Chairperson: James Bailey, Ph.D.

Duquesne's Department of Theology offers a program which undertakes an academic study of religion and experience. The Department emphasizes Catholic Theology, in dialogue with other Christian traditions, non-Christian traditions, and Judaism.

Requirements for the Major

Curriculum: 30 Credits
Students may apply one 3 credit core theology class toward degree completion. The remaining 27 credits must be from 200-level or above courses. Course selections should follow the distribution outlined below:
• 1- UCOR Theology, Biblical Studies, or Theological Ethics Course
• 2- 200-level or above courses in Biblical Studies
• 2- 200-level or above courses in Ethics
• 3- 200-level or above courses in Religion & Theology
• 2- 200-level Electives
Please note: 6 credits must be writing-intensive courses.

Requirements for the Minor

Curriculum: 15 Credits
Students minoring in theology are required to take a minimum of 15 credits in theology. Three of those credits can be from a university core theology class. The remaining theology credits (4 classes) must be at the 200-level or above.

Course Information

The Department has organized its courses into three divisions: Biblical Studies, Religious and Theological Studies, Ethical Studies.

The numbering of the courses indicates the level of the approach.

  • 200: These are courses introducing students to particular areas or questions in theology.
  • 300: These courses explore subject matter in greater depth and specificity than do courses at the 200-level.
  • 400: In these courses selected topics are dealt with at a more advanced level; independent research is required.

Intensive writing or service learning is sometimes a part of Theology courses; for detailed information on what a course will involve, contact the instructor.

Learning Outcomes

B.A. Theology

  • Students will develop critical thinking skills.
  • Students will develop an appreciation for, and gain knowledge of, the breadth of the Christian theological tradition in conversation with various religions, cultures, and social contexts.
  • Students will develop an appreciation for the importance of moral thinking and awareness through their theological studies.
  • Students will demonstrate attitudes, values, and skills for identifying and addressing civic issues as agents of change with others.