Loyola University Chicago

Department of Theology

Interdisciplinary Degree Programs

Interdisciplinary approaches inform both theological and religious studies and there are several programs at Loyola that can help to enrich your course of studies. Both the Major in Theological Studies and the Major in Religious Studies allow students great flexibility in course selection across a range of disciplines. Within the Theology Department, our faculty hold a diverse range of specializations and perspectives and understand the importance of the study of theology of systematic theological issues, biblical interpretation and criticism, ethical reflection, and conversation with other religious and philosophical traditions.

Religious Studies at Loyola is similarly interdisciplinary in character. Students have flexibility to explore a wide range of courses in Christian theology as well as the belief systems of a range of major world religions. Students are encouraged to engage social scientific perspectives on religious belief and practice both through courses inside the Theology department and by taking certain courses from the Sociology and Anthropology departments.

Loyola has a wide range of interdisciplinary programs to foster study in certain field areas at both the minor and major level. Students majoring or minoring in Theological Studies or majoring in Religious Studies should examine the many opportunities that exist for double majoring with one of these interdisciplinary programs or for complimenting your program of study by minoring in one of these interdisciplinary programs:

Women's Studies and Gender Studies: For students interested in religious and theological perspectives on gender.

Environmental Studies/Sciences: For students interested in creation-oriented theology, in religious views of nature, or in the need to promote policies of ecological sustainability.

Bio-ethics Minor: Students who plan on studying medicine should consider adding the bio-ethics minor. 

Global and International Studies Program: For students interested in bringing an international and global perspective to your theological or religious studies interests.

Peace Studies Program: For students interested in peace and justice perspectives for your theological or religious studies interest.

Medieval Studies: For students interested by the history of Christian theology.

Catholic Studies Minor: For students interested in exploring in more depth the religious tradition that serves as Loyola’s foundation. 

Islamic World Studies: For students with a particular interest in the peoples and religious experiences of the Muslim World

Latin American Studies: For students with a particular interest in the peoples and religious experiences of Latin America

Asian Studies: For students with a particular interest in the peoples and religious experiences of Asia and Asian-Americans

African Studies and the African Diaspora: For students with a particular interest in the peoples and religious experiences of Africa and African-Americans:

Is a program you’re interested in not listed? Feel free to reach out to Dr. Lauren O'Connell, Undergraduate Program Director (loconnell1@luc.edu) to explore the possibility of other interdisciplinary crossovers!