Theology (BA/MA)
The BA/MA program is jointly administered by the Theology Department Undergraduate Program and Graduate Program Directors.
BA Requirements
Curriculum
At least five (5) of the 12 courses required for the major must be at the 300-level or higher.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Doctrine Course 1 | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Christian Theology | ||
Sacraments and the Christian Imagination | ||
Church & Global Cultures | ||
Jesus Christ | ||
Bible, Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Course | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Hebrew Bible/Old Testament | ||
or THEO 232 | New Testament | |
Wisdom Literature and Psalms | ||
Pentateuch | ||
Israel Conquest to Exile | ||
Bible, New Testament Course | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
New Testament | ||
The Meaning of Jesus Christ | ||
Gospels of Matthew, Mark & Luke | ||
Christian Thought Course | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Christian Thought: Ancient-Medieval | ||
Christian Thought: Reformation to Modern | ||
Non-Christian Religious Tradition Course | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Introduction to Religious Studies | ||
Taoism | ||
Judaism | ||
Hinduism | ||
Islam | ||
Buddhism | ||
Religions of Asia | ||
Topics in Islam | ||
Topics in Buddhism | ||
Religious Traditions | ||
Topics in Judaism | ||
Women, Gender and Embodiment in Islam | ||
Contemporary Islamic Thought and Movements | ||
Ethics Course | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Christian Ethics | ||
Global Religious Ethics | ||
Topics in Moral Problems | ||
Social Justice and Injustice | ||
Religious Ethics and the Ecological Crisis | ||
Christian Marriage | ||
Foundations of Christian Morality | ||
Perspectives on Life and Death | ||
Contemporary Christian Sexuality | ||
Theology and Ecology | ||
Theology Capstone | ||
THEO 373 | Theology Capstone 2 | 3 |
Elective Courses | ||
Select five elective courses 3 | 15 | |
Any THEO 200-level or higher course | ||
All Things Ignatian: Living and Learning in the Jesuit Trad | ||
Total Hours | 36 |
- 1
Eligible students may substitute HONR 101 Western Traditions - Antiquity to the Middle Ages/HONR D101 Developments Western Thought I Discussion for Doctrine requirement.
- 2
With prior approval from the undergraduate program director, students may replace THEO 373 Theology Capstone with THEO 353 Religious Traditions.
- 3
With prior approval from the undergraduate program director, up to two elective courses may be taken outside the Department of Theology. Courses used for other Theology major requirements cannot be used as electives.
THEO 280 Theology & Interdisciplinary Studymay be taken to fulfill a major requirement, depending on the course topic. Please consult your department for more information.
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework. An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study. Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.
Freshman | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | |
Doctrine Course (THEO 100) | 3 | |
Ethics Course (THEO 185) | 3 | |
Hours | 6 | |
Spring | ||
Non-Christian Traditions Course | 3 | |
THEO 231 or THEO 232 |
Hebrew Bible/Old Testament or New Testament |
3 |
Hours | 6 | |
Sophomore | ||
Fall | ||
THEO 232 or THEO 231 |
New Testament (whichever one not taken) or Hebrew Bible/Old Testament |
3 |
THEO 200-Level or higher Course | 3 | |
Hours | 6 | |
Spring | ||
THEO 200-Level or higher Course | 3 | |
THEO 300-Level or higher Course | 3 | |
Hours | 6 | |
Junior | ||
Fall | ||
THEO 300-Level or higher Course 1 | 3 | |
Hours | 3 | |
Spring | ||
THEO 300-Level or higher Course 1 | 3 | |
Hours | 3 | |
Senior | ||
Fall | ||
THEO 300-Level or higher Course | 3 | |
Hours | 3 | |
Spring | ||
THEO 373 | Theology Capstone | 3 |
Hours | 3 | |
Total Hours | 36 |
- 1
Students may take THEO 317 Christian Thought: Ancient-Medieval or THEO 318 Christian Thought: Reformation to Modern in this term.
Transfer-Student Residency Requirement
At least 18 credit hours of THEO-BA requirements must be completed at Loyola
Double-Dipping Policy
This department observes the CAS Double-Dipping Policy regarding unique credits required for each declared major/minor.
College of Arts and Sciences Graduation Requirements
All Undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences are required to take two Writing Intensive courses (6 credit hours) as well as complete a foreign language requirement at 102-level or higher (3 credit hours) or a language competency test. More information can be found here.
