Student Resources

Students who are studying Theology and Religious Studies at USD are encouraged to explore and utilize the following resources.

Joseph Colombo Memorial Award

Award: There will be either one $2000 award or two $1000 awards in a given year, depending on the quality of applicants. Previous recipients may re-apply for a second year.

In remembrance of Dr. J.A. Colombo, the College of Arts and Sciences has established the Dr. Joseph A. Colombo Memorial Award in Theology and Religious Studies. This monetary award will normally be given annually to a senior majoring in Theology and Religious Studies and pursuing graduate work in the field . Students must be dedicated to academic excellence, community service, and leadership. In addition to receiving the Dr. Joseph A. Colombo Memorial Award in Theology and Religious Studies, the student will have his/her name inscribed on a plaque that will be displayed prominently in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies.

Application Requirements: To be eligible to receive the Dr. Joseph A. Colombo Memorial Award, a candidate must meet the following requirements: a. THRS major. b. Graduation in the academic year in which application is made or within two years of graduation. c. Application to a graduate program in Theology and/or Religious Studies (for example, MA, MDiv, ThD, PhD, STD).

Go to application

USD Faculty Contact: Dr. Evelyn Kirkley

Spain Family Theology and Religious Studies Majors Scholarship

Award: Need as determined by the USD Office of Financial Aid

Through a generous bequest from the Spain family, the Department of Theology and Religious Studies is able to award annual scholarships to its outstanding majors. The amount of the award depends on the number of eligible majors each year and the earnings of the endowment fund. Spain Family Scholarships are awarded in addition to any other loans, grants or scholarships majors have been awarded. There is no application required. Each year, in June, the chair receives a list of continuing THRS majors, their current grade point averages and a need assessment report from the Office of Financial Aid.

Application Requirements: Minimum overall USD GPA of 3.5

See all Scholarship Opportunities

Popular Resources

Important Forms

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November 2019

Dr. Reimer-Barry in Support of LGBT EmployeesFriday, 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…

September 2019

Professor Susie Babka on USD's 'Christ' Art Exhibit: "Drawings are Where Artists Get to be a Theologian"Friday, 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 CommunityFriday, 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…
Shalt Thou Eat an Impossible Burger? Religious Doctrine Scrambles to Catch up to New Food Technology Monday, September 16, 2019
Our very own, Aaron Gross, PhD, is cited in this compelling article, featured in the Washington Post. …
Nine USD Professors Receive Top Faculty AwardsFriday, September 13, 2019
University of San Diego Vice President and Provost Gail F. Baker, PhD, introduced and recognized nine USD faculty members who received top u…

July 2019

Dr. Emily Reimer-Barry Delivers Speech at CTSA Conference Friday, 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…

May 2019

Office Hours: Dr. Christopher Carter, Assistant Professor, Theology and Religious StudiesTuesday, May 14, 2019post has video
For Christopher Carter, PhD, an assistant professor of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego, a faith-based educatio…

April 2019

Dr. Peter Mena Publishes New Book Tuesday, 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…
Dr. Michele Watkins Elected Executive Director-Elect Monday, April 15, 2019
Michele Watkins, PhD, was recently elected as the Executive Director-Elect for the Society for the Study of Black Religion. The Society for …

February 2019

Reflections: Chinese Catholicism — 'Share the Warmth'Wednesday, February 13, 2019
The Frances G. Harpst Center for Catholic Thought and Culture hosted a Faculty Travel Immersion Seminar during the January intersession. Thi…
Nine USD Faculty to Receive 2019-20 Top Professor AwardsWednesday, February 6, 2019
University of San Diego Vice President and Provost Gail F. Baker, PhD, has announced the selection of nine USD faculty members who will rece…
Finding Common Ground for the Hospitality of AllFriday, February 1, 2019post has video
Finding common ground offers the potential for hope, calm and peace for the world at large. When it happens, it's often the result of turnin…

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Honors Society

Theta Alpha Kappa Honor Society

Transferring Credit

Transferring Credit for Theology and Religious Studies Courses

Centers and Resources

Graduate Study in Theology and Religious Studies

This department has no graduate programs in theology, biblical studies or religious studies. Although we have a fine, nationally recognized faculty, at this point in time our mission is to provide first-rate undergraduate education, using which many of our majors go on to study at some of the best graduate schools in this country and abroad. Below are some resources which may be helpful for students considering graduate study.