Master of Arts (Theology)

Our master’s degree begins with core courses in Scripture, systematic theology, Church history, and moral or liturgical theology providing a survey of different areas and a focus on key texts, people, and events. Students can then shape their own curriculum while taking more responsibility for their learning.

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Program Outcomes

Successful completion of the Master of Arts (Theology) degree requirements will enable you to:

• identify and explain the central elements of Catholic teaching and practice;
• understand and articulate the broad development and diversity of the Church's living tradition;
• read and interpret texts of the Catholic tradition faithfully and critically;
• engage and analyze issues of contemporary thought and life in light of the Catholic theological tradition.

Prerequisites

1. Attain a four-year undergraduate degree, in any field, from an accredited institution of higher learning. In rare instances, we can accept students who have not completed an entire bachelor's degree.
2. Complete the application process to be accepted into the degree program.

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Curriculum

Core Requirements: 12 Credit Hours

Students should take these basic courses, if they are offered, before taking another course.

1. Creed in History and Theology or Fundamental Theology
   
   
2. A New Testament core course
   • Synoptic Gospels and Acts, Pauline Literature, or Johannine Literature
     
     
3. Early Church History or a survey of Church History
   
   
4. A Moral Theology or Liturgical/Sacramental Theology core course

• Fundamental Moral Theology, Catholic Social Ethics, Intro to Liturgy and Sacraments, or Sacraments of Initiation

Design your Course of Studies

At the start of your studies, in conversation with the Director of the Graduate Theology Program, you will outline your learning goals for the degree.

While some students may seek a broad survey of Catholic theology, others will focus their coursework in a particular area. You will choose the rest of your curriculum based on your goals.

This will include seven courses (21 credit hours) and a concluding exercise (3 credit hours) for a total of 36 credits to earn the degree.

Concluding Exercise

The final requirement for the Master of Arts (Theology) degree is a concluding exercise that shows achievement of the learning outcomes associated with the degree. Usually undertaken in your last semester of studies, it can be completed after finishing 30 hours of coursework, including all core requirements. You will choose one of four options:

Capstone Essays

Textual Analysis Essays

Research Paper

Practical Research Project

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