Theology

Mission and Ministry

Undergraduate Major

Theology

Theological study long has attempted to address the most profound questions of existence and the meaning of the human religious experience. Theology courses ask these questions with attention to the universally human and particular focus on the Judeo-Christian tradition. A major in theology prepares students for further work in academe or seminary and can serve to complement another major. A minor in the discipline provides students with greater knowledge of religious questions.

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Program Overview

Application Instructions

Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students — including first-year, transfer, and international students — may apply via the Alvernia web portal or The Common Application. To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page.

Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

Career Outlook


According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in which people with a theology degree are employed are expected to grow by up to 19 percent between 2022 and 2032. The median salary in the field is $45,300. After earning the Bachelor of Arts in Theology, you can pursue a variety of careers, including:

  • Church work
  • Religious publishing house
  • Diocese office
  • Campus minister
  • Hospital, prison or military chaplain
  • Director of a church camp; pastor; priest; missionary; or religious education professional
  • Community work
  • Lobbyist
  • Consultant
  • Counselor
  • Public servant
Opportunities for Majors

Theology Club

The Theology Club is open to all students. Club members are people who want to evaluate their lives in relation to what they believe. Students have the chance to hold discussions, events, and activities.
 

Theta Alpha Kappa, Alpha Zeta Xi chapter

Theta Alpha Kappa is the national honors society for Religious Studies and Theology. Majors and minors in Theology with a minimum
3.5 GPA in their theology courses and a minimum 3.0 overall GPA will be inducted into the society in their final spring semester.
 

The Washington Center Experience

Alvernia students have an opportunity to earn college credit by spending a semester or summer in Washington, D.C. where they serve as interns in a congressional office, government agency, major corporation, newspaper or news network, or agencies devoted to legal affairs, international relations, or business and economics. They also may intern with one of several non-profit groups dealing with the environment, women’s issues, the arts, education, science, or labor relations among others. Participants are customarily juniors or seniors who have achieved grade point averages of 2.5 or better and who have the endorsement of the appropriate academic area. In addition to their internship, students select one seminar dealing with the arts and humanities, communication, public policy, the legal system, business, and government. Interested students should see their academic advisor.

Accreditation Statements

Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.