Theology
Program Overview
USF Theology majors receive a firm foundation
in the basic knowledge and awareness regarding
the religious nature of the human person in relationship
to God. Theology is approached as a science of
faith whereby reason inquires into divinely revealed
truth. In this pursuit, students will gain a broad
exposure into the history of religious expression
and belief, particularly that of the Roman Catholic
Church. Emphasis is on Scripture, tradition, Church
doctrine, and the application of ethics and morality
to everyday life. While the focus is on Roman
Catholicism, the interrelationships with other
Christian denominations and non- Christian religions
are also pursued in a spirit of ecumenism.
Students can select from two concentrations: Pastoral Ministry, which can be individually designed to prepare students in their primary area of interest, and Teaching Ministry, which prepares students for teaching at the secondary level or in a parish. Students also are offered the opportunity to travel to sites of religious significance, like the Vatican or Assisi. Trips abroad give students greater insight by providing an important context for learning. Dreams of entering a career that brings community involvement and personal fulfillment can be realized in the University of St. Francis Theology Department.
Though rooted in tradition, the study of theology prepares students to deal with spiritual and ethical questions in today’s world.
Faculty
Whether it is leading a trip to Rome or authoring
a book, USF faculty apply their scholarly expertise
to modern-day concerns. They also serve on national
advisory boards, author texts on a variety of
topics, and serve as community leaders in the
areas of theological doctrine and ethics.
Career Opportunities
Many students come to USF with a specific ministry
in
mind, such as youth ministry, counseling, hospital
ministry or teaching. Internships in these areas
can help
students gain hands-on experience and best determine
the focus they wish their work to take.
Theology students at USF have enjoyed a very high employment rate over the past three years. The program also can prepare students for the challenges of graduate work or for ordination. With the renewed theology of the vocation and mission of the laity in the Church since Vatican II, there is a favorable career outlook and a wide choice of options in Church ministry for those with the right qualifications.
The career outlook also is favorable for those students choosing to go into teaching ministry. The recent teacher shortage, combined with the impending retirements of the baby boom generation, both assure many opportunities for teaching either at the secondary level or in a parish.
Those wishing to pursue careers in counseling may find fulfillment by helping people with a number of issues such as marital and family conflicts, mental health, education and career decisions and personal problems. Since people’s religious beliefs can significantly influence their lives and the decisions they make, a strong theological background can make one a more effective counselor. Counseling is another career path where employment is expected to grow faster than average in all areas of specialty through 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Those who go into youth ministry can also find fulfillment by helping enrich the lives of young people as well as guiding the paths they choose to take and developing their leadership skills. Graduates who go into the hospital ministry can help comfort and bring hope to those who are ill.
No matter which career path one chooses to take, a theology degree can help build the foundation of a solid and fulfilling career.