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
- Feb28
- Mar16
Newman Lecture: The Reasoning of the Religious Mind: St. John Henry Newman on Faith and Reason; By Mary Katherine Tillman, PhD
Monday, March 16, 2020 // 6 p.m.Founders Hall, Room Ministry Center - Mar17
A Dialogue on Faith and Science - Phillip Sloan, PhD, and Greg Severn, PhD
Tuesday, March 17, 2020 // 4 p.m.KIPJ, Room A
@thrsusd on Facebook
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THRS summer study abroad - exciting opportunities! INST 352 in Rome with Dr. Rico Monge, THRS 323 in Paris with Dr. Reimer-Barry, & THRS 326 in Bali, Indonesia. For more information, visit the International Center website. Deadline to apply is Feb. 19th. read more -
This spring, Dr. Michele Watkins will be inducted into the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Collegium of Scholars! This is an honor because the MLK Collegium is a society consisting of scholars, preachers, and lay persons who are committed to research, teaching, writing, and mentoring that centers moral and social responsibility toward the aim of peace and community building. Join us in congratulating Dr. Watkins on this great achievement! University of San Diego: College of Arts and Sciences😀👏 read more -
Save the date: the Monday after spring break!
4pm March 9th, UC Forum A
Can Catholic universities foster spaces of inclusion and justice while also upholding Catholic teachings?
· What does it mean for faculty and students at Catholic universities to stand in solidarity with transgender and non-gender conforming students and the LGBTQ+ community before, during, and after hate crimes against members of the LGBTQ+ community?
· What do the gospel narratives have to teach us about a Catholic Christian response to hate?
Join the conversation as USD alumnus Dr. Todd Salzman, a Catholic theologian and expert on sexual ethics, explains key concepts in Catholic social teaching (structural sin, discrimination, flourishing, justice) and how these apply to our current questions. Dr. Salzman will point out inconsistencies in Catholic teachings and explain the importance of defining Catholic identity grounded in social justice.
Todd Salzman, Ph.D., is the Amelia and Emil Graff Professor of Catholic Theology at Creighton University and is an alumnus of USD. He is the co-author, with Michael G. Lawler, of Sexual Ethics: A Theological Introduction (Georgetown University Press, 2012), & The Sexual Person: Toward a Renewed Catholic Anthropology (Georgetown University Press, 2008), among other books in Catholic theological ethics and sexuality. read more
Department of Theology and Religious Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
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5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110