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Earn Your

Master of Arts In Theology

Dogmatic Theology - 100% Online
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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 - Dogmatic Theology

Dogmatic Theology courses are designed to examine the doctrine of the Catholic Church. Topics covered include Trinity, Christology, Ecclesiology, the Sacraments, Mariology and Grace.

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

$410

Per Credit Hour

36

Total Credits

April 5

Application Due

May 6

Next 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

Core Courses

SAS 651 Synoptic Gospels
DTH 731 One & Triune God
DTH 751 Christology
MTH 611 Fundamental Moral Theology I

Concentration Courses

See concentrations below for required courses and recommended electives.

 

Concentration Information

At Holy Apostles, you decide your passion!

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 with NCBC Certification

Bioethics

Church History
Dogmatic Theology
General Studies
Moral Theology
Sacred Scripture
Thomistic Studies

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.

NCBC Concentration Core:
BIE 653 Guiding Principles of Catholic Medical Ethics
BIE 661 Biology and Biotechnologies for Ethicists
BIE 673 Catholic Bioethics and the Dignity of the Human Person
BIE 675 Case Studies and Applied Topics

NCBC Concentration Electives (Choose one of the following):
BIE 639 Bioethics and the Law
BIE 796 Bioethics in the Post Christian Culture

Comprehensive Exam Course
ENG 890 MA Summative Evaluation:  Comprehensive Exam & Professional Paper (Theology)

Bioethics Concentration with NCBC Certification Sample Degree Plan

In-Person Seminars

In addition to the courses outlined above, the NCBC certification requires attendance at two in-person seminars 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, herePlease note, all NCBC Certification students are required to attend the one-day intensive case studies seminar held in Philadelphia, PA. 

Renowned Bioethics Faculty

  • Fr. Tadeusz (Tad) Pacholczyk, Ph.D., Director of National Catholic Bioethics Center
  • Rev. Thomas J. Davis, Jr.

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:
BIE 625 Catholic Bioethics
BIE 639 Bioethics and the Law
BIE 651 Medical Ethics
BIE 661 Biology and Biotechnologies for Ethicists

Concentration Electives (Choose one of the following):
BIE 796 Bioethics in Post Christian Culture
MTH/PAS/PHE 680 Marriage and Theology of the Body
BIE/MTH 750 Magisterial Teaching Related to Major Catholic Bioethic Issues

Comprehensive Exam Course
ENG 890 MA Summative Evaluation: Comprehensive Exam & Professional Paper (Theology)

Bioethics Concentration Sample Degree Plan 

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 700 Church History
CHH 661 Catholic Modernism
CHH/DTH 671 Documents of Vatican II

Concentration Electives (Choose one of the following):
CHH 613 Church in America
CHH 620 The Catholic Reformation

Comprehensive Exam Course:
ENG 890 MA Summative Evaluation:  Comprehensive Exam & Professional Paper (Theology)

Church History Concentration Sample Degree Plan

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:
DTH 645 Nature and Grace
DTH 800 The Seven Sacraments
DTH 760 Ecclesiology and Ecumenism
CHH/DTH 671 Documents of Vatican II

Concentration Elective (Choose one of the following):
DTH 890 Spiritual Theology
DTH 765 Mariology

Comprehensive Exam Course:
ENG 890 MA Summative Evaluation:  Comprehensive Exam & Professional Paper (Theology)

Dogmatic Theology Concentration Sample Degree Plan

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:
Any Sacred Scripture (SAS) Course
Any Bioethics (BIE) Course
Any Church History (CHH) Course
Any Dogma (DTH) or Morals (MTH) Course

Concentration Electives:
Any two graduate-level theology courses

Comprehensive Exam Course:
ENG 890 MA Summative Evaluation:  Comprehensive Exam & Professional Paper (Theology)

General Studies Concentration Sample Degree Plan

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 612 Fundamental Moral Theology II
MTH/PAS/PHE 680 Marriage and the Theology of the Body
MTH/PAS/PHE 841 Catholic Social Teachings

Concentration Electives (Choose one of the following):
DTH 890 Spiritual Theology
MTH 851 Contemporary Moral Issues