Additional Undergraduate Graduation Requirements
All Undergraduate students are required to complete the University Core, at least one Engaged Learning course, and UNIV 101. SCPS students are not required to take UNIV 101. Nursing students in the Accelerated BSN program are not required to take core or UNIV 101. You can find more information in the University Requirements area.
THEO 280 Theology & Interdisciplinary Studymay be taken to fulfill a major requirement, depending on the course topic. Please consult your department for more information.
MA Requirements
Curriculum
The Master of Arts in Theology requires 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive examination. Students may choose to concentrate in one of four areas: Theological Studies, Biblical Languages and Literature, Biblical Studies, or Christian Ethics. There is also an option to add an Education minor.
Concentrations
Theological Studies
This concentration emphasizes exposure to the full range of theological investigation.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
Two courses in Biblical Studies | 6 | |
Two courses in Systematic or Historical Theology | 6 | |
Two courses in Christian Ethics | 6 | |
Four Graduate Electives | 12 | |
Total Hours | 30 |
Biblical Languages and Literature
The concentration in Biblical Languages and Literature provides students with the initial language and biblical study necessary to apply to doctoral programs in Biblical Studies. Half of the coursework is in biblical Greek and Hebrew. This concentration requires an additional 6cr hours due to intensive language requirements.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
Four courses in Major Biblical Language (Hebrew or Greek) | 12 | |
Two courses in Minor Biblical Language (Hebrew or Greek) | 6 | |
Two courses in Old Testament | 6 | |
Two courses in New Testament | 6 | |
One course in Systematic or Historical Theology | 3 | |
One course in Christian Ethics | 3 | |
Total Hours | 36 |
Biblical Studies
This concentration is suited to students with a particular interest in Biblical Studies, but does not incorporate the language study necessary for doctoral work in Biblical Studies.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
Five courses in Biblical Studies | 15 | |
One course in Systematic or Historical Theology | 3 | |
One course in Christian Ethics | 3 | |
Three Graduate Electives | 9 | |
Total Hours | 30 |
Christian Ethics
This concentration is similar to the concentration in Theological Studies, but requires more coursework in Christian Ethics.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
Five courses in Christian Ethics | 15 | |
Two courses in Systematic of Historical Theology | 6 | |
Two courses in Biblical Studies | 6 | |
One Graduate Elective | 3 | |
Total Hours | 30 |
Bioethics & Health Care Policy
The concentration in Bioethics and Health Care Policy is offered jointly with the Neiswanger Institute for Bioethics and Healthcare Leadership. This concentration is appropriate for students interested in pursuing a social ethical understanding of bioethics. Courses in this concentration address the history of bioethics including the issues of racism and eugenics; methods and approaches in medical ethics and bioethics (ethnography, narrative bioethics, feminist bioethics); and topics in bioethics such as reproductive medicine and reproductive justice, genetics, disability ethics, spiritual care ethics, end of life, and healthcare justice.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
BEHL 401 | Clinical Topics in Bioethics | 3 |
Two courses in Christian Ethics | 6 | |
Two courses in Biblical Studies | 6 | |
Three courses in Bioethics 1 | 9 | |
Two courses in Systematic or Historical Theology | 6 | |
Total Hours | 30 |
- 1
One course in Bioethics may be taken at the Neiswanger Institute.
Graduate Courses by Area
Theology courses are divided into sub-fields as follows. There are also directed readings and independent studies options that are open for application to particular areas of study.
