Theology/Religious Studies

Students will gain a solid understanding of the Christian tradition and the ability to think carefully about the perennial questions of the meaning of life before God. A Theology/Religious Studies major prepares students for careers requiring cultural understanding, critical thinking and ethical discernment. Theology/religious studies provide an understanding of the religious dimensions of human life.

Planning for College

The University of Scranton encourages a strong college preparatory program in high school with a minimum of four years of English, three years of mathematics, social science and science, and at least two years of a foreign language with additional units taken in acceptable academic areas.

Theology/Religious Studies at The University of Scranton

The theology/religious studies program at The University of Scranton is open to students of all faiths. The major in Theology/Religious Studies provides students with the opportunity to reflect on a wide variety of classic texts and ideas from the Bible onward so that they will gain a solid understanding of the Christian tradition and the ability to think carefully about the perennial questions of the meaning of life before God. A 13-member, full-time faculty with diverse religious and educational backgrounds also encourages students to explore a diverse range of questions about historical and contemporary issues such as medical ethics, economic justice and ecology. The curriculum offers a solid program in Christian theology with opportunities to investigate other religious traditions. There are numerous opportunities to do in-depth study in seminars and to apply classroom learning to practical internships. The major in theology/religious studies is very flexible, allowing students to pursue a double major and/or minor in another area of interest such as philosophy, English, communication, biology, education, psychology or human services. In addition to courses in Christian theology, students should take courses in world religions, Judaic Studies, philosophy, world languages, history and literature.

Outcomes

A Theology/Religious Studies major prepares students for careers requiring cultural understanding, critical thinking and ethical discernment. Graduates of the theology/religious studies program at The University of Scranton have gone on to careers in the following areas:

• Youth ministry
• Director of religious education
• Elementary and secondary education
• Journalism
• Government service
• Jesuit and other volunteer programs
• Ordained ministry (both Catholic and Protestant)

Others have recently pursued post-graduate study in counseling, education, journalism, law, medicine, social work, divinity, philosophy, history and theology.

Finding Out More

For more information about religious studies/theology at The University of Scranton, please contact Charles R. Pinches, Ph.D., Department Chair, at (570) 941-4302. His e-mail address is pinchesc1@scranton.edu. You may also view the department's website.