Explore the Possibilities with
a Master of Arts in Theology
Degree Overview
Earn your Master of Arts in Theology (MA Theology) 100% online or on campus.
Through our MA in Theology program, you will be immersed in the beauty of Sacred Scripture, gain wisdom from the Church Fathers, and be formed in Magisterial teaching.
This program engages students through the pursuit of truth, prayer and wisdom, offering 8 concentration choices.
Holy Apostles is the only Catholic college or university to offer a specialized concentration in Thomistic Studies.
Concentration Overview - Bioethics
Bioethics concentration courses articulate authentic Catholic teaching with respect to bioethical issues. They provide students with a solid Magisterial foundation in medical ethics and bioethical science. Some of the topics discussed in an interdisciplinary model are technological reproduction, the criteria for brain death, genetic engineering, end-of-life decisions, “living wills,” fetal tissue research, cloning and various legal issues pertaining to bioethical procedures.Career Opportunities
- Catholic School Teacher
- University/College Professor
- Diocesan Directors
- Writer
- Bioethicist
Looking for information on programs, admissions, or financial aid? We’re here to help.
Graduate Degree
Master of Arts in
Theology
- Online
- On Campus
- Eligible for transfer credits
2 to 4 years
Program Length
$426
Per Credit Hour
36
Total Credits
December 6
Application Due
January 4
Online Start Date
January 6
On Campus Start Date
Ready to Apply?
Take your next step toward your success and your future!
“Catholic theology, taught in a manner faithful to Scripture, Tradition, and the Church’s Magisterium, provides an awareness of the Gospel principles which will enrich the meaning of human life and give it a new dignity.”
– Pope St. John Paul II, Ex Corde Ecclesiae, 20 –
The MA Theology Core
Foundational Courses
PHS 607 Perennial Philosophy
DTH 600 Faith and Revelation
SAS 716 Gospels
Core Courses
DTH 731 One and Triune God
MTH 611 Fundamental Moral Theology I
MTH 614 Theological Virtues
DTH 751 Christology
Concentration Courses
See concentrations below for required courses and recommended electives.
Concentration Information
With 8 concentration options, you’ll have the opportunity to study what you feel most passionate about!
Not sure what that might be? No problem! We’re here to help you discern!
Bioethics
Sacred Scripture
Bioethics with NCBC Certification Overview
Holy Apostles College and Seminary and the National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC) are collaborating to provide a unique, affordable educational opportunity for professionals and students interested in receiving general or specialized training in the growing field of Catholic bioethics.
One result of this effort is a one-year sequence of graduate-level courses in bioethics available through NCBC. Qualified students pursuing Certification in Health Care Ethics with the NCBC may receive 9 graduate-level college credits through the NCBC learning management system for the coursework completed leading to certification.
Coursework
The NCBC sequence of courses in bioethics is a one-year program that has both fall and spring start dates. The NCBC Concentration Core comprises the NCBC bioethics sequence.
Concentration Core (NCBC Certification Students):
BIE 653 Guiding Principles of Catholic Medical Ethics
BIE 673 Catholic Bioethics & Dignity of Human Person
BIE 675 Case Studies & Applied Topics
BIE 661 Biology & Biotechnologies for Ethicists
Concentration Elective (Any graduate-level theology course). Suggested:
BIE 796 Bioethics in Post-Christian Culture
BIE 639 Bioethics & the Law
Summative Evaluation
Bioethics Concentration with NCBC Certification Sample Degree Plan
In-Person Seminars
In addition to the courses outlined above, the NCBC certification requires attendance at one in-person, weekend seminar held in the U.S. The dates, times and locations of the seminars are set by the NCBC. For a listing of the seminar dates, times, and locations please visit the NCBC website, here.
Bioethics Concentration Overview
Bioethics concentration courses articulate authentic Catholic teaching with respect to bioethical issues. They provide students with a solid Magisterial foundation in medical ethics and bioethical science. Some of the topics discussed in an interdisciplinary model are technological reproduction, the criteria for brain death, genetic engineering, end-of-life decisions, “living wills,” fetal tissue research, cloning and various legal issues pertaining to bioethical procedures.
The Master of Arts in Theology (M.A. Theology) concentration in Bioethics is available either On Campus or 100% Online.
Coursework
A candidate for the M.A. in Theology is required to complete all coursework detailed in the degree plan. The specific degree requirements for the Bioethics concentration may be found in the Degree Plan below.
