Christian Theology

Programs offered
  • Christian Theology (major and minors)

A degree in Christian Theology from Seattle Pacific University prepares you to live your life with depth and conviction in whatever field you choose. That might mean serving in an overseas relief agency or with a nonprofit organization. It might mean working in the business sector, health care, education, or other professional area. Or it might mean going on to pursue graduate study in theology in order to serve God in the church or the academy.  

Regardless of your path, the faculty of the School of Theology knows that what you believe is only one aspect of Christian faith. It also matters how you live out that faith. With our distinctive understanding of theological education (Academy, Abbey, and Apostolate), a degree in Christian Theology from SPU will help you learn to understand your faith so that, in partnership with the Holy Spirit, you might translate it into a way of life that engages the culture and changes the world.

Find out more about this program’s mission, vision, and learning outcomes.

Christian Theology (BA)

VIEW DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

This degree offers a transformative encounter with Scripture and the Christian tradition, preparing students to deepen their own Christian faith, nurture Christian faith in others, and serve as agents of reconciliation in diverse settings.

  • A minimum 60 credits are required for this major, including 30 upper-division credits.
  • Our distinctive understanding of theological education (Academy, Abbey, and Apostolate) brings together rigorous scholarship, spiritual formation, and faithful service.
  • This major includes a set of core courses reflecting the range of theological studies, as well as substantial focus coursework that enables students to go deeper in areas of particular interest.
  • Students in this major will also complete a three-credit internship or thesis and a two-credit Capstone course.

Theology minors

The School of Theology also offers eight minors.

ENTERING AND COMPLETING the major 

In order to earn a degree, you must complete an academic major. SPU encourages students to explore various academic paths, and students are not required to enter a major immediately upon admission to the University. However, you should enter a major by the end of your sophomore year to help ensure your timely completion of a degree. Students who transfer as juniors and seniors should identify and enter their major within their first two quarters at SPU.

  • If this is your first quarter at SPU and you wish to enter the Christian Theology major, you may select a program by using the online Major or Minor Application form. You will receive an email notification of acceptance.
  • If you are an SPU student with an SPU cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, use the online Major or Minor Application form to select your major. You will receive an email notification of acceptance. Students on academic probation (with an SPU cumulative GPA below 2.0) will not be permitted to enter a new major or minor until they regain good academic standing.
  • The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major or minor; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
  • To advance in this program, meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the major, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major.
  • You must complete the major requirements in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year of admittance to the major.

Time Schedule: Theology

Course Planning

Suggested course sequences help you complete your degree in a timely manner.

Students outside talking

School of Theology

Visit the School of Theology website for complete information about its programs and see how a degree in Theology can help you achieve your goals.