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Theology

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.

Degree Level:

Undergraduate Programs

Program Type:

Major, Minor

Format:

Full Time, In-Person

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Why Choose Grand View University?

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

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?

Program Details

The major in Theology is designed to provide students with a broad-based curriculum introducing them to important methodologies in the academic study of religion, to significant texts in the various religious traditions, and to the history of theological and religious reflection.

The Grand View Theology and Philosophy Departments minister with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by offering a major in Theology by preparing students wishing to enter seminary, by providing course work for those seeking to be commissioned and rostered as lay professional in ministry, by preparing those wishing to pursue graduate work in religious studies, and by providing an opportunity for all Grand View University students to explore the nature of religious faith.

Course Requirements (36 credits)

THEO 105	World Religions in Societies and Cultures	3 credits
THEO 106	Christian Faith and Life	3 credits
THEO 201	Old Testament	3 credits
THEO 202	New Testament	3 credits
THEO 399	Internship	3 credits

Take 9 credits from:

THEO 310	Early Christian Thinkers	3 credits
THEO 315	The Life and Thought of Luther	3 credits
THEO 322	Modern Christian Thinkers	3 credits
THEO 330	Worship and the Arts	3 credits
THEO 335	Poverty, Racism, and Power	3 credits

Take 9 credits from:

PHIL 205	Introduction to Philosophy	3 credits
PHIL 210	Introduction to Ethics	3 credits
PHIL 311	Ancient and Medieval Philosophy	3 credits
PHIL/POLS 312	Modern Philosophy	3 credits

Take 3 credits from:

THEO 392	Independent Study	3 credits
THEO 430	Special Topics	3 credits

FAQ

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Theology Minor

Follow your passions for the big questions in life! You want to pursue the big theological questions? You wonder what impact faith has on society? You want to reflect on the common good in the religious traditions? You’re interested in learning more about your own faith? You want a more courses on your transcript that might help you stand out a bit in a very competitive job market?

You’re already really busy with your major(s), and couldn’t possibly fit another major in? We have the perfect academic program for you: a Minor in Theology.

Degree Fit

This program could be a good fit if you:

You want to pursue the big theological questions.
You wonder what impact faith has on society.
You want to reflect on the common good in the religious traditions.
You’re interested in learning more about your own faith.
You want more courses on your transcript that might help you stand out a bit in a very competitive job market.

Course Requirements

THEO 105	Living Religions of the World	3 credits
THEO 106	Christian Faith and Life	3 credits
THEO 201	Old Testament	3 credits
THEO 202	New Testament	3 credits

Plus six additional upper division credits in Theology.

Philosophy Minor

A philosophy minor is a great way to complement other majors at Grand View. Our courses will prepare you to thinking critically and problem-solve beyond the classroom—they will also help you transfer these skills to your major and your professional career.

For students planning to take advanced degrees, a minor in philosophy can easily be designed to complement any of the standard requirements for beginning post-graduate study. Those entering a teaching field, from the elementary level on, will find philosophical studies valuable both for their perspective on various academic subjects and for their contribution to critical thinking and effective communication.

If you are interested in developing these skills in a way that will enrich your major, a philosophy minor is for you!

Course Requirements (18 credits)

PHIL 205	Introduction to Philosophy	3 credits
PHIL 210	Introduction to Ethics	3 credits
PHIL 311	Ancient and Medieval Philosophers	3 credits
PHIL / POLS 312	Modern Philosophers	3 credits

Take six additional credits from:

PHIL / MATH 300	Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning	3 credits
PHIL 305	Human Nature	3 credits
PHIL 325	Bioethics	3 credits
PHIL 430	Special Topics	1 - 4 credits

NET PRICE CALCULATOR

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Tuition & Scholarships

At Grand View University, your tuition supports instruction delivered by knowledgeable and experienced faculty who uphold our tradition of exceptional teaching. Additionally, we are dedicated to offering a high-quality education at the most affordable cost.

Transfer Credits

No matter what major you’re thinking about, you may be able to transfer in as many as 75 credits from a community college or junior college. If you have an A.A. or A.A.S. from an Iowa community college, you will be automatically admitted at junior status.

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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.