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Philosophy and Theology

  • Bachelor of Arts

The major in Philosophy and Theology is inspired by the Catholic Church's great appreciation for faith and reason.  As St. John Paul II put it, "faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth," and this major is designed to help you grow in this appreciation for the complementarity of the two disciplines.

Undergraduate Programs

What Can I Do With a Major in Philosophy and Theology?

Completion of a degree in philosophy and theology offers a deeper understanding of the profound questions raised in both fields, and of the Church's perennial teaching that faith seeks understanding.   The major prepares graduates to enter the fields of business, law, ministry and public service, as well as for graduate studies in philosophy or theology.

Curriculum Requirements

  • Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Theology

    Philosophy Major Requirements 
    PL 120  Logic - 3 credits
    PL 201   Ancient Philosophy - 3 credits
    PL 202   Medieval Philosophy - 3 credits  
    PL 203   Modern Philosophy - 3 credits
    PL 204   Kant and His Successors or
         PL 206   19th and 20th Century Philosophy - 3 credits
    PL 215   Ethics - 3 credits
    PL 240 The Influence of Philosophy on Theology, Then and Now - 3 credits
    PL 440  Senior Capstone Exam or
         PL 450  Senior Thesis - 3 credits
    Six credits in Philosophy electives 

    Theology Major Requirements 
    TH 119   First Theology - 3 credits
    TH 300  Systematic Theology - 3 credits
    TH 301   Biblical Theology - 3 credits
    TH 499  Theology Capstone - 3 credits
    One course in scripture (TH 201-249) - 3 credits
    One course in moral theology (TH 250-299) - 3 credits
    One course in doctrines (TH 300- 349) - 3 credits
    One course in religious traditions (TH 350-399) - 3 credits
    One Theology elective (TH 250, 255, 275, 280, 315, 320, 335, 344, 348, 365, 385) - 3 credits

Program Highlights

Results

Graduates with a philosophy and theology degree have a sound historical knowledge of both fields and are able to critically engage the world with solid analytic abilities rooted in the insights gleaned from their study. They are prepared to offer both abstract analyses as well as concrete proposals. They are independent learners and prepared to begin graduate studies in the humanities, social sciences or law.

Senior Capstone Project

Joint majors in Philosophy and Theology complete the senior capstone requirements in the two departments and are encouraged to reflect on the relationship between philosophy and theology.  For example, students might be expected to explore some theoretical question, problem, or theme in a Philosophy thesis and then apply the insights obtained to their Theology project.  See the respective department's requirements for more guidelines.

Internships and Careers

Students who complete the Philosophy program may be employed or continue their education as:

  • Teachers
  • Researchers
  • Academic Affairs specialists
  • Paralegals
  • Government workers
  • Clergy and religious leaders
  • Administrators/managers
  • Technical writers and editors
  • Graduate school students

Student Learning Outcomes

In addition to meeting the objectives within both the philosophy and theology department, majors in Philosophy and Theology demonstrate the ability to:

  • Articulate the relationship between philosophy and theology.

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