Comprehensive Exam Course:
ENG 890 MA Summative Evaluation:  Comprehensive Exam & Professional Paper (Theology)

Moral Theology Concentration Sample Degree Plan

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 661 Gospel of John
SAS 671 Letters of St. Paul
SAS 602 Methods of Theology and Scripture Analysis
SAS 621 Prophetic Literature

Concentration Electives (Choose one of the following):
SAS 681 Hebrews
SAS 631 Wisdom Literature

Comprehensive Exam Course:
ENG 890 MA Summative Evaluation:  Comprehensive Exam & Professional Paper (Theology)

Sacred Scripture Concentration Sample Degree Plan

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:

1. To enable the student to understand the theology of St. Thomas in a systematic way.
2. To give the student an appreciation  of the theology of St. Thomas in the larger theology of the Catholic Church.
3.  To enable the student to access and understand both the style of St. Thomas and how the various schools of thought concerning the doctrine of St. Thomas do justice or not to the text of St. Thomas himself.

 

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 645 Nature and Grace
MTH 612 Fundamental Moral Theology II
PHS 641 Reason in the Theology of St. Thomas
PHH 781 Philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas

Concentration Electives (Choose one of the following):
PAS 791 Morals and Psychology
DTH 890 Spiritual Theology
PHS 741 St. Thomas Aquinas on Being and Nothingness
PHS 751 The True, the False, the Lie, and the Fake

Comprehensive Exam Course:
ENG 890 MA Summative Evaluation:  Comprehensive Exam & Professional Paper (Theology)

Thomistic Studies Concentration Sample Degree Plan

Who Is This Program For?

• You!
• 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?
Yes, our 100% online courses make the M.A. degree program flexible for working and busy individuals. The MA in Theology degree may be completed completely online or on campus.
How do I apply?
Applicants for the M.A. program should follow the Graduate Admissions procedures.
Program Learning Outcomes

Students earning the Master of Arts in Theology will be able to:

  1. 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.
  2. Demonstrate expertise in their area of concentration as well as the place of each of these within the unified whole of Sacred Doctrine.
  3. Conduct theological research using sources appropriate to academic theology in an effective and ethical manner.
  4. Communicate Catholic doctrine to both a specialized and popular audience, while addressing the most prevalent challenges to Catholic truth.
What is the Graduate Capstone?
The Summative Evaluation is the capstone of the student’s academic work in the M.A. program at Holy Apostles College and Seminary. All candidates for the M.A. degree are required to complete a Summative Evaluation exercise, which may take the form of a thesis or a comprehensive exam. Full descriptions of the Summative Evaluation exercise are available on the Summative Evaluation page.
Is Holy Apostles College & Seminary accredited?
Holy Apostles College and Seminary is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the Connecticut Office of Higher Education (CTOHE), and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). For more accreditation information visit here.
Are the Faculty members faithful to the Magisterium?
All members of the faculty who teach theology and philosophy must be approved by the Chancellor, make a Profession of Faith, and take an Oath of Fidelity to the Magisterium.
Who is the Program Director?
Program Director:

Dr. Alan Fimister, afimister@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?
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.

 

How do I apply?
Applicants for the M.A. program should follow the Graduate Admissions procedures.
Program Learning Outcomes

Students earning the Master of Arts in Theology will be able to:

  1. 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.
  2. Demonstrate expertise in their area of concentration as well as the place of each of these within the unified whole of Sacred Doctrine.
  3. Conduct theological research using sources appropriate to academic theology in an effective and ethical manner.
  4. 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?
Holy Apostles College and Seminary is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the Connecticut Office of Higher Education (CTOHE), and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). For more accreditation information visit here.
Are the Faculty members faithful to the Magisterium?
All members of the faculty who teach theology and philosophy must be approved by the Chancellor, make a Profession of Faith, and take an Oath of Fidelity to the Magisterium.
Who is the Program Director?
Program Director:

TBA

For a full listing of our faculty, please visit Faculty Listing.

Is this an Online Program?
Yes, our 100% online courses make the M.A. degree program flexible for working and busy individuals. The MA in Theology degree may be completed completely online or on campus.
Study Online

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