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Wherever God calls you — to continued study, ministry, or another vocation — the online Associate of Arts degree in Theology equips you with strong critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and communication competencies rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition.
Here at Franciscan University of Steubenville, you receive an academically rich, faithfully Catholic education that ignites your potential and empowers your future. Whether you’re starting your college journey, deepening your faith, or preparing for further study, this flexible program puts a Franciscan degree within reach and fully transferable to on-campus programs.
Franciscan’s online associate’s degree in theology cultivates your growth as a faithful witness, equipping you to help transform minds and hearts through the fullness of the Catholic faith.
As you progress through our theology program, you gain:
A deep understanding of and appreciation for the Catholic faith: Through focused theological study, you acquire a grounded knowledge of Scripture, Church teaching, and Christian moral principles that inspire your service to Christ.
Strong communication skills: Throughout your theology and general education courses, you refine your ability to read closely, write clearly, and articulate ideas with confidence — all skills that are essential for personal and professional success.
A liberal arts foundation: Through integrated coursework in philosophy, history, literature, science, and mathematics, you build analytical and ethical reasoning skills that prepare you for advanced study, leadership, and lifelong learning.
At Franciscan, we keep the undergraduate admissions process straightforward. We accept applications on a rolling basis, meaning there is no formal deadline. You can begin your online AA in Theology program in the fall, spring, or summer.
We recommend submitting your application at least one month before your intended start date to allow enough time for preparation.
1. Choose Your Admissions Pathway
You have a place at Franciscan — whatever your background may be. We have three unique admissions pathways to our online AA in Theology.
College Transfer:
If you have completed college coursework, you can apply to Franciscan as a transfer student by:
Completing the online application
Submitting your official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. You must have earned more than 24 semester credits
Traditional Entry:
This pathway is designed for students entering directly from high school or with limited college experience. To apply:
Complete the online application
Submit official high school transcripts with a cumulative GPA of 2.4 or higher
Submit ACT scores of 21 or higher or SAT scores of 1000 or higher (critical reading and math only)
Nontraditional Entry:
This option is ideal for students who prefer an alternative route to admission.
Complete the online application
Submit official high school transcripts with a cumulative GPA of 2.4 or higher
Enroll in two online Franciscan courses (financial aid is not available during this phase)
Earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher
Once the two courses are successfully completed, full admission is granted, and ACT or SAT requirements are waived.
2. Free Online Application
Your journey to Franciscan begins by submitting an online application , which is easy, free, and straightforward. We don’t require letters of recommendation, and the application process takes about 15 minutes!
3. Submit Documents
Along with completing the online application, you must submit these materials:
Official transcripts*
SAT, ACT, and/or CLT score OR a short essay**
*If you’re transferring from another college or university, you must submit official transcripts from every institution attended. Review our steps for transfer students.
**If you’re applying for admission in Spring 2026 or Fall 2026 with a 3.2 or higher cumulative weighted GPA, you may submit a one-page, double-spaced, 12-point-font essay responding to this prompt:
At Franciscan University, our mission is “to educate, evangelize, and send forth joyful disciples.” Share a story or example from your life that shows how your faith and intellectual growth have shaped you into who you are today. How do you hope your time at Franciscan University will help you continue to grow spiritually and academically?
The essay can be emailed to [email protected] or to your admissions counselor with the subject line: “Undergraduate Admissions Essay.”
Supplemental materials should be emailed to the admissions office or sent to:
Office of Admissions
Franciscan University of Steubenville
1235 University Boulevard
Steubenville, OH 43952
Carefully structured around the teachings of the Catholic Church, our 60-credit online Associate of Arts in Theology program builds your faith and deepens your critical thinking.
In your theological studies, you explore sacred Scripture, moral theology, Christology, and the Catechism. These in-depth courses help you develop a clear understanding of how Catholic teaching informs daily life, engages the mysteries of faith, and carries out Christ’s mission in the world.
Along with your theology courses, you’ll take a series of core liberal arts classes in philosophy, history, literature, science, and mathematics to support a well-rounded education. You also have the opportunity to tailor your studies to your unique interests by choosing eight general electives that broaden your skill set.
Explore Franciscan's online AA in Theology courses and program requirements.
Associate’s in Program Theology Requirements (60 Credits)
Theology core courses (21 credits):
Foundations of Catholicism (3 credits)
The Word of God: Scripture and Tradition (3 credits)
Christian Moral Principles (3 credits)
Trinity and Christology (3 credits)
Theology of the Church (3 credits)
Two upper-level theology electives (200–400 level)
Liberal arts core courses (15 credits):
Philosophy (3 credits)
History, social science, or American founding principles (3 credits)
Literature or Catholic traditions in fine arts (3 credits)
Mathematics or economics (3 credits)
Natural science (3 credits)
General electives (24 credits):
Eight elective courses selected in consultation with an academic advisor (3 credits each)
Find the support you need to launch your future. Franciscan’s AA in Theology features competitively priced tuition and comprehensive financial aid options to make your online degree more affordable and accessible. Whether you need help applying for assistance or creating a manageable payment plan, the Franciscan staff will guide you every step of the way.
Explore Financial AidRooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition, the Associate of Arts in Theology program builds a strong foundation for both professional paths and further academic study.
Whatever your long-term goals, beginning your education with an AA in Theology can lead you to careers in:
In Franciscan’s online BA in Theology Program, you learn from the same nationally recognized faculty who teach on campus and share their wealth of knowledge and passion for the faith. In fact, Franciscan was the first Catholic university to require the Oath of Fidelity in 1989 — a commitment our professors continue to uphold today.