Program Overview

Theology (MA) Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Theology program at Xavier University, offered through the Institute for Spirituality and Social Justice, invites students on a journey of intellectual and spiritual growth in the Ignatian tradition. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel in teaching, ministry, writing, or doctoral studies, engaging in rigorous academic exploration and gaining a deep understanding of Catholic, Ecumenical, and interfaith perspectives.

Admission

To be considered for admission into the Theology MA program, students must submit the following materials:

• Completed application
• Official transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended
• Three letters of recommendation
• Resume or CV
• Personal Statement
• $35 Application Fee

Curriculum

The MA in Theology is a 30-credit hour program consisting of 12 credit hours of foundational courses and 18 credit hours in elective courses. The program offers concentrations in Ethics and Spirituality or Pastoral and Social Ministry.

Foundational Courses

• THEO 504 Liberating Bible (3 credits)
• THEO 547 Ethics in a Time of Planetary Crisis (3 credits)
• THEO 555 Key Turning Points in Christian History (3 credits)
• THEO 624 Theological Imagination: Approaches to the Sacred (3 credits)

Tuition and Fees

Tuition for the MA in Theology program is $722 per credit hour, with special rates for Catholic/Pastoral students at $393 per credit hour. Additional fees include a Student ID Fee, Graduate Student Association Fee, and others as listed.

Program Features

• Jesuit, Catholic Tradition: The curriculum is grounded in the Jesuit, Catholic intellectual tradition, emphasizing a faith that does justice.
• Flexible and Accessible: The program offers in-person, hybrid, and online options, allowing students to complete the program at their own pace.
• Expert Faculty: Students learn from dedicated faculty members who are accomplished scholars and passionate educators.
• Diverse Coursework: The program explores core theological disciplines, including biblical studies, systematic theology, historical theology, and moral theology, with options for specialization.

Optional Concentrations

• Pastoral and Social Ministry Focus: Prepares students for careers in ministry and social service, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to serve diverse communities.
• Ethics and Spirituality Focus: Explores ethical decision-making within a Christian framework, examining themes such as social justice, environmental ethics, and the intersection of faith and contemporary moral issues.

Additional Pathways

• 4+1 MA in Theology: An accelerated on-campus program offering a path to earn an MA in Theology within one year of completing a bachelor’s degree at Xavier University.
• Theology Certificates: 3-course certificates in Biblical Studies, Ethics, and Pastoral Care are available.

FAQ

• The program is offered both in-person and online.
• The program can be completed in as little as one year full-time, with part-time options available.
• Opportunities for independent research or thesis work are available.
• Scholarships are offered for students pursuing their MA in Theology, covering up to the cost of one credit hour per student, per course taken.

Mission and Overview

The mission of Xavier’s theology program is to provide a transformative theological education from a Catholic and ecumenical perspective, empowering graduate students to think theologically, analyze issues from a Catholic and interreligious perspective, and act responsibly in the world for the promotion of peace and justice. The program is flexible, accommodating a wide variety of interests while equipping students with the historical awareness and professional resources necessary for careers in teaching, ministry, writing, or to pursue doctoral work.