Master of Arts in Theology

The Master of Arts in Theology forms leaders in the New Evangelization through a rich theological and ministerial curriculum. The program aims to provide students with a renewed Christian mind and vision — an intellectual and spiritual formation capable of engaging the postmodern, post-Christian culture. Graduates of the Masters of Arts in Theology program at St. Thomas University will be qualified and credentialed in the expert theory and practice of innovative ministerial arts in the Christian tradition.

Our mission is educate men and women with theological expertise and pastoral skills within a community of faith and scholarship for use in service of the Church and society. The mission is modeled in the following ways:

1. Courses that ground the student in the Catholic theological tradition and pastoral ministry practice.
2. Opportunities for interaction among faculty and students beyond the classroom.
3. Online instruction, use of multiple media, and new research technologies.
4. Individual advisement as an integral element of students’ educational program.
5. A rich multicultural experience provided by a diverse student body and learning opportunities.
6. An ecumenical and interfaith appreciation grounded in the Catholic intellectual and artistic tradition.
7. Concentrations that allow students to study further in particular areas. (For 2023-2024, we are offering 1 concentration, with additional areas of concentration to come.)

 

Career Landscape

People who complete a Master’s degree in theology immediately see their earning potential rise. The difference between a Catholic educator with a BA compared to an MA can range from $10,000-20,000. If one examines job search engines such as CatholicJobs.com and glassdoor.com and HigherEdjobs.com one will quickly see there are scores and scores of open and unfilled jobs for candidates with credentials such as a Master’s degree in Theology that would allow them to be employed as Hospital Chaplain, High School Theology Teacher, College Campus minister, Catechesis Director, Young Adult Ministry Director, Pastoral Associate, Mission Director.

 

Program Highlights

• Fully online
• Affordable
• Year-round enrollment
• No GRE
• Works with your schedule

 

Tuition

	Tuition per Credit Hour	Technology Fee Per Course	Total Tuition & Fees
Tuition	$500	$75	$18,900

 

Start Terms

The Master of Arts in Theology offers six start terms throughout the year. Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions to learn more.

 

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Arts in Theology program requires the following required coursework or equivalents:

• Online Graduate Application
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States, or the equivalent. (Official transcripts must be submitted. In order for transcripts to be considered official, they must either be mailed directly from the institution or sent by them electronically through a secure server.)
• Curriculum Vitae with list of references
• Two confidential recommendation letters speaking to the applicant’s potential for success in theological graduate studies.
  • The first reference should be a priest, deacon, religious, or minister
  • The second reference should be a professor, supervisor, or mento
• A brief personal statement explaining the reason for pursuing the degree (at least 250 words, not to exceed 500 words)

 

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate knowledge of four major fields of Christian theology that inform ministry: systematics, scripture, ethics, and practical theology
• Demonstrate the use of a pastoral theological method

Curriculum

MA in Theology Course Requirements-36 Credits

Theological Foundations 27 credits
“Theology’s proper task is to understand the meaning of revelation” (Donum Veritatis §10). The theological foundations core provides students the opportunity to explore the depths of revelation — establishing a solid base for considering concrete situations in a ministerial concentration.

• STM 500B MA Theology Orientation
• STM 500 Theological Research and Writing*
• STM 513 Fundamental Theology
• STM 521 Hebrew Scriptures
• STM 522 Christian Scriptures
• STM 531 Christian Thought I
• STM 532 Christian Thought II
• STM 541 Theological Ethics
• STM 732 Christology
• STM 737 Sacramental Theology

*STM 500 must be taken during the first year of study.

Evangelization Concentration 9 credits
These courses enable the student to develop competence in evangelization. Students may choose courses according to their needs and course availability. Note: STM 591 is required of all students completing the Evangelization Concentration.

Courses may be chosen from the following:

• STM 600 Evangelization
• STM 601 Catechetics
• STM 581 Spiritual Practices in/for Ministry
• STM 512 Method in Ministry
• STM 591 Ministerial Capstone**

**Required

Major Ministerial Project (Required for Graduation) 

As an academic program that assists students in the development of theological and ministerial skills, the program requires students to reflect on and implement the knowledge they have developed in specific ministry contexts. The Ministerial Capstone requires students to identify a ministerial site where they will be able to apply this knowledge and skill set. Through the capstone, students demonstrate their competence in integrating principles drawn from coursework to concrete ministerial circumstances in their concentration area.

 

Graduation Requirement

The Master of Arts in Ministry and Leadership program requires a total of thirty-six (36) graduate credit hours. For graduation, students need to earn a B or better in every course and attain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Individual advising and answers to questions about courses are available by contacting the Program Director.

 

For More Information

School of Theology and Ministry
theology@stu.edu
(305) 628-6751

 

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