Theology, Bachelor's , Minor
Overview
The theology program at DSU will not only prepare you for any and every career, it will also prepare you for life.
Catholic higher education places strong emphasis on the role of divine revelation in human life. Our theology program will teach you to appreciate the divine calling of every human being to a life of love.
Beginning with human experience, theology addresses the ultimate concerns of our existence. It helps transform the way we look at what life means, based on the revelation of that meaning by God. And it leads to the practice of a meaningful life consistent with an intelligible faith.
Thinking about studying Theology at DeSales? Theology offers transferable skills sought by today’s employers.
Our grads have gone on to work in law, politics & government, education, healthcare, ministry, and more.
Admissions Requirements
At DeSales, we not only look at your past academic achievement but also your potential for future growth to determine your admission.
We find that students who have demonstrated significant achievement within a demanding curriculum are best suited for academic life at DeSales. Quality of academic performance plays a critical role in the admissions decision making process. This helps indicate a student's potential for academic growth going forward. DeSales University welcomes applications from all qualified students regardless of race, religion, sex, national, or ethnic origin.
Application Checklist
- Application Fee: None
- Transcripts: Official High School Transcript
- Standardized Tests: This program is SAT optional.
- Recommendations: Completed Guidance Counselor Form and Teacher Recommendation Form
All materials can be mailed to:
DeSales University Admissions Office
2755 Station Ave.
Center Valley, PA
Additional recommendations
High School Academics - Remember, there is no single preferred high school academic program, but a college preparatory course of study is highly recommended. Here's an example:
- Four years of English
- Three or four years of college preparatory mathematics
- A minimum of two years of modern, foreign, or classical language
- At least two laboratory science courses
Visiting DeSales - A personal, on-campus interview is strongly recommended, but is not required. We encourage you to visit so that you'll have a chance to learn more about DeSales, and we'll have the opportunity to learn more about you, too.
Learn more about Undergraduate Admissions & Aid
When to Apply
We encourage you to apply early in your senior year. We use a rolling admissions system, which means you will be notified promptly about your admissions status—usually within four weeks of our receipt of your completed application.
Priority deadline for scholarship consideration is December 1 of your senior year.
Curriculum
We’ve designed our theology program so that it’s easy to pursue a dual major.
By combining theology with another area of study, you’ll link our solid foundation in liberal arts to a variety of potential careers.
The theology major provides students with the philosophical foundations of Catholic theology giving them an understanding of the relationship between Christian faith and human reason. Majors learn the full range of Catholic theology in all of its various subdisciplines. Majors are prepared to serve the Church in a variety of fields, with the ability to articulate an understanding of what it means to be a Christian humanist in the world.
Academic Catalog
Graduation Requirements
View the graduation requirements and example schedule for this programFaculty
Careers & Internships
What can you do with a theology degree? The simple answer is... whatever you want!
Theology offers transferable skills that employers seek. It develops intellectual habits that bring faith and reason together in terms of critical thinking, effective communication, and cultural interaction.
Our grads have gone on to work in:
- Law
- Politics & Government
- Education
- Healthcare
- Ministry
Tuition & Fees
DeSales can help make your college expenses affordable through a combination of grants, loans, student employment, and scholarship resources.
View a comprehensive list of financial aid forms and undergraduate program information sheets
Cost of attendance for undergrads for 2024-2025
Resident Students
Direct Costs
Tuition - $45,000
Room and Board - $13,800
Mandatory Fees - $1,800
One-time Orientation Fee for First-Year students and Transfers - $200
Total = $60,800 (including first-year/transfer fees)
Estimated Indirect Costs
Books/Supplies - $1,711
Personal Expenses - $4,605
Total cost for resident students: $67,116
Commuter Students
Direct Costs
Tuition - $45,000
Mandatory Fees - $1,400
One-time Orientation Fee for First-Year students and Transfers - $200
Total = $46,600 (including first-year/transfer fees)
Estimated Indirect Costs
Books/Supplies - $1,711
Personal Expenses - $4,605
Transportation Costs - $1,908
Living Expenses - $2,298
Total cost for commuter students: $57,122
Off-Campus*
Direct Costs
Tuition - $45,000
Mandatory Fees - $1,400
One-time Orientation Fee for First-Year students and Transfers - $200
Total = $46,600 (including first-year/transfer fees)
Estimated Indirect Costs
Books/Supplies - $1,711
Personal Expenses - $4,605
Transportation Costs - $1,908
Living Expenses - $9,192
Total cost for off-campus students: $64,016
*First-year students are required to reside on campus or commute from home.
Parking Fee - $100
View a comprehensive list of financial aid forms and undergraduate program information sheets
Dual Degree Undergraduate-to-Graduate Programs
If you are enrolled in an undergraduate-to-graduate degree program — for example a 5-year, 3+2, 3+3, program — the undergraduate tuition and fees apply only to the undergraduate portion of the program. As you progress into the graduate phase of your program, graduate tuition and fees apply. Please see your respective graduate program for more information.
The financial aid process may appear overwhelming at first glance, but don't worry, we'll help you through it.
Accepted students are automatically considered for scholarships upon receipt of a completed application and are awarded regardless of financial need. Funds for scholarships are limited, so we do encourage students to apply early.
Our comprehensive financial aid packages carefully explain the types and amounts of assistance —including federal, state, and institutional — that you may be eligible for to help cover education related expenses.
Total cost of attendance includes estimates for tuition, fees, room, board, books, and personal, transportation, and living expenses.
You can estimate your total cost of attendance with our Net Price Calculator
Career Preparation from Day One
We're passionate about helping our students and alumni explore major and career options, find experiential education, and achieve post-graduation success in an evolving global world.
Study Abroad
DeSales has an international experience for every student, every major, for every student athlete — we have something for everyone, no matter what.
We have many international agreements that allow you to study abroad for a semester at the same cost as your DeSales tuition, and you can use your financial aid!
Beyond the Classroom
DeSales has tons of clubs and activities that will enhance your Theology studies, like:
- Communio Circle
- Ethics Initiatives
- National Catholic Essay Contest
- National Honor Society
- Salesian Studies
