In the University of Mary theology major, we prepare students to

• Grapple with the important issues surrounding God, human beings, and the meaning of life, concerns that people in every age face.
• Appreciate the relationships between the theological disciplines and the humanities, the social sciences, and other sciences. 
• Face new situations with strong critical-thinking skills.
• Operate in a wide variety of settings:  teaching, parish or church  work, volunteer opportunities, and the like.
• Pursue studies for advanced degrees in one of the areas of theological study.

We provide a quality, contemporary, competency-based education for students seeking careers in theology. Our curriculum is developed and delivered by modeling the Benedictine tradition of the University of Mary. As a student, you are prepared to exercise servant-leadership in a parish or church community, in an educational setting, or in studying for an advanced degree.

Philosophy

In our courses we are committed to search for truth and to explore modes of thought by which humans seek the meaning of life.

As a division of a Christian, Catholic, Benedictine university, we affirm that, in Christ, the world continues in transformation. Fullness of life and salvation are rights of every person (Constitution on the Church, 1:2), and every human activity is part of God's design (The Church in the Modern World, 3:34-35).

While our convictions spring out of Roman Catholic tradition, we respect each person's freedom of conscience as well as the right to choose a personal mode of belief and practice.

Outcomes

As a student completing the program, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate a solid grounding in philosophy and in theological areas like scripture, Church history, Christian morality, spirituality, liturgy, sacramental theology.  
• Grasp effectively the connection between theology, philosophy, and other academic disciplines.
• Show a keen understanding of Christian values.
• Apply Christian values to your own life.
• Communicate effectively with others.
• Think effectively in dealing with theological and philosophical problems or questions.
• Show servant-leadership based on the model of Jesus and on Benedictine values. 

Faculty

Sister Agnes Reinert, O.S.B., M.A.; Jayne Hardy, Ph.D.; Father Valerian Odermann, O.S.B., Ed.D., M.Div.; Patrick Hall, D.Min.; Sister JoAnn Krebsbach, O.S.B., M.Min.; Father Daniel Maloney, O.S.B., M.A.; Christopher McMahon, Ph.D.; Steve Jensen, Ph.D.; and Reverend Jim Sorenson, M.Th.