentary Photography, Photographic Book Design and other approaches to the media arts. 
• Photograph and perform professional quality, post-production techniques and DAM (digital asset management) of your work. 

Experiential Learning

Every Photography and Media Arts student completes a semester-long internship class. Students have worked with professional commercial photographers, media production houses, a national network affiliate TV station, the Austin History Center, and a documentary film producer. They have also interned with well-known exhibition venues including those specializing in work by women artists and Latino/indigenous artists of color. Internships are conducted both locally and outside of Austin.

Advanced Facilities

Students majoring in Photography and Media Arts study leading digital imaging practices and learn traditional darkroom and (analog) film-based camera skills. Many photography programs across the U.S. have scaled back or eliminated their wet process facilities. St. Edward’s maintains a fully-equipped photo lab that allows students to print 35mm to 4x5 inch film. Students also gain experience in the creation of video/film narratives. 

Photo Lab

In addition to the digital capture/scanning and large format printing facilities you should expect at any top-line university program, we provide darkroom facilities for film processing, printing and alternative processes. Large-format cameras and lenses; studio and location strobe equipment; portable flashes, tripods, and light meters; and other equipment are available for students to check out at no charge. 

Studio and location skills are also taught in our professional studio facility. Digital work is completed in the Visu Printing Lab equipped with scanners and large format printers dedicated to the Visual Studies Department.

Art Gallery

The Department of Visual Studies Fine Arts Gallery is a teaching space featuring rotating exhibitions from outside the university and exhibits by current students. Painting, printmaking, installation, video, sculpture, ceramics, design and photography are on view, depending on the season’s schedule. 

Courses can support any other academic program, and students majoring in other fields are welcome to minor in Photography and Media Arts. In addition, several courses may be taken as electives by non-majors.

Required Courses:

• Visual Studies I
• Analog Photography I
• Styles & Themes (topic varies by semester)
• Intermediate Digital Imaging
• History of Photography​

Elective Courses:

In addition, students select three elective courses in the major. Courses students can choose from include:

• Styles and Themes (repeatable when topics vary)
• Studio and Location Projects
• Topics in Photography and Media Arts

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Visual Studies webpage.

Degree Plan

Major Requirements: 
The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy requires 42 hours of Philosophy major courses comprised of a combination of history of philosophy, ethics, and logic courses, as well as History of Christian Theology I or II. In addition, students are encouraged to take other support courses such as Art History, Political Theory, Literary Criticism, etc. to narrow their focus to their chosen career.

General Education Requirements: 
The Philosophy degree requires 57 hours of general education courses that students complete over four years in addition to their major courses and electives.

A few examples of courses students in this major take:             

• History of Philosophy I – Revisits a period of almost a thousand years, beginning with the Greeks circa 600 B.C. and continuing through the transition from the classical to the medieval period.
• Philosophy of Religion – Explores the complex relations between religion and culture.
• Advanced Logic – Examines a more advanced consideration of sequential logic, first-order predicate logic, and modal logic (logic of possibility and necessity). (Pre-req: PHIL 2303)

For more details and course descriptions, view and download the Undergraduate Course Bulletin (PDF).

Skills You Will Gain

Philosophy majors hone their ability to analyze, critique, organize and communicate with others. The life skills they develop are assets in any career:

• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Writing
• Speaking
• Communication
• Independent thinking
• Collaboration
• Flexibility
• Research

Hands-On Experiences

Philosophy majors can put their critical thinking into action through internships. Students have previously interned at Austin’s Equal Justice Center and at Mongazon école supérieure in Angers, France, helping French children improve their English. 

Philosophy majors are an eclectic bunch who are active in a wide range of projects.

• The Philosophy Club meets weekly to discuss a brief reading, movie or podcast that is relevant to a theme the members have chosen for the semester, such as feminist philosophy. As a member, you’ll discuss ideas and debate with fellow students who are interested in philosophy and history.
   
