The purpose of studying Catholic Theology at the University of Holy Cross is to open students to the extent and depth of the Christian tradition in a wider cultural and civilizational context. The Theology program aspires to be faithful to authentic Church teaching while reflecting upon Scripture, the faith and practice of the Church, philosophy, and culture. Theology classes can be offered in a hybrid format, which means students can attend via an in-class and/or online (synchronous or asynchronous) format. However, in accordance with the ideals of a Liberal Arts education, personal, synchronous instruction is the norm
In pursuing a major in Theology at University of Holy Cross, the student may also choose a series of minors or concentrations to complement their theological studies. These minors include Philosophy, Management, or Law and Politics. Concentrations include Elementary and Secondary Religious Education. Thus, the student may prepare to continue to advanced theological studies, business, law, politics, history, education, etc. A minor in Theology is also available, as well as a Theology Module within the Liberal Arts degree.
The Theology Program requires all candidates to apply for admission by the end of their first year by submitting to the undergraduate Coordinator a spiritual autobiography of 500 to 1,000 words. All students who apply and declare the major must have at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 GPA in Theology courses, as well as an interview with a Theology faculty member(s).
Degree Requirements
The degree of Bachelor of Arts in Theology is conferred upon students who complete an approved program of study with a 2.75 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 GPA in major discipline course work. A minimum grade of C must be earned in all courses pertaining to the major course of study in each degree program. If a student earns a grade less than C, the course must be repeated.
Theology majors are required to complete a minimum of 15 hours of community service per academic year or 30 service hours total to graduate. Students must also write theological reflections on their service experiences. These hours do not count toward credits earned, although they may be completed in for-credit classes that have a service component.
Requirements for Theology Major
A major in Theology may be earned by successfully completing a minimum of 12 Theology courses (36 credits), including a capstone course: i.e., Senior Thesis or Senior Theology Practicum or Seminar (3 credits). A cumulative exam is also required.
Bachelor of Arts in Theology
The General Theology track leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Theology degree is a program of a general nature, designed to offer the student a robust program in theology with flexibility for exploring a variety of other disciplines. It best suits those students who have not decided on a career path in Theology. It is readily adaptable to different courses of study or careers, such as teaching, ministry, or jobs that require a thoughtful ability to assimilate information and communicate effectively.
The program for a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Theology is
| General Education Requirements |
54 credit hours |
Major (Theology)
|
36 credit hours
|
Philosophy Electives
|
9 credit hours |
General Electives
|
15 credit hours
|
Foreign Language
|
6 credit hours
|
TOTAL
|
120 credit hours
|
Freshman
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
HIS
| History Elective | 3 |
| MAT 105 | College Algebra | 3 |
| | |
| PHI 101 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| Or | |
PHI 206
| History of Philosophy | 3 |
| | |
SOC/HIS
| Sociology/History Elective | 3 |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| THE 100 | Theological Workshop | 3 |
| THE 103 | The Christian Tradition | 3 |
BIO/CHE/PHY
| Biology/Chemistry/Physics Elective | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Sophomore
ENG
| English Literature Elective | 3 |
ART/FNA/MUS
| Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
SOC/HIS
| Sociology/History Elective | 3 |
| THE 202 | The Revelation of God | 3 |
MAT
| Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| PHI 207 | Introduction to Logic & Critical Thinking | 3 |
PHI 231
/THE 240 | Philosophy & Being | 3 |
THE 203
| Jesus, Son of God | 3 |
| THE 211 | Discovering the Church | 3 |
| Natural Science Elective | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
MAT (Mathematics Elective): above MAT 105
Junior
PHI 250
/THE 243 | Epistemology: Belief, Knowledge, & Truth | 3 |
| Free Electives | 6 |
SOC/HIS
| Sociology/History Elective | 3 |
| THE 280 | Catholic Moral Principles | 3 |
THE 343
| Sacraments and Liturgy | 3 |
THE 360
| Old Testament | 3 |
| THE 370 | New Testament | 3 |
| Natural Science Elective | 1 |
FLA
| Ancient or Modern Foreign Language | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Senior
PHI 315
/THE 310 | The Dynamic Synthesis of St. Thomas Aquinas | 3 |
| THE 300 | Theological Principles & Methods | 3 |
THE
| Theology Capstone | 3 |
THE
| Theology Electives 300 or above | 9 |
| Free Electives | 9 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 27 |
THE (Theology Capstone): choose THE 432, 434, or 435
Total Credit Hours: 120
Summary
| English |
9 |
| Fine Arts Electives |
3 |
| Foreign Language |
6 |
| General Electives |
15 |
| History |
6 |
| Theology |
42 |
| Mathematics |
6 |
| Natural Sciences |
9 |
| Philosophy |
15 |
| Social Sciences |
6 |
| Speech |
3 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
BA in Theology with a Minor in Philosophy
This track, leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Theology degree with a minor in Philosophy, is designed for a student who wants to pursue graduate studies or desires a comprehensive Liberal Arts background. It is a type of degree that will aid in applying to Master’s or Doctoral programs in Theology, Philosophy, or related disciplines.
