Theology Religious Studies

Jesuit directing student - LG

Degree Options: Major, Minor
Locations: Lincoln Center, Rose Hill
Visit the Theology Department

Think critically about questions of God, human existence, and the role of religious traditions in our lives.

What does it mean to be human? How shall we live? What does it mean to believe in (or reject) the existence of God? Why are there so many religions? As a theology major at Fordham, you’ll explore these profound questions through an intellectually sophisticated engagement with the Christian tradition in dialogue with other faiths.

In light of Fordham’s Jesuit heritage, our program focuses on the rich diversity within the Catholic tradition. You’ll discover, interpret, and understand the evolving beliefs and practices of Christianity through a variety of disciplines, including history, philosophy, and literature. Your coursework will emphasize the mutual influence of faith and culture historically and in the present.

You’ll make connections between the world’s religious and moral teachings and the realities of social injustice, which are widely on display in New York City. You’ll confront these contradictions both morally and practically through service to others.

You’ll learn more than theology here. You’ll also study philosophy, literature, art, history, mathematics, languages, sciences, and the performing arts through Fordham’s common core curriculum, the centerpiece of our liberal arts education.

We want you to excel in your field—and as a human being.

  • As a theology major, you take 10 classes covering foundational study in three disciplines:

    • Biblical Studies
    • Historical Theology
    • Systematic Theology

    Our five-year accelerated MA program allows theology majors to attain both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in theology in five years.

    Fordham’s Career Services offers CareerLink, a database of thousands of job and internship opportunities exclusively for Fordham students.

    Facilities

    The Fordham Center on Religion and Culture sponsors a range of public events at our Lincoln Center campus where scholars explore the complex relationship between religious faith and contemporary culture.

    The Francis and Ann Curran Center for American Catholic Studies hosts national conferences, public lectures, fora and readings, academic seminars and conversations, and publishes both scholarly and imaginative works.

    We host a chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa, the national honor society in theology and religious studies.

    Every semester, we offer many program activities, including:

    • Guest speakers
    • Movie series
    • Musical events
    • Monthly faculty seminars
    • Study trips
    • Informal gatherings with faculty
    • Retreats
    • Museum visits 

    Study Abroad

    Study abroad enriches you academically, culturally, and personally. There is a globe of possibilities available through Fordham’s International and Study Abroad Program.

    Service Learning

    Many theology students explore the core Jesuit concept of homines pro aliis—“men and women for others”—through service learning opportunities at the Center for Community Engaged Learning. Here you’ll connect service, justice, community, and spirituality.

  • Sin and Salvation in Medieval Theology
    The Torah
    The Gospel of John
    The Jesus of History
    The Bible and Social Justice
    Hindu Literature and Ethics
    Classic Buddhist Texts
    Latino and Latina Theology
    Theologies of Sexuality and Gender
    Cappadocian Theology
    Orthodox Christian Ethics
    Human Nature After Darwin
    Wartime Religion in U.S. History
    God and Evils

  • A degree in theology teaches you to read critically and carefully, argue positions soundly, and communicate ideas clearly. These are invaluable skills in the job market and prerequisites for advanced study in any field.

    While some of our majors pursue advanced graduate work in theology or religion, other students go on to have meaningful and successful careers in:

    • Law
    • Business
    • Nonprofit sector
    • Medicine

    Get a job, right? Yes, but you want more: a career. Our career services tap Fordham’s ties with more than 3,500 companies. We offer:

    • Post-graduation career search
    • Resume development, Interviewing practice
    • Networking skill development
    • Hands-on case-study sessions with industry executives
    • Field-specific advising/coaching

    You also get access to our powerful (and Fordham-loyal) alumni network, who want to see you succeed as they have.

Learn More About the Theology Degree

Visit the Theology Department