Program Overview

M.A. in Theology & Religious Studies

Theological Education

The M.A. with a Concentration in Theological Education offers classes designed around the U.S. Catholic Bishops' high school curriculum framework. Teachers and prospective teachers deepen their knowledge of the Catholic tradition and learn pedagogical strategies that are effective with today's students.

Earn Your Certification

Already have your master's, but looking to learn more? Our Certificate option includes five core courses that, together, meet the academic requirements for high school religion certification in the Diocese of Cleveland.

Program Details

• The 30-credit-hour master's degree can be completed on campus or completely online.
• Maximum Flexibility:
  • All graduate programs are available both IN PERSON and FULLY ONLINE.
  • Once-a-week classes meet in the EVENINGS.
  • HY-FLEX model allows students to choose each week to participate on campus or via Zoom.
  • FULL-TIME and PART-TIME pathways.
• Reasonable Cost:
  • The Theology & Religious Studies tuition rate reflects John Carroll's commitment to supporting individuals called to serve within the church of Cleveland and beyond.
  • For more information on cost per credit hour or financial aid, contact Student Enrollment and Financial Services.
• Relevant Coursework:
  • The Theological Education Concentration fulfills all the requirements for the M.A. and the Certificate in Theological Education, satisfying the academic requirements for high school religion certification in the Diocese of Cleveland.
  • TRS 5100 Scripture & Revelation
  • TRS 5300 Theological Methods
  • TRS 5320 Christ & the Paschal Mystery
  • TRS 5340 Church & Sacrament
  • TRS 5530 Catholic Moral Theology
  • TRS 5380 Teaching Theology
  • One Course in Non-Christian Religions
  • Three Electives

Practical Assignments

Need to develop a new prep? Want to update a course unit? The Concentration in Theological Education gives participants several options for completing assignments, allowing you to use your coursework to develop lesson plans or design a learning experience for your own students.

Admission Criteria

Applicants to the M.A. Degree Program should submit:

• Online application form.
• Transcripts of undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, with cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Written statement indicating personal interests, goals, and expectations from the degree program.
• Two letters of reference from persons who are familiar with and able to assess the applicant’s ability to succeed in graduate studies.

Program Highlights

• Why JCU?
• Outstanding Faculty
• Teaching Theology
• Teaching Workshop
• Upcoming Courses

The JCU Concentration in Theological Education is designed to provide both theological grounding and practical guidance for navigating the high school classroom. Courses cover the core areas of the curriculum, with assignments geared toward application. 100% of those completing the program are placed in teaching positions.

Faculty

The Department of Theology & Religious Studies offers a remarkable breadth of faculty expertise, with notable scholars of the Bible and early Christianity, Judaism and rabbinics, Islamic Studies, contemporary Catholic theology, moral theology, and the sociology of religion.

Course Descriptions

For a list of upcoming graduate courses and course descriptions, click here or visit the JCU Bulletin.

Featured Courses

Teaching Theology

Covers the nature and goals of theological education, the vocation of the theology teacher, the sociological research relevant to religious education, the developmental needs of adolescents and young adults, diversity in the classroom, and concrete pedagogical strategies.

Scripture & Revelation

Approaching the Bible as “revelatory text,” introduces different scholarly approaches to biblical interpretation and explores the ways in which these critical methods can confront, challenge, enhance, and/or expand readings of the Bible from the perspective of Christian faith.

Christ & Paschal Mystery

Studies the principal developments in theological reflection on the meaning and significance of Jesus Christ in the New Testament and in later church tradition; consideration of how contemporary Christology is both affected by and responds to crucial concerns of today’s culture.

T4T Workshop

THEOLOGY FOR TEACHERS is an annual workshop for high school teachers and campus ministers hosted by John Carroll University.