Concentration Core (Non-NCBC Certification Students):
BIE 661 Biology and Biotechnologies for Ethicists
BIE 651 Medical Ethics
BIE 625 Catholic Bioethics
BIE 639 Bioethics and the Law
Concentration Elective (Any graduate-level theology course) Suggested:
BIE 796 Bioethics in Post Christian Culture
MTH/PAS/PHE 680 Marriage & Theology of the Body
BIE/MTH 750 Magisterial Teaching Related to Major Catholic Bioethics Issues
Summative Evaluation
Church History Concentration Overview
Church History courses offer a comprehensive study of the Church from its foundation to the Second Vatican Council. They include the teachings of the Church Fathers as well as the history of the Church in America. They provide students with an understanding of the role of Catholics in knowing the times and interpreting them in light of the Gospel.
The Master of Arts in Theology (M.A. Theology) concentration in Church History is available either On Campus or 100% Online.
Coursework
A candidate for the M.A. in Theology is required to complete all course work detailed in the degree plan. The specific degree requirements for the Church History concentration may be found in the Degree Plan below.
Concentration Core:
CHH 881 Patristics
CHH 712 Mediaeval Church History
CHH 713 Modern Church History
CHH 709 Ecumenical Councils
Concentration Elective (Any graduate-level theology course) Suggested:
CHH 661 The Church’s Response to Catholic Modernism
CHH 620 The Reformation and Counter-Reformation
CHH 664 Judaism and the Church
CHH 613 The Church in America
Summative Evaluation
Dogmatic Theology Concentration Overview
Dogmatic Theology courses are designed to examine the doctrine of the Catholic Church. Topics covered include Trinity, Christology, Ecclesiology, the Sacraments, Mariology and Grace.
The Master of Arts in Theology (M.A. Theology) concentration in Dogmatic Theology is available either On Campus or 100% Online.
Coursework
A candidate for the M.A. in Theology is required to complete all coursework detailed in the degree plan. The specific degree requirements for the Dogmatic Theology concentration may be found in the Degree Plan below.
Concentration Core:
CHH/DTH 671 Documents of Vatican II
DTH 645 Nature and Grace
DTH 760 Theology of the Church (Ecclesiology and Ecumenism)
DTH 800 The Seven Sacraments
Concentration Elective (Any graduate-level theology course) Suggested:
DTH 765 Mariology
DTH 890 Spiritual Theology
Summative Evaluation
General Studies Concentration Overview
General Studies concentration courses are designed to provide a broader awareness of theology in general through an interdisciplinary concentration core. Students must select at least one course from each of the six concentrations following completion of their co-requisite courses and program core.
The Master of Arts in Theology (M.A. Theology) concentration in General Studies is available either On Campus or 100% Online.
Coursework
A candidate for the M.A. in Theology is required to complete all course work detailed in the degree plan. The specific degree requirements for the General Studies concentration may be found in the Degree Plan below.
Concentration Core:
Sacred Scripture Course (Any SAS Course)
Bioethics Course (Any BIE Course)
Church History Course (Any CHH Course)
Dogma or Morals Course (Any DTH or MTH Course)
Concentration Elective (Any graduate-level theology course)
Summative Evaluation
Moral Theology Concentration Overview
Moral Theology courses place in perspective the philosophical and theological tools with which the complex issues of morality are theoretically and practically evaluated. They help the student to discover the theological and moral virtues within the context of human activity.
The Master of Arts in Theology (M.A. Theology) concentration in Moral Theology is available either On Campus or 100% Online.
Coursework
A candidate for the M.A. in Theology is required to complete all coursework detailed in the degree plan. The specific degree requirements for the Moral Theology concentration may be found in the Degree Plan below.
Concentration Core:
MTH 659 Moral Magisterium of John Paul II
MTH/PAS/PHE 841 Catholic Social Teaching
MTH/PAS/PHE 680 Marriage and the Theology of the Body
MTH 612 Fundamental Moral Theology II
Note: Student must complete MTH 611 before taking MTH 612
Concentration Elective (Any graduate-level theology course) Suggested:
DTH 890 Spiritual Theology
MTH 851 Contemporary Moral Issues
Summative Evaluation
Sacred Scripture Concentration Overview
Sacred Scripture courses are designed to provide the student with a comprehensive understanding and love of Scripture, the soul of theology. Courses will include books of the Old and New Testaments, particularly the Gospels as the heart of the Scriptures. Methods of patristic interpretation as well as modern methods of interpretation will be utilized.
The Master of Arts in Theology (M.A. Theology) concentration in Sacred Scripture is available either On Campus or 100% Online.
Coursework
A candidate for the M.A. in Theology is required to complete all coursework detailed in the degree plan. The specific degree requirements for the Sacred Scripture concentration may be found in the Degree Plan below.
