Theology & Ministry

Theology and Ministry Minor Overview

All people of faith, and even those with no specific religious orientation, are faced with making ethical decisions or living according to some form of ethical orientation.  All people are motivated by some form of spirituality and seek to live that form of spirituality.  All people are capable – and most are desirous – of living in a world where justice is practiced in society. The theology program at the University of Providence responds to all of these real-world needs, views, and areas of human striving.

Every person has opinions on the core questions of life: what is the meaning of life, what things are wrong with the world, and what can be done to correct the wrongs? The theology program at the University of Providence helps students to examine and sharpen their core beliefs. More importantly, theology helps students see that opinions are not facts; there is a fundamental truth and real answers to seemingly insoluble questions.  This in turn frees the student to meaningfully pursue a vocation and a life charged with vision and purpose. Students are thereby empowered to interact with people holding diverse views. The theology program invites students into the rigorous work of examination and offers the payoff of intelligent pursuit of a firmly grounded understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Ultimately, theology minors are challenged to think of their life journey not only in terms of finding a great career, but also of discovering their purpose in life. Whether they go on to careers in law, medicine, business, education, ministry, journalism, or any other field, theology minors do so with an experience of intellectual and spiritual illumination that is absolutely unique.

Are you interested in understanding the forces shaping modern culture and in seeing how religion figures in that process, personally and socially? Would you like to develop an historical and a theological perspective from which to evaluate current trends? If your answer is ‘yes’ to these questions and others implied above, then theology is a minor you will find enlightening and challenging.

Program Curriculum

Theology & Ministry Minor

Skills You’ll Learn

Students who earn a Theology and Ministry minor from the University of Providence will learn these skills and more:

• Construct a critical, grounded understanding and appreciation of the roots and function of religion in life.
• Demonstrate consistently the dignity of the human person and the interrelatedness of all creation.
• Identify and explain central Catholic and Christian doctrines and ethical principles.
• Make sound moral decisions that contribute to a just world and the salvation of souls.

In addition to personal and intellectual growth, theology also makes possible the strengthening of very practical skills:

• Fundamental cultural literacy
• Data gathering and direct observation.
• Interpret and express your position on perplexing phenomena, exercising both your analytical skills and your originality.
• Your critical intelligence will constantly be tested and developed, along with your ability to empathize with your fellow human being in order to understand his or her perspective.
• In today’s multicultural workplace and global economy, basic knowledge about other cultures and world religion perspectives is indispensable.
• In addition, good interpreters of information are in high demand. Gathering data, organizing it, understanding it, and presenting it are vital skills in the study of theology, and in most professions, these skills are absolutely required.

Career Outcomes

Most people understand that a degree in theology can lead to a career in ministry either as an ordained member of the clergy or as a lay person.  Typical career paths along these lines include several ministry roles, including:

• High school religion teacher
• Pastoral associate
• Director or religious education (DRE)
• Youth pastor/ministry
• Systematic theology

Other Degrees You May Like

• Philosophy