Theological Studies, B.A. (Madrid)
The Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies from Saint Louis University — Madrid allows you to study and value the most important aspects of religious experience and thought. It is rooted in the Catholic tradition but seen in the context of the whole Christian tradition and in dialogue with the other world’s religious traditions.
Doing the B.A. in theological studies in Spain allows you to explore the rich and complex religious and cultural heritage of Spain, a European country particularly linked to Latin America, that is key for the history of world Catholicism, and in which Jews, Christians, and Muslims coexisted for a long time in the Middle Ages.
Additionally, this B.A. will allow you to develop your writing, research and critical thinking skills in preparation for graduate school, giving you not just a solid basis when pursuing careers in theology and philosophy but also an attractive specialization when pursuing careers in other fields such as communication, politics, social work, medicine, law and many others.
Major in Theological Studies
Credo, sed intelligere desidero”
“I believe, but I want to understand”
St. Anselm of Canterbury
SLU-Madrid is an ideal setting for theological study in Europe. The religious and cultural centers of Spain are at your fingertips: take an afternoon with the artwork of Fra Angelico or El Greco at the Museo del Prado, a day trip to Ávila to visit St. Teresa's first Carmel, a long weekend to Sevilla to see the largest gothic cathedral in the world, or join a campus retreat to the birthplace of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
Don't just study the history of European theology; live it in Madrid, Paris and Rome. Walk the medieval pilgrimage route on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. The theological studies program offers a unique opportunity to not only think deeply about the ultimate questions, but to see the impact the answers have made on the intellectual, cultural and religious heritage of Spain and Europe as a whole.
The Iberian Peninsula has been a cultural and intellectual crossroads for more than two millennia. The theological studies program at SLU-Madrid is committed to helping students and faculty expand their knowledge of God in this particular context. The possibilities of intellectual exchange between Judaism, Christianity and Islam have been mapped, explored and also shattered throughout Spain's history. Take classes on these three monotheistic faiths, their theologies, histories and relationships to one another.
Rooted in the Catholic, Jesuit intellectual tradition, the Department of Theological Studies is committed to the pursuit of truth through the exercise of faith and reason. This pursuit requires attention to be given to the theological tradition — including its material, historical and philosophical circumstances — and the contemporary state of the church and the world. While the department focuses on Catholic and other Christian traditions, it welcomes students from other religious traditions and is committed to interreligious dialogue and comparative theological study. Faculty specialties include the study of the Old and New Testaments, as well as fundamental, systematic, historical, and moral theology. Scholars and students in the theological studies program form a community of collaborative inquiry, with faculty emphasizing the preparation of students not only for rigorous examination of religious and ethical commitments but also for the practice of faith.
The major in theological studies requires 120 credit hours of coursework, including 33 credit hours of Theology coursework. Students are required to take the God Talk course, one World Religions course, one Teachings in the Christian Tradition course, four electives, four electives, one capstone seminar, and at least one course in the following areas: "Sacred Texts", "Religious Traditions", and "Religious Ethics".
Major Requirements (33 credit hours)
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THEO 1000: Theological Foundations or THEO 1600: God Talk (3 credit hours)
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THEO 2710: Religions of the World (3 credit hours)
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One elective course from "Teachings in the Christian Tradition" (3 credit hours), either:
- THEO 3430: Teachings in the Christian Tradition: God & Christ, or
- THEO 3435: Teachings in the Christian Tradition: Church & World
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One elective course from "Sacred Texts" courses (3 credit hours) such as:
- THEO 2210: Introduction to the Old Testament
- THEO 2210: Introduction to the New Testament
- THEO 3115: Biblical Prophets: Voices of Conscience & Social Justice
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One elective from "Religious Traditions" courses (3 credit hours) such as:
- THEO 2715: Jerusalem: Three Faiths, One City
- THEO 2755: Islam: Religion, Culture, and Society
- THEO 3730: Jewish Life: Bible to Middle Ages
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One elective from "Religious Ethics" courses (3 credit hours) such as:
- THEO 2510: Christian Ethics
- THEO 2515: Social Justice
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Four additional elective theology courses (12 credit hours) to choose from those listed above or from other courses such as:
- THEO 2425: God in Human Experience
- THEO 2820: Religion and Science
- THEO 2330: Christian Church Since 1500
- THEO 3130: Ancient Israel and the Near East
- THEO 3220: Archaeology and the Bible
- THEO 3375: Women in the Bible
- THEO 3850: Theology and the Visual Arts
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THEO 4960: Capstone Seminar I
At least 15 credits must be taken at the 3xxx-level or above.
A single course cannot be used to fulfill more than one requirement.
Continuation standards: A student must maintain a 2.00 GPA in theology major coursework
Minor Requirements
SLU-Madrid's minor in theological studies requires students to complete 18 hours of coursework that meet the following requirements:
- THEO 1600: God Talk (3 credit hours)
- THEO 2710: Religions of the World (3 credit hours)
- One elective course from "Sacred Texts" courses or from "Teachings in the Christian Tradition" courses (3 credit hours) such as:
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- THEO 3430: Teachings in the Christian Tradition: God and Christ
- THEO 3435: Teachings in the Christian Tradition: Church and World
- THEO 2210: Introduction to the Old Testament
- THEO 2210: Introduction to the New Testament
- THEO 3115: Biblical Prophets: Voices of Conscience and Social Justice
- Three additional elective THEO courses (9 credit hours)
At least nine credits must be taken at the 3xxx-level or above.
A single course cannot be used to fulfill more than one requirement when pursuing this minor.
Continuation standards: A student must maintain a 2.00 GPA in theology minor coursework.
Those interested in remaining in the field of theology after graduation may teach on the elementary and secondary levels or serve as religious education coordinators in a parish and pastoral associates in schools or parishes. Many students consider the major in theological studies as solid preparation for graduate school. Graduate studies in theology provide students with the education for various careers in ministry, teaching at the college or university level, and entering many other professions. Studies in theology give students an attractive specialization in many careers, for example in communication, politics, social work, medicine, law, and many others.
SLU-Madrid's professors of theological studies are experts specialized in many areas of theology, including the study of the Bible, and fundamental, systematic, historical, and moral theology.
SLU-Madrid is committed to providing a quality Jesuit education at an affordable price. Tuition rates at the Madrid Campus are approximately 40% lower than at comparable private universities in the U.S.
If you have questions or would like to speak with a financial aid officer, email us at financialaid-madrid@slu.edu.
To be admitted to the major, you must have at least a 2.00 cumulative average and complete a declaration of major form, available in the Office of the Registrar. Upon acceptance to the program, you will be assigned a departmental advisor.
To be certified for graduation, you are required to:
- Have at least a 2.00 cumulative average, a 2.00 average in the major and a 2.00 average in the minor or related elective hours.
- Complete 30 of your final 36 credits at Saint Louis University (either the Madrid or St. Louis campus).
- Submit the online application for degree before the beginning of the semester in which you intend to graduate.