Majors | Theology

Theology
Theology & Ministry

Theology majors at Valpo gain grounding in the origins of Jewish and Christian traditions, examine the growth and diversity of the many traditions within Christianity, encounter other major religions of the world, and reflect on ethical and philosophical questions facing religious communities and political movements today and gain exposure to other major religions of the world.

Foundations

B.A. students in theology at Valpo must complete the general-education requirements for the B.A. This University-wide core strengthens communication and critical thinking skills while introducing global cultures and traditions.

Required Courses

Foundations One course from the following options: THEO 200 The Christian Tradition CC 215 The Christian Tradition			3 credits
Biblical Studies One course chosen from THEO 310 – THEO 319			3 credits
Foundations of Christianity One course chosen from THEO 320 – THEO 329			3 credits
Theology and Ethics One chosen from THEO 330 – THEO 349, or THEO 353 (when topic is appropriate)			3 credits
Religions of the World One course chosen from THEO 360 – THEO 369			3 credits
Seminar THEO 493 Theology Seminar			3 credits
Upper-Level Theology Four additional 300-level (or higher) theology courses (except S/U courses)			12 credits
Intensified Upper-Level Course One intensified 300-Level (or higher) theology course (except S/U courses)			1 credit
TOTAL			31 credits

This bachelor-level major is designed for students seeking to serve in Lutheran or other Christian congregations as staff members with responsibility to children, youth, families, and persons of all ages.

The major provides a broad range of foundational courses in theology as well as practical learning experiences. Building on the university’s program of general education and the resources of the theology department, students, in consultation with their academic advisor in the department, are able to customize a course of study. This major may also be used as a second major for students with other professional or career goals, but who wish an education that will enable them to serve in leadership positions within a local congregation or other organization on either a part-time or volunteer basis.

Students completing the theology and ministry major are also encouraged to participate in THEO 399: Church Vocations Symposium and other para-curricular activities arranged by the Center for Church Vocations.

Foundations

B.A. students in theology and ministry at Valpo must complete the general-education requirements for the B.A. This University-wide core strengthens communication and critical thinking skills while introducing global cultures and traditions. Note that six of these credits also fulfill theology and ministry major requirements, (e.g. THEO 200 and a 300-level THEO course)

Required Coursework

Core Foundations		18 credits
One Foundations course from the following options: THEO 200 The Christian Tradition CC 215 The Christian Tradition		3 credits
One course on Biblical Studies, chosen from THEO 310 – THEO 319		3 credits
One course on Foundations of Christianity, chosen from THEO 320 – THEO 329		3 credits
One course on Theology and Ethics, chosen from THEO 330 – THEO 349, or THEO 353 (when topic is appropriate)		3 credits
One course on Religions of the World, chosen from THEO 360 – THEO 369		3 credits
THEO 493	Theology Seminar	3 credits
Ministry Courses		9 credits
Two Pre-Professional Study courses from the following options: THEO 353 Studies in Theology and Practice THEO 451 Theology of Diaconal Ministry THEO 453 Clinical Education for Ministry THEO 456 Church Music and Liturgical Theology THEO 481 Basic Homily Preparation		6 credits
THEO 480	Practicum in Ministry	3 credits
Intensification		1 credit
One additional credit earned by intensifying the research and writing component of any 300-level (or higher) theology course (except S/U courses). Intensification is normally undertaken during the junior year in preparation for the senior seminar (THEO 493).		1 credit
Electives		12 credits
Students broaden their contextual knowledge of ministry by taking a minimum of 12 credits in one or more complementary disciplines (art, communication, English, education, peace and social justice, philosophy, psychology, social work, sociology, or foreign language). Eligible courses are listed in the course catalog. Alternative courses are permitted for the sake of specific professional objectives with the approval of the student’s academic advisor and the chair of the theology department. One credit must be earned by intensifying the research and writing component of a 300-level (or higher) theology course. Intensification is normally undertaken during the junior year in preparation for the senior seminar (THEO 493).
TOTAL		40 credits