Concentration Core:
SAS 602 The Soul of Theology
SAS 621 Prophetic Literature
SAS 561 Gospel of John
SAS 718 Letters of St. Paul
Suggested Electives (Choose one of the following):
SAS 712 Pentateuch
SAS 713 Historical Books
SAS 714 Wisdom Books
SAS 717 Luke and Acts of the Apostles
SAS 719 Catholic Epistles and Revelation
Summative Evaluation
Thomistic Studies Concentration Overview
Thomistic Studies concentration courses are designed to provide the student with an understanding of the philosophical preambles to theological studies. The courses help students understand the teaching of St. Thomas in specific areas of theology (e.g., God, Christ, Morals) and his place as the common doctor of the Catholic Church in church teaching.
The Master of Arts in Theology (M.A. Theology) concentration in Thomistic Studies is available either On Campus or 100% Online.
Concentration goals:
Coursework
A candidate for the M.A. in Theology is required to complete all course work detailed in the degree plan. The specific degree requirements for the Thomistic Studies concentration may be found in the Degree Plan below.
Concentration Core:
DTH 641 First Things and End Times
DTH 645 Nature and Grace
MTH 613 Cardinal Virtues
DTH 800 The Seven Sacraments
Concentration Elective (One of the following two courses):
DTH 766 Mary, Mother of God & Mother of the Church
DTH 760 Theology of the Church
Summative Evaluation
Who Is This Program For?
• Those Working in Ministry
• Those Desiring to Pursue Work in Ministry
• Catholic School Teachers and other Educators
• Catholic Professionals
• Nurses, Therapists, and other Health Care Professionals
• Counselors and Spiritual Directors
• Marriage and Family Coordinators
• Youth Ministers
• Parents who Homeschool their Children
• Coordinators of Religious Education Programs
• Everyone Wanting to Grow in Knowledge and Love of the Catholic Faith
FAQ
How long does it take to complete an MA in Theology?
The M.A. degree program may be completed in as quickly as 2 years. However, there is a 6-year time limit from entry into the program for completion of the degree requirements. Please see the Academic Catalog for additional information.
Is this an Online Program?
How do I apply?
Program Learning Outcomes
Students earning the Master of Arts in Theology will be able to:
- Explain and defend the foundation of Sacred Doctrine in Scripture and Tradition, of the principal articles of faith, the sacramental and liturgical structure of the Catholic religion, and the essential architecture of that moral order derived from our supernatural end.
- Demonstrate expertise in their area of concentration as well as the place of each of these within the unified whole of Sacred Doctrine.
- Conduct theological research using sources appropriate to academic theology in an effective and ethical manner.
- Communicate Catholic doctrine to both a specialized and popular audience, while addressing the most prevalent challenges to Catholic truth.
What is the Graduate Capstone?
Is Holy Apostles College & Seminary accredited?
Are the Faculty members faithful to the Magisterium?
Who is the Program Director?
Program Director:
Dr. Kristina Olsen, kolsen@holyapostles.edu
For a full listing of our faculty, please visit Faculty Listing.
FAQ
How long does it take to complete an MA in Theology?
How do I apply?
Program Learning Outcomes
Students earning the Master of Arts in Theology will be able to:
- Explain and defend the foundation of Sacred Doctrine in Scripture and Tradition, of the principal articles of faith, the sacramental and liturgical structure of the Catholic religion, and the essential architecture of that moral order derived from our supernatural end.
- Demonstrate expertise in their area of concentration as well as the place of each of these within the unified whole of Sacred Doctrine.
- Conduct theological research using sources appropriate to academic theology in an effective and ethical manner.
- Communicate Catholic doctrine to both a specialized and popular audience, while addressing the most prevalent challenges to Catholic truth.
Is Holy Apostles College & Seminary accredited?
Are the Faculty members faithful to the Magisterium?
Who is the Program Director?
Program Director:
Dr. Kristina Olsen, kolsen@holyapostles.edu
For a full listing of our faculty, please visit Faculty Listing.
Is this an Online Program?
What You’ve
Been Looking For
An authentically Catholic education should be available to everyone.
Time and cost should not stand in your way.
You deserve the highest quality academics that are both convenient and affordable.
Let Holy Apostles set you on the path to achieving your goals.
Why Holy Apostles
Flexible & Online
Holy Apostles makes a quality education accessible. You can complete your degree any time, anywhere. Our small class sizes make learning easier, providing personalized attention from our excellent faculty.
Tuition you can afford
At Holy Apostles, we believe that a debt-free graduate is a gift to the Church. We are one of the most affordable colleges recommended by the Cardinal Newman Guide.
FAITHFULLY CATHOLIC
The Catholic university is “born from the heart of the Church,” as St. John Paul II stated in Ex Corde Ecclesiae.
From its very foundation, Holy Apostles College & Seminary has dedicated itself to proclaiming the truth and forming our students to do the same.
Explore the Possibilities
Looking for information on programs, admissions, or financial aid? We're here to help.
Speak to your personal Admissions Counselor today for more information.
Admissions Phone :
860-632-3000
Admissions Email:
admissions@holyapostles.edu
Contact Information