Biblical Studies
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
THEO 401 | Tutorial in Biblical Studies | 3 |
THEO 403 | Topics in Rabbinic & Medieval Literature | 3 |
THEO 404 | History of Israel | 3 |
THEO 405 | Formation of The Pentateuch | 3 |
THEO 406 | Basic Hebrew Grammar | 3 |
THEO 407 | Hebrew Exegesis | 3 |
THEO 418 | Theological Prophets-Ancient Israel | 3 |
THEO 420 | Seminar | 3 |
THEO 421 | Directed Reading in Bible Studies | 1-3 |
THEO 422 | Directed Reading in Bible Studies | 3 |
THEO 424 | The Synoptic Gospels | 3 |
THEO 425 | Luke-Acts & New Testament Church | 3 |
THEO 427 | St Paul's Contribution to Christianity | 3 |
THEO 429 | Person of Jesus in New Testament | 3 |
THEO 515 | Gospels in Early Christianity | 3 |
THEO 517 | Early Christian Letters | 1-12 |
THEO 519 | Latr Nt-Subapost Writ | 3 |
THEO 523 | Cultural-Religious Environment Early Christianity | 3 |
THEO 527 | Various Community Early Christianity | 3 |
Theology
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
THEO 436 | Christology | 3 |
THEO 437 | Mystery of God in Christian Theology | 3 |
THEO 440 | Seminar in Systematic Theology | 1-12 |
THEO 441 | Directed Reading in Systematic Theology | 3 |
THEO 447 | Philosophical Theology | 3 |
THEO 449 | Phenomenology of Religion | 3 |
THEO 459 | Contemporary Theology | 1-12 |
THEO 460 | Seminar in History of Theology | 1-12 |
THEO 461 | Directed Readings in History of Theology | 3 |
THEO 464 | Religion & Politics in Christian History | 3 |
THEO 530 | Seminar - Variable Titles | 1-12 |
THEO 536 | Christian Doctrine-Catholic Theology | 3 |
THEO 560 | Contemporary Authors | 1-12 |
THEO 570 | Fundamental Issues in Christian Ethics | 1-12 |
Ethics
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
THEO 470 | Foundations Crititical Issues Theological Ethics | 1-12 |
THEO 475 | Natural Law & Theological Ethics | 3 |
THEO 477 | Feminist Issues in Theology and Ethics | 3 |
THEO 478 | Issues in Medical Ethics | 3 |
THEO 480 | Seminar in Christian Ethics | 1-12 |
THEO 481 | Directed Readings Christian Ethics | 3 |
THEO 573 | Roman Catholic Ethics | 3 |
THEO 575 | Religious Ethics and Social Theory | 3 |
THEO 580 | Christian Social Ethics | 3 |
THEO 585 | Issues Applied Theology Ethics | 3 |
Education Minor
Students seeking an MA in any of our four concentrations can pursue a minor in Education. This option is excellent preparation for those who plan to teach theology at the high school level, where candidates with a combination of academic theological training and teacher training are in high demand.
Required Courses
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
CIEP 414 | Instructional Methods-Diverse Population | 3 |
CIEP 423 | Advanced Literacy Instruction in the Content Area | 3 |
CIEP 425 | Theory and Practice in Assessment | 3 |
CIEP 458 | Classroom Management | 3 |
For those students who choose this option, the Theology Department will recognize two of these four required School of Education courses as fulfilling two electives in the MA program. The other two School of Education courses are in addition to the usual MA course requirements. Students frequently take these additional two courses during the summer.
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supercede school policies.
Guidelines for Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Programs
Terms
- Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s programs: In this type of program, students share limited credits between their undergraduate and graduate degrees to facilitate completion of both degrees.
- Shared credits: Graduate level credit hours taken during the undergraduate program and then applied towards graduate program requirements will be referred to as Shared credits.
Admission Requirements
Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s programs are designed to enhance opportunities for advanced training for Loyola’s undergraduates. Admission to these programs must be competitive and will depend upon a positive review of credentials by the program’s admissions committee. Accordingly, the admission requirements for these programs may be higher than those required if the master’s degree were pursued entirely after the receipt of a bachelor’s degree. That is, programs may choose to have more stringent admissions requirements in addition to those minimal requirements below.
Requirements:
- Declared appropriate undergraduate major,
- By the time students begin taking graduate courses as an undergraduate, the student has completed approximately 90 credit hours, or the credit hours required in a program that is accredited by a specialty organization,1
- A minimum cumulative GPA for coursework at Loyola that is at or above the program-specific requirements, a minimum major GPA that is at or above the program-specific requirements, and/or appropriate designated coursework for evaluation of student readiness in their discipline.2
Students not eligible for the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program (e.g., students who have not declared the appropriate undergraduate major) may apply to the master’s program through the regular admissions process. Students enrolled in an Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program who choose not to continue to the master’s degree program upon completion of the bachelor’s degree will face no consequences.3
Ideally, a student will apply for admission (or confirm interest in proceeding towards the graduate degree in opt-out programs) as they approach 90 credit hours. Programs are encouraged to begin advising students early in their major so that they are aware of the program and, if interested, can complete their bachelor’s degree requirements in a way that facilitates completion of the program. Once admitted as an undergraduate, Program Directors should ensure that students are enrolled using the plan code associated with the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program. Using the plan code associated with the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program will ensure that students may be easily identified as they move through the program. Students will not officially matriculate into the master’s degree program and be labeled as a graduate student by the university, with accompanying changes to tuition and Financial Aid (see below), until the undergraduate degree has been awarded. Once admitted to the graduate program, students must meet the academic standing requirements of their graduate program as they complete the program curriculum.
