
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)
- Visit the undergraduate academic catalog for a complete breakdown of CORE (general) requirements for bachelor's degrees.
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?