Theology Degree (Bachelor of Arts)
If you want to deepen your understanding of your own faith or learn more about the significance of religion in today’s world, then Creighton’s theology program is the right place for you.
When you pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in theology from Creighton University, you’ll get an introduction to the various sub-disciplines within theology, according to its classic definition as “faith seeking understanding.”
Why choose Creighton to pursue your theology major? Because you’ll have the opportunity to take courses in a wide variety of areas from faculty members who are also active scholars. The largest Creighton theology classes enroll 35 students, and upper-division seminars for majors usually have an enrollment between 10 and 15. In a Creighton theology course, you’ll never be an anonymous face in the crowd.
Program Details
With a theology degree from Creighton, you’ll:
- Investigate the basic principles, values and practices that ground an authentic moral life
- Explore the Old and New Testaments using the techniques of modern, historical criticism
- Gain an understanding of applied ethics from two perspectives: philosophy and theology
- Explore the development of the Christian theological tradition in its historical complexity
- Learn doctrinal themes, such as Trinitarian thought, Christology and Ecclesiology
Curriculum
The traditional theology BA program curriculum is 36 credits.
Specializations
- Biblical Studies Specialization
- Doctrinal, Historical or Liturgical Theology Specialization
- Christian Life Studies Specialization
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Theology majors who also obtain certification in education are in particular demand. At the present time, Nebraska is the only state that allows students to earn an endorsement to teach religion at the secondary level. Some of our majors move into education after completing their degrees, especially by joining the Magis Catholic Teacher Corps.
Applied Ethics Minor
The applied ethics minor is an interdisciplinary program of studies designed to provide students with an understanding of applied ethics from two perspectives: philosophy and theology. The minor introduces students to the differences and similarities in philosophical and theological approaches to applied ethics, different theories of ethics in these two disciplines and how to relate the two.
Biblical Studies Minor
The biblical studies minor examines historical, social and literary contexts of the biblical texts and their use in theological traditions. Students will explore the Old and New Testaments using the techniques of modern, historical criticism.
Christian Life Studies Minor
The minor in Christian life studies offers students an opportunity to explore the practical ways in which Christians “grow in the image and likeness of God,” as that question has been addressed within the disciplines of Christian ethics and/or Christian spirituality. In Christian ethics, students investigate the basic principles, values and practices that ground an authentic moral life.
Theology Minor
The minor in theology will introduce you to the basic principles and methods of theology. Depending on your interests, you can then apply those principles and methods to specific topics or areas of study in historical or contemporary theology.
Admissions Requirements
Creighton admissions are based upon:
- High school GPA
- ACT or SAT scores*
- Extracurricular activities
- Personal statement to demonstrate creative abilities not reflected in your transcripts
- Recommendation from high school counselor
- Honors sections and advanced placement courses will enhance a candidate’s application
*For students who are choosing to apply test-optional, ACT/SAT exam scores are not required at the time of application for admission.
Dates & Deadlines
Applications for the fall semester open on Aug. 1 of the prior year. For scholarship consideration, the earlier you complete your undergraduate application, the better. For up-to-date deadlines, visit our admissions page.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition rates are updated each year. Visit our financial aid site to learn more about the cost of attendance.
Financial Aid
Creighton University’s Financial Aid Office administers over $200,000,000 in student aid each year from federal, state, institutional and private sources.
To help make your undergraduate studies at Creighton University more affordable, we encourage you to file the FAFSA to apply for financial assistance. A variety of scholarships are also available.
Theology majors seeking internship experience may choose to pursue opportunities at Creighton’s Office of Campus Ministry. Additionally, students can explore a wealth of career-related resources and meet with a career advisor to discuss internship possibilities at Creighton’s Career Center.
Studying abroad is a hands-on way for students to more fully enhance their understanding of theology, and students can embark on this through Encuentro Dominicano, Creighton’s premier academic service-learning program. By participating in this program, students will have the opportunity to live and work with families in the Dominican Republic and engage in service-learning, travel and community building. This truly immersive program provides students with the chance to make connections with the Dominican people and experience the rich, vibrant local culture. Encuentro Dominicano embodies the Jesuit mission of promoting justice, striving for excellence and dedication to the truth.
Faculty members also help students to encounter world Christianity in context by leading summer travel courses to places such as Bolivia, Peru, Uganda and Tanzania.
The primary research opportunity for theology majors occurs in Senior Seminar, where students prepare and publicly present a research paper. Many of our students have also shared their research at regional undergraduate theology conferences. Since 1998, a variety of Creighton theology students have had their senior projects accepted for publication in the Journal of Theta Alpha Kappa. A recent graduate was awarded the Albert Clark Prize, which is given each year to the outstanding undergraduate paper submitted to the Journal of Theta Alpha Kappa.
Like other Creighton undergraduates, theology majors are eligible to compete for the College of Arts and Sciences Summer Research Scholarships. Information regarding these scholarships is posted each year at Undergraduate Summer Research Opportunities.
Graduate and Professional Placement
Creighton’s theology program provides a solid foundation for graduate or professional study (such as law or health professions). Recent graduate and professional school placements include:
- University of Notre Dame
- Princeton Theological Seminary
- Brown University
- Emory University
- Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
- Sacred Heart Seminary
- Saint Louis University
- Yale Divinity School
- Boston College
Career Options
Recent theology graduates are now pursuing careers in ministry, medicine, law, nursing, business and the nonprofit sector. Our graduates have most recently found positions with the following:
- Catholic Schools, Diocese of Tulsa
- Project Interfaith
- Skutt High School
- Creighton Prep
- United States Air Force
