MA Theology

A theology degree in the Scholastic Tradition.

This two-year theology program aims to educate leaders and academics who, by drawing upon Catholic Tradition in light of contemporary culture, can identify and address the present needs of the Church.

Students are introduced to a theology program that is both historic and systematic, ensuring that they understand the debates and struggles that have formed the development of theology in its contemporary form, and are deeply rooted in the truths of Christian doctrine.

Special attention is given to the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas and the unique contributions Thomistic thought has made to theological discourse. Applicants may apply for the MA Theology Thesis Option or the MA Theology Exam Option. The main difference between these programs is the capstone for the program.

Interested in applying? View the application requirements.

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Master of Arts, Theology

Overview

The Master of Arts, Theology (MATh) program provides students with a fundamental knowledge of theology, the ability to communicate that knowledge effectively to others, and the research tools needed for advanced academic research. Students tailor their program by choosing an area of concentration that aligns with their own academic interests.

Because the approach to theological inquiry at DSPT relies heavily upon philosophical principles, all MATh students are required to take at least two specific courses in philosophy (see below).

Recommended for those with an interest in advanced graduate studies, the thesis option allows students to explore a focused area of academic research on a particular topic of interest through elective coursework and a written thesis. An oral defense of that thesis provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate skills in oral communication.

Students who enroll in the exam option demonstrate their knowledge in key theological disciplines by choosing an area of concentration that is of particular interest (Primary Concentration), and second area of concentration (Secondary Concentration) that is distinct from the first, taken from one of the three required areas (biblical studies, systematic theology, or moral theology), which becomes a focus for the Capstone examination.

The MATh degree is a two-year program that requires a total of 48-semester units. Students must complete the theology coursework as described below, the Academic Forum requirement, fulfill a foreign language proficiency requirement, and the writing and oral defense of a thesis or complete the exam in a required area.

Consult the Student Handbook

Program Requirements: MA Theology, Thesis Option

In addition to the stated institutional goals, students develop:

1. A foundational knowledge of the fundamental areas of theological inquiry in the Roman Catholic tradition (Biblical Studies, historical theology, dogmatic theology, and moral theology)

2. A specialized knowledge of one area of theological inquiry (area of concentration) chosen by the student

3. The ability to integrate contemporary theological issues with the tradition of the Catholic Church, and where possible with the theological tradition of St. Thomas Aquinas;

4. The ability to communicate this knowledge effectively through scholarly writing;

5. The ability to communicate this knowledge effectively through oral presentations and discussions.

Students demonstrate achievement of program outcomes by fulfilling all its requirements, including:

1. Maintaining a GPA of 3.0 in the program, while attaining a grade of B (3.0) or better in every core requirement

2. Producing a thesis proposal which articulates and effectively communicates clear goals & outcomes for the proposed thesis

3. Producing a well-written thesis that meets specified criteria, e.g. theological knowledge, writing skills, etc.

4. Using the thesis proposal, thesis, and thesis defense to demonstrate their skills for collaborative learning, including the ability:

to listen attentively to input from faculty on questions or points of disagreement, and
to formulate responses that incorporate issues raised.

Academic Forum Intro 1 & 2 – 3 units
Philosophical Studies – 6 units
- Philosophical Ethics
- Metaphysics
Sacred Scripture – 3 units
- Intro to Sacred Scripture
History of the Church – 6 units
- History of Christianity I
- History of Christianity II
Systematic & Moral Theology – 6 units
- Theology: Nature & Method
- Fundamental Moral Theology
Interreligious or Non-Christian religion elective – 3 units
Electives – 18 units
Academic Forum Capstone 1 & 2

The electives are chosen by the student so as to align with the area(s) of concentration and thesis research. Students should consider taking electives in topics that relate to thesis work. At least one-third of the total coursework must be taken at DSPT, and students are encouraged to take up to one-third of the coursework from outside DSPT. At least one-half of the coursework must be from offerings above the introductory (1000) level. At least two courses must be at the 4000 level or above.

MA (Theology), Thesis Option: Course Sequence (Typical)

Areas of Concentration

Students must take four courses in a chosen area of concentration, which may be any combination of both required and elective courses. Students should consult carefully with their academic advisor so as to ensure that they understand and can meet these concentration requirements. Some areas of concentration further specify what courses must be taken.

Foreign Language Certification

Students in the MATh Thesis Option must demonstrate reading proficiency and comprehension skills in a foreign language.

Promotion to the degree of MATh, Thesis Option, requires the successful completion of a written thesis of about eighty pages in length (approx. 20,000 words, not counting notes or bibliography), and an oral defense of the thesis.

The thesis is to be approximately eighty (80) pages in length (approx. 20,000 words, not counting notes or bibliography).

The Academic Forum Intro (3 units) helps students conduct focused academic research and writing and to develop their competence in areas in which they intend to develop their thesis. Much of the three semester units of “Academic Forum Capstone” time is set aside for them to conduct further research and to write their thesis.

Past Thesis Titles and Summaries

Consult the Student Handbook

Program Requirements: MA Theology, Exam Option

2. A specialized knowledge of one area of theological inquiry (area of concentration) chosen by the student;

3. The ability to integrate contemporary theological issues with the tradition of the Catholic Church, and where possible with the theological tradition of St. Thomas Aquinas;

4. The ability to communicate this knowledge effectively through scholarly writing;

5. The ability to communicate this knowledge effectively through oral presentations and discussions.

Students demonstrate competence in these goals by:

Maintaining a B (3.0) or better average in coursework throughout the program, while attaining a grade of B (3.0) or better in every core requirement;
Passing a closed-book, written examination in the Secondary Concentration;
Producing a 20-page to 25-page Capstone research paper (i.e., of approx. 5,000 to 6,250 words, not counting notes or bibliography) with a grade of B (3.0) or better.

Academic Forum Intro 1 & 2 – 3 units
Philosophical Studies – 6 units
- Philosophical Ethics
- Metaphysics
Core Theology Courses – 15 units
- Intro to Sacred Scripture
- History of Christianity I
- History of Christianity II
- Theology: Nature & Method
- Fundamental Moral Theology
One additional Course in each area – 9 units
- Biblical Studies (with BS, OT, or NT course code)
- Systematic Theology (with ST course code)
- Moral Theology (with CE course code)
Interreligious or Non-Christian religion elective – 3 units
Electives – 9 units
Academic Forum Capstone 1 & 2

The four elective courses (12 units) are chosen in consultation with the academic advisor to ensure that the student has four courses in the area of concentration. These units may be taken at DSPT, throughout any of the member schools or centers of the GTU, and/or at UC Berkeley. Overall, at least two courses must be taken at the Advanced Master’s level (4000-level) or higher. Students must also complete a Research Readiness Paper and a Capstone Research Paper.

MA (Theology), Exam Option: Course Sequence (Typical)

Areas of Concentration

Students must take four courses in the one chosen area of concentration, which may be any combination of required and elective courses. Either the Research Readiness Paper or the Capstone Research Paper must be written in this area. Students should consult carefully with their academic advisor to ensure that they understand and can meet these concentration requirements. Some areas of concentration further specify what courses must be taken.

In addition to choosing an area of concentration for coursework, students also choose an area for examination from one of the following disciplines: Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, or Moral Theology, which becomes the student's Secondary Concentration.

Students must pass a three-hour, closed-book exam on two courses, chosen by the student and approved by the student’s advisor. These are ordinarily to be courses taught by DSPT faculty.

The required area in which the student chooses to take the exam must be different from the area of concentration in order to ensure a breadth of knowledge and the opportunity to integrate principles from different areas of theological inquiry.

Consult the Student Handbook