Religious Studies and Philosophy

Katie Blevins, '19, was homeschooled until she began attending Saint Elizabeth University in 2015. Her mother, a strong proponent of alternative education, also earned her bachelor's from SEU in 1991.

"I was always familiar with SEU because my curriculum in high school featured books my mom had read in Dr. Margaret Roman's English classes," recalls Blevins, who is an extremely accomplished student. "And now, I'm working for Dr. Roman in the honors program."

Originally, Blevins only intended on studying psychology at SEU. However, after experiencing a particularly impactful ethics course, she decided to pursue a second bachelor's in religious studies.

"I think it's important to marry psychology with religion because both are such important pieces of a person's life," says Blevins. "Even if people don't consider themselves spiritual at all, it's an aspect of themselves that can't be disconnected."

While Blevins is devoutly Catholic, with an unwavering faith in God's healing power, she recognizes the importance of encouraging others to seek mental health counseling.

"If you're physically sick, then you're going to pray to get better, but you won't stop going to the doctors," explains Blevins. "If you have a mental illness, then prayer is important, but you still need to seek treatment."

Currently, Blevins is fighting the stigma around mental health by volunteering with Good Grief, a nonprofit organization that teaches children to grieve properly. As a peer facilitator, Blevins helps the children deal with the reality of death through discussion and small group activities.

In addition to counseling children struggling with trauma, Blevins spends her free time at Work Family Connection, another local nonprofit organization. Four days a week, she teaches children specially designed enrichment programs and assists with general after school care.

When looking for colleges to facilitate her ambitious nature, Blevins knew she wanted to attend a small, Catholic institution.

"I have a close relationship with all of my professors and I don't even have my student ID memorized," explains Blevins. "At SEU, you have the ability to really connect with the whole campus."

Recently, Blevins participated in SEU's domestic study away program by spending a semester at Mount Saint Mary's University in Los Angeles, California. While there, her exploration of feminist theology enabled her to deepen her faith.

Learn more about SEU's study away programs here: https://www.steu.edu/studyaway.

1. Examines the core values of truth, justice, and reconciliation
2. Study Scripture, Faith, Moral Theology, History of Christianity, and Systematic Theology
3. Strong foundation in faith and human wisdom, with respect for the process of inquiry and action
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1. An interdisciplinary and multifaceted program of study
2. Integrated and substantive training in ethics and environmental science
3. Includes an examination of both environment and ecological ethics and science
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1. An interdisciplinary and multifaceted program of study
2. Integrated and substantive training in ethics, meta-ethics, moral philosophy, and moral theology
3. Includes an examination of both moral theory and application
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1. Explores perennial philosophical questions about the nature of reality and meaning of life
2. Develops a greater understanding of truth and value essential to the complete development of the human person
3. Students acquire knowledge of some of the core concepts and ideas that have shaped human civilization

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1. Develops an enhanced awareness of religious language, concepts, imagery and critical questions
2. Teaches the importance of respect and dialogue between Catholic Christianity and other religious traditions
3. Recognizes the role of religion in the life of the human person and society

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1. Prepares the candidates by educating them in the richness of the Catholic theological and spiritual tradition
   
2. Enables students to be able to serve the Church and its needs in today's world
   
3. Challenge students to cherish the tradition and create the future

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1. Focused ministerial study, including relevant internships and culminating requirement
2. Comprehensive balance of theory, practice, and application
3. Ethics Studies includes Bioethics concentration

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1. Supports students in their quest for ongoing faith formation as ministers and leaders
2. Includes formal classes, appropriate workshops, liturgies, days of reflection and retreats
3. Infused with an Hispanic/Latino cultural dimension for ministers to be able to effectively perform their work and live the Gospel with Hispanics in the U.S. Catholic Church.

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1. Prepares students to minister to a wide variety of pastoral needs across the family life spectrum
2. Inform the pastoral practices of hospitality and compassion
3. Examine the sociological and psychological forces that shape family life in all of its markers and milestones
   

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1. Honors the strong theological and Scriptural foundations that must inform the administration of a parish
2. Recognizes that effective business and personnel management must always point to the implementation of Gospel values
3. Students use their study to develop an individualized curriculum which best suits their experience and educational background
   

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1. Prepares students to lead others into the lifelong journey of saying yes to faith with both mind and heart
2. Students gain knowledge of the theories of teaching and learning for adults, adolescents, and children
3. Explores the contemporary documents on Catechetics and Evangelization which ground the educational ministry of the church.
   

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1. Designed to develop a vibrant outreach for serving this vital community in parish life
2. Uses the study of Scripture and theology as a foundation
   
3. Examines social and psychological development and develop tools for evangelization and program designSee Requirements