Bachelor of Arts in Theology
The Department offers a program for the Theology major consisting of an intellectually rigorous and coordinated sequence of advanced courses in Scripture, History of Christian Doctrine, Systematic and Moral Theology. The purpose of the Theology major is to give the student a comprehensive grasp of the fundamental disciplines of theological science with attention given to issues affecting contemporary Christian Life. The program is scripturally and historically rooted, philosophically astute, ecumenical and orthodox. A balanced combination of required and elective courses is maintained so that, while preserving its distinctive identity, the program provides sufficient flexibility for students to select courses according to their interests.
Basic Requirements
- Thirty-six credits in Theology, including Theology 1310, 2311, 3320, 3331, 3332, 3341, 4348 (Senior Thesis), 15 credits of advanced theology electives including an O.T. and a N.T. course and three advanced credits in Philosophy beyond the Core Philosophy requirement. With approval of the department chair, up to nine advanced elective credits may be earned in appropriate courses in other departments.
- A comprehensive examination, oral and written, to be taken in January or February of the senior year. The examining board is regularly to be composed of three professors responsible for the courses of the major program designated by the Chair. The examination covers substantial topics of the courses the student has taken for the major. Guidelines are available from the Department. The purpose of the comprehensive examination is to test: 1) general theological knowledge, 2) familiarity with basic tools and methods of theological research, 3) ability to form sound theological judgments on current issues, 4) capacity for integrating substantial theological topics, 5) ability to communicate acquired knowledge. Should the student fail the examination on its first offering there will be an opportunity for one reexamination approximately a week later.
- The submission of the Senior Thesis in the fall of the senior year. The Senior Thesis is a major research paper (20–30 pages of text) developed by an individual student on a topic selected in consultation with a professor. It must be satisfactorily completed for graduation.
Some knowledge of Latin and Greek is recommended, though not required, for a major in Theology. French or German is recommended for those who wish to pursue graduate study. Spanish is an important language for those who may pursue some form of ministry. Also, Biblical Hebrew is recommended for those who are serious students of Scripture.
Course Sequence
Year I
Fall Semester
| Art, Drama, Music, or Math | 3 |
| ENG 1301 | Literary Tradition I | 3 |
| HIS 1311 | American Civilization I | 3 |
| | |
Language 1301
| | 3 |
| Or | |
Language 2311
| | 3 |
| | |
| PHI 1301 | Phil & Ethical Life | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Spring Semester
| Fine Arts or Math | 3 |
| ENG 1302 | Literary Tradition II | 3 |
| HIS 1312 | American Civilization II | 3 |
| | |
Language 1302
| | 3 |
| Or | |
Language 2312
| | 3 |
| | |
| THE 1310 | Understanding The Bible | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Year II (During Sophomore Year)
Year III
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
| THE 3332 | Sys The II:Christ/Church | 3 |
| Theology Electives | 6 |
| POL 1311 | Principles Of American Politics | 3 |
| Science | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Year IV
Fall Semester
| THE 4348 | Senior Thesis | 3 |
| Theology Elective | 3 |
| Philosophy Elective | 3 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Spring Semester
| Theology Elective | 6 |
| Electives | 9 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |