Theology Graduate Program

Student Perspectives & Achievements

Theology Students Community

Theology students are invited to participate in the Theology Students Community (TSC). The TSC provides contact and exchange of ideas among students and faculty members. Elected representatives of the TSC attend regular meetings of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies. TSC meetings are typically held once a month.

Current Students and Alumni

Deborah B. Davy, Senior Associate, Berry, Appleman & Leiden LLP, San Francisco
Davy manages the Global Visa Group which specializes in foreign visas and global compliance at Berry, Appleman & Leiden. She has practiced Immigration and Nationality Law since 1997.

"I began this program to learn more about my faith. I am interested in comparative religions as I practice global immigration and frequently travel to countries of various faiths. I hope through this program that I will come to an understanding on how I can give back to society whether it be through AIDS relief in Africa or India, or in another area."

Matt Dulka, Deacon
"As a permanent deacon, the Master's program provides a comprehensive and systematic way for me to deepen my on-going formation to become a more effective and well-rounded minister."

Sandy Jewett, Principal
"I am a school principal and I intend to use my degree to help elevate the catechetical and academic formation of my faculty and staff. And as a bilingual educator, I intend to bring more spiritual formation classes to my parish community as a whole."

Eileen Limberg, Assistant and Master Catechist, Department of Religious Education, Diocese of Santa Rosa, CA
"I work in a Diocesan Department of Religious Education. As vocations decline and priests retire, there is a need for qualified laity to step in and assist in the life of the parishes. I hope to work in mission areas that are suffering from this shortage, and assist the laity to realize their faith, at work, in their lives."

Agustin Maes, Writer and Parish Assistant
"In addition to reading manuscripts for a literary agent on a freelance basis, I serve as an administrative assistant in an Episcopal parish. I began the M.A. in Theology program to learn more about Christianity in general, and my own faith tradition in particular (Roman Catholic). As a writer, I plan to use my theological studies to inform and strengthen my fiction. I also plan to use my M.A. to teach in some capacity."

David Mar, Test Development Engineer
"I am a Mechanical Engineer by training and have been working in the engineering field for the past nine years. Currently, I design and execute product robustness tests, analyze data, supervise technicians and do some technical writing.

My goal in this Master's program is to explore my faith in a more objective and academic setting. I am open to participating in outreach programs with my new knowledge as well as apply lessons directly to my family life."

Steve Pinkston, Christian Service Program Director, Bellarmine College Prep, San Jose
"In addition to directing the Christian Service Program, I teach "Ethics and Service-Learning" in the Religious Studies Department. The M.A. in Theology program is providing me a more firm foundation in Catholic/Protestant Theology and Catholic Social Justice Teachings, and increases my ability to be a more credible resource for students."

Mike Daniels, Campus Minister
"I work in campus ministry at a Catholic high school. I am using my degree to enhance my personal, spiritual and professional understanding of church, and to enrich the faith development, service and justice opportunities for students, faculty and staff in my school community."

Judy Esway , Hospital Chaplain
"I am a hospital chaplain, certified by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, and Manager of the Pastoral Care Department. To gain certification as a chaplain, a Master's degree in Theology or related field is required. The knowledge gained through my USF studies has been invaluable in my work on the Ethics Committee, and in ministering to patients from diverse cultures and faith traditions."