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.
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 50 credits are required for this major, including 30 upper-division credits. The degree requirements incorporate 10 credits from your University Foundations courses, so you can complete this major with only 40 additional credits, making it an ideal choice for those interested in pursuing a double-major.
- Our distinctive understanding of theological education (Academy, Abbey, and Apostolate) brings together rigorous scholarship, spiritual formation, and faithful service.
- This major program of study invites students to choose courses within each of the major areas of Christian theology: Christian Scripture, Christian Life and Ministry, and Christian Theological Studies.
- Students in this major will also complete a 3-credit internship or thesis and a two-credit Capstone course.
Theology minors
The School of Theology also offers six minors.
Entering and completing the major
In order to earn a degree, you must complete at least one academic major. SPU encourages students to explore various academic paths, so if you change your mind about a major or minor, or want to include an additional program, you are able to do so, as outlined below.
Note that the University encourages you to enter your chosen major(s) and minor(s) by the start of your junior year. Students who transfer as juniors and seniors should enter a major within their first two quarters at SPU.
- If this is your first quarter at SPU and you identified the Christian Theology major as your first choice on your application for admission to the University, you have gained entry to the major.
- To change to or add a major or minor in this department, follow these instructions.
- 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 or minor, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major or minor.
- You must complete the major or minor requirements that are in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year you enter the major or minor.
Time Schedule:
Course Planning: Suggested course sequences