Theology (MA)
The MA degree program is appropriate for students seeking either a terminal degree or a degree that will prepare them to pursue a doctoral degree. Applicants can be admitted to the program on a part-time basis. Many courses are conveniently scheduled during late afternoon or evening hours.
Curriculum
The Master of Arts in Theology requires 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive examination. Students may choose to concentrate in one of four areas: Theological Studies, Biblical Languages and Literature, Biblical Studies, or Christian Ethics. There is also an option to add an Education minor.
Concentrations
Theological Studies
This concentration emphasizes exposure to the full range of theological investigation.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Two courses in Biblical Studies | 6 | |
| Two courses in Systematic or Historical Theology | 6 | |
| Two courses in Christian Ethics | 6 | |
| Four Graduate Electives | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Biblical Languages and Literature
The concentration in Biblical Languages and Literature provides students with the initial language and biblical study necessary to apply to doctoral programs in Biblical Studies. Half of the coursework is in biblical Greek and Hebrew. This concentration requires an additional 6cr hours due to intensive language requirements.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Four courses in Major Biblical Language (Hebrew or Greek) | 12 | |
| Two courses in Minor Biblical Language (Hebrew or Greek) | 6 | |
| Two courses in Old Testament | 6 | |
| Two courses in New Testament | 6 | |
| One course in Systematic or Historical Theology | 3 | |
| One course in Christian Ethics | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Biblical Studies
This concentration is suited to students with a particular interest in Biblical Studies, but does not incorporate the language study necessary for doctoral work in Biblical Studies.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Five courses in Biblical Studies | 15 | |
| One course in Systematic or Historical Theology | 3 | |
| One course in Christian Ethics | 3 | |
| Three Graduate Electives | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Christian Ethics
This concentration is similar to the concentration in Theological Studies, but requires more coursework in Christian Ethics.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Five courses in Christian Ethics | 15 | |
| Two courses in Systematic of Historical Theology | 6 | |
| Two courses in Biblical Studies | 6 | |
| One Graduate Elective | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Bioethics & Health Care Policy
The concentration in Bioethics and Health Care Policy is offered jointly with the Neiswanger Institute for Bioethics and Healthcare Leadership. This concentration is appropriate for students interested in pursuing a social ethical understanding of bioethics. Courses in this concentration address the history of bioethics including the issues of racism and eugenics; methods and approaches in medical ethics and bioethics (ethnography, narrative bioethics, feminist bioethics); and topics in bioethics such as reproductive medicine and reproductive justice, genetics, disability ethics, spiritual care ethics, end of life, and healthcare justice.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| BEHL 401 | Clinical Topics in Bioethics | 3 |
| Two courses in Christian Ethics | 6 | |
| Two courses in Biblical Studies | 6 | |
| Three courses in Bioethics 1 | 9 | |
| Two courses in Systematic or Historical Theology | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
- 1
One course in Bioethics may be taken at the Neiswanger Institute.
Graduate Courses by Area
Theology courses are divided into sub-fields as follows. There are also directed readings and independent studies options that are open for application to particular areas of study.
Biblical Studies
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THEO 401 | Tutorial in Biblical Studies | 3 |
| THEO 403 | Topics in Rabbinic & Medieval Literature | 3 |
| THEO 404 | History of Israel | 3 |
| THEO 405 | Formation of The Pentateuch | 3 |
| THEO 406 | Basic Hebrew Grammar | 3 |
| THEO 407 | Hebrew Exegesis | 3 |
| THEO 418 | Theological Prophets-Ancient Israel | 3 |
| THEO 420 | Seminar | 3 |
| THEO 421 | Directed Reading in Bible Studies | 1-3 |
| THEO 422 | Directed Reading in Bible Studies | 3 |
| THEO 424 | The Synoptic Gospels | 3 |
| THEO 425 | Luke-Acts & New Testament Church | 3 |
| THEO 427 | St Paul's Contribution to Christianity | 3 |
| THEO 429 | Person of Jesus in New Testament | 3 |
| THEO 515 | Gospels in Early Christianity | 3 |
| THEO 517 | Early Christian Letters | 1-12 |
| THEO 519 | Latr Nt-Subapost Writ | 3 |
| THEO 523 | Cultural-Religious Environment Early Christianity | 3 |
| THEO 527 | Various Community Early Christianity | 3 |
Theology
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THEO 436 | Christology | 3 |
| THEO 437 | Mystery of God in Christian Theology | 3 |
| THEO 440 | Seminar in Systematic Theology | 1-12 |
| THEO 441 | Directed Reading in Systematic Theology | 3 |
| THEO 447 | Philosophical Theology | 3 |
| THEO 449 | Phenomenology of Religion | 3 |
| THEO 459 | Contemporary Theology | 1-12 |
| THEO 460 | Seminar in History of Theology | 1-12 |
| THEO 461 | Directed Readings in History of Theology | 3 |
| THEO 464 | Religion & Politics in Christian History | 3 |
| THEO 530 | Seminar - Variable Titles | 1-12 |
| THEO 536 | Christian Doctrine-Catholic Theology | 3 |
| THEO 560 | Contemporary Authors | 1-12 |
| THEO 570 | Fundamental Issues in Christian Ethics | 1-12 |
Ethics
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| THEO 470 | Foundations Crititical Issues Theological Ethics | 1-12 |
| THEO 475 | Natural Law & Theological Ethics | 3 |
| THEO 477 | Feminist Issues in Theology and Ethics | 3 |
| THEO 478 | Issues in Medical Ethics | 3 |
| THEO 480 | Seminar in Christian Ethics | 1-12 |
| THEO 481 | Directed Readings Christian Ethics | 3 |
| THEO 573 | Roman Catholic Ethics | 3 |
| THEO 575 | Religious Ethics and Social Theory | 3 |
| THEO 580 | Christian Social Ethics | 3 |
| THEO 585 | Issues Applied Theology Ethics | 3 |
Education Minor
Students seeking an MA in any of our four concentrations can pursue a minor in Education. This option is excellent preparation for those who plan to teach theology at the high school level, where candidates with a combination of academic theological training and teacher training are in high demand.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CIEP 414 | Instructional Methods-Diverse Population | 3 |
| CIEP 423 | Advanced Literacy Instruction in the Content Area | 3 |
| CIEP 425 | Theory and Practice in Assessment | 3 |
| CIEP 458 | Classroom Management | 3 |
For those students who choose this option, the Theology Department will recognize two of these four required School of Education courses as fulfilling two electives in the MA program. The other two School of Education courses are in addition to the usual MA course requirements. Students frequently take these additional two courses during the summer.
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supercede school policies.