Theology Major

Our world is in need of strong religious leadership. And leaders need a background in biblical and theological studies and understanding of a wide range of religious beliefs. Available online or face-to-face, Grand View’s theology program will give you that broad base of knowledge while also giving you hands-on experience putting your faith to work in the community.

Why Grand View?

Develop your faith through rigorous academic study of world religions
Put your faith to work through Grand View’s Campus Ministry Program
Learn from experienced faculty committed to your education
Join a vibrant, faith-based campus committed to serve our community
Improve your communication and leadership skills necessary for effective ministry

Career Options

Your experience at Grand View will prepare you for a wide variety of careers that serve our community via faith:

Preparation for seminary or graduate school
Parish worker
Youth worker
Church musician (in tandem with the music department)
Missionary
Deconess
Director of Christian Education
Non-profit charities
Social work agency

What Can I Do With This Major?

FAQs

Click on any of the frequently asked questions below for a short video answer.

Course Requirements

Download Degree Checklist

GV Degree Combinations

You may also be interested in one or more of the following:

Awards and Accomplishments

GV Theology faculty are not only world recognized scholars in their fields but also practice their faith in preaching and teaching. They work closely with Campus Ministry to provide opportunities for spiritual as well as intellectual growth. Our faculty partner with NEXUS, a summer youth theology institute for high schoolers, that encourages young people to explore faith. Faculty work well with a broad spectrum of students of many different backgrounds

Mark Mattes • Has authored or edited about 10 books, the most recent being Martin Luther’s Theology of Beauty: A Reappraisal. Additionally, he had an article on Martin Luther’s aesthetics published in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Martin Luther. He serves on the Continuation Committee of the International Luther Congress and is an associate editor for the journal Lutheran Quarterly and the book series Lutheran Quarterly Books (with Fortress press)

Ken Jones • Recently published By Heart, an in-depth study of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism for adults with Augsburg Fortress. Additionally, he was a contributor to the new volumes of the American Edition of Luther’s Works and The Annotated Luther, is one of the authors of the Lutheran Handbook series, and contributed to the Collaborate confirmation curriculum.

Campus Pastor Russell Lackey • Grand View faculty instructor who published a popular commentary on the Book of Revelation for young adults in 2016.

Rev. Ryan Cosgrove • From Burlington, Iowa, he has received a Young Alumni Award from Grand View University.

Is Theology the Right Fit for You?

Are you involved in a religious practice? Do you find yourself thinking about the nature of justice, mercy, suffering, and joy? Do you long to join with others who share your desire to dig deeper into your belief system?

If so, you might want to consider majoring in theology. Theology majors study a religious faith in depth. They examine that faith's stories, rituals, and teachings, which together provide a framework for both daily life and spiritual reflection. Most theology programs also include the study of other faiths, as well as urgent issues confronting us all, such as the environment.

Are You Ready To...

Spend a lot of time reading, writing, and reflecting?

Learn Hebrew, Latin, ancient Greek, or another language?

Spend a semester doing an internship or service-learning project?

Visit various religious communities to observe and sometimes join in their services?

Have intense, wide-ranging conversations with other students?