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.

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.

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!

Gerhard O. Forde Professor in Theology

The purpose of the Gerhard O. Forde Professor at Grand View University is to extend the legacy of Gerhard O Forde, the late seminary professor, pastoral mentor, and faithful witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Forde is widely known for his “radical Lutheran” approach to the preaching and pastoral practice of the church’s public proclaimers in which the gospel is a divine promise and never a demand. He represents a strand of Lutheranism that took up his work attending to both church history (particularly Martin Luther and the Reformation) and analysis of contemporary ecclesial matters through a Confessional lens. In his decades of teaching, Forde introduced lay people, budding theologians, and prospective pastors to the thinking of Martin Luther. He created a cadre of preachers and teachers who, to paraphrase Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:23, came to pass on what Forde had first given them: a faith that frees and a hope that lasts.

The duties of the Gerhard O. Forde Professor include:

• Collaborates with Campus Ministry to introduce Forde’s theology to the student ministry team and the University student body
• Teach courses and regularly incorporate dimensions of Forde’s work
• Publish materials and offer speaking engagements that include explicit and implicit aspects of Forde’s approach to theology and Christian life
• Collaborate with others to create and implement online and other resources to broaden the wider church’s theological fluency as well as support and enhance the ongoing proclamation of preachers who identify with Forde’s radical Lutheranism
• Assist the President and Campus Pastor of Grand View University in defining, maintaining, and promoting a Lutheran identity at the University

At Grand View, we are Nerdy for Forde! Dr. Trisha Wheelock is the current Forde professor. Rev. Dr. Ken Jones was the inaugural Forde professor.

This position is funded by a generous grant from the 1521 Foundation LLC.

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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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