The study of theology fills several roles within the academic program of Valparaiso University. Education in the Arts & Sciences must seek to understand the profound effect religion has had on our conceptions of human nature and destiny and must probe the interplay between religious belief and aspects of life studied by other disciplines. In addition, Valparaiso's history as an institution founded and sustained by Lutherans explains why the university's General Education requirements include the task of examining, in particular, the shape of the Christian tradition and the perspective it offers for understanding human life.

That perspective also gives structure to the department's course offerings for its major. The Christian faith has authoritative documents (its scriptures); it has a history of thought and institutions; it inculcates a particular way of life; and (as a faith that understands itself in mission to the world) it inevitably seeks to understand and appreciate other religious traditions. Courses in all four of these areas are needed to complete the major.

Why study theology at Valparaiso? Perhaps just for the fun of it! But a major in theology can also provide a pre-professional degree for students who hope to pursue the study of religion beyond the baccalaureate degree or for students who plan to attend seminary or who are training to become deaconesses or to work in youth ministry. More generally, a major in theology can--and does--serve as the focus of a liberal arts education for students who plan no further academic or professional study of theology.