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Theology

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Minor

A Benedictine Approach to Faith and Understanding

The medieval Benedictine monk, St. Anselm of Canterbury, defined theology as “faith seeking understanding.” Guided by that definition, a theology major or minor at Saint Vincent College exposes students to thoughtful and comprehensive scholarship on the Catholic theological tradition in a Benedictine context. With a focus on Scripture, classic theological texts, and ethical application, students majoring in theology will not just learn about the Catholic theological tradition; they will also be able to relate it to contemporary life and issues. Indeed, studying on a Benedictine campus means you will get to experience first-hand what it means to live a life in faith while also seeking an understanding of that faith. 

Stay connected with us on the SVC Theology Instagram and Facebook pages for the latest updates and upcoming events.

 

Portrait of Dom Oto

Dom Oto, C'24

Learn about Dom Oto’s experience working toward a theology degree at Saint Vincent College.

Watch now!

 

Undergraduate Programs

Program Highlights

Careers After Saint Vincent

Earning a degree in theology at Saint Vincent can lead to a range of opportunities. Equipped with broad theological knowledge and sharp research skills, graduates thrive in top-ranked graduate theology programs. With a love of learning and a passion for theology, they teach in elementary and high schools as well as serve in educational leadership and administration. Driven by a love for the Church and concern for the vulnerable, they work in various ministerial settings, from social work to the priesthood. Their curiosity and desire to broaden their horizons help them deepen their faith and explore religious questions in diverse fields like medicine and physics.

Alumni will go into successful careers as:
  • College professors
  • Development workers
  • Diocesan communication coordinators
  • Doctors
  • Military and hospital chaplains
  • Priests
  • Principals
  • Psychologists
  • Youth minister
  • High school teachers

Our students have also enrolled in prestigious graduate schools:
  • Angelicum (Rome)
  • Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
  • The Catholic University of America
  • Harvard Divinity School
  • Princeton Theological Seminary
  • University of Notre Dame

Student Success Stories

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    Fr. Brian Norris, C'17

    "My time in the Saint Vincent theology program helped me to find a love for the Church Fathers who are central to the theology of Eastern Christianity. This influenced my decision to write my STL thesis on Deification, a prominent theme in the Church Fathers, at Saint Mary’s Seminary and University (Baltimore, Maryland) and this continues to shape my preaching and teaching in my parish ministry as a diocesan priest in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown.”
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    Myrissa Donaldson, C'23

    “My theology classes and professors have allowed me to confidently create discussion groups, Bible studies, and theological lessons for the parish. My communication classes and professors have prepared me to make flyers and social media content for events, create short videos of events for community members. My professors have had open conversations with me and prepared me for not only the good of parish work but also for the difficulties that come.”
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    Dr. Michael Thomas, C'18

    "My theology education at Saint Vincent rooted in the Benedictine tradition has given me a strong foundation in several core values that has enhanced my medical education. The theology faculty emphasized community and hospitality in many of my classes, and this influenced me to pursue a specialty where I can be a cornerstone of my community. I also learned valuable self-reflective skills which enable me to better relate to patients.”

Curriculum Requirements

The theology major is part of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and is supported by our core curriculum, where students delve into diverse academic subjects at both foundational and advanced levels to explore how different disciplines connect, fostering deeper self-understanding and proficiency in their chosen field of study.

  • Major - Required Courses

    Required Courses - Bachelor of Arts (30 Credits)

    • TH 231 Biblical Foundations
    • TH 340 Basics of Catholic Faith 
    • 3 TH 400-level Seminars

    Electives

    • 5 additional theology courses other than the courses listed above.
  • Minor - Required Courses

    Minor Requirements (18 Credits)

    • TH 231 Biblical Foundations or TH 340 Basics of Catholic Faith
    • 2 TH 400-level Seminars.

    Electives

    • 3 additional theology courses other than those listed above
  • Key Courses

    Our theology major provides a strong, general foundation in Scripture and tradition. So too does it offer students opportunities to explore theological topics in greater depth through electives and advanced seminars.

    Gospel of Life, Gospel of Creation: This course considers why Christianity considers being human and living within creation as “good news.” Along the way, inspired by Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis, students examine the relationship between faith and science, the meaning of the Genesis creation accounts, and other key questions about the human person today.

    Mariology: This course offers a theological and historical study of the Church’s devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Investigating areas like Scripture, patristic and medieval theology, and art, students encounter Marian devotion through the ages with an eye toward the present day.

    Psalms and Wisdom Literature: Students will ponder ageless questions like the meaning of suffering in Old Testament Wisdom books like the Book of Job. And they will plumb the prayerful depths of the Psalms that daily nourish the Church’s life through the present day, especially in our Benedictine community.

Facilities and Resources

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    Saint Vincent Archabbey

    Established in 1846, the Archabbey of Saint Vincent is a community of monks living according to the Rule of Saint Benedict. At Saint Vincent College, they exemplify faith in everyday life. They teach in a variety of departments, including  the theology department.
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    Center for Catholic Thought and Culture

    The CCTC is an invaluable resource for theology majors at Saint Vincent College. Established in the spirit of Boniface Wimmer’s mission, the CCTC fosters interdisciplinary academic inquiry rooted in the Catholic Intellectual and Benedictine Wisdom Traditions. It offers lectures, faculty-student reading groups, and programming, all of which demonstrate the intellectual rigor of Catholicism in service to our community.
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    Campus Ministry

    Campus Ministry at Saint Vincent College nurtures the spiritual, social, intellectual, and emotional lives of students. Guided by the monks of Saint Vincent Archabbey, Campus Ministry offers retreats, Bible studies, and service trips, welcoming all students—regardless of faith tradition—to grow in their relationship with Jesus and one another.
Undergraduate Programs