The Theology and Religious Studies Department contributes to students’ intellectual growth by helping them develop the skills and knowledge to engage critically and effectively with the multi-religious dimensions of human life. Students approach the study of Theology and Religious Studies in an integrated manner where they are introduced to multiple aspects of religion such as beliefs, faith, rituals, ethics, spirituality, and sacred texts. In keeping with the Jesuit, Catholic commitment of Seattle University, the Theology and Religious Studies department emphasizes an in depth study of the Catholic tradition in dialogue with other religious and secular perspectives. In addition, students study the internal diversity within Christianity and other religious traditions such as Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism.
Theology and Religious Studies at Seattle University addresses the experiences and realities of oppressed peoples and the integral relationship between religion and social justice in local and global contexts. The curriculum of the department of Theology and Religious Studies invites students to reflect upon their own experiences and questions about ultimate reality and provides the skills and understandings that the academic discipline offers to address such experiences and questions.
Degrees and Specializations Offered
Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Theology and Religious Studies: In order to earn the bachelor of arts degree with a major in theology and religious studies, students must complete a minimum 180 credits with a cumulative and major/program grade point average of 2.00, including the courses listed below. With the exception of 200- and 300- level Theology and Religious Studies courses taken to fulfill Phase II and III Core requirements, courses taken to fulfill major requirements in Theology and Religious Studies may not simultaneously be used to fulfill core or college requirements. For example, a single course may not count as both a core interdisciplinary course and a major elective.
Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Theology and Religious Studieswith Departmental Honors: The honors major in theology and religious studies offers an opportunity for motivated and capable students to engage in more extensive interaction with faculty and to complete challenging individual research projects that will further their personal and professional goals.
- Application to the major: To be accepted to the program, students must have a cumulative and major/program grade point average of 3.50. Interested students should apply to the department Honors Coordinator in spring quarter of the junior year or early fall quarter of the senior year. A Change of Major, Degree or Specialization form must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar upon acceptance.
- Completion of the major: During senior year, departmental honors students will complete 10 credits of independent study and write a 25-40 page thesis under the direction of a faculty member. The thesis is to be presented orally in an appropriate context to be determined by the Departmental Honors Coordinator. The 10 credits must be taken as THRS 477 Theology and Religious Studies Honors Directed Reading and THRS 479 Theology and Religious Studies Honors Thesis Supervision. In order to complete the requirements for departmental honors and receive a notation to that effect on their transcripts, students must earn 70 credits in Theology and Religious Studies courses (10 more than the usual major requirement), earn a cumulative and major/program grade point average of 3.50, and receive an A or A- for THRS 479 Theology and Religious Studies Honors Thesis Supervision.
- In addition to the bachelor of arts major in theology and religious studies requirements, the honors major also includes ten credits in departmental honors, including THRS 477 - Honors Directed Reading and THRS 479 - Honors Thesis Supervision. Click here for degree requirements.
Theology and Religious Studies Minor: In order to earn a minor in theology and religious studies, students must complete 30 credits in theology and religious studies. Click here for degree requirements.
- Students considering a minor should contact the department chair as soon as possible to discuss options.
- Brochures with sample courses for each area of specialization are available in the departmental office.
- All minors will work closely with a faculty advisor in their chosen area of specialization.
- It is strongly recommended that students take one or more 400-level courses.
- If students design their programs carefully, courses taken to fulfill the Theology and Religious Studies core requirement will count toward the minor.