Theology as a Major

This program is intended for those students who will make Theology the field of major focus in their undergraduate study. The program introduces and explores Doctrinal, Historical, and Liturgical Theology, Biblical Studies, and Christian Life Studies. It intends to prepare students for the many and varied goals which Theology majors might pursue after graduation, whether in graduate study, as preparation for professional school, in teaching theology, or in pastoral work.

Theology as a Co-Major

This program is designed to accommodate the growing number of students who are majoring in a discipline other than Theology but whose interest in religious and theological questions leads them to take a number of courses offered in the Theology curriculum. Such students will be able to take a programmed sequence of courses that will lead to the designation co-major in Theology.

Theology and Youth Ministry

Students interested in youth ministry have the opportunity to pursue of Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies through a program sponsored by the Archdiocese of Omaha. Eight credits earned in this program can be applied to the Theology Major or Co-major.

Theology and Teacher Preparation

Creighton’s theology program can also be tightly integrated with the teacher training program offered through the education department. Unlike most states, Nebraska recognizes theology as a certifiable discipline. Therefore theology majors and co-majors can receive a teacher certification in theology. Some details are listed below, but if you are interested in this, please visit the education department’s web site at http://puffin.creighton.edu/edu/index.htm.

Career Outlook

The Theology major at Creighton is prepared for further study and various careers. Some graduates go on for masters or doctoral programs in theology or related fields. Others find employment at once in teaching, pastoral work, or community service positions. Still more find that the Theology major, like other humanities majors at Creighton, offers excellent preparation for professional school, particularly in law, medicine, and dentistry. Employers in the business world recognize that the theology major has acquired the skills to think, speak, and write competently, along with a broad cultural background that promises successful performance in positions of responsibility.

Typical Program of Study

The College Core requires all students to take THL 100, one Scripture course, an ethics course (THL 250), and a course in Christian Theology. The Major in Theology requires 24 credit hours beyond these 12 hours, for a total of 36 credit hours in Theology courses. The Co-major in Theology requires 15 credits beyond the College Core, for a total of 27 credit hours in Theology courses.

An asterisk * designates a Core Requirement.

Requirements for a Major in Theology

1. THL 100, Religious Inquiry: Christianity in Context.*
2. A course in Old Testament.*
3. A course in New Testament.*
4. THL 250, Theological Foundations for Ethical Understanding.*
5. One 300 level course in Christian Theology.*
6. THL 550, History of the Christian Church.
7. Three 400-599 level courses, one in each of the following areas: Doctrinal, Historical, or Liturgical Theology; Biblical Studies; Christian Life Studies.
8. Two other courses in Theology (6 credit hours) chosen in consultation with the major advisor.
9. THL 492, Senior Seminar.

Requirements for a Co-major in Theology

1. Listings 1 through 6 above for the Theology major (18 credit hours).
2. THL 335 Jesus Christ: Yesterday and Today, or, if taken as THL 300 requirement (#5 above), a THL elective may be chosen.
3. One THL 400-599 course.
4. One Theology elective.

Requirements for the Certificate in Youth Ministry

Theology Majors and Co-majors must complete the requirements listed above. Eight credits from the Youth Ministry Studies Program may be transferred as theology electives upon completion of the youth ministry program. Information about this program is available at: http://www.oarch.org/ORF/ORFPages/cert.html.

Requirements for a Teaching Endorsement in Theology

Theology Majors and Co-majors preparing for a career in teaching must complete the requirements listed above but the selection of courses is more tightly controlled. The education department maintains a web site outlining the details (http://puffin.creighton.edu/edu/Religious%20Education.htm).

For More Information about Theology or other programs at Creighton:

1. Check out the Creighton home page
2. Contact Creighton Admissions (402) 280-2703
3. Contact the Theology Department in the Humanities Center (402) 280-2501.
4. Contact the Theology Chair: Dr. John J. O'Keefe (402) 280-4799.