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B.A. Religion

Online Religion Degree

The School of Arts & Sciences' online religion degree introduces you to the foundations of the Christian faith. The program provides a well-rounded education in the discipline, with the opportunity to tailor the curriculum to meet your individual needs.

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers and jobs, while providing the opportunity for personal and intellectual growth, as well as the development of practical skills. Specifically, it can help prepare one for parish ministry or for graduate school in theology or religion.

Religion courses explore:
• Foundations of Christian faith
• The Old and New Testament
• Religions of the world
• History of Christianity
• Christian morality
• Christian social justice
• History of philosophy

In addition to the personal and intellectual growth opportunities from studying theology and religion, the online religion degree program emphasizes leadership skills within Saint Leo University's core values and traditions.

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Degree Requirements

General Education Core (48 credits)

• MAT 131 College Mathematics 3

  Topics include number theory, numeration systems, geometry, counting methods, probability, and statistics.

  Prerequisites: Mathematics Placement

• ENG 121 Academic Writing I 3

  The techniques of effective writing, logical thinking and intelligent reading, with special emphasis on expository writing.

  Prerequisites: Passing grade in ENG 002 or satisfactory score on the English Placement Test

• ENG 122 Academic Writing II 3

  A continuation of ENG 121. Expository writing based on analytical study of literary genres.

  Prerequisites: ENG 121

• COM 140 Business Computer Skills 3

  Required for all business majors. Students will use commercial software packages in the microcomputer laboratory to gain an advanced understanding of business functions of computers and to develop personal competency in practical applications of microcomputers for business. Provides business students with the specific knowledge and capabilities in various computer skills necessary to be effective in both business classes and the business world. Course fee may apply.

• FAS 101 The Integrated Arts 3

  This is an interdisciplinary course that introduces students to visual, written, and musical works of art designed to increase the student's understanding and aesthetic pleasure as well as to develop acquaintance with techniques and terminology in the arts. Regular classroom lectures/discussions may be complemented by live or virtual performances and exhibits as appropriate to the course format to enhance the student's experience of the arts.

• ART 123 Art Appreciation 3

  Basic terms, theories and techniques of the artist; major art movements; media in the visual arts.

  Prerequisites: FAS 101

• Core English Options : (3 Credits)3

  • ENG 226 Survey of World Literature II

    Designed to introduce non-English majors to the world literature in translation from the 18th century through the 20th century. Continued emphasis on literary devices writers use and on expository writing based on analytical study of the literature of the course.

    Prerequisites: ENG 122

  • ENG 311 Survey of Major Writers of the 20th Century

    A study for non-English majors of the most significant and influential movements of the twentieth century as those movements have shaped the course of human experience. Provides an opportunity for students to discuss and analyze a broad range of writers from several countries, drawing on cultural and ethnic issues particularly relevant to those writers.

    Prerequisites: ENG 122

• SSC 102 The Global Perspective 3

  A survey of various global issues arising in the world since World War II. The course combines the disciplines of history, political science, and economics. Emphasis will be placed on the interaction of the superpowers during the Cold War, the post-colonial emergence of the Third World, the ascendancy of regional and international economic and political institutions, the ambiguous blessing of technological innovation, and the reshaping of contemporary Europe.

• ECO 201 Principles of Macroeconomics 3

  An introduction to the study of the determination of income, output, employment and prices in the U.S. economy. Emphasis on fundamental economic concepts, gross domestic product and its components, monetary and fiscal policy, and contemporary macroeconomic issues.

  Prerequisites: SSC 102

• SSC 101 The Human Behavior Perspective 3

  An interdisciplinary course designed to provide students with the opportunity to consider the many ways in which human beings function as individuals, as members of larger groups and demographic segments, and as members of a particular culture. This course explores the disciplines of sociology, psychology, and anthropology within the framework of the scientific method, social constructivism, ethics, and values. Value systems, including the core values of Saint Leo University, and the ways in which they affect social structure are also explored.

• PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology 3

  A survey of the major areas in psychology. Principal topics covered are: physiological bases of behavior, personality, mental disorders and treatment, social influences and other basic issues. The course introduces students to the broad spectrum of theories used in understanding human behavior.

  Prerequisites: SSC 101

• PHI 101 The Quest for Wisdom 3

  The course examines human beings as present to themselves, as having a narrative self-understanding, and as being on a quest for meaning and orientation in life. Some of the topics are: the mystery of existence; thinking and prejudice; the good, conscience, and the power of choice; the state and the dignity of the person; the problem of materialism and scientism; and the place of imagination in articulating life's meaning.

• Core Religion Options : (3 Credits)3

  • REL 123 Foundations of Christian Faith

    This course involves an introduction to the field of theology as an academic discipline with a body of writing, methods, and interpretations. It is concerned with how to successfully study theology, including basic library research methodology and critical thinking. Students will build a basic understanding of the whole of theology through an introduction of its parts: Old Testament and New Testament Literature, Who Is Jesus?, What Is the Church?, Grace and the Sacraments, Christian Morality, Social Justice, Judaism and the Church, the Islamic Religion and the Church, and Catholic Theology in a Global Context.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

  • REL 124 Introduction to the Old Testament

    A basic introduction to the literature and theology of the Jewish Scriptures.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

  • REL 201 Introduction to the New Testament

    A basic introduction to the literature and theology of the New Testament, including exposure to critical methods such as form and redaction criticisms.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

  • REL 223 Religions of the World I: Western Religions

    A study of Western religions, including religions of non-literate societies and ancient religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

• Any 300 or 400 level Religion course (3 credits)

• SCI 101 Integrated Physical Science 3

  This course is designed to provide integrated knowledge and basic understanding of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings of the physical sciences, including physics, chemistry, astronomy, geology, oceanography, atmospheric sciences, and earth sciences. Major integrated themes include the nature and history of the universe, the solar system, and the Earth; the four forces; the ultimate structure and development of matter; types and nature of chemical bonding; plate tectonics; the rock cycle; biogeochemical cycles; oceanic and atmospheric circulation; global climate change; the unified nature of the laws and forces of the universe; the scientific world view; the scientific method; and the major differences between the scientific way of knowing and other ways of knowing. Emphasis is placed on oral and written scientific literacy through effective interpretation and communication of written, quantitative, graphic, and tabular scientific information.

