It is fairly easy to find Catholic colleges in many different states that offer bachelor's degree programs in theology. These schools are unique in size, location, the spiritual growth opportunities they offer students and other factors. Explore a handful of the Catholic schools with theology majors.
School Comparison
Students can study theology at Catholic schools throughout the United States. Compare a few of the schools and their tuition rates in the table below.
| School Name | Institution Type | Location | Tuition (2019-2020)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| King's College | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Wilkes-Barre, PA | $38,724 |
| Assumption College | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Worcester, MA | $42,316 |
| Ave Maria University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Ave Maria, FL | $21,854 |
| Marquette University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Milwaukee, WI | $43,936 |
| Saint Ambrose University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Davenport, IA | $31,812 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Description of the Catholic Colleges with Theology Majors
Typically offered as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program, students can study theology at many different private, Catholic institutions. These schools also provide students with a variety of spiritual growth opportunities that potential students may wish to consider when selecting a school. Here we discuss some of these schools' distinguishing characteristics.
King's College
According to the NCES, King's College in Pennsylvania had around 2,300 undergraduates in 2020. All students at King's College are required to take at least 2 courses in theology as part of their curriculum, but students may choose to pursue a BA in the subject. Those who major in theology examine Hebrew and Christian scriptures, practices and doctrines and participate in off-campus internship opportunities in hospital ministry, youth ministry or religious education. Outside of their program of study, students can further develop their spiritual life by attending mass, spiritual retreats, worship services and special spiritual programs, like Student Interfaith Forum where students discuss various religions.
Assumption College
Assumption College in Massachusetts offers a major in Christian theology that students commonly pair with another major, such as foreign language or philosophy. Students in the program can customize their studies by choosing from a variety of electives, including topics in the prophets of Israel, the letters of Paul or medieval Christian writers. In 2020, the NCES reported that the school had about 2,000 undergraduate students. The college's Campus Ministry provides students with many different opportunities for spiritual growth, including prayer and worship services, student leadership, pastoral care, Bible studies, men's and women's Discernment Groups, local service experiences and various spiritual retreats, like the Genesis Retreat for freshmen.
Ave Maria University
Florida's Ave Maria University offers students multiple mass services, a daily Rosary Walk, spiritual direction opportunities (led by priests) and spiritual programs, such as Theology on Tap, to help students grow in their faith. The university also has unique Faith Households for fellowship, where groups of men or women pray and socialize together. The university's theology major is one of the most popular, with more than 60 students, according to the school's website. Students in the program are taught by the same professors in the school's graduate theology program. Per the NCES, the university had close to 1,000 undergraduates in 2020.
Marquette University
Marquette University in Wisconsin had almost 8,500 undergraduate students in 2020, according to the NCES. Students at the university can major in theology and religion and learn from nationally recognized theologians. The university is home to Theta Alpha Kappa, a theology national honor society, which offers students in the program a variety of spiritual activities and events. Spiritual life on campus includes many different worship and service opportunities, pastoral care, spiritual retreats, small groups and religious organizations, like InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU).
Saint Ambrose University
Saint Ambrose University, located in Iowa, offers a bachelor's degree program in theology that allows students to double major and/or study abroad if they would like. Students may also choose to participate in a unique, 5-year BA-MSW program (combined theology major and Master of Social Work) that gives students the opportunity to work with local organizations and churches to serve those in need. The university has various mass services at the Christ the King Chapel and provides students with spiritual retreats, guest speakers and lecturers and Faith Sharing Groups. The university had a little over 2,000 undergraduates in 2020, per the NCES.
