Theology, MA
Chairperson: Ryan Duns, S.J., Ph.D.
Department of Theology Graduate Programs website
Degree Offered
Master of Arts
Program Description
The Department of Theology offers graduate programs aimed at providing students an integrated approach to theology emphasizing the scriptural, historical, systematic, and ethical approaches to study in the Catholic and Christian religious traditions. We aim to develop scholars capable of making significant contributions to theological research and teaching a broad range of subjects in theology and religion. Our programs have prepared graduates to secure teaching positions in over 200 colleges, universities, and other educational institutions as well as for vocations in pastoral ministry and other service-oriented and non-profit organizations.
The master of arts in theology program has distinct specializations designed for students who intend to pursue doctoral degrees in theology or religious studies. It also has specializations designed for those working or aspiring to work in Church-related organizations involving teaching, religious formation, or other forms of theological communication, and for those seeking personal theological enrichment.
Specializations: Christian Doctrine, General Studies, Historical Theology, Judaism and Christianity in Antiquity, Systematic Theology/Theological Ethics, Theology and Society
Students must complete 30 credit hours of course work and submit an approved final project. Students choosing the Judaism and Christianity in antiquity, historical theology, and systematic theology/theological ethics specializations must demonstrate proficiency in a modern language other than English. The following program description summarizes those requirements. Additional information may be found in the Department of Theology's Policies and Procedures.
Required Course work
All students must complete the following required core courses:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THEO 6100 | Introduction to Scripture | 3 |
| THEO 6200 | Introduction to Historical Theology | 3 |
| THEO 6310 | Introduction to Systematic Theology | 3 |
| THEO 6410 | Introduction to Theological Ethics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 | |
Elective Course Options
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All THEO courses numbered in the 5000 and 5100 ranges (JUCA) | ||
| All THEO courses numbered in the 5200 range (HITH) | ||
| All THEO courses numbered in the 5300, 5400 and 5500 ranges (SYTH/THET) | ||
| THEO 6130 | The Gospels (JUCA) | 3 |
| THEO 6330 | Christian Spirituality (SYTH/THET) | 3 |
| THEO 6415 | Catholic Social Encyclical Tradition (SYTH/THET) | 3 |
| All THEO courses numbered in the 8000, 8100, 8200 and 8300 ranges (JUCA) | ||
| All THEO courses numbered in the 8400 range (HITH) | ||
| All THEO courses numbered in the 8500 and 8600 ranges (SYTH/THET) | ||
In consultation with their advisers and not later than the end of the first year of enrollment in the program, students must choose a specialization. Students' choice of specialization dictates the terms of their course of study.
Specialization Requirements
Specializations in Judaism and Christianity in Antiquity, Historical Theology, and Systematic Theology/Theological Ethics
For the following three specializations, students may pursue either of two academic plans: Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis). Students are assumed to opt for Plan B unless expressly approved by the department's Graduate Committee to pursue Plan A instead.
- Judaism and Christianity in Antiquity (JUCA)
- Historical Theology (HITH)
- Systematic Theology/Theological Ethics (SYTH/THET)
Plan A Requirements
Plan A requires the 12 credit hours of core course work as listed above, 3 elective credit hours in Judaism and Christianity in antiquity, 3 elective credit hours in historical theology, 6 elective credit hours in the area of specialization and 6 credit hours of supervised research toward a master's thesis.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Course Work | 12 | |
| Elective Course Work (3 credit hours in JUCA, 3 credit hours in HITH) | 6 | |
| Elective Course Work (elective course work in area of specialization) | 6 | |
| THEO 6999 | Master's Thesis | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 | |
Plan B Requirements
Plan B requires the 12 credit hours of core course work as listed above, 3 elective credit hours in Judaism and Christianity in antiquity, 3 elective credit hours in historical theology, 6 elective credit hours in any area, 6 elective credit hours in the area of the specialization and the completion of a non-credit master's exam.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Course Work | 12 | |
| Elective Course Work (3 credit hours in JUCA, 3 credit hours in HITH, 6 credit hours in any area) | 12 | |
| Elective Course Work (6 credits in the area of specialization) | 6 | |
| Master's Exam | 0 | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 | |
Second LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
Students choosing the Judaism and Christianity in antiquity, historical theology or systematic theology/theological ethics specialization are required to demonstrate proficiency in German, French or another modern language other than English essential to their research agenda. Students typically fulfill this requirement by earning a grade of B or above in course work or on a language examination administered by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures.
Specialization in General Studies
Students choosing the general studies option must opt for academic Plan B. They are required to complete the 12 credit hours of core course work as listed above, 3 elective credit hours in Judaism and Christianity in antiquity, 3 elective credit hours in historical theology, 12 credit hours of elective course work in any area or areas of specialization and a non-credit master's exam.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Course Work | 12 | |
| Elective Course Work (3 credit hours in JUCA, 3 credit hours in HITH) | 6 | |
| Elective Course Work (any area or areas of specialization) | 12 | |
| Master's Exam | 0 | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 | |
SPECIALIZATION IN CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE
Students choosing the Christian doctrine specialization normally pursue academic Plan B. They are required to complete the 12 credit hours of core course work as listed above, 6 credit hours in Christian doctrine, 6 credit hours of course work as approved by the adviser specific to Christian doctrine, 6 credits in any area and a non-credit master's exam. Students in the Christian doctrine specialization may request to switch to Plan A (thesis option) and substitute 6 credits of THEO 6999 Master's Thesis for the 6 credits of elective course work. Additional details on the requirements for the Master's Exam and Plan A option for students in the Christian doctrine specialization may be found in the Department of Theology's Policies and Procedures.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required course work | 12 | |
| THEO 6320 | Christian Doctrine 1 | 3 |
| THEO 6321 | Christian Doctrine 2 | 3 |
| Additional specialization course work as approved by adviser | 6 | |
| Elective course work | 6 | |
| Master's Exam | 0 | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 | |
Specialization in Theology and Society
Students choosing the theology and society specialization must be affiliated with the Trinity Fellows program and must opt for academic Plan B. They are required to complete the 12 credit hours of core course work as listed above, 3 elective credit hours in Judaism and Christianity in antiquity, 3 elective credit hours in historical theology, 12 credit hours of elective course work in any area or areas of specialization and a non-credit master's exam. Up to 6 credit hours of non-theology course work completed in conjunction with the Trinity Fellows program may be applied to the student's elective course work requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Course Work | 12 | |
| Elective Course Work (3 credit hours in JUCA, 3 credit hours in HITH) | 6 | |
| Elective Course Work (any area or areas of specialization, including approved non-theology courses) | 12 | |
| Master's Exam | 0 | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 | |
University Policies
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Graduate School Policies
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