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. Reimer-Barry in Support of LGBT Employees
// November 1, 2019
In this blog post for CTEWC, Dr. Reimer-Barry analyzes the USCCB's legal team's arguments in support of employers' rights to discriminate. S…
Professor Susie Babka on USD's 'Christ' Art Exhibit: "Drawings are Where Artists Get to be a Theologian"
// September 27, 2019
Susie Babka, PhD, an associate professor in the University of San Diego's Theology and Religious Studies Department, has many unique academi…
Art Exhibition Debut is a Hit with Campus, San Diego Community
// September 20, 2019
The first full week is complete, including the first-ever weekend availability for viewers, and there is great appreciation by both the Univ…
Upcoming Events
- Mar17
A Dialogue on Faith and Science - Phillip Sloan, PhD, and Greg Severn, PhD
Tuesday, March 17, 2020 // 4 p.m.KIPJ, Room A - Mar17
Newman Lecture - The Reasoning of the Religious Mind: St. John Henry Newman on Faith and Reason - Mary Katherine Tillman, PhD
Tuesday, March 17, 2020 // 6 p.m.Founders Hall, Room Mission and Ministry - Mar30
God the Unknown - Brian Davies, PhD
Monday, March 30, 2020 // 6 p.m.Mother Rosalie Hill Hall, Room Warren Auditorium
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Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season! The university will be closed from Christmas Eve - New Years Day. Enjoy the break, and we'll see you in the new year! read more -
CONGRATULATIONS DR. ESPIN!!!
The Department of Theology and Religious Studies celebrates the news that Dr. Orlando Espín has been honored with emeritus faculty status in the USD College of Arts and Sciences.
Dr. Espín taught a range of courses in our curriculum including core courses (Christianity and Its Practice, Salvation, Latinoa Catholicism, Latinoa Theologies, & Afro-Latin Religions) and a course for majors in our revised curriculum (The Religion Café). In his 3-3 teaching load he was known for teaching ‘three preps’ (three different courses each semester) so that students in our major could explore a greater variety of curricular offerings during their time at USD.
The author of many books and over 300 essays in theology, Dr. Espín is recognized as a pioneer who has broken new theological ground in areas that include tradition and traditioning, culture and intercultural communication, the sense of the faithful, popular religious expressions, and popular Catholicism in particular. His recent books include Disruptive Cartographers: Pneumatology (Fortress), The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Latinoa Theology (Wiley-Blackwell, 2015), and Idol and Grace: On Traditioning and Subversive Hope (Orbis, 2014). Dr. Espín served on essential THRS committees during his decades of work at USD (most recently, Dr. Espín has served on the Steber Committee, Portman Committee, and our 2016-2017 search committee). His work with the Trans- Border Institute and his teaching in Tijuana has fostered institutional partnerships between USD and our neighbors south of the border. Dr. Espín is the recipient of the 2016 John Courtney Murray Award (lifetime achievement award) from the Catholic Theological Society of America and was named a USD University Professor in 2017.
Dr. Orlando Espín is the sixth THRS faculty member to achieve emeritus status and joins Rev. Delwin Byron Schneider, Rev. Norbert J. Rigali, S.J. Rev. Msgr. John R. Portman, Rev. Dr. Ron Pachence and Dr. Maria Pilar Aquino. Congratulations, Dr. Orlando Espín! read more -
Congratulations to Maria Pilar Aquino, Professor Emerita, recipient of Barry University’s 2020 Yves Congar Award for Theological Excellence! read more
Department of Theology and Religious Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
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5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110