Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies
Lacey, USA
BA
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 46,856 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
The Theology and Religious Studies Department is rooted at the heart of Saint Martin’s identity as a Catholic and Benedictine University and thus proudly and hospitably serves our diverse community of students. Our courses invite students to engage in questions posed since ancient times by various religions, and of Catholic Christianity in particular, such as the ultimate meaning of human existence in relation to God and the establishment of an ethical society. We encourage students to appreciate the influence of religion throughout human history and in current global affairs as foundational for further, deeper reflection on religious belief as transformative of the human person in their theological, spiritual, artistic, social, ethical, narrative, and scriptural dimensions.
Program Highlights
The faculty of Theology and Religious Studies teaches, presents, and writes for domestic and international audiences in a substantial range of fields and subdisciplines. These include:
- Biblical Studies
- Ancient Judaism
- Christian Origins
- Eastern Religions
- Catholic systematic theology and philosophy
- Benedictine spirituality
- Christian ethics
For over thirty years, the university’s Spiritual Life Institute, held during the summer months, has explored topics to cultivate religious literacy, challenge pre-conceived notions, and shed light upon the spiritual journey. Theology and Religious Studies students have an opportunity to participate in these week-long discussions with internationally recognized groups of scholars.
Possible Research and Internship Opportunities
- The Priory Spirituality Center
- Campus Ministry
- Local parishes
- Catholic Community Services
- Interfaith works
- Interfaith Youth Core
Minor Program Option
Philosophy
Philosophy consists of a self-reflective, speculative search for the truth. Philosophy as a discipline surveys the history of human thought and studies the deepest concerns of human existence. It examines the intellectual heritage of the West in its historical roots and developments, but also addresses the central problems of the tradition in a reflective and systematic fashion, thereby giving the student a deeper insight into a significant aspect of his or her cultural heritage.
Core Requirements
Visit the undergraduate academic catalog on our website for a complete breakdown of core (general) requirements for bachelor's degrees.
Lower-Division Courses
- Introduction to Religious Studies
- Modern Theories of Religion
- Theological Anthropology
Upper-Division Courses
Successful completion of the requirements for one of the concentrations below and RLS 499.
Theology Concentration
- 15 credit hours from RLS 350-376 and 6 credit hours from RLS 300-339.
In consultation with the student's advisor, requirements for this concentration may be satisfied by taking RLS 397 (Directed Study), RLS 398 (Internship), and/or RLS 399 (Spiritual Life Institute).
Religious Studies Concentration
- 15 credit hours from RLS 300-339 and 6 credit hours from RLS 350-376.
In consultation with the student's advisor, requirements for this concentration may be satisfied by taking RLS 397 (Directed Study), RLS 398 (Internship), and/or RLS 399 (Spiritual Life Institute).
Final course for both emphases
Three credit hours in RLS 499: Senior Thesis
- Students in the general RLS emphasis will demonstrate a broad understanding of the world’s religious traditions, teachings, and practices.
- Students in the Christianity and culture emphasis will demonstrate a broad understanding of various Christian traditions.
- Students in the biblical studies emphasis will demonstrate an understanding of the biblical texts and approaches to their study.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to interpret religious artifacts and primary religious texts in English.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to express themselves independently, both orally and in writing, about a specific topic in religious studies in consultation with a member of the religious studies department.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to apply religious and ethical values and beliefs to life.
- Pastoral ministry (ordained or non-ordained)
- Non-profit or non-governmental organizations
- Non-profit organizations, such as Catholic Community Services or the Peace Corps
- Education
- Publishing
- Government or foreign service
- Event planning, hospitality or the service industry
- Graduate studies, such as university professor, medicine, ordination in a faith, or law school
- Non-government organizations (NGO) attached to the United Nations
- Marketing and management