Theological Encounters
We promote interreligious dialogue through workshops and lectures each year as part of our Theological Encounters Initiative.
Bachelor of Arts in Theology
Theologians, and students of the theology program, at the ¸»¶þ´úÊÓƵ ask questions of Christianity through a modern lens in conversation with the world's great religious traditions. When it comes to big questions, we engage in a historical examination of texts and challenge you to think outside of the box in deep, meaningful and creative ways.
Why Study Theology at St. Thomas?
Theology examines important questions in light of the evolving Christian theological tradition. We seek answers to the ultimate questions in conversation with other faith traditions. You will explore biblical texts and Christianity's development through a historical lens, while also examining how these topics are significant in the modern world. This promotes understanding between religious worldviews and opens pathways to approaching issues affecting modern society.
Dive Deep
Major Requirements
For the theology major, you complete eight courses throughout your time at St. Thomas, focusing on topics in biblical studies, plus additional electives in Bible, Christian ethics, church history, systematic theology, and comparative theology, before taking a sequence in the last year focusing on God and then a capstone of your choosing.
Minor Requirements
The general minor in theology allows students to create a course of study to deepen their engagement in theological reflection, methods and topics.
The following courses are required for a general theology minor:
- THEO 100: Foundations (4 credits)
- Plus 12 additional credits in Theology
Four-Year Plan
After completing Theology 100: Foundations, your four-year plan will vary because we want you to pursue what piques your curiosity.
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Arts in Theology
- Minor in Theology
Collaborative Research
Theology professors want to collaborate with you on research. Whether you want to research women’s roles in early Christian communities or examine how video games help people understand biblical genres, our faculty are here to mentor you.
Major Requirements
Major Requirements
For the theology major, you complete eight courses throughout your time at St. Thomas, focusing on topics in biblical studies, plus additional electives in Bible, Christian ethics, church history, systematic theology, and comparative theology, before taking a sequence in the last year focusing on God and then a capstone of your choosing.
Minor Requirements
Minor Requirements
The general minor in theology allows students to create a course of study to deepen their engagement in theological reflection, methods and topics.
The following courses are required for a general theology minor:
- THEO 100: Foundations (4 credits)
- Plus 12 additional credits in Theology
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
After completing Theology 100: Foundations, your four-year plan will vary because we want you to pursue what piques your curiosity.
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Arts in Theology
- Minor in Theology
Collaborative Research
Collaborative Research
Theology professors want to collaborate with you on research. Whether you want to research women’s roles in early Christian communities or examine how video games help people understand biblical genres, our faculty are here to mentor you.
Versatile and Practical
Not only do our faculty have years of experience and knowledge, but our students and alumni are applying what they learn in practical ways every day.
Dr. Amy Levad
Dr. Levad studies faith-based responses to the crisis of mass incarceration in the United States with the support of the prestigious Louisville Institute Grant. Her research brings together insights from pastoral approaches like Philadelphia’s Healing Ministries, educational programs and advocacy initiatives.
Erin Maye Quade ‘08
Erin is a former Minnesota state representative who used her theological skills every day as a state legislator. She says her minor in theology complemented her majors in justice and peace studies and political science. Each program gave her the tools she needed for a career in government after graduating from St. Thomas.
Career Paths
We give you the tools and knowledge you need to work in a variety of different careers after graduation.
- Law
- Education
- Healthcare
- Journalism
- Relief services
- Social services
Opening a Dialogue
A major or minor in theology allows you to examine various religious perspectives, opening dialogues and perspectives that will expand your view of the world.
Study Abroad
We offer many short-term study abroad courses focusing on topics such as Pope John Paul II, Nazism in Germany and apartheid in South Africa.
Theology Night Live
Theology Night Live is a series of discussions on religion and contemporary societal issues led by faculty within our program.
A Wide Range of Interests
Dr. Ted Ulrich
Dr. Ulrich spent the 2017-2018 academic year on a Fulbright Fellowship in India researching issues of violence and nonviolence in India's independence movement.
Dr. Sherry Jordon
Dr. Jordon has a national reputation for her work on the aftermath of the provocative 1993 Re-Imagining Conference in Minneapolis.
Dr. Paul Wojda
Dr. Wojda works with local hospitals on healthcare ethics, and brought a Syrian bishop to campus in fall 2018 as well.
Explore the Big Issues
We provide opportunities for you to explore contemporary issues affecting the world and society around us every day.
Theology Night Live includes a short faculty presentation followed by informal conversation over pizza. Recent topics have included the Bible providing spiritual guide to atheists, finding your calling and feminist theology with the #MeToo movement.
The New Frontiers lectures teach students about the latest theological research published by our faculty.
The Encountering Islam Initiative offers events and opportunities for Christians and Muslims to dialogue with one another and to learn from one another about similarities and differences in their respective religious and cultural traditions.
Faith Seeking Understanding
You have access to a wide array of opportunities ranging from study abroad to faculty mentorship.
Versatile Skillset
Integrate theology with your interests by taking interdisciplinary courses, with topics including theology and literature, theology and the legal profession and more.
See the World
We offer many short-term study abroad courses focusing on a diverse array of topics, including exploring the Christian theological tradition in Italy, Pope John Paul II in Poland, Nazism in Germany and apartheid in South Africa.
Expand Your Knowledge
A minor allows you to focus on areas like the common good, health care ethics, faith & praxis, comparative theology or biblical studies.
Nationwide Recognition
The Christian Theological Tradition was written by our faculty and is used by many universities around the United States.
Addressing Real Problems
¸»¶þ´úÊÓƵs apply the wisdom of the Christian theological tradition to current issues, exploring topics like the relationship between science and religion, restorative justice and apocalyptic themes in entertainment.
Take the Next Step​
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value ¸»¶þ´úÊÓƵ by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.