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Master of Arts in Theology
Master of Arts in Theology (MAT)
The Master of Arts in Theology (MAT) is a flexible degree that provides students with a solid foundation in theological studies. The Collegeville Core provides introduces students to a variety of theological subjects, guaranteeing that graduates have strong familiarity with the breadth of the Christian theological tradition. This program builds upon subsequent education and training for a wide variety of professional applications.
At a Glance
Formats
- Online
- In-Person
- Hybrid
Length
- 2 Years
Application Deadline
- Rolling Admission
Professional Outcomes
- Secondary Education
- Non-Profit Leadership
- Pastoral Ministry
Master of Arts in Liturgical Music
“I chose the 2-year MAT program because it offered fully remote access to a world-renowned theological center, and because of my broad interests. The core requirements are exciting academically, while the electives I chose stretched me pastorally. I plan to work in Spiritual Care in a hospital setting.”
Master of Arts in Theology – Overview
The MAT degree requires the completion of 36 credits which is roughly 2 years of full-time studies. This degree can also be earned at a part-time pace. It features 24 credits in our Collegeville Core and 9 credits in unrestricted electives. Students complete their degree through Comprehensive Exams (3 credits).
Degree Breakdown
Master of Arts in Theology – 36 Credits
Collegeville Core
24 Credits
Collegeville Core Theology: 15 Credits Total
History of Christianity: 6 Credits
- Two course sequence
Sacred Scripture: 6 Credits
- New Testament Elective
- Old Testament Elective
Systematic Theology: 6 Credits
- Moral Elective
- Doctrine Elective
Monastic Studies/ Spirituality: 3 Credits
Liturgy: 3 Credits
Electives
- 9 credits of elective coursework from the academic catalog
Applied Liturgy and Music: 8 Credits Total
- Students register for the Liturgical Music and Chapel Choir seminar all 4 semesters.
Comprehensive Examinations
- 3 Credits Total
Degree Outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Theological Studies program will be able to:
- Students will understand the broad development of Christian thought and practice in a historical and theological context.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret theological sources.
- Students will construct theological arguments using diverse theological sources and justifications.
- Students will understand generative relationships between Christian thought, practice, worship and ministry.
A Benedictine Approach to Studying Theology
Benedictine approaches to study and the intellectual life are fundamentally ordered to the pursuit of wisdom. Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary forms students in the pursuit of a holistic and integrated wisdom – ordered to the love of God and others –deeply connected to reading, prayer, and meaningful labor.
Reading and Scripture: Benedictines read scripture first and foremost as God’s self-disclosure to humankind. Our commitment is that students will emerge with a generative knowledge of the Word of God that informs and shapes the way they think, pray, and act.
Reading and the Christian Tradition: Benedictines are rooted in the Christian theological tradition as the on-going expression and exploration of divine revelation. We believe that when students come to appreciate the dynamic and contextualized development of Christian doctrine over time and space, they will find themselves equipped to engage the questions of the modern world and their own unique environments.
Reading and New Sources of Knowledge: Benedictines also read and contribute to the growth of new knowledge, supporting the translation and uses of resources to widen the fields of human knowing. We understand that building the capacity for dialogue and encounter with new forms of knowledge prepares students for the pursuit of wisdom wherever it leads.
Reading and Prayer: Benedictines bring the fruits of study to prayer, especially the Liturgy of the Hours and celebration of the Eucharist. At Saint John’s, students learn that the lex orandi lex credendi (the law of prayer is the law of belief) powerfully shapes our approach to study.
Reading and Labor: Benedictines integrate the fruits of reading and prayer with the work of their hands. Students in the SOT/Sem have significant opportunity to practice what they learn. Classes across the curriculum invite students to projects with practical outcomes, and every student at Saint John’s has options for internship experience and field education.
Theological Integration
Academic Excellence
- Obsculta Journal – Each year students, with the oversight of a faculty member, publish a student journal of theology.
- Language Training – Saint John’s regularly offers coursework in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew.
- Alcuin Library – Home to the Saint John’s Bible and the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library, Alcuin contains one of the largest theological collections in North America.
- Conference Support – Saint John’s financially supports students to attend conferences to hone their academic writing.
Spiritual Formation
- Midday Prayer & Convivium – Every Thursday students, faculty, and staff gather for an ecumenical midday prayer and shared meal.
- Monastic Horariums – Saint John’s Abbey and The Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict pray the Liturgy of the hours every day.
- Spiritual Direction – While not required in the MTS curriculum, students are able to take advantage of Spiritual Direction with the monastic communities.
- Daily Mass – There are many options for daily Mass with in the local community, and Tuesday Mass is offered in Emmaus Hall.
Student Experience
- Community Retreat – Every year Saint John’s hosts a community day of retreat for all students, faculty, and staff.
- Student Government – Events are planned throughout the year by the student government for students.
- Student-Led Retreats – Student government hosts two student retreats a year, one in the fall and one in the spring.
- Embedded Experience – our graduate students have full access to the dining halls, sporting events, fine arts programming, weightrooms, campus ministry, etc. of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University.
Application Process
Saint John’s uses a robust application software, Slate, for the application process. Prospective students will create a username and password, and then upload/request pertinent information directly into Slate. After beginning an application, students can log back into the application portal and check their progress.
If you have any questions/concerns about Slate and the admission process, please reach out to the Admission Office: [email protected]
Written Narrative
Applicants are required to upload a typed narrative as a part of the application. This narrative should be about 800 words. The narrative should address the applicants professional and vocational goals, and their interest in studying academic theology, particularly at Saint John’s.
Resume/CV
Applicants are required to submit an updated résumé outlining personal, educational and professional backgrounds.
Letters of Recommendation
MAT applicants are required to request 3 letters of recommendation, from educational or professional contacts, within the online application system.
Recommenders should be able to speak to the academic ability, leadership qualities, communication skills, and overall readiness for graduate theological study.
Letters of recommendation must be requested through the Slate Portal and cannot be sent directly from the applicant to the admission office.
Transcripts
Official transcripts of post-secondary coursework must be sent from the Registrar’s Office to the Admissions Office
Contact Information for Sending Transcripts:
Admissions at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary
P.O. Box 7288
Collegeville, MN 56321
Next Steps
Our Office of Admission is available to walk with you in your discernment. Whether you’re questioning which degree is the best for your personal, vocational, and professional goals or if you feel ready to start your application today, our team is prepared to accompany you through the process.