Theology at Providence College
Theology at Providence College
The theology program at Providence College draws upon sacred scripture and the Church’s tradition in pursuing scholarly, theological inquiry “from the heart of the Church.” Our program provides a foundation of knowledge in the teachings of the Catholic Church and explores the best of contemporary scholarship in Scripture, moral and spiritual theology, liturgy, and systematics.
Through this multi-faceted approach, students not only learn about the nature of God and the history of the Church, they also examine the role of Catholic thought and theology in today’s world. Our program is also designed to allow students to specialize in a particular area of theology according to their own professional and personal objectives. Whatever their specialty, our graduates leave prepared to make a positive impact on individuals and society as a whole.
Contact the Theology Department
Visit us on the Second Floor of St. Catherine of Siena Hall
DEGREE PROGRAMS
Bachelor of Arts in Theology
Theology courses are designed to provide a balance between study of the historical Catholic theological tradition and exploration of contemporary scholarship in Catholic theology. At the same time, students have the flexibility to specialize in a particular area of theology: biblical theology, systematic and historical theology, spiritual theology, or moral theology. Upon completion of the undergraduate program, students have the opportunity to continue their studies with our graduate program, which leads to a master of arts in theology, biblical studies, or pastoral ministry.
Minor
A minor in theology allows students in any major to pursue an interest in the study of theology through a structured program of six theology courses. Our graduates have gone on to become teachers in colleges or seminaries, ordained priests and ministers, editors of Catholic newspapers, major religious filmmakers, diocesan and parish directors of religious education, high school and grade school teachers of religion, and pastoral assistants in parishes.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Immerse yourself in the traditions of the Catholic Church through the PC in Rome program
Participate in Jewish-Catholic Theological Exchange Committee (JCTE) event or lecture
Join a club or attend a retreat with Campus Ministry, the college’s largest student organization
FACULTY
The department offers students the benefit of a large and diverse faculty of expert theologians. Many have studied other disciplines in addition to theology, offering unique interdisciplinary insight into the role of spirituality and morality on topics such as economics, philosophy, and biology.
IN THE NEWS
Experiential Learning Opportunities
The theology department, like so many others around campus, offers students the opportunity to be active participants in their learning outside of the classroom. Here are a couple of examples of recent engaged learning experiences.
Sustainable Micro-flushing Toilets in Ethiopia
The Global Sustainable Aid Project has now been placed in the hands of Dr. Terrence McGoldrick, associate professor of theology. This organization trains workers and students in Ethiopia to build micro-flush toilets.
A New Adventure in China
This project, led by Tianyi Yuan ’20, explored the inculturation and vitality of faith that made the mission of ancient Syrian Nestorian Christianity into China possible.
AFTER PC
100%
of 2019-2023 graduates are employed and/or attending graduate school
47%
are employed only
40%
are attending school only
13%
are employed and attending school
Due to rounding, some totals may not correspond with the sum of the separate figures.
Selected Places of Employment/Service
Bob Flanders for US Senate
Fordham University
The Panther Group
Ursuline Academy
Selected Graduate Schools
Brandeis University
Elon University School of Law
Georgetown University Law Center
Northeastern University, School of Law
New York University Steinhardt
Providence College
University of Connecticut School of Law
University of Notre Dame
Villanova University
The Theology Department Library &
the Devine Memorial Collection
The Theology Department Library is located at the lower level of St. Catherine of Siena Hall. This library features many theological and philosophical texts, including the Devine Memorial Collection.
“Philip E. Devine, Ph.D., taught philosophy at Providence College from 1990 until 2016, when he retired with emeritus status. He passed away in 2022. His widow donated many books from his personal library to the Theology Department, which is housing them in Siena Hall. Click here for a list of titles in the library. Please contact Janice Schuster / Electronic Resources & Serials Librarian / Professor / Phillips Memorial Library / Providence College / Janice.Schuster@providence.edu, with questions or inquiries.”
ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Daria Spezzano
Chair
Siena Hall 205
401.865.1523
dspezzan@providence.edu
Richard Barry IV
Associate Professor
Faculty Profile
St. Catherine of Siena Hall 217
401.865.1713
RJBarryIV@providence.edu
Dr. Sandra Toenies Keating
Graduate Program Director
Siena Hall 238
skeating@providence.edu
Jennifer Pastor
Administrative Coordinator
Siena Hall 207
401.865.2274
jpastor@providence.edu
