DEPARTMENT OF RELIGION AND THEOLOGY
The Department of Religion and Theology seeks to graduate students who are knowledgeable in the scriptures and develop students who pursue and embrace a vocation of ministry and learning for the common good. The Department provides two majors, Religion and Theology. The Religion major is designed to prepare students for further academic studies in graduate and/or professional schools. The Theology major combines practical experience with professional and academic courses to prepare students for entry into a ministry vocation immediately upon graduation. In addition to the two majors, the department also provides a minor in religion, a minor in theology, and a certificate in theology.
THEOLOGY MAJOR
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Theology major, students will be able to demonstrate the following:
1. Competence in biblical exegesis and hermeneutics. (Content and Critical Thinking)
2. Theological reasoning and practical application of their theology as Christian educators. (Critical Thinking and Communication)
3. Understanding of the history of Christian denominational structures. (Content)
4. Comprehension of the administrative role of ministers in specific congregational structures. (Critical Thinking and Content)
5. Awareness of personal and professional identity in a ministerial capacity. (Critical Thinking)
6. Proficiency in the use of technology as a tool for research and communication. (Communication)
Program Outcomes
As a result of successful completion of the Theology Program, graduates will be able to perform the following:
1. Pursue advanced study at a at a seminary or divinity school.
2. Enter careers in ministry as clergy in the church.
3. Enter careers in other areas of service consistent with a degree in Theology.
Semester Plan
Included below is a sample semester-by-semester plan of a major in Theology.
Major in Theology
Required courses for the major in Theology:
The Theology major consists of a minimum of 39 hours. Required courses are:
Minor in Theology
Required courses for the minor in Theology
Students earning a minor in Theology will complete a total of twenty-one (21) hours in addition to REL 131 and REL 132. These credits will consist of the fifteen (15) hours of foundational and intermediate coursework plus six (6) hours in upper level courses at the 400 level as advised by a member of the faculty in the Department of Religion and Theology.