Master of Arts

Program of Study

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The M.A. (Theology) degree is a 42-credit-hour degree comprising classes taken in consecutive summer sessions. Summer M.A. (Theology) students may take courses during the academic year for credit towards their degree. However, no academic-year tuition scholarships will be provided for such work.

Degree-seeking students must complete comprehensive examinations.

Students can only take up to 12 credits away from the main campus. This currently excludes, however courses taken at Tantur, Israel and Tucson, Arizona.

Learn more about comprehensive exams >

Areas of Concentration

There are six areas of concentration for the M.A. in theology:

  • Biblical studies
  • History of Christianity
  • Liturgical studies
  • Moral theology
  • Spirituality
  • Systematic theology

Apart from liturgical studies, an area of concentration is normally constituted by: six courses in the area of concentration, one course each in five other areas, and three free electives.

Liturgical Studies Concentration

The liturgical studies concentration includes 21 credits of basic requirements: liturgical history, liturgical theology, ritual studies, Eucharist, Christian initiation, liturgical prayer, and liturgical year.  Students in liturgical studies will also pursue one course each in five other areas (fifteen credits), and two free elective (6 credits).  Under normal circumstances, new degree-seeking students should plan on attending the first module in their first summer of residence. This will allow students in Liturgical Studies to take Liturgical History, Liturgical Prayer, Liturgical Theology, or Liturgical Year.

Option for General Studies

Those needing a more general and flexible program of studies may pursue a general MA, in which the course of study is worked out in consultation with the director of the MA program or an area advisor, with the sole requirement being at least one course in each area of study.  This may be of particular interest to those teaching theology in high school who wish to use the summer MA to enhance their effectiveness in teaching a number of different areas.

ECHO students please note: Those participating in the ECHO Program will pursue a general M.A., in consultation with their academic advisor.