The program for a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Theology and a minor in Philosophy is
| General Education Requirements |
54 credit hours |
Major (Theology)
|
36 credit hours
|
Philosophy Electives (minor)
|
18 credit hours
|
General Electives
|
6 credit hours
|
Foreign Language
|
6 credit hours
|
TOTAL
|
120 credit hours
|
Freshman
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
HIS
| History Elective | 3 |
| MAT 105 | College Algebra | 3 |
| | |
| PHI 101 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| Or | |
PHI 206
| History of Philosophy | 3 |
| | |
SOC/HIS
| Sociology/History Elective | 3 |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| THE 100 | Theological Workshop | 3 |
| THE 103 | The Christian Tradition | 3 |
BIO/PHY
| Biology/Physics Elective | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Sophomore
ENG
| English Literature Elective | 3 |
ART/FNA/MUS
| Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
SOC/HIS
| Sociology/History Elective | 3 |
| THE 202 | The Revelation of God | 3 |
MAT
| Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| PHI 207 | Introduction to Logic & Critical Thinking | 3 |
PHI 230
| | 3 |
| THE 280 | Catholic Moral Principles | 3 |
THE 203
| Jesus, Son of God | 3 |
| Natural Science Elective | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
MAT (Mathematics Elective): above MAT 105
Junior
PHI 250
/THE 243 | Epistemology: Belief, Knowledge, & Truth | 3 |
| PHI 306 | Philosophical Ethics | 3 |
PHI
| Philosophy Elective, select from Curriculum Guide List | 3 |
SOC/HIS
| Sociology/History Elective | 3 |
| THE 211 | Discovering the Church | 3 |
THE 343
| Sacraments and Liturgy | 3 |
THE 360
| Old Testament | 3 |
| THE 370 | New Testament | 3 |
| Natural Science Elective | 1 |
FLA
| Ancient or Modern Foreign Language | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Senior
PHI 315
/THE 310 | The Dynamic Synthesis of St. Thomas Aquinas | 3 |
PHI
| Philosophy Elective, select from Curriculum Guide List | 3 |
| THE 300 | Theological Principles & Methods | 3 |
THE 432
| Senior Thesis | 3 |
| | |
THE 434
| Senior Theology Practicum | 3 |
| Or | |
THE 435
| Senior Seminar | 3 |
| | |
THE
| Theology Electives | 6 |
Electives
| Free Electives | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 27 |
THE (Theology Electives): above 300 level
Total Credit Hours: 120
Summary
| English |
9 |
| Fine Arts Electives |
3 |
| Foreign Language |
6 |
| General Electives |
6 |
| History |
6 |
| Theology |
42 |
| Mathematics |
6 |
| Natural Sciences |
9 |
| Philosophy |
24 |
| Social Sciences |
6 |
| Speech |
3 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
BA in Theology with a minor in Management
This track, leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Theology degree with a minor in Management, is a program designed for students who may pursue a career business, who want to understand the nature of business in relation to Theology, or who want their business practices rooted in the Catholic tradition.
