Wrestling with questions of ultimate importance takes courage, honesty and some hard work. “What is the meaning of life?” “Who is God?” “How should I relate to those around me?” Theologians and religious thinkers have done this sort of intellectual thinking and dialogue for centuries — and St. Norbert College continues the tradition in our scholarly community.
When you major in theology and religious studies (TRS) at SNC, you’ll explore essential theological ideas. What’s the relationship between faith and reason? What role should tradition have in shaping belief? What are the ethical dimensions of life lived in community with others? TRS majors explore religious ideas across different eras and converse with a multitude of faiths and traditions. SNC helps you learn how to think critically about current events and the complexities of global diversity and the human situation.
One of the greatest strengths of a TRS major is the individualized attention you’ll receive from our first-class college faculty as a regular part of your studies. SNC offers the TRS major with a general focus, featuring substantial offerings in biblical history, the Catholic tradition and religious diversity. In addition, you may pursue the degree with a ministry emphasis.
With a TRS degree, you'll experience one-on-one interaction and individualized attention with our faculty members as a regular part of your studies. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore critical questions and topics with your professors! We value new insights. Your innovative techniques, fresh voice, and creativity are always welcome.
TRS students take brief, but intensive study trips with faculty to places like Rome; Ireland; Washington, D.C.; and New York. These trips are partially funded by SNC.
While you’re on campus, the St. Norbert College Parish, Sturzl Center for Community Service & Learning, Norman Miller Center for Peace, Justice & Public Understanding and the Emmaus Center give you opportunities to put your classroom concepts into action, both in service to others and as a way to reflect. SNC hosts a chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa, the national honor society for religious studies and theology.
“ Between my sophomore and junior years, an upperclassman theology major asked if I’d heard of a program called YouthWorks that does Christ-centered mission trips. She thought I’d be great at it and encouraged me to apply — which I did, and spent nine weeks with YouthWorks for the summer of 2019. During that mission is when I realized that’s what I wanted to do with my life.
”Grace Brick ’21
“ Between my sophomore and junior years, an upperclassman theology major asked if I’d heard of a program called YouthWorks that does Christ-centered mission trips. She thought I’d be great at it and encouraged me to apply — which I did, and spent nine weeks with YouthWorks for the summer of 2019. During that mission is when I realized that’s what I wanted to do with my life.
”Grace Brick ’21
Collaborate with faculty and peers on research, and present your findings at conferences.
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Students seeking skills in ministry often choose internships as a way to work within the community.
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Many TRS majors study abroad to better understand global points of view on belief systems and faith.
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If there’s one thing that SNC professors and instructors have in common, it’s a passion for teaching and sharing their expertise. You’ll also find them dedicated to providing personalized guidance that supports your academic and career aspirations. Discover the distinguished scholars you’ll be learning from.
Paired with another program as a double major or minor, TRS informs and enlivens your work in any career by providing connections to varied spiritual concepts. SNC students often pursue concurrent majors or minors in fields like psychology, peace and justice studies, philosophy, business administration, education, sociology and Spanish. TRS majors are also well prepared for a future in religious work. Our majors have careers in a broad range of professions, such as:
Our recent theology alumni have pursued graduate level studies at the following institutions with preparation and placement help from SNC:
Campus location
Ariens Family Welcome Center
310 College Ave.
De Pere, WI 54115
Hours of operation
Monday-Friday
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
We’re also available by appointment.
Mailing address
Office of Admission
St. Norbert College
Ariens Family Welcome Center
100 Grant St.
De Pere, WI 54115