- 1
Programs that have specialized accreditation will adhere to the admissions criteria provided by, or approved by, their specialized accreditors.
- 2
The program will identify appropriate indicators of student readiness for graduate coursework (e.g., high-level performance in 300 level courses). Recognizing differences between how majors are designed, we do not specify a blanket requirement.
- 3
If students choose not to enroll in the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program, they still must complete all of the standard requirements associated with the undergraduate degree (e.g., a capstone).
Curriculum
Level and progression of courses. The Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s programs are designed to be competitive and attractive to our most capable students. Students admitted to Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s programs should be capable of meeting graduate level learning outcomes. Following guidance from the Higher Learning Commission, only courses taken at the 400 level or higher (including 300/400 level courses taken at the 400 level) will count toward the graduate program.1,2 Up to 50% of the total graduate level credit hours, required in the graduate program, may come from 300/400 level courses where the student is enrolled in the 400 level of the course. Further, at least 50% of the credit hours for the graduate program must come from courses that are designed for and restricted to graduate students who have been admitted to a graduate program at Loyola (e.g., enrolled in plan code that indicates the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program, typically ending with the letter “D”).3
In general, graduate level coursework should not be taken prior to admission into the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program. Exceptions may be granted for professional programs where curriculum for the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program is designed to begin earlier. On the recommendation of the program’s Graduate Director, students may take one of their graduate level courses before they are admitted to the Accelerated Bachelors/Master’s program if they have advanced abilities in their discipline and course offerings warrant such an exception.4 Undergraduate degree requirements outside of the major are in no way impacted by admission to an Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program.5
Shared credits. Undergraduate courses (i.e., courses offered at the 300 level or below) cannot be counted as shared credits nor count towards the master’s degree. Up to 50% of the total graduate level credit hours, required in the graduate program, may be counted in meeting both the undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. Of those shared credits, students in an Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program should begin their graduate program with the standard introductory course(s) for the program whenever possible. So that students may progress through the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program in a timely manner, undergraduate programs are encouraged to design their curriculum such that a student can complete some required graduate credit hours while completing the undergraduate degree. For instance, some of the graduate curriculum should also satisfy electives for the undergraduate major.
The program’s Graduate Director will designate credit hours to be shared through the advising form and master’s degree conferral review process. Shared credit hours will not be marked on the undergraduate record as having a special status in the undergraduate program. They will be included in the student’s undergraduate earned hours and GPA. Graduate credit hours taken during the undergraduate program will not be included in the graduate GPA calculation.
- 1
If students wish to transfer credits from another university to Loyola University Chicago, the program’s Graduate director will review the relevant syllabus(es) to determine whether it meets the criteria for a 400 level course or higher.
- 2
Programs with specialized accreditation requirements that allow programs to offer graduate curriculum to undergraduate students will conform to those specialized accreditation requirements.
- 3
In rare cases, the Graduate Director may authorize enrollment in a 400-level course for a highly qualified and highly motivated undergraduate, ensuring that the undergraduate's exceptional participation in the graduate class will not diminish in any way the experience of the graduate students regularly enrolled.
- 4
For example, if a particular course is only offered once every 2-3 years, and a student has demonstrated the necessary ability to be successful, the Graduate Director may allow a student to take a graduate level course to be shared prior to the student being formally admitted to the graduate program. See, also, footnote 4.
- 5
Students should not, for example, attempt to negotiate themselves out of a writing intensive requirement on the basis of admission to a graduate program.
Graduation
Degrees are awarded sequentially. All details of undergraduate commencement are handled in the ordinary way as for all students in the School/College/Institute. Once in the graduate program, students abide by the graduation deadlines set forth by the graduate program. Students in these programs must be continuously enrolled from undergraduate to graduate degree program unless given explicit permission by their program for a gap year or approved leave of absence.