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.

Concentrations

MA students may choose one of the following four concentrations. Students in each of these programs take a four-hour comprehensive examination in the final semester. No thesis is required.

Theological Studies

This concentration emphasizes exposure to the full range of theological investigation. Requirements include:

• Two courses in Biblical Studies
• Two courses in Systematic or Historical Theology
• Two courses in Christian Ethics
• Four elective courses
• Comprehensive exam

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. Requirements include:

• Four courses in a major biblical language (Hebrew or Greek)
• Two courses in a minor biblical language (Hebrew or Greek)
• Two courses in Old Testament
• Two courses in New Testament
• One course in Systematic or Historical Theology
• One course in Christian Ethics
• Comprehensive exam

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. Requirements include:

• Five courses in Biblical Studies
• One course in Systematic or Historical Theology
• One course in Christian Ethics
• Three elective courses
• Comprehensive exam

Christian Ethics

This concentration is similar to the Master in Theological Studies, but requires more coursework in Christian Ethics. Requirements include:

• Five courses in Christian Ethics
• Two courses in Systematic or Historical Theology
• Two courses in Biblical Studies
• One elective
• Comprehensive exam

Bioethics & Health Care Policy

The Bioethics & Health Care Policy concentration is a new concentration offered jointly with the Neiswanger Institute for Bioethics at Loyola's Health Care campus in Maywood. 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.  

• Two courses in Christian Ethics
• Four courses in Bioethics (BEHL 401 is required; one course may be replaced with a course from the Neiswanger Institute for Bioethics & Health Policy Program)
• Two courses in Systematic or Historical Theology
• Two courses in Biblical Studies
• Comprehensive Exam

MA Program Application

The MA program application requires:

• three letters of recommendation (letters of reference from professors are preferred).
• transcripts from all universities attended
• a personal statement of purpose
• a writing sample of five to twenty-five pages that includes citations and references
• the completed application form with application fee

Deadlines

Applications are due by:

• Fall entry - June 1
• Spring entry - November 1

To apply, click here.

If you have questions about our MA programs, please contact Theology Department Graduate Program Director, Dr. Christopher Skinner at cskinner1@luc.edu.