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.
The Theology (MA) also offers an Accelerated Master's Pathway for Undergraduate students to complete their Graduate studies in a fifth year. Further details of the AMP, including the suggested sequence of courses, can be found under the Curriculum tab.
Related Programs
Curriculum
The Master of Arts in Theology requires 30–36 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive examination. Students may choose to concentrate in one of the following areas: Theological Studies, Biblical Languages and Literature, Biblical Studies, or Christian Ethics. An Education minor option is also offered. Note: the MA in Biblical Languages and Literature requires an additional 6 credit hours due to intensive language requirements.
Besides the traditional Master's program, the Theology (MA) is also offered as an Accelerated Master's Pathway where exceptional students can complete the program in a fifth year. A suggested sequence for the AMP can be found below.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MA Requirements 1 | 30-36 | |
| Students may choose one of the following concentration areas. Courses in the concentrations are chosen from theology course areas with the option for directed readings and independent study for particular areas of study. | ||
| Theological Studies | ||
Four Gradute-level electives | ||
| Biblical Languages and Literature | ||
Four courses in Major Biblical Language (Hebrew or Greek) | ||
Two courses in Minor Biblical Language (Hebrew or Greek) | ||
Two courses in Old Testament | ||
Two courses in New Testament | ||
| Biblical Studies | ||
Three Graduate Electives | ||
| Christian Ethics | ||
Graduate Elective | ||
| Bioethics & Health Care Policy | ||
| Clinical Topics in Bioethics | ||
Three courses in Bioethics 2 | ||
| Total Hours | 30-36 | |
- 1
The Theology (MA) with a concentration in Biblical Languages and Literature requires 36 credit hours total due to 6 credit hours in intensive language requirements. All other Theology (MA) programs require 30 credit hours.
- 2
One course in Bioethics may be taken at the Neiswanger Institute.
Education Minor Option
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.
| 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
Concentration Descriptions
The Master of Arts in Theology requires 30–36 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive examination. The following descriptions are provided to aid in choosing a concentration area:
- Theological Studies: emphasizes exposure to the full range of theological investigation.
- 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. Note: requires an additional 6 credit hours due to intensive language requirements.
- Biblical Studies: directed towards students with a particular interest in Biblical Studies, but does not incorporate the language study necessary for doctoral work in Biblical Studies.
- Christian Ethics: focuses on coursework in Christian Ethics with similarities to the concentration in Theological Studies for a comprehensive overall coursework.
- Bioethics & Health Care Policy: 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.
Biblical Studies Area
| 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 |
Systematic & Historical Theology Area
| 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 |
Christian Ethics Area
| 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 570 | Fundamental Issues in Christian Ethics | 1-12 |
| 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 |
Suggested Sequence of Courses
Traditional Master's Program
In order to provide optimal flexibility in the Master's program, there is no required course sequence. However, it is suggested that students first take one 400-level course in the Biblical Studies Area, one in the Systematic and Historical Theology Area, and one in the Christian Ethics Area, and then proceed to 400-level elective courses. Students should consult with the Graduate Program Director on selection of courses.
Accelerated Master's Pathway
Students can take up to 15 credit hours in the Senior year with admission to the AMP. These credits are shared between the Bachelor's and Master's programs. While there is no required course sequence to provide optimal flexibility, it is suggested that students first take one 400-level course in the Biblical Studies Area, one in the Systematic and Historical Theology Area, and one in the Christian Ethics Area, and then proceed to 400-level elective courses. Students should consult with the Graduate Program Director on selection of courses.
Guidelines for Accelerated Master's Pathways
In Accelerated Master’s Pathways, students share limited, authorized credits between their Undergraduate and Graduate degrees to facilitate completion of both degrees in a shorter amount of time. Shared credits are Graduate level credit hours (400-level or higher) taken during the Undergraduate career and then applied both to the Undergraduate degree and towards Graduate program requirements.
Admission and Matriculation
Accelerated Master's Pathways are designed to enhance opportunities for advanced training for Loyola’s Undergraduates. Admission to these programs is competitive and will depend upon a positive review of credentials by the Graduate program. Accordingly, the admission requirements for these programs may be higher than those required if the Master’s degree were pursued entirely after the receipt of a Bachelor’s degree.
Students enrolled in an Accelerated Master's Pathway who choose not to continue to the Master’s degree program upon completion of the Bachelor’s degree will face no consequences.
Ideally, a student will apply for admission to an AMP program as they approach 90 credit hours in their Undergraduate career.
