Master of Arts in Theology

The Master of Arts in Theology enables students to study the sources and methods of theological investigation through an examination of the contributions of both the tradition and contemporary scholarship. In doing so, students develop a critical, historically-rooted approach to theology. 

A student pursuing a Master of Arts in Theology chooses one of six areas of concentration: Church History, Liturgy, Monastic Studies, Scripture, Spirituality, or Systematic Theology. The degree prepares students for careers in teaching at the secondary level and in adult education, for service in religious communities, for particular ministries, and for doctoral studies.

For detailed program outcomes, see the Academic Catalog.

Degree Requirements

1. A total of 30 graduate credits.
• A minimum of twelve credits in one of the areas of concentration. Courses with the "THY" designation cannot be counted toward any area of concentration.
• A maximum of three credits earned from courses in Pastoral Theology and Ministry (PTHM) can be counted toward the degree.
• A maximum of nine credits earned in web-based courses may be applied to the degree.
• Students have the option to earn six of the thirty credits by writing a master’s thesis.
• Courses in Latin and modern languages cannot be counted toward the degree, but courses in Greek and Hebrew can be counted.
2. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 (B average) on a 4.0 scale.
3. Required courses:
• Introduction to the Christian Tradition (3 credits)
• Christology (3 credits)
• New Testament elective (3 credits)

Recommended courses for the liturgy concentration:
• History and Sources of the Liturgy (3 credits)
• Rites of Christian Initiation (3 credits)
• Eucharistic Liturgy and Theology (3 credits)
4. Reading proficiency in a foreign language to be demonstrated early in the student's program of studies.
5. Submission of two graduate papers OR submission and defense of the master’s thesis.
6. Successful completion of the comprehensive examination after the completion of all other degree requirements.

The Student Handbook lists the current procedures for demonstrating proficiency in the foreign language, for graduate papers, for the thesis, and for comprehensive examinations.

Last updated: 4/25/08 RB

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Saint John's School of Theology·Seminary
Collegeville, Minnesota 56321
Phone: 320-363-2102
Toll-Free: 800-361-8318
Fax: 320-363-3145