• The Food and Philosophy lecture series features well-known speakers from around the country who address current topics over lunch. Topics have included the following:
  • Genetically Engineering Our Children
  • Conscientious Refusal to Participate in Evil
  • Real Judging, Fake Judging and the Myth of Judicial Activism
     
• Hilltop Views, the weekly student newspaper, is published in print and online. Student journalists report news from the campus and the greater Austin community. You can get involved as early as your freshman year as a writer, editor, photographer or designer. 
   
• Sorin Oak Review is a literary magazine that showcases the poetry, prose and artwork of St. Edward’s University students. Working on the editorial staff is a great way to gain experience in project management and the practical details of putting together a publication. 
   
• Arete is a student-produced academic journal that publishes student-written research, nonfiction essays and commentary. Editors choose from among the dozens of submissions to create a cohesive journal that represents a variety of perspectives. 
   
• New Literati is a student-produced journal of both academic and creative work. 
   
• B. Hooved is the student humor journal, inspired by our Hilltopper goat mascot. 
   
• Phi Alpha Delta, the pre-law organization, meets weekly to listen to guest speakers, learn about the law school admission process, participate in mentorship programs, do service work and learn about internships. The club also has a mock trial team that competes in events hosted by the American Mock Trial Association and Phi Alpha Delta. The team has traveled to Washington, D.C., to compete.
   
• Campus Ministry at St. Edward’s offers programs that enhance your spiritual life, including small-group Bible studies, retreats, interfaith events and programs that support social justice advocacy. The department also coordinates both one-day and semester-long service projects in Austin, as well as Service Break Experiences in other states or countries. Through SBEs, you’ll travel to another community, volunteer and learn about local life while living simply (without your phone, for example). 

Philosophy is an intriguing discipline that uses logic and reason to analyze the world and ourselves. Students of philosophy bring critical and creative thinking, ethical reasoning, and uncommon wisdom to any career they choose. Here's a list of helpful resources that gives you an overview of the many benefits of majoring in philosophy.

• Study philosophy to learn how to live, to get a top LSAT and GRE score, and a great job.
• The importance of philosophy today: Don’t Dismiss the Humanities, by Nicholas Kristof, The New York Times
• John Cleese:  Why Philosophy is Nothing to Laugh About
• Philosophy's role in shaping leaders: How Philosophy Makes You a Better Leader, by David Brendel, The Harvard Business Review
• How philosophy helps in business: The Unexpected Way Philosophy Majors Are Changing the World of Business, by Carolyn Gregoire, The Huffington Post
• And don't just take it from professors on campus. The Philosophy is a Great Major website spells out all the reasons to become a lover of wisdom.
• Even the editorial page of Forbes magazine thinks majoring in philosophy is well worth it.
• And here is a poster of famous philosophers to hang on your wall — unless you’d rather just read a long list of famous philosophy majors.

Skeptical about all these claims? 
Excellent! You’re ready to be a philosophy major! And don't just take our word for it. Ask members of our faculty and staff — Professor of English (and lawyer) Drew Loewe, Professor of French (and Department Chair) Philippe Seminet, Professor of University Studies Cory Lock, and Vice President of Admission Tracy Manier — if their BA in Philosophy degrees have enhanced their life and work. They’re sure to tell you it helped them prepare for careers and more. 

Don’t hesitate to contact our faculty in the Philosophy Department for more information!

Students who wish to earn a Philosophy Minor must take the following coursework, totaling 18 hours.

Required Courses:

• Ethical Analysis
• Logic
• History of Philosophy I, II or III
• Philosophy of Religion or Theory of Knowing
• Directed Readings or Senior Seminar
• Electives

Students may choose any upper division Philosophy elective to complete their minor.

For more information about coursework, please review the Undergraduate Bulletin (PDF).

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes. The Department of Philosophy faculty has also adopted the Chicago Statement on free speech, affirming our commitment to free expression. 

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Philosophy webpage.