The program for a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Theology and a minor in Management is as follows:
| General Education Requirements |
54 credit hours |
Major (Theology)
|
33 credit hours
|
Management Electives
|
18 credit hours
|
Philosophy Electives
|
9 credit hours
|
Foreign Language
|
6 credit hours
|
TOTAL
|
120 credit hours
|
Freshman
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
HIS
| History Elective | 3 |
| MAT 105 | College Algebra | 3 |
| | |
| PHI 101 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| Or | |
PHI 206
| History of Philosophy | 3 |
| | |
SOC/HIS
| Sociology/History Elective | 3 |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| THE 103 | The Christian Tradition | 3 |
| THE 202 | The Revelation of God | 3 |
BIO/CHE/PHY
| Biology/Chemistry/Physics Elective | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Sophomore
ENG
| English Literature Elective | 3 |
ART/FNA/MUS
| Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
SOC/HIS
| Sociology/History Elective | 3 |
| THE 211 | Discovering the Church | 3 |
MAT
| Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| PHI 207 | Introduction to Logic & Critical Thinking | 3 |
| ECO 201 | Principles of Economics I Macroeconomics | 3 |
THE 282
| Business & Economics in Christian Life | 3 |
THE 203
| Jesus, Son of God | 3 |
| Natural Science Elective | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
MAT (Mathematics Elective): above MAT 105
Junior
| ECO 202 | Principles of Economics II Microeconomics | 3 |
| BUS 251 | Principles of Management | 3 |
PHI 231
/THE 240 | Philosophy & Being | 3 |
PHI 250
/THE 243 | Epistemology: Belief, Knowledge, & Truth | 3 |
BUS
| Business Elective | 3 |
THE
| Theology Elective | 3 |
THE 360
| Old Testament | 3 |
| THE 370 | New Testament | 3 |
| Natural Science Elective | 1 |
FLA
| Ancient or Modern Foreign Language | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
THE (Theology elective): 300 or higher
Senior
| PHI 306 | Philosophical Ethics | 3 |
THE 308
| Catholic Social Teaching | 3 |
THE 343
| Sacraments and Liturgy | 3 |
THE
| Theology Capstone | 3 |
THE
| Theology Electives | 6 |
| BUS 309 | Personnel Management | 3 |
| BUS 416 | Organizational Behavior | 3 |
BUS 419
| Strategically Managing Organizations | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 27 |
THE (Theology Capstone): THE 432, 434, or 435
THE (Theology Electives): 300 or above
Total Credit Hours: 120
Summary
| English |
9 |
| Fine Arts Electives |
3 |
| Foreign Language |
6 |
| Management |
18 |
| History |
6 |
| Theology |
39 |
| Mathematics |
6 |
| Natural Sciences |
9 |
| Philosophy |
15 |
| Social Sciences |
6 |
| Speech |
3 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
Theology--Minor in Law and Politics
The Theology with a concentration in Law and Politics track leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Theology degree with a minor in Law and Politics is a program designed for students who have decided to pursue an advanced degree or career in the political, legal, or judicial field and want their practices rooted in the Catholic tradition.
The program for Bachelor of Arts with a major in Theology/minor in Law and Politics is
| General Education Requirements |
54 credit hours |
Major (Theology)
|
33 credit hours
|
Law and Politics Electives
|
18 credit hours
|
Philosophy Electives
|
9 credit hours
|
Foreign Language
|
6 credit hours |
TOTAL
|
120 credit hours
|
Freshman
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
HIS
| History Elective | 3 |
| MAT 105 | College Algebra | 3 |
| | |
| PHI 101 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| Or | |
PHI 206
| History of Philosophy | 3 |
| | |
SOC/HIS
| Sociology/History Elective | 3 |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| THE 103 | The Christian Tradition | 3 |
| THE 202 | The Revelation of God | 3 |
BIO/PHY
| Biology/Physics Elective | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Sophomore
ENG
| English Literature Elective | 3 |
ART/FNA/MUS
| Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
SOC/HIS
| Sociology/History Elective | 3 |
| ECO 201 | Principles of Economics I Macroeconomics | 3 |
MAT
| Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| PHI 207 | Introduction to Logic & Critical Thinking | 3 |
PHI 230
| | 3 |
THE 203
| Jesus, Son of God | 3 |
| THE 211 | Discovering the Church | 3 |
| Natural Science Elective | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
MAT (Mathematics Elective): above MAT 105
Junior
PHI 250
/THE 243 | Epistemology: Belief, Knowledge, & Truth | 3 |
| PHI 306 | Philosophical Ethics | 3 |
| ECO 202 | Principles of Economics II Microeconomics | 3 |
| CJU 210 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| PSC 250 | American Government | 3 |
THE 282
| Business & Economics in Christian Life | 3 |
THE 360
| Old Testament | 3 |
| THE 370 | New Testament | 3 |
| Natural Science Elective | 1 |
FLA
| Ancient or Modern Foreign Language | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Senior
PSC 375
/
CJU 375
| Judicial Process | 3 |
| PSC 380 | Constitutional Law | 3 |
