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2021-2023 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Arts in Theology

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Master of Arts 

The Master of Arts in Theology degree introduces and explores the major themes in Catholic doctrine and practice, and emphasizes the development of research skills that prepare the student to engage in further theological study and writing. Required and elective courses permit the student to develop both a foundation and pursue an area of interest among courses in doctrine, biblical studies, morality, spirituality, Church history, and the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Two areas of concentration are available with this degree: the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas (Aquinas Studies) and the study of Early Christianity (Early Christian Studies).

M.A. in Theology Degree Requirements

For the M.A. in Theology, students are required to complete 30 credit hours of graduate coursework, which include 18 credits in the following required courses:

After the completion of 30 hours of graduate coursework, students will take a 3-hour qualifying exam based on a bibliography of primary sources in the field.

All M.A. in Theology students are required to write a thesis under the direction of a professor and offer an oral defense before the faculty. 

Aquinas Studies: 

The concentration in Aquinas Studies offers a focused study of the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas. In the courses satisfying this concentration particular emphasis is placed both on the distinctive thought and on the theological method of St. Thomas Aquinas. Given the integral role of biblical, patristic, and philosophical sources in Aquinas’ thought, this program exposes the student to the foundational sources of Christian theology. 

Those students who desire to pursue a concentration in Aquinas Studies will take 12 hours of coursework in this area in addition to the required courses.

Early Christian Studies:

The concentration in Early Christian Studies allows students to focus their studies on the development of early Christian theology, literature, liturgy, and culture, through the ninth century. The study of doctrinal developments, literature, and the growth of nascent Christian communities is complemented by attention to the historical, social, and cultural contexts of antiquity. 

Students pursuing a concentration in Early Christian Studies will take these six required courses: 

They will also take one elective from other courses offered through the M.A. program in Theology, and three additional courses in the field of Early Christianity which may include:

Procedures for the Master’s Thesis

A graduate student completing a thesis will register for 6 credit hours of thesis advisement and be assigned a grade(s) for those hours. The Graduate Director will create and register the student for a section of the appropriate course(s) to be offered during the semester(s) during which a student is expected to complete the thesis. This ordinarily will be for the semester(s) immediately following the approval of the thesis proposal.

Should the student not complete the thesis before the end of the semester in which they have registered for the Thesis course(s), the student will receive a grade of “Incomplete” and have one calendar year from the end of that semester to complete the thesis.

If the student is not ready or able to complete the thesis within that one year, the Graduate Director will consult with the student and the thesis committee regarding the advisability of continuing with the thesis.

If the student wishes to continue, the Graduate Director will write a letter of support, and the student will submit a request to the Chair of the Graduate Council Exceptions Committee to extend the thesis for an additional (second) year. The grade in this instance will be converted to an “NC” (Not Completed) until the thesis is successfully completed and the final grade is submitted.

If the thesis will extend beyond that second year, the Graduate Director may write a letter of support, and the student will submit a request to the Graduate Council Exceptions Committee to extend the thesis for a third and final year.

For each semester that the student continues work on the thesis beyond the one year allotted for the completion of the thesis, a student must register for their program’s 0-credit, not-graded, Thesis Continuation course, which will allow the student continued access to the faculty, facilities, and service supports regularly available to all registered students.  The fee for this course will be the equivalent of 1-graduate credit.

Students should consult with the Graduate Director of the program for details of the thesis procedures specific to their program.  Please note that due to F-1 Visa regulations this policy does not apply to international students.

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