Master of Arts in Theology

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Program Overview

Aquinas Institute of Theology’s Master of Arts in Theology (MA) is an intellectually rigorous, 36 credit-hour course of study that provides students with a solid, academic foundation in theology and prepares them for further academic study or academic pursuits. Over the course of the degree, students develop advanced skills in the areas of theological research and writing and learn to both analyze texts and arguments as well as to synthesize materials.

Full-time students who take nine credit-hours per semester can complete the MA degree in two years, while part–time students can take up to six years to complete the program. The Master of Arts in Theology can be completed either residentially in St. Louis or, in exceptional circumstances, synchronously online. In the latter case, students attend classes in real time by means of a video conferencing service.

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Program Details

Program Format

MA Requirements and Tracks

All students in the MA program must complete a written Comprehensive Examination which seeks to provide a theological synthesis for the student who is completing master’s level studies in theology. To this end, students must demonstrate their scholarly competence to engage reflectively and critically across the disciplines of theology.

Additional requirements for graduation are dependent upon the student's track of choice. While students can enter the MA program without having officially selected a track, it is recommended that they make their decision within their first semester so as to direct their course of study intentionally.

Dr. Stewart Clem, Associate Professor of Moral Theology, meets with students

Thesis Track

Students in the thesis track must demonstrate reading competency in a foreign language, either classical or modern, by the time of graduation.

Students must also engage in independent research leading to an academic thesis approved for presentation to the Aquinas community. Assisted by a faculty member, students select and research a topic of personal interest that culminates in an original piece of scholarly research suitable for publication.

Near the beginning of the final semester, the student coordinates with the student’s thesis committee to arrange a one-hour public thesis presentation.

Major Paper Track

The major paper should be of high academic caliber and demonstrate competency in methodology and content appropriate to the MA in Theology.

The major paper track also requires the successful completion of an oral examination. This oral examination will draw upon the student's written responses to the comprehensive exam, the topics to be prepared for the written examination, and the student's work on their major paper.

For this track, no demonstration of language proficiency is required.

Opportunities Following Graduation

Students who hold an MA from Aquinas have chosen to utilize their theological education in a wide variety of fields following graduation by:

Entering prestigious PhD programs at schools in the U.S. and Europe
Teaching theology in high schools across the country
Serving in parishes or dioceses in various capacities
Leading non–profits
Pursuing professional fields such as health care, law, and business

Curriculum

Course Title	Credit Hours
Integrative Studies
Theological Research and Writing	0
Biblical Studies
Biblical Interpretation	3
Biblical Studies Elective	3
Systematic Theology
Introduction to Theology and Theological Method	3
Christology	3
Systematic Theology Elective - Doctrine of God, Christian Anthropology, or Ecclesiology	3
Moral Theology
Foundations of Catholic Morality	3
Historical Studies
Church History I	3
Church History II	3
Liturgical and Sacramental Theology
Liturgical and Sacramental Theology Elective - Theology of Worship, Christian Initiation, or Eucharist	3
Electives
The 9 credits of electives must be taken in Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, Historical Theology, or Liturgical and Sacramental Theology. Within the thesis track of the MA program, students may take “MAR-D598 MA Thesis Research” as an elective for up to 3 credit hours.	9
Non-Credit Requirements (Thesis Track)
Comprehensive Examination	-
Master's Thesis & Thesis Presentation	-
Foreign Language Proficiency Examination	-
Non-Credit Requirements (Major Paper Track)
Comprehensive Examination	-
Major Paper	-
Oral Examination	-
Total Credit Hours	36

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Admission Criteria

Application Requirements

Application Deadline

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Tuition and Fees

Tuition and Fees for the 2022-23 Academic Year
For Credit: $825 per credit hour
Audit: $400 per credit hour
Alumni, Non-Degree Audit*: $200 per credit hour
Student Services Fee: $300 per semester

Tuition and Fees for the 2023-24 Academic Year
For Credit: $850 per credit hour
Audit: $425 per credit hour
Alumni, Non-Degree Audit*: $212.50 per credit hour
Student Services Fee: $300 per semester

*this rate applies to alumni who want to audit one course or a few courses, not those who are seeking to earn the degree

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In This Section

Master of Arts in Theology

In This Section

Program Overview

Program Details

Program Format

MA Requirements and Tracks

Thesis Track

Major Paper Track

Opportunities Following Graduation

Curriculum

Application Information

Application Information

Admission Criteria

Application Requirements

Application Requirements

Application Deadline

Start your application today

Tuition and Fees

Contact Us

Program Director

All About Aquinas Institute - Virtual Information Sessions

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