PHI 495
| Social & Political Philosophy | 3 |
THE 308
| Catholic Social Teaching | 3 |
THE 343
| Sacraments and Liturgy | 3 |
THE 381
| The Church & the State | 3 |
THE
| Theology Capstone | 6 |
THE
| Theology Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 27 |
THE (Theology Capstone): choose THE 432, 434, or 435
Total Credit Hours: 120
Summary
| English |
9 |
| Fine Arts/Humanities Electives |
3 |
| Foreign Language |
6 |
| Economics. |
6 |
| History. |
6 |
| Theology |
42 |
| Mathematics |
6 |
| Natural Sciences |
9 |
| Philosophy. |
18 |
| Social Sciences |
6 |
| Speech |
3 |
| Political Sciences. |
12 |
Total Credit Hours: 120
BA in Theology with a concentration in Elementary Religious Education
The UHC Theology Department also offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Religious Education. This program combines a course of theological study with preparation for effective catechesis or classroom instruction at the elementary level. The program is faithful to authentic Church teaching, and catechists and religious educators acquire the necessary background for ministry in church or school.
By pursuing a major in Theology with a concentration in Religious Education at University of Holy Cross, a student is introduced to theological study with the preparation to employ their theological knowledge in ministry at the parish and/or school levels. Parish catechists and religious education teachers in Catholic schools acquire the necessary background in Theology for ministry in church or school.
In order to continue in the Program into the junior year (i.e., after completion of 54 credit hours and/or completion of the general education requirements), the student must be admitted to the Education Department. The student must also achieve an acceptable score (see below) on the Educational Testing Service (ETS) PRAXIS I Core Academic Skills for Educators. This test is divided into three sections assessing the general-education skills of reading, writing, and mathematics. Students who have achieved an ACT score of 22 or higher are exempt from PRAXIS I Core Academic Skills for Educators.
The program for the Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Theology with a Concentration in Religious Education (Elementary of Secondary) is
| General Education Requirements |
54 semester hours |
Theology
|
30-33 semester hours
|
Philosophy
|
6-9 semester hours
|
Foreign Language
|
6 semester hours
|
Education
|
21-23 semester hours
|
Free Elective
|
3 semester hours
|
TOTAL
|
121 semester hours
|
Freshman
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| HIS 201 | History of the United States I | 3 |
| MAT 105 | College Algebra | 3 |
| | |
| PHI 101 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| Or | |
PHI 206
| History of Philosophy | 3 |
| | |
SOC
| Sociology Elective | 3 |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| THE 100 | Theological Workshop | 3 |
| THE 103 | The Christian Tradition | 3 |
BIO/CHE/PHY
| Biology/Chemistry/Physics Elective | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Sophomore
ENG
| English Literature Elective | 3 |
ART/FNA/MUS
| Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| HIS 202 | History of the United States II | 3 |
| THE 202 | The Revelation of God | 3 |
MAT
| Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| PHI 207 | Introduction to Logic & Critical Thinking | 3 |
THE 203
| Jesus, Son of God | 3 |
| EDU 201 | Literature for Children and Youth (1-6) | 3 |
| EDU 301/EDU 301 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| Natural Science Elective | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
MAT (Mathematics Elective): above MAT 105
Junior
PHI 231
/THE 240 | Philosophy & Being | 3 |
PHI 250
/THE 243 | Epistemology: Belief, Knowledge, & Truth | 3 |
| EDU 306 | Classroom Organization & Management | 3 |
| EDU 308 | Materials & Methods of Teaching Reading/Language Arts | 3 |
| EDU 312 | Materials & Methods Teaching Mathematics I | 3 |
| THE 211 | Discovering the Church | 3 |
THE 360
| Old Testament | 3 |
| THE 370 | New Testament | 3 |
| Natural Science Elective | 1 |
FLA
| Ancient or Modern Foreign Language | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Senior
| EDU 304A | The Learner with Special Needs | 3 |
| EDU 345 | Professional Laboratory Experience Program | 4 |
| EDU 307 | Survey of Reading/English Language Arts | 3 |
| THE 280 | Catholic Moral Principles | 3 |
THE 319
| Principles of Catechesis | 3 |
THE 343
| Sacraments and Liturgy | 3 |
THE 435
| Senior Seminar | 3 |
THE 441
| Practicum in Teaching Religion | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 28 |
Summary
| English |
9 |
| Fine Arts Elective |
3 |
| Foreign Language |
6 |
| Education |
25 |
| History |
6 |
| Theology |
36 |
| Mathematics |
6 |
| Natural Sciences |
9 |
| Philosophy |
12 |
| Social Sciences |
3 |
| Speech |
3 |
| Free Elective |
3 |
Total Credit Hours: 121
NOTES:
- EDU 345 requires passing scores on PRAXIS I (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics), or ACT score of 22 or higher, or SAT score of 1030 or higher.
