Prospective Majors and Minors in Theology

Why major or minor in theology?

Welcome to the Theology Department: we're glad you're here. Read this page, visit our undergraduate website, see what sorts of courses are offered this semester, and review our major/minor requirements for more information. Then, please contact us or fill out this form with your interests and questions regarding theology and religious studies.

A poster with a green background detailing the requirements for Theology majors and minors at Fordham University. Primary majors need to take ten courses; secondary majors need to take eight courses; and minors need to take six courses. More information is at https://www.fordham.edu/academics/departments/theology/prospective-majors-and-minors-in-theology/

Theology is a vital subject challenging those who study it to think critically and personally about God, human existence, our world, and the role of religion in our world and our lives.

In the tradition of Jesuit education, our department promotes the exploration of faith and justice from ecumenical, inter-religious, and global perspectives. We aspire to undertake this journey with students in an imaginative, interdisciplinary manner that values the important contributions of the humanities, arts, and sciences.

Fordham has often had more Theology majors and minors than any other Jesuit university in the United States. Theology majors and minors at Fordham have a curated cohort experience, with courses like "Religion in NYC" and "Foundations of Christian Theology" in addition to upper-level electives in History, Culture, and Society.

Theology teaches crucial skills in critical thinking, active leadership, persuasive writing, and effective communication. While some of our majors and minors pursue advanced graduate work in theology or religion, other students go on to have meaningful and successful careers in law, business, the nonprofit sector, and medicine, among other fields. Check out our undergraduate courses and decide if theology could be right for you.

With Fordham's core curriculum, a minor in Theology is within reach for any interested student, with a total of six required courses (including the two core Theology classes). These include several Theology offerings for upper-level core requirements, too. A secondary major is eight courses, and a primary Theology major is ten courses.

You can find more information on the curriculum, career and internship opportunities, upcoming courses, and departmental contacts our undergraduate website.

Theology Major and Minor Requirements

Primary Major (10 courses)*

  • Faith and Critical Reason
  • Textual Traditions: Hebrew Bible/OT or New Testament
  • Textual Traditions other than Christianity
  • History, Culture, Society
  • History, Culture, Society - Advanced Seminar (43xx)
  • Foundations of Contemporary Theology (4400)
  • Religion in NYC: Theory and Practice (4500)
  • Three additional electives (SV/EP4 recommended)

*One course must focus on a historical period before 1500 (ancient or medieval).

Secondary Major (8 courses)

  • Faith and Critical Reason
  • Sacred Texts and Traditions
  • THEO 43xx, 4400, or 4500
  • THEO 43xx, 4400, or 4500
  • Four additional electives (SV/EP4 recommended)

Minor (6 courses)

  • Faith and Critical Reason
  • Sacred Texts and Traditions
  • THEO 43xx, 4400, or 4500
  • Three additional electives (SV/EP4 recommended)