Bachelor of Arts in Theology

Program Description:

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.

Student Learning Outcomes for The Undergraduate Program In

THEOLOGY (Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Theology program, majors will):

Demonstrate knowledge of Sacred Scriptures and the tradition of Catholic doctrines;
Cultivate a well-formed conscience by engaging Catholic moral and social teaching;
Situate Catholic Theology with other academic disciplines and/or religious traditions;
Be able to “Give an account of the hope within you” to family, colleagues, and community;
Plan and implement effective pedagogy in a parish, ministry, or classroom settings; and
Engage in successful reading, writing, and research to analyze and articulate Catholic Theology in argument and other literary forms.

Admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Theology Program

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).

Priority deadlines are July 1^st for the Fall semester, November 1^st for the Spring semester, and May 1^st for the Summer sessions.

Admission Essay Requirements:

The applicant’s personal statement must be a part of the application. This statement should be between 500 and 1,000 words and address the following:

The applicant’s motivation to apply for admission to the Theology Program;
a brief narrative of his or her religious/spiritual background and interests, combined with educational history, experience in ministry and/or religious education, and any other relevant experience; and
a plan to apply the applicant’s theological education to his or her life, career, or future.

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.