Xavier University's theology major is designed to help you develop a deep understanding of faith-based traditions, engage with diverse religious perspectives and apply theological thought to contemporary issues. You'll also participate in service-learning projects and volunteer work, putting faith into action and making a difference in your community.
Fall
- English 101: English Composition............ 3cr.
- Core 101: GOA Co-Curriculum Program I ............ 0cr.
- First Year Seminar............ 3cr.
- Second Language I ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
Spring
- Theology 111: Theological Foundations ............ 3cr.
- Core 102: GOA Co-Curriculum Program II ............ 0cr.
- Historical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Second Language II ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
Fall
- Theology 209: Exploring Christian Past I ............ 3cr.
- Theology Elective............ 3cr.
- Philosophy 100: Ethics as Intro to Philosophy ............ 3cr.
- Mathematical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Creative Perspectives............ 3cr.
Spring
- Theology 210: Exploring the Christian Past II ............ 3cr.
- Theology Elective............ 3cr.
- Philosophical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Scientific Perspectives............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- Theology 303: Christian Ethics ............ 3cr.
- Theology 295: Map to Theological Diversity............ 3cr.
- English 205: Literature and Moral Imagination ............ 3cr.
- Natural Sciences Elective ............ 3cr.
- Oral Communications Flag ............ 3cr.
Spring
- Theology Elective............ 3cr.
- Theology Elective............ 3cr.
- Diversity Core Requirement Flag ............ 3cr.
- Social Sciences Elective ............ 3cr.
- Humanities Elective ............ 3cr.
Fall
- Theology 490: Senior Project ............ 1cr.
- Theology Elective ............ 3cr.
- E/RS Flag ............ 3cr.
- Writing Intensive Flag ............ 3cr.
- Quantitative Reasoning Flag ............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective ............ 3cr.
Exciting Job Opportunities
Teacher, religious education coordinator, youth and young adult minister, pastoral associate, development coordinator, community organizer, religion feature writer
Top Emplpoyers for Graduates
Archdiocese of Cincinnati, City of Cincinnati, Habitat for Humanity, Jesuit Spiritual Center, Monroe United Methodist Church, Ohio Organizing Collective, Family Missions Company (Louisiana), Trinity Episcopal Church
Top Graduate Schools for Doctorate Degrees
Union Theological Seminary (NY), University of Dayton, Wake Forest University
Exploring the Christian Past I (THEO 209)
Learn about the rich history of the Christian tradition, tracing major theological themes from its origins to the 15th century. You'll combine theological analysis with a deep dive into intellectual and social history.
Intro to Christian Scriptures (THEO 328)
Uncover the fascinating world of the New Testament. You'll learn how to critically analyze biblical texts, explore their historical, sociological, and cultural contexts, and understand their theological significance.
Map to Theological Diversity (THEO 295)
Explore the vital role of theology in shaping society and the church. You'll learn different theological methodologies and gain the tools to articulate and defend your own vision of faith for the 21st century.
Christian Ethics (THEO 303)
Gain a deep understanding of the core questions of Christian ethics. You'll learn essential ethical methods and explore the moral challenges faced by Christians today.
Alternative Breaks
Work onsite with local, national and international organizations focused on social justice issues like immigration, urban sustainability and mountaintop removal. Travel to one of more than 15 places, including Catalina Island, California and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota during Fall and Spring breaks.
Coalition for Christian Outreach
Members of this campus ministry club explore the claims of Jesus Christ, grow in their faith while developing habits of worship and prayer. Through their time together, they develop an understanding of how their faith impacts every area of life, including academic studies and future vocations.
Life After Sunday
Integrate your Catholic faith into everyday life. Life After Sunday does this primarily by praying the Rosary, studying the Bible, sponsoring Eucharistic Adoration, hosting Lord's Day dinners and hosting Holy Power Hours.
Muslim Student Association
The Muslim Student Association provides a space for you to connect with other Muslim students through engaging educational activities, community-building events, and service opportunities.
Program Features
With 15+ religions represented on campus, you’ll deepen your understanding of faith-based traditions, engage in thoughtful discussions and explore diverse perspectives.
Choose from a variety of focus areas, including Christian Life and Community, Contemporary Ethical and Religious Challenges and Interfaith Studies.
Our innovative 5-year combined degree program offers a unique opportunity to earn both your bachelor's and master's degrees in a shorter time frame.
Explore the depths of historical and contemporary theological thought, grounded in the Catholic Jesuit tradition of critical thinking and social justice.
This theology-based wilderness immersion program offers unique opportunities to explore national parks, remote wilderness areas and international destinations. Connect with nature, challenge yourself and gain a deeper understanding of the world around you.
Life After Sunday is a student organization at Xavier dedicated to fostering a vibrant Catholic community on campus. LAS aims to integrate faith into daily life by providing opportunities for prayer, reflection and service.
FAQ
Our theology major offers a unique blend of academic rigor, spiritual exploration and practical application, all grounded in the Ignatian tradition. Learn more.
Theology majors, with their strong analytical and critical thinking skills, often pursue a variety of careers. It's important to note that while a theology degree can lead to diverse career paths, further education or specialized training may be necessary for some roles. Here are some common paths:
Religious Positions:
- Clergy: Pastors, priests, rabbis, imams, etc.
- Religious Educator: Teaching religion in schools or seminaries.
- Chaplain: Providing spiritual care in hospitals, prisons or the military.
- Missionary: Working to spread religious beliefs and practices.
- Youth Minister: Working with young people in religious organizations.
Non-Religious Positions:
- Teacher: Teaching religious studies, history, philosophy or other humanities subjects.
- Counselor: Providing counseling services, often incorporating spiritual perspectives.
- Social Worker: Working with marginalized communities, often with a focus on faith-based organizations.
- Nonprofit Worker: Working for organizations that promote social justice or humanitarian causes.
- Writer or Editor: Writing for religious publications, newspapers, or magazines.
- Librarian: Working in academic or public libraries, specializing in religious studies.
- Law or Public Policy: Pursuing careers in law, government, or public policy, where their understanding of ethics and philosophy can be valuable.
- Business or Management: Working in corporate settings, leveraging their strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Yes. With careful planning and the right guidance, you can pair a theology major with another field of study, such as business, biology, English, history, secondary education or spanish. This dual-major approach not only enriches your personal and intellectual growth but also opens up a wider range of career possibilities.
Yes. The University Scholars Honors Program offers theology majors a more challenging curriculum within their chosen major, alongside close support from professors. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant.
Theology Program at Xavier University
The Theology Major at Xavier University is a 120-credit hour program that offers students a rich academic and engaged atmosphere in the Ignatian tradition, where they pursue personal enrichment and the grounding for a variety of Christian vocations, career options, or future doctoral work. Theology is the study both of the human experience of God and of the transmission of that experience through religious traditions, doctrines, ethics, and rituals. It is essentially a dialogue between religious traditions and human experience. Rigorous classes presented in a variety of formats (online, evening, weekends, condensed eight-week) allow students to explore theology and topics of social justice, Biblical Studies, Spirituality, World Religions, and Youth/Campus Ministry.
Xavier University’s College of Arts and Sciences challenges students to develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world, and God by pursuing the questions raised in Xavier's core and departmental curricula. The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."