Requirements

Requirements

Basic Requirements for Major

1. Thirty-six credits in Theology, including Theology 1310, 2311, 3331, 3332, 3341, 4348 (Senior Thesis), 18 credits of advanced theology electives including an O.T. and a N.T. course, and three advanced credits in Philosophy beyond the Core Philosophy requirement. With approval of the department, up to nine advanced elective credits may be earned in appropriate courses in other departments.

2. A comprehensive examination, oral and written, to be taken in March or April of the senior year. The examining board is regularly to be composed of three professors responsible for the courses of the major program designated by the Chair. The examination covers substantial topics of the courses the student has taken for the major.Guidelines are available from the Department. The purpose of the comprehensive examination is to test: 1) general theological knowledge, 2) familiarity with basic tools and methods of theological research, 3) ability to form sound theological judgments on current issues, 4) capacity for integrating substantial theological topics, 5) ability to communicate acquired knowledge. Should the student fail the examination on its first offering there will be an opportunity for one reexamination approximately a week later.

3. The submission of the Senior Thesis in the fall of the senior year. The Senior Thesis is a major research paper (20-30 pages of text) developed by an individual student on a topic selected in consultation with a professor.It must be satisfactorily completed for graduation.

Some knowledge of Latin and Greek is recommended, though not required, for a major in Theology. French or German is recommended for those who wish to pursue graduate study. Spanish is an important language for those who may pursue some form of ministry. Hebrew can at times be taken through the Classics department.