- EDU 345 is a pre-requisite for THE 441.
- Passing a comprehensive Theology exam is required to graduate from this program.
- If student desires state certification in elementary education, he or she must meet with an Education department advisor for further details.
BA in Theology with a concentration in Secondary Religious Education
This program combines a course of theological study with preparation for effective catechesis or classroom instruction at the secondary level. The program is faithful to authentic Church teaching, and catechists and educators acquire the necessary background for ministry in church or school.
By pursuing a major in Theology with a Concentration in Religious Education at University of Holy Cross, a student is introduced to theological study with the preparation to employ their theological knowledge in ministry at the parish and/or school levels. Parish catechists and religious education teachers in Catholic Schools acquire the necessary background in Theology for ministry in church or school.
Freshman
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| HIS 201 | History of the United States I | 3 |
| MAT 105 | College Algebra | 3 |
| | |
| PHI 101 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| Or | |
PHI 206
| History of Philosophy | 3 |
| | |
SOC
| Sociology Elective | 3 |
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| THE 100 | Theological Workshop | 3 |
| THE 103 | The Christian Tradition | 3 |
BIO/CHE/PHY
| Biology/Chemistry/Physics Elective | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Sophomore
ENG
| English Literature Elective | 3 |
ART/FNA/MUS
| Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| HIS 202 | History of the United States II | 3 |
| THE 202 | The Revelation of God | 3 |
MAT
| Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| PHI 207 | Introduction to Logic & Critical Thinking | 3 |
THE 203
| Jesus, Son of God | 3 |
| THE 211 | Discovering the Church | 3 |
| EDU 301/EDU 301 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| Natural Science Elective | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
MAT (Mathematics Elective): above MAT 105
Junior
PHI 231
/THE 240 | Philosophy & Being | 3 |
PHI 250
/THE 243 | Epistemology: Belief, Knowledge, & Truth | 3 |
| EDU 306 | Classroom Organization & Management | 3 |
EDU 309
| | 3 |
| THE 280 | Catholic Moral Principles | 3 |
THE 343
| Sacraments and Liturgy | 3 |
THE 360
| Old Testament | 3 |
| THE 370 | New Testament | 3 |
| Natural Science Elective | 1 |
LAN
| Ancient or Modern Foreign Language | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Senior
| EDU 304A | The Learner with Special Needs | 3 |
| EDU 311 | Teaching Reading in the Content Area | 3 |
| PHI 306 | Philosophical Ethics | 3 |
| EDU 345 | Professional Laboratory Experience Program | 4 |
THE 319
| Principles of Catechesis | 3 |
THE
| Theology Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 |
THE 434
| Senior Theology Practicum | 3 |
THE 441
| Practicum in Teaching Religion | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 28 |
Total Credit Hours: 121
Summary
| English |
9 |
| Fine Arts Elective |
3 |
| Foreign Language |
6 |
| Education |
19 |
| History |
6 |
| Theology |
39 |
| Mathematics |
6 |
| Natural Sciences |
9 |
| Philosophy |
15 |
| Social Sciences |
3 |
| Speech |
3 |
| Free Elective |
3 |
Total Credit Hours: 121
NOTES:
- EDU 345 requires passing scores on PRAXIS I (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics), or ACT score of 22 or higher, or SAT score of 1030 or higher.
- EDU 345 is a pre-requisite for THE 441.
- All requirements must be completed or concurrent with enrolling in THE 441.
- Passing of a comprehensive Theology exam is required to graduate from this program.
- If student desires state certification in secondary education, he or she must meet with an Education advisor for further details.