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Undergraduate

Theology and Religious Studies

The Theology and Religious Studies Department is rooted at the heart of Saint Martin’s identity as a Catholic and Benedictine University and thus proudly and hospitably serves our diverse community of students. Our courses invite students to engage in questions posed since ancient times by various religions, and of Catholic Christianity in particular, such as the ultimate meaning of human existence in relation to God and the establishment of an ethical society. We encourage students to appreciate the influence of religion throughout human history and in current global affairs as foundational for further, deeper reflection on religious belief as transformative of the human person in their theological, spiritual, artistic, social, ethical, narrative, and scriptural dimensions.

Why Saint Martin's University?

We critically uphold the importance of the study of religions and the dynamics of faith in the light of reason and engagement with perspectives from other academic disciplines. Beyond the courses we offer for the religiously diverse student body of Saint Martin’s University through the core curriculum, we invite any student interested in deeper exploration to consider a major or minor in Theology and Religious Studies. Majors choose a concentration in either Theology or Religious Studies, but must take coursework in both areas, supplemented by courses in Biblical Studies.

Program highlights

The faculty of Theology and Religious Studies teach, present, and write for domestic and international audiences in a substantial range of fields and subdisciplines. These include:

  • Biblical Studies
  • Ancient Judaism
  • Christian Origins
  • Eastern Religions
  • Catholic systematic theology and philosophy
  • Benedictine spirituality
  • Christian ethics

For over thirty years the university’s Spiritual Life Institute, held during the summer months, has explored topics to cultivate religious literacy, challenge pre-conceived notions and shed light upon the spiritual journey. Theology and Religious Studies students have an opportunity to participate in these week-long discussions with internationally recognized groups of scholars.

Possible research and internship opportunities

  • The Priory Spirituality Center
  • Campus Ministry
  • Local parishes
  • Catholic Community Services
  • Interfaith works
  • Interfaith Youth Core 

Theology and Religious Studies Requirements

CORE requirements (40-46 credit hours)

Lower-division courses (9 credit hours)

  • COR 110: Introduction to Religious Studies
  • RLS 200: Modern Theories of Religion
  • RLS 255: Theological Anthropology

Upper-division courses (24 credit hours)

Successful completion of the requirements for one of the concentrations below and RLS 499.

Theology Concentration

  • 15 credit hours from RLS 350-376 and 6 credit hours from RLS 300-339.

In consultation with the student's advisor, requirements for this concentration may be satisfied by taking RLS 397 (Directed Study), RLS 398 (Internship), and/or RLS 399 (Spiritual Life Institute).

Religious Studies Concentration

15 credit hours from RLS 300-339 and 6 credit hours from RLS 350-376.

In consultation with the student's advisor, requirements for this concentration may be satisfied by taking RLS 397 (Directed Study), RLS 398 (Internship), and/or RLS 399 (Spiritual Life Institute).

Final course for both emphases

  • Three credit hours in RLS 499: Senior Thesis

Lower-division courses (9 credit hours)

  • COR 110: Introduction to Religious Studies
  • RLS 200: Modern Theories of Religion
  • RLS 255: Theological Anthropology

Upper-division courses (9 credit hours)

Theology Concentration

  • Six credit hours from RLS 350-376 AND three credit hours from 300-339.

In consultation with the student's advisor, requirements for this concentration may be satisfied by taking RLS 397 (Directed Study), RLS 398 (Internship), and/or RLS 399 (Spiritual Life Institute)

Religious Studies Concentration

  • Six credit hours from RLS 300-339 AND three credit hours from 350-376.

In consultation with the student's advisor, requirements for this concentration may be satisfied by taking RLS 397 (Directed Study), RLS 398 (Internship), and/or RLS 399 (Spiritual Life Institute). 

Theology and Religious Studies at a Glance

Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Program Type
Major
Minor
Campus
Main (Lacey)
Type of Instruction
In Person
School
College of Arts and Sciences
Resources
What can I do with this major?
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Transformative outcomes

Career paths

  • Pastoral ministry (ordained or non-ordained)
  • Non-profit or non-governmental organizations
  • Non-profit organizations, such as Catholic Community Services or the Peace Corps
  • Education
  • Publishing
  • Government or foreign service
  • Event planning, hospitality or the service industry
  • Graduate studies, such as university professor, medicine, ordination in a faith, or law school
  • Non-government organizations (NGO) attached to the United Nations
  • Marketing and management
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Supportive community

Faculty

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College of Arts and Sciences

Spanning the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences, and characterized by an educational environment that is both rigorous and supportive, the College of Arts and Sciences offers 20 undergraduate major programs and 20 minor programs.

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