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Master of Theological Studies Curriculum

The Master of Theological Studies program provides options to fit your life and your needs. We offer a full degree program and a certificate program. Here is a summary of what’s available. Contact us to help you determine what route is best for you.

Degree Program

Full Degree Program 
Students who pursue the full M.T.S. degree program may find themselves working for the church or dioceseor working as spiritual directors, chaplains, religious educators or teachers in an undergraduate program.
  • Core Courses (3 credits each for a total of 18 credits) 
    • THEO 501 Systematic Theology and Theological Method
    • THEO 502 Historical Development of Christian Tradition
    • THEO 503 Scripture and Biblical Interpretation
    • THEO 504 Christian Ethics
    • THEO 505 Christology
    • THEO 506 The Nature and Mission of the Church
  • Elective Courses (2 credits each for a total of 10 credits) – Students should choose five of the elective courses.
    • THEO 520 History and Models of Catechesis
    • THEO 531 Spiritual Skills I (3 credits)
    • THEO 532 Spiritual Skills II (3 credits)
    • THEO 522 Faith Development
    • THEO 540 Principles of Liturgy
    • THEO 541 Sacramental Theology
    • THEO 560 Models of Ministry and Leadership in the Church
    • THEO 576 Theology and Practice of Pastoral Care
    • THEO 578 Theologies of Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue
    • THEO 580 Foundations of Spirituality
    • THEO 579 Enculturation and Evangelization
    • THEO 589 Special Topics 
    • THEO 590 Independent Study (prior approval required)
    • THEO 594 Theological Practicum (prior approval required) 
  • Also required for degree completion  
These requirements must be completed within eight summers of the starting date in the program.

Certificate Program

Certificate Program for Theological Competency
This is available if you have a bachelor’s degree in some other area and are seeking to enhance and enrich your theological background. You should have at least a foundational knowledge of Scripture and theology before entering the certificate program.

The certificate program requires you to complete the core theological courses (THEO 501-506) with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • THEO 501 Systematic Theology and Theological Method
  • THEO 502 Historical Development of Christian Tradition
  • THEO 503 Scripture and Biblical Interpretation
  • THEO 504 Christian Ethics
  • THEO 505 Christology
  • THEO 506 The Nature and Mission of the Church 
Final paper: The paper should demonstrate knowledge of the core areas of theology and the ability to apply that knowledge to a particular situation. The paper should be action-oriented, describe some plan of action in a special field and reflect a theological rationale. The action described and recommended should derive from and be consistent with a theologically informed opinion.

Degree Program

Full Degree Program 
Students who pursue the full M.T.S. degree program may find themselves working for the church or dioceseor working as spiritual directors, chaplains, religious educators or teachers in an undergraduate program.
  • Core Courses (3 credits each for a total of 18 credits) 
    • THEO 501 Systematic Theology and Theological Method
    • THEO 502 Historical Development of Christian Tradition
    • THEO 503 Scripture and Biblical Interpretation
    • THEO 504 Christian Ethics
    • THEO 505 Christology
    • THEO 506 The Nature and Mission of the Church
  • Elective Courses (2 credits each for a total of 10 credits) – Students should choose five of the elective courses.
    • THEO 520 History and Models of Catechesis
    • THEO 531 Spiritual Skills I (3 credits)
    • THEO 532 Spiritual Skills II (3 credits)
    • THEO 522 Faith Development
    • THEO 540 Principles of Liturgy
    • THEO 541 Sacramental Theology
    • THEO 560 Models of Ministry and Leadership in the Church
    • THEO 576 Theology and Practice of Pastoral Care
    • THEO 578 Theologies of Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue
    • THEO 580 Foundations of Spirituality
    • THEO 579 Enculturation and Evangelization
    • THEO 589 Special Topics 
    • THEO 590 Independent Study (prior approval required)
    • THEO 594 Theological Practicum (prior approval required) 
  • Also required for degree completion  
These requirements must be completed within eight summers of the starting date in the program.

Certificate Program

Certificate Program for Theological Competency
This is available if you have a bachelor’s degree in some other area and are seeking to enhance and enrich your theological background. You should have at least a foundational knowledge of Scripture and theology before entering the certificate program.

The certificate program requires you to complete the core theological courses (THEO 501-506) with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • THEO 501 Systematic Theology and Theological Method
  • THEO 502 Historical Development of Christian Tradition
  • THEO 503 Scripture and Biblical Interpretation
  • THEO 504 Christian Ethics
  • THEO 505 Christology
  • THEO 506 The Nature and Mission of the Church 
Final paper: The paper should demonstrate knowledge of the core areas of theology and the ability to apply that knowledge to a particular situation. The paper should be action-oriented, describe some plan of action in a special field and reflect a theological rationale. The action described and recommended should derive from and be consistent with a theologically informed opinion.
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