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Religious Studies

Investigate the nature of God while developing a mature worldview consistent with values promoting the common good.

Program Information

Religious studies and theology focus on social justice and the complexities of religions and spirituality in the modern world. This journey nurtures critical thinking and writing skills, while engaging in content that nurtures the development of intellectualism and spirituality in the student. Viterbo faculty guide and mentor students to examine religious history as well as Christian and sacramental theologies, scripture, and moral reasoning. There is an emphasis in Franciscan theology and spirituality along with a strong commitment to the Catholic intellectual tradition. Small class sizes encourage discussion, interaction, and individualized attention, and graduates have exciting career opportunities in youth ministry, non-profits, missionary work and religious education.

Academic focus on social justice, religions and spirituality

100% 

Placement rate 

Internship opportunities with nonprofits and parishes   

Religious Studies and Theology (BA)

Viterbo’s religious studies and theology program focuses on social justice and the complexities of religions and spirituality in the modern world. At Viterbo, this process begins with dedicated faculty, both lay and religious, who are actively engaged in theological research and scholarship. Faculty guide and mentor students to examine religious history as well as Christian, Franciscan, and sacramental theologies, scripture, and moral reasoning.  

Religious Studies and Theology (Minor)

Minors at Viterbo University generally require between 15–25 credits upon completion. Transfer course and waivers and/or substitutions could modify these credit totals.
Campus Ministry
Franciscan CORE
Catholic Identity
Our Stories
Emily (Hund) Dykman '98

Emily Dykman: A Life of Faith and Harmony

For Emily (Hund) Dykman ’98, returning to Viterbo as a religious studies professor was strange at first, but now she feels she's right where she belongs.
READ MORE

Humanities and Languages

Viterbo's humanities and language programs develop the crucial critical thinking, communication, leadership, and other marketable skills and attributes employers desire in a wide range of professional careers.

Allie Loomis

Allie Loomis ’07

Director of Campus Ministry and Parish School of Religion, Murray State University

I love working with college students, their energy and enthusiasm is contagious. I was blessed to have people walk with me and guide me on my faith journey when I was at Viterbo, and I hope to do that with my students.”

Amadeus Gandy ’14

My degree met the requirements for Military Chaplaincy. While at Seminary, I was commissioned into the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant, Chaplain Candidate. I will reappoint this summer as a First Lieutenant and will carry the designation of Chaplain. My degree, which was earned at a Roman Catholic institution, supplied me with key theological points that I would use in discussion with my Roman Catholic Chaplain Candidate peers. Additionally, these key theological points opened doors to conversations with Roman Catholic soldiers/airmen/sailors and other lay members of the R.C. faith. I believe my future training and work as a Chaplain in the USAF will benefit from my undergraduate degree.”

Molly (Shannon) Johnson ’13

The rhetoric and social teachings provided by the degree and the leadership of my professors not only strengthened my commitment to serve, but also provided me direction to recognize whom I needed to serve most.”

Faculty

Related Scholarships

Clare of Assisi Endowed Scholarship

Paula Ripple Comin Spirituality Scholarship

Viterbo Community Fellows Scholarship

Father Michael C. Braun Scholarship