Explore the Meaning of Life Through Religions
The Department of Religious and Theological Studies at St. Edward’s focuses on providing students with a comprehensive approach to the study of religion and theological inquiry.
The Department constructs a dynamic space to explore theology and religious studies with faculty who are passionate about their field, educating their students and serving the larger community.
Courses explore the history, thought and ongoing development of global religions with attention to Christian theology. Throughout their studies, students investigate the meaning and purpose of life through a close examination of religion. Core courses provide a solid foundation in the discipline, and the ability to select from a diverse selection of courses allows students to pursue their particular interests. These courses help students develop critical thinking skills and attain a historical view of religion.
Explore Our Programs
The Department of Religious and Theological Studies offers BA programs in Catholic Studies and Religious and Theological Studies, and three minors. Our programs teach students to think critically and creatively about their own and others’ religious traditions, examining the “big questions” of human existence through historical, textual, theological and cultural dimensions. Students who graduate from programs within the Department of Religious and Theological Studies will be prepared for graduate school, nonprofit opportunities, teaching, ministry and a variety of professional roles.
University, Academy and Church
University
We support and shape St. Edward’s University’s Mission through our service and leadership to the campus community.
Academy
The faculty are committed to their ongoing disciplinary immersion and to shaping that discipline through engaging colleagues and students in critical conversation, original research and publication. We model for students the scholarly life and invite students to participate with us in this endeavor.
Church
We provide pastoral and educational service and leadership to the church and faith communities. We support our students as they contribute and emerge as leaders to their faith communities.
More about the Department
Returning students majoring in Religious and Theological Studies and Catholic Studies who have completed the FAFSA may be eligible for the Lillian Cervenka Endowed Scholarship and the Kinsella Trust Scholarship. Students with questions about these awards should inquire with St. Edward’s University’s Financial Aid Office.
Theta Alpha Kappa is the national honor society for Religious Studies and Theology. It is the only national honor society dedicated to recognizing academic excellence in baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate students and in scholars in the fields of Religious Studies and Theology. Theta Alpha Kappa has grown to more than two hundred chapters nationally in four-year educational institutions ranging from small religiously affiliated colleges to large public research institutions.
Nostra Aetate Lectures
The Nostra Aetate lectures are inspired by Nostra Aetate, a groundbreaking Catholic document issued more than 40 years ago, at the close of the Second Vatican Council. The document expressed a commitment to interreligious dialogue and an appreciation for diverse faith traditions. It exhorted Catholics “to recognize, preserve and promote the good things, spiritual and moral,” that abide in the world religions. The work that the document called for continues in many parts of the Catholic Church, and this lecture series reflects St. Edward’s University’s commitment to foster and promote interreligious dialogue. The lectures are sponsored by the School of Arts and Humanities and Campus Ministry at St. Edward's University.
The Most Reverend John McCarthy Lecture Series on the Catholic Church in the 21st Century
St. Edward's created this lecture series to honor Bishop John McCarthy, who led the Diocese of Austin from 1985 to 2001. The series presents a rich and academic dialogue about the past, present and future of the Catholic Church and underscores the university's commitment to its Catholic roots and Holy Cross Heritage. Over the years, the series has brought some of the most influential Catholic voices from the around the nation and world to our campus.