Major Requirements: The BA in Graphic Design requires 49 hours of graphic design major courses, which include a combination of introductory coursework, visual studies, art, and graphic design.

General Education Requirements: The Graphic Design degree requires 57 hours of general education courses that students complete over four years in addition to their major courses and electives.

View and download the full degree plan for our Graphic Design major.

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Visual Studies webpage.

Major Requirements: The BA in Global Languages and Cultural Studies is a 36-hour major requiring students to choose a primary language (18 hours beginning at 2311 or higher), a secondary language (12 hours beginning at 1311 or higher), and to complete 2 required core courses (CLLC 1310, CLLC 4330) taught in English. Languages include German, French, Spanish and Japanese. Students who test out of or place beyond beginning and intermediate levels will complete the degree with approved electives.

Electives: Students who are waived from intermediate courses through the departmental placement test or who demonstrate advanced proficiency may choose to take up to 6 hours of approved electives (in English) to reach the 36-hour major requirement.

View and download the full degree plan for our Global Languages and Cultural Studies major.

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Languages, Literature and Cultures webpage.

Major Requirements: Bachelor of Arts with a major in Ethics and Leadership requires 27 hours of major courses. 

General Education Requirements: The Ethics and Leadership degree requires 21 hours of general education courses that students complete over four years in addition to their major courses and electives. See the degree plan for the Ethics and Leadership major.

View and download the full degree plan for our Ethics and Leadership major.

Hilltop Views, the weekly student newspaper, is published both in print and online. Student journalists report news from the campus and greater Austin community. You can get involved as early as your freshman year as a writer, editor, photographer or designer.

Sorin Oak Review is a literary magazine that showcases the poetry, prose and artwork of St. Edward’s students. Working on the editorial staff is a great way to gain experience in project management and the practical details of putting together a publication.

Arete is a student-produced academic journal that publishes student-written research, nonfiction essays and commentary. Editors choose from among the dozens of submissions to create a cohesive journal that represents a variety of perspectives.

New Literati is a student-produced journal of both academic and creative work.

B. Hooved is the student humor journal, inspired by our Hilltopper goat mascot.

The Philosophy Club discusses a brief reading, movie or podcast that’s relevant to a theme the members have chosen for the semester. As a member, you’ll discuss ideas and debate with fellow students who are interested in philosophy and history.

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes. The Department of Philosophy faculty has also adopted the Chicago Statement on free speech, affirming our commitment to free expression. 

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Philosophy webpage.

Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Arts with a major in English Literature requires 42 hours of core coursework, providing a strong foundation in literary history and analysis and many elective options. Students choose additional electives from one of three specializations: General Literature, Creative Writing, and Language Arts for Teachers.

General Education Requirements: The English literature degree requires an average of 38-44 hours of general education courses that students complete over four years in addition to their major courses and electives.

View the full degree plan for our English Literature major.

See the most current Undergraduate Bulletin for the complete list of courses required and course descriptions for this major.

1. English Literature - General

Students in this specialization gain a broad foundation in American and British literature from a variety of periods, and also take literature electives that appeal to more specific interests.

Major Requirements: 42 hours of English Literature major courses are required.

View the full degree plan for the English Literature - General major (PDF).

A few examples of electives in the General specialization have included:        

• Native American Literature
• Literature of Crime and Punishment
• Science and Fiction
• "Radicals and Revolutionaries" in Literature
• Uncanny Literature
• Literature of Love

See the most current Undergraduate Bulletin for the complete list of courses required and course descriptions for this specialization.

2. English Literature with a Creative Writing Specialization

The Creative Writing specialization also offers a broad foundation in American and British literature from multiple periods, but allows students to take electives in creative writing.

Major Requirements: 42 hours of English Literature major courses, 9 hours of which are concentrated on creative writing.

View the full degree plan for English Literature with a Creative Writing Specialization (PDF).

