STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—For the first time ever, Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy will be offered online, beginning with the fall 2020 semester.

“For years, we have heard from Catholic adults across the country and globe who love our mission and want to benefit from a Franciscan University degree in theology or philosophy but could never come to Steubenville because of family and work obligations,” said Dr. Daniel Kempton, Franciscan University vice president for Academic Affairs. “Now, both of these popular on-campus undergraduate programs will also be available online.”

In addition to adult learners, the programs will also be of interest to college-aged students who, for a variety of reasons, prefer online learning.

The online Bachelor of Arts in Theology will provide a strong foundation in Christology (study of Christ), ecclesiology (study of the Church), moral theology, the sacraments, the Old Testament, and the New Testament as taught by renowned Franciscan faculty including Dr. John Bergsma, Dr. Scott Hahn, Dr. Regis Martin, Dr. Mark Miravalle, Dr. Alan Schreck, Dr. Michael Waldstein, and others.

The online Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy cultivates a love for truth, beauty, and goodness through courses rooted in the Western philosophical tradition and informed by the Catholic faith. It develops writing and critical thinking skills valued by employers and valuable for entrance into graduate programs, and it meets the philosophy requirements established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for entrance into major seminary.

Franciscan University began offering undergraduate online degrees in theology and philosophy in fall 2017 with associate of arts programs in both subjects.

Kempton said all the courses are created and built by the same Franciscan University professors who teach in the on-campus programs. They will include Franciscan’s acclaimed core curriculum, a common educational experience shared by all undergraduate on-campus students that is based on the Western intellectual tradition, the Franciscan educational heritage, and the Catholic mission of Franciscan University.

Father Jonathan St. André, vice president of Franciscan Life, said both online programs will be grounded in Franciscan University’s mission to educate, evangelize, and send forth joyful disciples.

“We are excited to extend the University’s mission of cooperating with the Lord in creating joyful disciples through an online experience that is distinctively Catholic, Franciscan, and transformative,” said Father St. André.

For more information and to apply, go to online.franciscan.edu, or contact Tom Weishaar, director of Online and Graduate Enrollment, at [email protected] or 740-283-4410.