Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Theology degree program requires forty-five credit hours: thirteen graduate level courses and a research thesis. This degree allows for further concentration beyond the MTS degree in one particular area chosen by the student (e.g., Biblical, Spiritual, Moral, etc.) and includes an extensive research project concluding in a thesis paper (60-100 pages long).

For students completing their MTS in residency, nine additional hours of coursework in the concentration area and a six-hour thesis must be completed.

Application to the MA program will be accepted only after successful completion of the MTS comprehensive exams. Formal admission to the thesis requires successful completion of the MA comprehensive examination. Reading competency in an appropriate foreign language is not a formal requirement for admission to the thesis. It is normally required for a Biblical thesis and is at the discretion of the thesis director for a thesis in other concentration areas.

Transfer students with an MTS or equivalent degree, such as an MDiv, from another college may also build on their degree to attain the MA, with a residency requirement (minimum hours taken through Spring Hill College) of twenty-one hours. Students with the MTS or equivalent transfer degree must complete all requirements for the MA degree within four calendar years of initial enrollment.

Delivery:

On Campus, Online

Credits:

48 Credits

Faculty Count:

7

Average Class Size:

13

Program Goals

The MA program is designed for students who have earned a Master of Theological Studies degree, or an equivalent, from Spring Hill or a regionally accredited institution. The MA program builds on that degree and allows the student to engage in more focused research in their additional course work. The program culminates in an MA thesis (6 credit hours) in a specific topic in theology.

Career Outlook

This program provides several opportunities for employment after graduation in ministries, churches, non-profits, and other religious organizations as spiritual leaders. This program provides a deeper understanding of the Christian faith which will be of great importance in the workplace to make ethical and just decisions.

“I returned to Spring Hill to pursue a graduate degree in theology because of the Theology Department’s reputation for academic excellence and my memorable undergraduate theology courses. After completing the MTS, the Master of Arts in Theology program allowed me to go beyond that degree with further concentration in my study area of moral theology through research and thesis writing. The program is designed for full-time working professionals, and the professors challenge the students to accomplish high academic achievements and attain a deeper understanding of our own faith. My theological studies at Spring Hill have led me to many wonderful events I was unaware that God had planned for me, and I continue to be in awe of his plans for my life as I progress on my journey.” – Sam Di Benedetto

Faculty

View Department Page

Graduate theology studies at Spring Hill College is built on over 30 years of adult theological formation in the Southeast. Deeply rooted in Catholic tradition with an ecumenical vision that enters into dialogue with the many frontiers of the 21st century.

  • Christopher Viscardi

    Professor, Philosophy and Theology

  • Nelida Naveros-Cordova

    Assistant Professor Theology, Graduate Program Director

  • Matthew Bagot

    Associate Professor

  • John Switzer

    Professor Emeritus – Adjunct

  • Stephen Wilson

    Professor

  • George Gilmore

    Professor

Why SHC?

  • At Spring Hill College, we’re making our mark – With our small class sizes and affordable tuition, Spring Hill College is uniquely qualified to provide a high quality education to our students. Our Jesuit, Catholic college education is renowned as a well-rounded higher education approach, with an emphasis on empowering students with a passion for knowledge and personal growth. With our recent cut in tuition, Spring Hill College is one of the most affordable private colleges in the country.
  • We’re curious and inspired – Forbes Magazine has ranked Spring Hill College as one of the top ten best colleges for return on investment (ROI). In our class of 2019, 99.5% of graduates attained placement six months after graduation through employment, graduate/professional school, internship or service.
  • We’re doers – Our students contribute 24,000 hours on average to the local community through the Foley Center each year. 100% of the 2020 graduates that applied to medical school were accepted. Spring Hill College has a 100% certification rate and a 92% placement rate with our Education program over the last five years.
  • Students may achieve full standing through initial admission at one of three levels: unconditional, conditional or provisional. Unconditional status gives full standing upon entering the program, while conditional status and provisional status require the fulfillment of specific documentation and/or performance criteria.

    SHC offers a significantly reduced tuition rate of $345 an hour for students enrolled in our Graduate Programs of Theology & Ministry.  Limited assistance is also available through scholarships and financial aid. Contact the department for more information.

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