Bachelor of Arts in Theology

The BA in Theology prepares graduates who have an understanding of the Christian and more particularly the Catholic theological tradition.  Students develop the ability to think and write critically about Christian history and theological topics, and have the tools to apply their knowledge to further study and professional work.

This program will prepare graduates to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the history of Christian tradition.

  • Identify significant theological concepts from the bible that pertain to the origins of Christian tradition.
  • Articulate an understanding of the timeline of Christian history.
  • Articulate key elements of the Second Vatican Council as they relate to current Catholic thinking.

Demonstrate an understanding of Christian moral teachings.

  • Articulate basic principles of Christian moral teaching.
  • Articulate basic principles of Catholic social teaching.
  • Think analytically about ethical behavior in light of the Catholic theological tradition.
  • Apply basic principles of Christian morality to a variety of life experiences.

Demonstrate an understanding of key topics in Catholic theology.

  • Articulate an understanding of the person of Jesus, from historical and theological   perspectives.
  • Articulate an understanding of the human person and his or her dignity.
  • Articulate an understanding of church structure and worship.
  • Engage in the process of developing a personal theology based on the key topics of the Catholic theological tradition.

Demonstrate a basic understanding of the world’s religions.

  • Articulate the basic principles of Judaism
  • Articulate the basic principles of Islam
  • Articulate the basic principles of Hinduism
  • Articulate the basic principles of Buddhism

Conduct independent scholarly research

  • Gather, organize, and present information using the Chicago or MLA style.
  • Access and evaluate relevant information on the Internet, as well as other contemporary sources that contribute to academic discourse.
  • Locate easily the best pertinent research sources pertaining to the theological sub-specialties.
  • Write essays and research papers that compare, contrast, and evaluate theological concepts.
  • Use empirical evidence and logical argumentation in the presentation of theological concepts.

Embody the Vincentian mission

  • Articulate an understanding of Vincent de Paul in the context of Christian history
  • Articulate an understanding of the spread of the Vincentian tradition throughout the world.
  • Apply knowledge of the Vincentian mission to a specific, course embedded service project.

Undergraduate Admission Contacts
Queens
Office of Admission
St. John’s University
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
1 (888) 9STJOHNS
admissions@stjohns.edu

Staten Island
Office of Admission
St. John’s University
300 Howard Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10301
(718) 390-4500
siadmhelp@stjohns.edu