A few examples of Creative Writing electives within the Literature major have included: 

• Poetry and Fiction workshops
• Writing for Stage and Screen
• Fantastical Fiction
• Creative Nonfiction

See the most current Undergraduate Bulletin for the complete list of courses required and course descriptions for this specialization.

3. English Literature with a Language Arts Teaching Specialization

The Language Arts Teaching specialization offers a broad foundation in American and British literature from multiple periods but provides students with writing and linguistics coursework to fulfill teacher education requirements in Texas.

Major Requirements: 42 hours of English Literature major courses, 12 hours of which are concentrated on writing and linguistics.

The required writing and linguistics courses are these:

• Grammar and Style
• Introduction to Creative Writing
• Analyzing Rhetoric
• Workplace Writing

View the full degree plan for English Literature with a Language Arts Teaching Specialization (PDF).

See the most current Undergraduate Bulletin for the complete list of courses required and course descriptions for this specialization.

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of English webpage.

Degree Plan

Major Requirements: Bachelor of Arts with a major in Communication requires 45 hours of major courses. Students complete five “core” communication courses, totaling 15 hours. Students will also choose from one of four concentrations totaling 30 hours.

• Public Relations and Advertising
• Relational Communication
• Critical Media Studies
• Communication Influence and Diversity

General Education Requirements: The Communication degree requires 43 hours of general education courses that students complete over four years in addition to their major courses and electives.

View and download the full degree plan for our Communication major (PDF).

Get involved with student productions in whatever medium interests you most.

• Hilltop Views, the weekly student newspaper, is published both in print and online. Student journalists report news from the campus and greater Austin community. You can get involved as early as your freshman year as a writer, editor, photographer or designer.
• Sorin Oak Review is a literary magazine that showcases the poetry, prose and artwork of St. Edward’s students. Working on the editorial staff is a great way to gain experience in project management and the practical details of putting together a publication.
• Arete is a student-produced academic journal that publishes student-written research, nonfiction essays and commentary. Editors choose from among the dozens of submissions to create a cohesive journal that represents a variety of perspectives.
• New Literati publishes both creative and academic work.
• B. Hooved is the student humor journal, inspired by our Hilltopper goat mascot.
• Topper Radio is the student-run radio station.
• Topper Studios is the digital media club. Members are involved in creating podcasts, YouTube channels, short films, music videos and comedy sketches, and helping their fellow students produce digital content. Students in Topper Studios also frequently make promotional videos for other clubs at St. Edward’s.

The Digital Media Center in the Munday Library is a resource for creating your own content and learning new skills. Here, you can produce and edit videos, podcasts and visual design projects with the help of your fellow students. The lab is equipped with top-of-the-line computers running the latest software including the Adobe Creative Suite. It also has a group editing/podcasting room, a green screen room and a “whisper room” used for voiceovers. If you are skilled at software, hardware repair, graphic design or video editing, you can apply to work in the lab as a digital media specialist. 

The Communication department offers a minor in Health Communication. For more information, please view the Health Communication minor webpage.

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Communication webpage.

Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Arts with a major in Art requires 58 hours of core coursework. Students focus on media exploration and skill development through courses in painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture. Art history courses support both contextual and conceptual development that is essential for emerging artists, and students conclude their studies through the culminating experience course sequence: Senior Studio I and II, which require the development of an independent creative project, a senior exhibition in the Fine Arts Gallery, and a thesis paper

General Education Requirements: The Art degree requires an average of 38–44 hours of general education courses that students complete over four years in addition to their major courses and electives.

View and download the full degree plan for our Art major.

Students who wish to earn an Art minor must take the following coursework, totaling 24 hours, with at least 9 hours of upper-division coursework. This includes four required courses: 

• Foundations of Art and Design
• Drawing I
• Clay: Handbuilding
• Art History I or Art History II

Students select three elective courses in Art History I, Art History II, Drawing II or Watercolor I, Sculpture: Materials, or Clay: Wheel Throwing.

Are you a current student? Contact your advisor for next steps on declaring your major or minor.

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Visual Studies webpage.