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The online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theology degree program at Franciscan University of Steubenville delivers a faithfully Catholic education and equips you for a powerful future serving the Church and spreading the Gospel.
Guided by nationally recognized theologians, who are leaders in orthodoxy and pedagogy, you immerse yourself in Franciscan’s liberal arts core curriculum and explore Sacred Scripture, doctrine, and moral theology. Join the fully online theology major to grow intellectually and spiritually as you answer God’s call.
At Franciscan, you discover a dynamic orthodoxy that illuminates God’s eternal truths and a community that inspires you to live a dedicated life in Christ. Your online theology courses nurture you professionally, preparing you for a life of service and discipleship.
Through this online bachelor’s degree in theology program, you build:
A strong foundation in Catholic doctrine: Our curriculum ensures that you gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of what the Catholic Church teaches, how doctrines develop, their influence on Christian life, and how to share the Catholic worldview with others.
Scriptural and interpretive knowledge: Explore the sacred mysteries contained within Scripture. You’ll learn how to read and engage with the Bible from a Catholic perspective, as well as its proper historical context, to develop strong interpretive abilities.
Research, writing, and communication skills: Through writing-intensive theology courses, you gain hands-on experience in theological research, analytical writing, and thoughtful discussions, empowering you to articulate complex concepts with clarity and precision.
At Franciscan, we keep the undergraduate admissions process simple. We accept applications on a rolling basis, meaning there is no formal deadline. You can begin your online BA 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. Admission Requirements
Find your place and purpose at Franciscan. Start planning for your application by reviewing our undergraduate admission requirements.
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 the following 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
The online bachelor’s degree in theology curriculum takes a mission-based approach to ensure you deepen your understanding of the faith, grow in wisdom, and can serve the Church and world through your unique vocation.
As a theology major, you’ll complete at least 43 credits of enriching coursework that grounds you in Scripture, doctrine, moral theology, and the history of the Catholic Church. To further your interpretive skills, you also must complete an intermediate foreign language requirement, which strengthens your ability to engage theological texts at a deeper level. Additionally, you can tailor your education to your interests by choosing from electives such as Theology of the Body, Sexual and Medical Morality, and Christian Marriage.
Along with theologically rigorous classes, our online program integrates a range of liberal arts coursework rooted in the Western intellectual tradition. From studying literary masterpieces to exploring scientific inquiry, you gain a breadth of knowledge that strengthens your ability to reason, communicate, and engage thoughtfully with the world around you.
Explore Franciscan's online BA in Theology courses and program requirements.
Theology Major Requirements (43 Credits)
Foundations of Catholicism ( 3 credits)
The Word of God: Scripture and Tradition ( 3 credits)
Christian Moral Principles ( 3 credits)
Principles of Biblical Study I ( 3 credits)
Principles of Biblical Study II ( 3 credits)
Trinity and Christology ( 3 credits)
Theology of the Church ( 3 credits)
The Sacraments ( 3 credits)
Senior Thesis (1 credit) or Coordinating Seminar (1 credit)
Upper-Level Theology Electives (12 credits)
Intermediate Foreign Language Requirement (6 credits)
4+1 Program
If you’re eager to pursue graduate studies, Franciscan offers a 4+1 Program that creates a streamlined path to earning a Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree. You can begin taking graduate-level theology courses during your junior or senior year and accelerate your progress and skill development.
After completing the 4+1 pathway, you are automatically admitted into Franciscan’s graduate theology program, providing a seamless transition to advanced study.
To learn more about eligibility and next steps, connect with our admissions team..
At Franciscan University, you find the support to pursue a faithfully Catholic education. Along with competitively priced tuition, we offer comprehensive financial aid to make your online BA in Theology more affordable and accessible. Whether you need help applying for assistance or creating a manageable payment plan, our Franciscan staff guides you every step of the way.
Explore Financial AidEquipped with your online bachelor’s degree in theology, you’ll be prepared to live as salt and light in the world, making an impact on the Church and culture. Our graduates are known for their fidelity, joy, and intellectual formation, making them highly valued in Catholic dioceses, parishes, schools, ministries, universities, and apostolates.
Whatever your long-term goals, your theology degree empowers you to pursue your personal vocation. Our Theology Program also provides a strong academic foundation and the discipline necessary for graduate study in theology, ministry, education, or canon law.
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Franciscan’s Master of Science Program in Criminal Justice will stand alone as a unique offering. What sets this program apart is the commitment to a moral and ethical approach to law enforcement, firmly rooted in the principles of Judeo-Christian and Catholic natural law doctrine.
— Major Shaun Klucznik, MA, CJM
Judicial Services Bureau Commander, Jail Administrator
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.