Master of Arts in Theology

Preparation of candidates for ongoing scholarly research and publishing that is suitable for doctoral study or for teaching at the secondary or college levels.

Upon completion the student will be able:

• To discuss and analyze theological issues and questions through habitual knowledge appropriate to Master’s level achievement;

• To demonstrate graduate-level familiarity with scriptural and other theological sources while assessing and applying such sources critically and appropriately;

• To compose research papers or articles appropriate for scholarly publishing.

The candidate must complete a total of 36 credit hours. A concentration may be earned in the areas of Cultural and Historical Studies, Scriptural Studies, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, Sacramental Theology, or Spirituality. No more than 12 credit hours of graduate studies completed in other graduate schools may be transferred. Normally credits earned more than ten years prior to admission will not be transferred.

Candidates must complete:

• 21 credit hours of core courses

• 9 credit hours of elective courses including a 2 or 3 credit Church History course. These electives may normally include no more than 3 credit hours in a relevant language and may not include courses whose primary outcomes are the acquisition of ministry skills (e.g. preaching or liturgical practice).

• Thesis (6 credit hours)
  A student will be required to complete a final (four credit hours) thesis to demonstrate the level to which the goals of the program have been achieved. A (2 credit hour) project proposal is required, before the student may continue with the research and writing of the thesis. The objective and methodology of the thesis may require the working knowledge of a second language.

• Full-time students can complete the 36 hour program in two years. A part-time student can expect the program to take three to four years.

• A minimum grade point average of 3.25 is required for all courses applicable to the degree.