Theological Studies

Saint Louis University's Department of Theological Studies trains students in a variety of sources and methods to help them evaluate and appreciate the most vital aspects of religious experience and thought. The department enters into this investigation from an academic perspective to help students clarify their own understanding.

The Catholic tradition is central to the work of the department, but Catholicism is studied in the context of the whole Christian tradition and in relationship to all of the world's religious traditions.

Additional program highlights include:

• The SLU theology program allows students to explore major questions about life and God while studying with top scholars in the field.
• Students explore deep, theological issues in a welcoming environment that is both rooted in the Catholic tradition and open to all viewpoints.
• Students develop their writing, research and critical thinking skills in preparation for graduate study and careers in various disciplines such as theology, law, social work, philosophy and many others.

1. Graduates will be able to explain how Christian theology, including the Catholic tradition, engages ultimate questions about the nature of faith; the nature, existence, and personhood of God; the nature and ends of creation and human life; and evil (in ourselves and in the world) and salvation.
2. Graduates will be able to describe how key historical texts, figures, and episodes have contributed to major doctrines of Christian theology.
3. Graduates will be able to analyze entanglements of global movements and personal identities with religions, cultures, and interreligious relations in the past and present.
4. Graduates will be able to apply concepts, including those from the study of ethics, sacred texts, and religious traditions, to the question of the significance of theological and religious study for living a life of "faith that does justice."
5. Graduates will be able to explain the impact of theories, methods, and/or historiographies on academic theology and/or study of religion.
6. Graduates will be able to research-intensive track: Produce an original piece of research appropriate for the academic study of theology and/or religion.