• SCI 102 Integrated Life Science 3

  This course is designed to introduce non-science majors to the concepts and practical applications of the life sciences so that students will be informed citizens in an increasingly science and technology based society. Specific themes focused on will include cell structure and function, cell reproduction, DNA, genetic engineering, evolution, the origins of life, and the environment. Ethical and moral considerations will be discussed where appropriate. There will be several demonstrations and/or student experiments during the semester. This is the second of two integrated science courses required of all non-science majors. This course requires substantial writing and reading.

  Prerequisites: Recommended Prerequisites: SCI 101 strongly recommended

BA Religion (36 credits)

• REL 123 Foundations of Christian Faith 3

  This course involves an introduction to the field of theology as an academic discipline with a body of writing, methods, and interpretations. It is concerned with how to successfully study theology, including basic library research methodology and critical thinking. Students will build a basic understanding of the whole of theology through an introduction of its parts: Old Testament and New Testament Literature, Who Is Jesus?, What Is the Church?, Grace and the Sacraments, Christian Morality, Social Justice, Judaism and the Church, the Islamic Religion and the Church, and Catholic Theology in a Global Context.

  Prerequisites: PHI 101

• REL 124 Introduction to the Old Testament 3

  A basic introduction to the literature and theology of the Jewish Scriptures.

  Prerequisites: PHI 101

• REL 201 Introduction to the New Testament 3

  A basic introduction to the literature and theology of the New Testament, including exposure to critical methods such as form and redaction criticisms.

  Prerequisites: PHI 101

• REL 223 Religions of the World I: Western Religions 3

  A study of Western religions, including religions of non-literate societies and ancient religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

  Prerequisites: PHI 101

• REL 450 History of Christianity 3

  This is an inquiry into theological, spiritual, and institutional history of Christianity from the time of Jesus until the present.

  Prerequisites: REL 123, REL 124, REL 201, or REL 223

• Christian Morality or Social Justice (take one course) : (3 Credits)3

  • REL 330 Christian Morality

    Christian morality is concerned with the ethical principles grounding Catholic morality and charged with envisioning an "ethics of being" in the Christian context. The course examines the theoretical foundations of morality (ethics), the practical level of human conduct, rule-keeping, virtues, and attitudes.

    Prerequisites: REL 123, REL 124, REL 201, or REL 223

  • REL 345 Christian Social Justice

    An examination of Christian social teachings, particularly as they relate to institutionalized injustice and the concepts of liberty, peace, and justice.

    Prerequisites: REL 123, REL 124, REL 201, or REL 223

• REL 470 Christology 3

  This course will take students on a systematic investigation of the life, person, and work of Jesus of Nazareth. Participants will survey and analyze the revelation of Jesus in scripture, historical perspectives in Christology (including controversies, councils, and significant individuals), and contemporary perspectives.

  Prerequisites: REL 123, REL 124, REL 201, or REL 223

• REL 427 The Church (Ecclesiology) and Worship 3

  Within the framework of systematic theology, ecclesiology examines the nature of the church and its emerging challenges. This course considers both classic insights and new directions in ecclesiology, including reflections on the nature and exercise of ministry in the Church. Central to the course is a critical examination of two documents of the Second Vatican Council: The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen gentium) and The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et spes). In many respects, the entire course is an extended dialogue with these two foundational documents.

  Prerequisites: REL 123, REL 124, REL 201, or REL 223

• REL 425 Internship in Religion 3

  This course is designed to offer the student opportunities beyond the classroom (a hands-on experience) in the areas of community service, religious education, youth ministry, bereavement ministry, and chaplaincy while making a difference.

  Prerequisites: REL 123, REL 124, REL 201, or REL 223

• REL 498 Senior Seminar in Religion 3

  Each year the seminar will be developed around specific 400-level subject matter or topics, but designed to model research at greater depth and committed to writing across the curriculum due to the research focus. A course will be offered from one of the five fields of theology on a five-year cycle annually. This seminar will involve an extensive research paper and may culminate with an oral presentation on Academic Excellence Day.

  Prerequisites: REL 123, REL 124, REL 201, or REL 223

• PHI 309 History of Philosophy 1: Ancient to Medieval 3

  A survey of the Western philosophical tradition from its beginnings in Greek thought to the Middle Ages; it includes the reading and analysis of fundamental texts by main figures of the period such as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas.

• PHI 310 History of Philosophy II: The Modern World 3

  A survey of Western philosophical thought from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries; it includes the reading and analysis of fundamental texts by significant figures of the period such as Descartes, Hobbes, Locke, Hume, Kant, Hegel, Kierkegaard, and Nietzsche.

Electives in Religion (3 credits)

Electives (33 Credits)

Total Semester Credits 120