Department of Theology and Religious Studies
The Department of Theology and Religious Studies is a diverse community of scholars who advance the teaching and study of religion with particular attention to fostering the understanding of Catholic traditions.
In support of the educational mission of the university and the furtherance of our own disciplines, The Department of Theology and Religious Studies pursues excellence in scholarship. As a faculty that is multidisciplinary in both training and outlook, we bring a spirit of creativity and dialogue to bear on the exploration of religious meaning.
We are dedicated to our role in fulfilling the liberal arts goals of the core curriculum, and equally committed to fostering a vibrant cohort of majors and minors. By providing an intellectually rigorous program, we create opportunities for students to explore religion as a constitutive element of human experience and values, and to acquire skills for engaging diverse dimensions of religion with openness and respect.
Why Choose Theology and Religious Studies at USD?
At USD, you'll gain varied perspectives of many religions, not just Catholicism, around the world to better understand and respect the opinions and cultures outside of your own. This knowledge and empathetic skills will serve you well throughout your life.Obtain Valuable Research Experience
Focus on a specific area of study and conduct your own research – locally and even globally – to reinforce your data collection, critique and presentation skills. Feature this research experience on your resume and graduate program application.
Gain from Faculty Scholarship
Work closely with faculty who are actively conducting research and writing publications, which gives you access to new and unique opportunities.
Make Strong Connections for a Brighter Future
Visit with scholars through community events, make stronger connections between your coursework and cultures, and deepen your understanding.
Access International Opportunities
Students have several opportunities to travel outside the United States to apply their coursework to the real world.
In the News
Dr. Emily Reimer-Barry Delivers Speech at CTSA Conference
// July 19, 2019
Emily Reimer-Barry, PhD delivered a plenary address at the annual convention of the Catholic Theological Society of America. USD Magazine co…
Office Hours: Dr. Christopher Carter, Assistant Professor, Theology and Religious Studies
// May 14, 2019
For Christopher Carter, PhD, an assistant professor of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego, a faith-based educatio…
Dr. Peter Mena Publishes New Book
// April 30, 2019
Congratulations to Peter Mena, PhD on the publication of his new book, Place and Identity in the Lives of Antony, Paul, and Mary of Egypt. F…
Upcoming Events
- Oct3
Faculty Gallery Talk: Susie Babka
Thursday, October 3, 2019 // 5 p.m.Founders Hall, Room Hoehn Family Galleries - Nov20
No-Person Approaches to Contemplative Studies
Wednesday, November 20, 2019 // 5 p.m.Serra Hall, Room 200, Humanities Center
@thrsusd on Facebook
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Students in THRS 203 took a hike in Mission Trails Regional Park this week with Outdoor Adventures guide Mark Ceder. In this August course students are learning about theology and the natural world through course readings on evolution, creation, water policy, agriculture, spirituality and Catholic social teachings. read more -
Aux. Bishop Dolan of San Diego on ICE raids:
"We continue to stand with our immigrant brothers and sisters, regardless of their immigration status. We urge them to resist acting hastily on rumors, continuing to take care of their families as needed.
“And we urge them to take prudent steps. They should know their rights in this country. They can review a useful guide in English and Spanish on this site https://cliniclegal.org/resources/know-your-rights-law-enforcement, prepared by the Catholic Legal Immigration Network."
https://www.sdcatholic.org/bishop/aux-bishop-dolan-issues-statement-in-response-to-announced-deportation-plans/ read more -
From Cardinal Cupich:
"We reject the idea that living in America means risking being gunned down by a killer wielding an assault weapon designed for mass killing.
We refuse to become inured to the horrible idea that families must calculate the risk of violent death when considering how to spend a summer weekend.
We cannot tolerate a society in which parents have to wonder whether the child they dropped off in the morning will become another statistic or if their own lives will end that day in their place of work.
Mass shootings are not an inevitability. All human beings have the right to live without violence. To behave otherwise is to advance a lie. Stopping this lie begins with holding accountable our elected officials who have done nothing to address gun violence. Inaction only cements the idea that these tragedies are acceptable and that the weapons that enable them are simply common features of American life today.
But we also need to hold accountable those in society, including some leaders, who fuel these violent acts by dividing humanity through hateful rhetoric. This must stop — along with the silence of our elected officials who have failed to condemn hate speech, for they are the very ones who have sworn to keep our nation safe.
We know that together we can do something to stem the flow of blood. And we call on our elected officials to show us that they know it too." read more
Department of Theology and Religious Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
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5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110