Theology & Religious Studies, B.A.

Program Learning Goals

Students will:

1. Critically analyze the religious dimensions of human experience as expressed in sacred texts, art, ritual practice, ethical commitments, philosophy/theology, and social structures.

2. Identify ways in which religious or ethical traditions and the critical study thereof provide resources for responding to injustice and living ethically.

Major Requirements

The TRS Major consists of 36 credit hours, half of which must be at the 3000 or 4000 level. Courses are to be distributed as follows:

Professional Development Program (0 credits)

Area Requirements (15 credits)

At least one 3-credit course from each of the following areas:

1. Sacred Texts (1100-1199, 2100-2199, 3100-3199, 4100-4199)

2. Religion in History & Society (1200-1299, 2200-2299, 3200-3299, 4200-4299)

3. Catholic Theology (1300-1399, 2300-2399, 3300-3399, 4300-4399)

4. Non-Christian Religions (1400-1499, 2400-2499, 3400-3499, 4400-4499)

5. Ethics & Justice (1500-1599, 2500-2599, 3500-3599, 4500-4599)

Five Electives (15 credits)

4000-Level Requirement (3 credits)

Senior Seminar Capstone (3 credits)

Total Credit Hours: 36

Professional Development

All majors in the Humanities and Social Sciences complete a 0 credit course, CE 2001, CAS Professional Development Program, as one of their degree requirements. In this course, students are introduced to resources and strategies for finding internships, articulating transferable skills, and preparing for employment or graduate/professional schools after college. Students typically complete this course in their sophomore year. The course provides a good foundation for further training. Opportunities for ongoing Professional Development will be provided within the major, in collaboration with Career Services.

Accelerated Dual Degree Program

The Accelerated Dual Degree Program in Theology & Religious Studies is designed for undergraduate students who wish to earn the Master of Arts degree with an additional year of study beyond the baccalaureate degree. Undergraduates may apply for admission to the Integrated B.A./M.A. program in the junior year. For students who are accepted, up to 9 credits of graduate coursework may be taken during the senior year and applied toward both the TRS major and the TRS Master of Arts degree. Students complete the 30-credit M.A. by taking the remaining 21 graduate credits before the end of their fifth year. Students in the Accelerated Dual Degree Program also have the opportunity to earn the Certificate in Theological Education by the end of the fifth year, qualifying them to teach high school theology within the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland.