Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Religious and Theological Studies investigate the meaning and purpose of life in religious traditions. Through critical inquiry, research and in-depth discussions, you’ll explore the history, thought and ongoing development of global religions with attention also to Christian theology.
St. Edward's is the perfect place to immerse yourself in religious and theological studies. On a holistic level, St. Edward's as a university expresses its Catholic identity by communicating the dignity of the human person as created in the image of God, by stressing the obligation of all people to pursue a more just world. The university also proves opportunities for religious studies and participation in campus ministry. It's an environment in which freely chosen beliefs can be deepened and expressed.
Through the Religious and Theological Studies program, you will examine and evaluate diverse cultures, current affairs, and the local and global impact of different belief systems. Core courses provide a solid foundation and are complemented by courses in particular areas of interest; for example, world religions, systematic theology, biblical studies, or another area within the discipline. Students collaborate with professors to design a program that best matches the student's interest and needs.
Many students select this degree to prepare for graduate school, nonprofit work, ministry, and other professional roles.
For example, with a Bachelor of Religious and Theological Studies, you can become:
Graduates of this program often pursue advanced degrees. Many have become college professors, ministers, social workers, doctors and lawyers. Students graduating from St. Edward's have attended leading graduate schools, such as Notre Dame, Yale, Duke and Harvard. Of the students who have pursued graduate studies after their time at St. Edward’s, 100% have been accepted into graduate programs.
Students will have a variety of opportunities to engage outside the classroom, augmenting their experience in the program.
The Red Bench is a dialogue program centered on moderated small group discussions designed to be respectful, safe, and engaging. No one is expected to be an expert on the topics, but all are invited to share from their personal experiences and listen with their hearts. Campus Ministry partners with iACT (Interfaith Action of Central Campus) to bring this program to campus.
At this speaker series, students enjoy a free lunch while engaging in conversation with speakers who share their own experiences of living out their faith as adults beyond college.
Students who wish to earn a Religious and Theological Studies minor must take the following coursework, totaling 19 hours.
Students must take one 2000-level course and two 3000-level courses.
For more information about applicable coursework, please consult the undergraduate bulletin.
