Instruction in theology lies at the heart of the College’s expression of its Catholic mission.
Those students wishing to pursue a major program infused with the study of theology will
major in the interdisciplinary, humanities-based Catholic Studies program or in the professionally oriented programs in Pastoral Studies. All students at the College, however, are encouraged to pursue their knowledge of religion, of the Catholic faith, and their own spirituality through theology and religious studies electives.

Through the study of theology, philosophy, the arts, literature, and society interacting in all their revelatory and humanistic dimensions, the student encounters faith and humanity more deeply. In addition, such study prepares students for graduate work or for a variety of professions that value the liberal arts, such as the law, journalism, or various types of business.

Requirements
THE 101 Introduction to Catholic Studies
THE 102 Biblical Themes
HUM 228 Religion and the Arts or
HUM 201 or 202 History of Arts & Ideas
THE 304 God and the Human Person or
PHL 210 Philosophy of the Person
THE 306 Perspectives on the Hebrew Scriptures
THE 308 Perspectives on the Christian Scriptures
THE 312 History & Mission of the Church
THE 314 Moral Theology, Christian Ethics & Society or
PHL 230 Ethics: Quest for the Good Life (Core Justice II)
THE 410 The Church of Vatican II
THE 490 Senior Seminar (Core Integration)
THE 499 Internship or an additional senior seminar in an appropriate area (Core Integration)
Catholic Studies Core: 15
Five additional upper-level courses in the
humanities or theology
Minor (optional) or Electives: 21
Total 120

Designed for persons engaged in or contemplating a career in lay ministry, the pastoral ministry concentration, based on a solid theological foundation, utilizes a series of practical courses to include the administrative and person-oriented sides of ministry by
drawing on the expertise of our business, social services and psychology faculty. Ordained persons can benefit from continuing education in this program or branch out into new areas of ministry. Options in health-care ministry and prison ministry likewise give practical orientation to theological knowledge by linking with our nursing and criminal justice programs.

Requirements:
BLP 110 Leadership (Div II)
PSY 313 Psychology of Personality (Div III)
Catholic & Pastoral Studies Core: 33
See Catholic Studies major above
Pastoral Ministry Core: 21
THE 210 Revelation & Faith
THE 222 Catholic Imagination
THE 316 Sacramental & Liturgical Theology
THE 350 Styles of Christian Living
THE 460 Principles of Ministry
BUS 151 Accounting I
BUS 260 Principles of Management
Minor and/or electives: 15
Total Credits 120

Developed in cooperation with the Division of Human Development and Human Services, this program presents the specialized principles and techniques of communicating the faith on various levels and of supervising this communication in schools or in parish settings. Established educators and supervisors of education may wish to explore the certificate program for further skills and knowledge. Students in teacher education programs in other fields may wish to pursue a minor in Religious Education to enhance career opportunities.

Requirements: Credits
Core Curriculum, including: 51
BLP 110 Leadership (Div II)
EDU 201 Education, Culture & Society (Div III)
Catholic & Pastoral Studies Core: 33
See Catholic Studies major above
Religious Education Core: 18
THE 210 Revelation & Faith
THE 316 Sacramental & Liturgical Theology
THE 450 Religious Education
PSY 207 Child Development
PSY 215 Adolescent Psychology
EDU 200 Introduction to Teaching
EDU 212 Developmental Disabilities or
EDU 336 Psychology of the Exceptional Child
Minor and/or electives: 18
Total Credits 120

Designed for persons preparing a career as youth ministers in a parish, retreat center, or diocesan setting with middle school and high school aged youth. This concentration focuses on understanding and responding to psychospiritual and social needs as expressed not only in today’s youth culture but also in the stages of faith development in youth. Participants explore principles and essential elements that include prayer service and worship experiences, Christian music, leadership development, and youth retreats, as well as, social events and service outreach opportunities.

Requirements: Credits
Core Curriculum, including: 51
BLP 110 Leadership (Div II)
EDU 201 Education, Culture & Society (Div III)
Catholic & Pastoral Studies Core:15–33
See Catholic Studies major above
Youth Ministry Core: 21
THE 222 Catholic Imagination
THE 232 Styles of Christian Living
THE 315 Faith Development, Prayer and Worship in the Adolescent
THE 316 Sacramental & Liturgical Theology
THE 336 Pastoral Care of Youth
THE 462 Principles of Youth Ministry
PSY 215 Psychology of Adolescence

Minor and/or electives: 0–18
Suggested electives:
BUS 151 Accounting I
BUS 260 Principles of Management
PSY 207 Child Psychology
PSY 313 Psychology of Personality
Total 120

Catholic Studies is compatible with any other major. Students who wish to further his or her personal and professional interests with a Minor in Catholic Studies must complete one course from the Catholic Studies Core, three courses from one of the concentrations, as well as Introduction to Catholic Studies, Biblical Themes, and Christian Ethics.

For more information, please contact:
Lisa LaBlanc
Chair, Division of Humanities & International Studies
(508) 849-3429
lleblanc@annamaria.edu