Hannah Ruskin helps a student register to vote during a voter registration drive by School of Social Work and Justice and Peace Studies students in the O'Shaughnessy-Frey Library Center.

Theology and the Common Good

Our minor in theology and the common good applies your Christian faith to concerns for social justice and prepares you for a life of improving your community and the world around you.

Why Study Theology and the Common Good at St. Thomas?

Our program is flexible, meaning you start by exploring the theological roots of the concept of "the common good" in your Foundations course. You engage in robust civil discourse while exploring how you can engage in practices that contribute to social justice and social transformation. You will examine the relationship between Christian faith and moral, social, cultural and economic issues in modern society.

Change the World Around You

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Course Requirements

    You start by completing Theology 100: Foundations which explores the Christian theological tradition and prepares you for your next course focusing on the Catholic social tradition. After that, you can pick two courses in Theology based on your personal and career goals. You choose from a range of "keystone" topics within the theology curriculum (THEO 221-229).

    Four-Year Plan

    You may personalize your approach to the Minor in Theology and the Common Good:
    • THEO 100: Foundations
    • THEO 225: Faith & Ethics: Social Thought
    • THEO 225: Faith & Ethics OR THEO 227: Contexts
    • Plus any THEO 221-229

    Degrees Awarded

    Minor in Theology and the Common Good

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    You start by completing Theology 100: Foundations which explores the Christian theological tradition and prepares you for your next course focusing on the Catholic social tradition. After that, you can pick two courses in Theology based on your personal and career goals. You choose from a range of "keystone" topics within the theology curriculum (THEO 221-229).

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    You may personalize your approach to the Minor in Theology and the Common Good:
    • THEO 100: Foundations
    • THEO 225: Faith & Ethics: Social Thought
    • THEO 225: Faith & Ethics OR THEO 227: Contexts
    • Plus any THEO 221-229

    Degrees Awarded

    Degrees Awarded

    Minor in Theology and the Common Good
    A nurse helping a senior citizen complete a puzzle.

    Career Paths

    We give you the tools and knowledge you need to work in a variety of different careers and industries after graduation.
    • Law
    • Education
    • Journalism
    • Healthcare
    • Relief services
    • Social services

    Faith Seeking Understanding

    You have access to a wide array of opportunities ranging from study abroad to faculty mentorship.

    Explore the Big Issues

    We provide opportunities for you to explore contemporary issues affecting the world and society around us every day.
    Theology Night Live includes a short faculty presentation followed by informal conversation over pizza. Recent topics have included the Bible providing spiritual guide to atheists, finding your calling and feminist theology with the #MeToo movement.
    We promote interreligious dialogue through workshops and lectures as part of our Theological Encounters Initiative. This initiative is focused on fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between Christians and other faiths.
    The Theology Department regularly organizes lectures, conferences, and other events that bring members of the wider community into conversation with our students and faculty about political, social, and economic questions in light of Christian moral imagination.

    Take the Next Step

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.