Bachelor of Arts in Theology Program

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Grounded in the Franciscan theological tradition of seeking Wisdom and the university's Franciscan values, the Bachelor of Arts in Theology aims to educate and form disciples and scholars for a wide range of ministry positions, as well as advanced studies at the graduate level. Graduates learn to contemplate the Word of God from the heart of the Church and to "rebuild the Lord's house" in the local community, following the footsteps of St. Francis.

Whether you feel called to ministry, already serve in a ministry position, or simply want to deepen your knowledge of the faith, this program combines theological inquiry, faith-driven service, and communal formation to help you reach your goals.
School
School of Arts & Sciences
Career
Christian ministry or graduate education
Program Contacts

CAREER

Students pursuing their bachelor’s degree in theology can go on to work in Christian ministry or seek graduate education.

Program Highlights

  • Comprehensive curriculum - The theology bachelor’s degree program consists of 121 credit hours, including 60 hours in core theological content. You’ll be immersed in the subject matter directly related to your major and take courses ranging from Christian spirituality to Christology and Mariology. Learn more about the courses you’ll take.

  • Gain hands-on experience - You’ll put your education into action through the ministry capstone project. This project provides you with the opportunity for hands-on experience with a local church, school, or religiously affiliated organization.

  • Knowledgeable faculty - Our theology faculty members are highly skilled professionals with extensive content expertise and have the mandatum, which is a mandate to teach with the official doctrine of the Catholic Church. View our faculty members.

  • One of few Catholic theology programs - FranU’s theology bachelor’s degree program is unique in that we are the only Catholic institution in Louisiana, outside of New Orleans, to offer a theology degree. What’s more, our program is endorsed by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge.

  • Connect and network - FranU theology majors can connect and network with others working in the Catholic faith. Our program serves as the academic hub for the Diocesan diaconate, lay formation, and spiritual direction programs, which require enrollment in our theology coursework.

  • Franciscan values - We are a member of the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities (institutions characterized by Franciscan values). We’re guided by our core values of service, reverence and love for all of life, joyfulness of spirit, humility and justice.

Theology Program Features

Learning Outcomes - What Will You Learn in the Theology Major?

Upon completion of the theology program, graduates will be able to:

  • Assess a theological or ministerial problem by the appropriate use of Catholic scripture;

  • Apply the theological principles of Catholic systematic theology to contemporary theological, spiritual or ministerial problems;

  • Organize significant Christian events historically;

  • Evaluate ethical decisions from the perspective of Catholic moral theology;

  • Construct written and oral presentations for academic or catechetical audiences.

Program Goals

The goals of the Bachelor of Arts in Theology include:

  1. Educate students with an integrated knowledge of theology;

  2. Develop skills necessary for 21st-century careers as well as entry into graduate or professional training programs;

  3. Provide evidence-based educational experiences that promote integrated knowledge of theology, vocational discernment, community engagement and Franciscan core values and

  4. Provide educational experiences that also meet the needs of the communities we serve.

Declaration of Major

A student may declare the theology major at any time but must meet with the program director to help develop his/her individual degree plan. Requirements for acceptance into the program are the same as for acceptance to Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.

Graduation Requirements

  • Completion of 121 credit hours as noted in the curriculum plan;

  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better on all college work (a grade of C or better in all related coursework);

  • Fulfillment of the residency requirement; and

  • Clearance of all indebtedness to the University, including the return of all materials borrowed from the University library.

Spiritual Direction Internship

Learn more about FranU’s collaborative program on spiritual direction.

Catholic Theology and Catechesis Certificate Program

Accreditation

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctorate degrees. Questions about accreditation of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500 or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Curriculum