Religious Studies, Philosophy, and Theology
Department Overview
Through attention to ultimate concerns, reflective thought,
critical analysis, reading, and integration of knowledge from
diverse fields, the Saint Elizabeth University (SEU) Religious
Studies, Theology, and Philosophy Programs advance the
mission of SEU by offering distinct degree and nondegree
opportunities at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. These opportunities support the development of graduates who are skilled critical thinkers and responsible moral
agents and who will continue the quest for meaning, self-realization, and fulfillment as social contributors.
In the philosophy minor, undergraduate students are introduced to the nature of philosophical thinking and to the perennial philosophical questions concerning the nature of reality and humanity’s place in reality.
In religious studies and theology, both degree and nondegree undergraduate and graduate students encounter a community of learning nourished by a belief in God the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Sanctifier; by the treasure of human wisdom; and by respect for the dynamics of inquiry and action.
Program Goals:
- Help students acquire an understanding of truth and value that is supportive of their complete development as persons, assist them in obtaining knowledge of some of the core concepts and ideas which have served to shape human civilization, and to guide students in their development of basic principles of reasoning and method.
- Affirm that character development
is crucial for excellence in any
discipline, and especially for the
pursuit of wisdom, which is the focus
of theological and philosophical study,
as well as critical reflection on religious
experience.
- Seek to provide students with developmentally appropriate opportunities for intellectual and moral growth, as well as for spiritual growth in keeping with the Catholic concern for the dignity of each human person.
- Serve the University by providing students with distinct disciplines and unique opportunities to formulate and examine a coherent worldview and to integrate knowledge from diverse areas of study.
- Prepare undergraduates for
participation in professional
philosophical activity and future
academic study, for potential careers
in strategic consulting and law, and for
participation in professional theological
activity and future academic study, and
offer academic formation for individuals
in ministry.
- Help students examine the core values
of truth, justice, and reconciliation in
light of the compatibility of Revelation
and reason, inculcate interfaith
dialogue, and help students better
understand and live out their respective
religious commitments and traditions
in recognition that respect for human
dignity extends to the support of
religious freedom.
Religious Studies and Philosophy Programs
Degrees and Certificates:
The Religious Studies and Theology Programs provide a variety of degree and non-degree opportunities for undergraduates. These opportunities include:
- B.A. in religious studies
- Minor in ethics studies
- Minor in religious studies
- Minor in philosophy
- The Interdisciplinary Certificate in Ethics Studies
- Undergraduate ministry certificates in Diaconal Ministry, Parish Life Ministries, Pastoral Administration, Religious Education, and Youth and Young Adult Ministry, as well as a Leadership Certificate in Hispanic Ministry.
Learning Outcomes for Undergraduate Students in Religious Studies Include:
- Identifying the central Catholic Christian teachings and correlating these with the religious language, concepts, imagery and critical questions central to the Christian study of scripture, doctrine, and morality. This knowledge will be assessed by course examinations.
- Recognizing the role of religious faith
in the life of the human person and its
impact on humankind and the world in
the development of appropriate moral,
intellectual, and spiritual awareness through
encounters with Catholic Christian teaching
and praxis. This knowledge will be assessed
by an evaluation of class participation,
presentations, and written reflections.
- Demonstrating basic familiarity and
appropriate use of scholarly and
catechetical resources, which will be
assessed through the student producing
quality research papers and catechetical
projects.
- Recognizing the major events and
movements within Christianity and
understanding the importance of respect
and dialogue between practitioners of
Catholic Christianity and other religious
traditions and communities.
Learning Outcomes for Ministry Certificate Students Include:
- Conveying a basic understanding of Scripture and Revelation, as well as skills in scriptural literacy and interpretation.
- Exhibiting a fundamental knowledge of central theologies, including Christological and Trinitarian Theology, Theology of Church, Liturgical Theology, Theology of Ministry, Sacramental Theology, and Theology of the Human Person.
- Demonstrating a coherent grasp of ethical theories, principles, and application, as well as an informed capacity for sound decision-making and moral responsibility.
- Developing personal and pastoral awareness and skills, such as familiarity with ecumenical and interfaith interactions, information literacy, organizational leadership, and life-cycle issues.
- Articulating a vision of Catholic faith and demonstrating growth in the understanding
of self as a minister and an adult person of faith through formation-driven activities and
interactions.
The Ethics Studies Minor and Certificate is an interdisciplinary and multifaceted program of study providing integrated and substantive training in ethics, meta-ethics, moral philosophy, and moral theology. The program includes the examination of both moral theory and application.
The certificate programs provide opportunities for those interested in preparing for various
church ministries. To meet the needs of the students, SEU offers classes on campus, at
off-site locations in New Jersey, and through hybrid courses (i.e., a mixture of in-class and
online learning). These programs are designed for those currently serving in parish ministry
roles, those wanting to prepare for ministry roles, and those wishing to come for their own
personal growth and development. The certificate credits may be transferred into other
programs of study leading to baccalaureate degrees.
The Religious Studies and Philosophy Programs offer those who are not pursuing degrees in religious studies or certificates an introduction to reasoned thought and theological concepts.
Students completing the degree in religious studies are equipped with the background to succeed in advanced educational pursuits and professional careers.
If a student is preparing for church ministries, such as pastoral ministry, youth ministry, faith
formation, and pastoral administration, the B.A. in Religious Studies Program provides
the theological foundations for active involvement in church life, both professionally and
otherwise.
In addition, the emphasis on rigorous and creative thinking in religious studies will enable
students to enter higher-level training in a variety of professional fields, including:
- Higher education
- Law
- Literature
- Philosophical or theological research and writing
Graduates from the Religious Studies Program have gone on to become:
- Chaplains
- Directors of women's rights organizations
- Editors
- Lawyers
- Pastoral ministers
- Physicians
- Religious education coordinators
- Researchers
- Strategic consultants
- Teachers
- Youth ministers
More than half of SEU religious studies graduates go on to receive graduate degrees.
Theology Program (Graduate)
Degrees and Certificates
The Theology Program provides a variety of degree and nondegree opportunities for graduates. These opportunities include:
- A Master of Arts in theology
- Graduate certificates in Catholic
studies, pastoral care, and spirituality
Learning Outcomes for Graduate Students in the Theology Programs (both MA and Certificate) Include:
- Situating and appraising the doctrinal, spiritual, and ethical developments in theology,
including Catholic Social Teaching, ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, as evidenced
through the Comprehensive Assessment Process.
- Reading and assessing scholarly texts by being able to identify the author’s project
and thesis relevant arguments and then correlating these with the factors important to
various contexts.
- Recognizing and classifying differences in theological thought and applying the
methodology appropriate to each of the major areas of theology as specified on syllabi.
- Constructing a theological essay, bringing research to written expression in a coherent,
analytical fashion.