Students will not officially matriculate into the Master’s degree program and be labeled as a Graduate student by the university, with accompanying changes to tuition and Financial Aid (see below), until the Undergraduate degree has been awarded. Once admitted to the Graduate program, students must meet the academic standing requirements of their Graduate program as they complete the program curriculum.
Advising and Registration
Students in their final Undergraduate year will work with Advising in the home School of their Bachelor's program(s), as well as the Graduate Program Director of the Master’s program. Any 400-level or higher courses that the student plans to enroll in should be reviewed by both advisors to ensure that these courses will complete requirements for both degrees.
Registration in Graduate level courses during the Undergraduate year may require assistance from the Graduate Program Director and/or the student’s current academic advisor to enroll.
Shared Credits
Only courses taken at the 400-level or higher will count toward the Graduate program. At the Undergraduate level, students are restricted to enrolling in and sharing up to the number of Graduate level credits explicitly indicated in the catalog for their selected AMP program.
In general, Graduate level coursework should not be taken prior to admission into the Accelerated Master's Pathway. Exceptions may be granted for professional programs where curriculum for the Accelerated Master's Pathway is designed to begin earlier. On the recommendation of the program’s Graduate Program Director, students may take one of their Graduate level courses before they are admitted to the Accelerated Master’s Pathway if they have advanced abilities in their discipline and course offerings warrant such an exception.
Degree Requirements and Conferral
Undergraduate degree requirements are in no way impacted by admission to an Accelerated Master’s Pathway. Students should not, for example, attempt to negotiate themselves out of a writing intensive requirement on the basis of admission to a Graduate program.
The program’s Graduate Program Director will designate credit hours to be shared through the advising form and Master’s degree conferral review process. Graduate credit hours taken during the Undergraduate career will not be included in the Graduate GPA calculation.
If students wish to transfer credits from another university to Loyola University Chicago, the program’s Graduate Program Director will review the relevant syllabus or syllabi to determine whether it meets the criteria for a 400-level course or higher.
Programs with specialized accreditation requirements that allow programs to offer Graduate curriculum to Undergraduate students will conform to those specialized accreditation requirements.
Degrees are awarded sequentially. All details of Undergraduate commencement are handled in the ordinary way as for all students in the School/College/Institute. Once matriculated in the Graduate program, students abide by the graduation deadlines set forth by the Graduate program. Students in these programs must be continuously enrolled from Undergraduate to Graduate degree program unless given explicit permission by their program for a gap year or approved leave of absence. In offering the option of an Accelerated Master’s Pathway, the university is making possible the acceleration of a student’s Graduate degree completion. It should be understood that students may not request deferral of their matriculation into the Master’s degree program. If students would like to delay their Graduate studies after earning the Undergraduate degree, they may apply for admission to the traditional Master’s degree program. Any application of Graduate credit earned while in the Undergraduate program is subject to the policies of the Graduate degree granting school.
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 supersede school policies.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the M.A., students will have met the following objectives:
- Comprehension and Analysis of Scriptural, Ethical, Theological, and Religious Sources: Students will be able to analyze and interpret key scriptural, theological, ethical, and/or religious sources at an advanced level.
- Development of Research Methodologies: Students will be able to apply advanced research methodologies to formulate original arguments and contributions to their field(s).
- Creation and Communication of Scholarly Work: Students will be able to generate and effectively communicate original scholarly research, demonstrating proficiency in both written and oral forms, thereby contributing to academic discourse within their respective fields.
- Analysis of Contemporary Issues: Students will be able to analyze contemporary social, cultural, and philosophical issues using their discipline-specific knowledge of theology, ethics and/or biblical studies.
- Development of Effective Pedagogical Skills: Students will be able to plan and implement Ignatian-informed, effective pedagogical practices.
Assessment
- All M.A. Students are required to take rigorous courses, giving students a solid foundation in theological traditions and disciplines. At the end of the program, each student takes a comprehensive written exam. The questions in these exams are tailored to the students’ course record and interest.
- M.A. students can participate in many of the pedagogical opportunities that we offer as a department, e.g., course design, assessment tools, etc., which are especially pertinent to the M.A. THEO/EDU MINOR students.
- The M.A. program regularly enrolls Jesuit scholastics in a wide range of our courses as they pursue the M.A. in Social Philosophy from the Philosophy Department. Their presence enriches our classes and our diversity of students enriches the scholastics’ educational breadth of experience. Occasionally, Theology faculty direct or advise their M.A. theses.
- Our M.A. students are exposed to the many programs across the university that support the Jesuit mission, to which our department’s faculty contribute. In particular, the Healing Earth Project, an online tool to teach environmental science in secondary schools, integrated with ethics and spirituality, allows M.A. students who will teach in high schools to excel in this area.