- College professors
- Development workers
- Diocesan communication coordinators
- Doctors
- Military and hospital chaplains
- Priests
- Principals
- Psychologists
- Youth minister
- High school teachers
Theology
- Bachelor of Arts
- Minor
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In This Section
A Benedictine Approach to Faith and Understanding
The medieval Benedictine monk, St. Anselm of Canterbury, defined theology as “faith seeking understanding.” Guided by that definition, a theology major or minor at Saint Vincent College exposes students to thoughtful and comprehensive scholarship on the Catholic theological tradition in a Benedictine context. With a focus on Scripture, classic theological texts, and ethical application, students majoring in theology will not just learn about the Catholic theological tradition; they will also be able to relate it to contemporary life and issues. Indeed, studying on a Benedictine campus means you will get to experience first-hand what it means to live a life in faith while also seeking an understanding of that faith.
Stay connected with us on the SVC Theology Instagram and Facebook pages for the latest updates and upcoming events.
Dom Oto, C'24
Learn about Dom Oto’s experience working toward a theology degree at Saint Vincent College.
Undergraduate Programs
Program Highlights
National Rankings
SVC's theology program was ranked 1st in the state by College Raptor's Rankings for Best Colleges in 2024.
Deep Theological Dives
Advanced theology seminars, offered every semester, are taught by full-time faculty on topics of their specialties and student interests. Past seminars include the theology of Joseph Ratzinger, Thomas Merton's writings, and the Book of Job. These seminars encourage close reading, discussion, and research, fostering fellowship and lively theological conversations.
Faculty Experts
The SVC theology faculty excel as teacher-scholars, publishing acclaimed books and articles, winning prestigious awards from College Theology Society and Catholic Media Association, and contributing to top theology journals and popular Catholic publications like America Magazine and Give Us This Day. Above all, they care deeply about their students, offering dynamic pedagogy and attentive advising.
Vocational Discernment
Theology internships in parish ministry, teaching, or social services offer students a fun, risk-free way to explore vocations and enrich classroom learning. Paired with faculty and site mentors, these experiences bring theology to life. Annual pro-seminars also expose students to future paths, from graduate school to service professions.
Community of Friends
Inspired by the Benedictine tradition, the theology department views theology as a communal endeavor. Events like the St. Hildegard Mass and dinner, the festive Saint Nicholas Dinner with a bake-off, and the end-of-year Theta Alpha Kappa celebration dinner integrate theological study with community, fostering community both within and beyond the classroom.
Benedictine Leadership Studies
The Benedictine Leadership Studies Program (BLS) provides an immersive leadership formation rooted in Catholic, Benedictine values. It includes a financial scholarship, coursework, retreats, and extracurricular activities to cultivate leadership skills. With its strong connection to the theology department, the program is an excellent complement to a theology major or minor.
Careers After Saint Vincent
Earning a degree in theology at Saint Vincent can lead to a range of opportunities. Equipped with broad theological knowledge and sharp research skills, graduates thrive in top-ranked graduate theology programs. With a love of learning and a passion for theology, they teach in elementary and high schools as well as serve in educational leadership and administration. Driven by a love for the Church and concern for the vulnerable, they work in various ministerial settings, from social work to the priesthood. Their curiosity and desire to broaden their horizons help them deepen their faith and explore religious questions in diverse fields like medicine and physics.
Alumni will go into successful careers as:
Our students have also enrolled in prestigious graduate schools:
- Angelicum (Rome)
- Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
- The Catholic University of America
- Harvard Divinity School
- Princeton Theological Seminary
- University of Notre Dame
Student Success Stories
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Fr. Brian Norris, C'17
"My time in the Saint Vincent theology program helped me to find a love for the Church Fathers who are central to the theology of Eastern Christianity. This influenced my decision to write my STL thesis on Deification, a prominent theme in the Church Fathers, at Saint Mary’s Seminary and University (Baltimore, Maryland) and this continues to shape my preaching and teaching in my parish ministry as a diocesan priest in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown.” -
Myrissa Donaldson, C'23
“My theology classes and professors have allowed me to confidently create discussion groups, Bible studies, and theological lessons for the parish. My communication classes and professors have prepared me to make flyers and social media content for events, create short videos of events for community members. My professors have had open conversations with me and prepared me for not only the good of parish work but also for the difficulties that come.” -
Dr. Michael Thomas, C'18
"My theology education at Saint Vincent rooted in the Benedictine tradition has given me a strong foundation in several core values that has enhanced my medical education. The theology faculty emphasized community and hospitality in many of my classes, and this influenced me to pursue a specialty where I can be a cornerstone of my community. I also learned valuable self-reflective skills which enable me to better relate to patients.”
Curriculum Requirements
The theology major is part of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and is supported by our core curriculum, where students delve into diverse academic subjects at both foundational and advanced levels to explore how different disciplines connect, fostering deeper self-understanding and proficiency in their chosen field of study.
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Major - Required Courses
Required Courses - Bachelor of Arts (30 Credits)
- TH 231 Biblical Foundations
- TH 340 Basics of Catholic Faith
- 3 TH 400-level Seminars
Electives
- 5 additional theology courses other than the courses listed above.
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Minor - Required Courses
Minor Requirements (18 Credits)
- TH 231 Biblical Foundations or TH 340 Basics of Catholic Faith
- 2 TH 400-level Seminars.
Electives
- 3 additional theology courses other than those listed above
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Key Courses
Our theology major provides a strong, general foundation in Scripture and tradition. So too does it offer students opportunities to explore theological topics in greater depth through electives and advanced seminars.
Gospel of Life, Gospel of Creation: This course considers why Christianity considers being human and living within creation as “good news.” Along the way, inspired by Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis, students examine the relationship between faith and science, the meaning of the Genesis creation accounts, and other key questions about the human person today.
Mariology: This course offers a theological and historical study of the Church’s devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Investigating areas like Scripture, patristic and medieval theology, and art, students encounter Marian devotion through the ages with an eye toward the present day.
Psalms and Wisdom Literature: Students will ponder ageless questions like the meaning of suffering in Old Testament Wisdom books like the Book of Job. And they will plumb the prayerful depths of the Psalms that daily nourish the Church’s life through the present day, especially in our Benedictine community.
Facilities and Resources
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Saint Vincent Archabbey
Established in 1846, the Archabbey of Saint Vincent is a community of monks living according to the Rule of Saint Benedict. At Saint Vincent College, they exemplify faith in everyday life. They teach in a variety of departments, including the theology department. -
Center for Catholic Thought and Culture
The CCTC is an invaluable resource for theology majors at Saint Vincent College. Established in the spirit of Boniface Wimmer’s mission, the CCTC fosters interdisciplinary academic inquiry rooted in the Catholic Intellectual and Benedictine Wisdom Traditions. It offers lectures, faculty-student reading groups, and programming, all of which demonstrate the intellectual rigor of Catholicism in service to our community. -
Campus Ministry
Campus Ministry at Saint Vincent College nurtures the spiritual, social, intellectual, and emotional lives of students. Guided by the monks of Saint Vincent Archabbey, Campus Ministry offers retreats, Bible studies, and service trips, welcoming all students—regardless of faith tradition—to grow in their relationship with Jesus and one another.