St. Bonaventure University

Theology and Franciscan Studies


The academic study of theology aims to investigate the nature of God and interpret various dimensions of human religious experience. Theology studies what people believe about God and the fundamental nature of reality and why they hold those beliefs.

Theology examines what people do in religious groups and institutions to express their beliefs, and what motivates people to adopt a religious outlook on life. Theology studies the past with a view to understanding its influence on the present and the future.

Franciscan Studies focuses on figures and movements connected to the religious way of life initiated by Francis (d. 1226) and Clare of Assisi (d. 1253).


Why choose Theology and Franciscan Studies?


Students who take courses in Theology and Franciscan Studies can expect to learn more about the beliefs, values, and practices of religious people around the world, with special attention to the Christian tradition. Some courses focus on a particular theological theme or issue that has been debated by scholars over the centuries, while others explore the role of religion in contemporary society or examine the relation between religion and other realms of thought (science, philosophy, art, etc.).

In the midst of this diversity, one concern remains paramount: to equip students with intellectual concepts and methods to enable them to think carefully and systematically about the ultimate questions of life in the company of others who have explored these questions before them.

For more information about the Theology and Franciscan Studies program at St. Bonaventure, email the department chair, Fr. Kyle Haden, O.F.M.



Program information


The Department of Theology and Franciscan Studies offers a B.A. in Theology and a minor in Theology.


Bachelor of Arts in Theology

The student majoring in Theology studies what people believe about God and the fundamental nature of reality and why they hold those beliefs, what people do in religious groups and institutions to express their beliefs, and what motivates people to adopt a religious outlook on life. The major equips students with intellectual concepts and methods to enable them to think carefully and systematically about the ultimate questions of life in the company of others who have explored these questions before them.

Degree requirements for the Theology major

  • Theology minor

    For non-majors, the Theology minor provides a solid grounding in the fundamentals of theology to aid in the understanding of their major fields.

    Requirements for the Theology minor


    News, Publications & Research
      May 22, 2025 | Honoring her life’s work as a beloved teacher, renowned scholar and transformative college president, St. Bonaventure University has established the Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D., ’86, Endowed Chair in Theology and Franciscan Studies, marking only the second endowed chair in the university’s 167-year history.

      Mar 31, 2025 | Claire Fisher, a St. Bonaventure University senior majoring in Communication, Social Justice and Advocacy, will receive the San Damiano Servant Leadership Award from the Franciscan Mission Service (FMS).

      Mar 14, 2025 | An article by Dr. Andrew Gertner Belfield, assistant professor of Theology and Franciscan Studies, was published in volume 82 of Franciscan Studies, a peer-reviewed journal of the Franciscan Institute at SBU.