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4+1 Program
4+1 MAT Program
- Explore one of the most affordable ways to earn a Master’s degree. Not only will this degree program make you stand out a unique and desirable candidate in any career field, but it will also save you time and money. Your 5th year (graduate tuition) is free — save nearly $17,000 on coursework.
- You don’t need to major in theology to participate in this program – it’s open to students of any major at CSB+SJU.
- Interested and want to learn more? Meet with a member of our Admission office today!
How the 4+1 BA + MA in Theology Program Works
- Year 1–2: Complete standard required BA coursework. Meet with Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary Admission office to discuss interest in the MAT 4+1 program.
- Year 3-4: Continue taking standard BA coursework while taking 1 300-level THEO course in theology per semester or over the summer. Students are required to take three 300-level THEO courses in order to be eligible for the 4+1 MAT. At least one of these courses must be a graduate course at the School of Theology.
- Year 5: Continue taking graduate courses
- In both the fall and spring Semesters of a student’s 5th year, they will take 12 credits of coursework. These courses are free for 4+1 MAT students.
- In the summer after undergraduate graduation or the summer after the final spring semester of coursework at the SOT/Sem, students are required to take one 3-credit course. This course is paid for by the student.
- During a student’s 5th year of study, they are required to live on campus in Emmaus Hall
- Graduating Early? Transferred to CSB+SJU? No problem! These “year” indicators are based on a 4-year BA. As soon as you complete 60 credits of undergraduate credit coursework you can begin an application for the MAT.
What You’ll Pay — And What’s Covered
- MAT 4+1 students earn Free tuition for fall and spring of their graduate year (a $17,000 value).
- Costs you cover during your 5th year:
- Summer course
- Graduate housing in Emmaus Hall
- Student Life Fee
- Books
- Meal Plan
- Campus job encouraged during your graduate year and in the summer before you begin coursework.
- Deferral option: Doing a year of service or a year of volunteer work after undergrad, but want to study at the SOT/Sem? Deferral is a great option for you! Apply for the 4+1 MAT by the end of your senior year of undergraduate and upon acceptance, you can start your 5th year up to 1 year post-graduation.
Applying and Planning Your Graduate Path
- During your freshman or sophomore year, meet with a member of the Admission Office to discuss your 5 year plan.
- Once 60 credits of undergraduate work is completed, you can begin your application. There is no separate application for this program – use the standard SOT/Seminary graduate application to apply.
- We encourage students to have their application completed by the beginning of spring semester Senior Year.
- Other questions? Contact: [email protected]
FAQs
Am I eligible for the 4+1 MAT if I am graduating early?
Yes! You can apply as soon as you have completed 60 credits of undergraduate work. If you are graduating early, transferred to CSB+SJU, or have other transferred credits, you are eligible to apply. The course requirement (three 300-level THEO courses, one of these being an SOT/Sem. graduate course) still applies. Contact Bernadette Donlon ([email protected]) or [email protected] with further questions.
Do I have to be a Theology major to apply?
No. The 4+1 program is open to students of all majors. You just need to complete three prerequisite Theology courses, including at least one 300-level course from the School of Theology and Seminary.
What if I decide I want to pursue the MDiv or MTS instead of the MAT?
You can switch to the Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Master of Theological Studies (MTS) during your 5th year. If admitted, you’ll receive a competitive scholarship for the rest of the program.
Do I have to take a summer class?
Yes. In addition to fall and spring graduate courses, you’re required to complete one 3-credit summer course. This course is not covered by the tuition waiver, so you’ll be responsible for its cost.
Is graduate housing required?
Yes. Students must live in Emmaus Hall during their graduate year to support intentional formation and community life. Off-campus or remote options are not available.
Can I work on campus during my graduate year?
Yes! Students are encouraged to take on on-campus employment, which can help cover housing or personal expenses.
How do I apply?
After completing 60 credits, you can apply using the standard SOT/Sem graduate application. We recommend contacting the Admissions Team early to plan your prerequisites. Email: [email protected] or Bernadette Donlon, Associate Director of Admission at [email protected].
Can I defer my 5th year?
Yes! You can delay your graduate year by up to one year after completing your BA. For example, if you graduate in Spring 2025, you can begin the MAT program in Fall 2026.
Questions?
Bernadette Donlon
Associate Director of Admission
Office: Luke Hall 202, SJU