The University of Notre Dame has been ranked as the world’s best theology, divinity, and religious studies program by the influential QS World University Rankings. This is the fourth time since 2020 the Department of Theology has received the No. 1 distinction.

The ranking is based on academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact. Out of 150 universities, Notre Dame rose to the top with an overall score of 93.4 — ahead of Harvard University, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge and Duke University.

“The key to our top ranking consistency is the combination of our rootedness in the whole historical breadth of the Christian intellectual tradition and our openness to engagement with contemporary culture and present-day concerns,” said Rev. Khaled Anatolios, the John A. O’Brien Professor of Theology and chair of the department.

Guided by the ideal of “faith seeking understanding,” the department has six principal areas of research — moral theology, history of Christianity, liturgy, biblical studies, systematic theology, and world religions and world church.

In addition to offering a doctorate and four master’s degree programs, Notre Dame’s theology department maintains a strong commitment to undergraduate education through more than 800 students who major or minor in theology and in the courses all Notre Dame students take as part of the University’s Core Curriculum.

“The true sign that we are authentically a great department,” Anatolios said, “is our zeal to become even better."

Originally published by College of Arts and Letters at al.nd.edu on April 08, 2025.