Theology, M.A.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Perform biblical exegesis with attention to historical contexts, the history of interpretation, and contemporary theological developments;
• Engage in critical reflection on major theological themes, including the ability to articulate different perspectives and place them in dialogue, and the ability to engage such themes in real world contexts;
• Perform critical historical analysis, reading and interpreting primary sources of theology in their broader context;
• Situate contemporary theological developments in light of historical trajectories;
• Interpret the work of seminal thinkers in Christian ethics and analyze contemporary moral problems;
• Discern accurate and credible knowledge about diverse religious traditions and expressions;
• Engage the question of the theological significance of religious diversity;
• Articulate multiple methods in theological studies and apply them in appropriate scholarly ways and contexts;
• Engage critically with the Roman Catholic intellectual tradition, appreciating the internal diversity within Roman Catholic and wider Christian traditions, and articulating how an encounter with the Roman Catholic intellectual tradition enhances engagement with one’s own religious perspectives.

Degree Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Semester Hours
Core Requirements
THST 6010	Foundations of New Testament Theology	3
or THST 6000	Foundations of Old Testament Theology
Select one of the following:		3
THST 6020	Foundations of Historical Theology
Any one course from the 6020s
THST 6030	Introduction to Systematic Theology	3
THST 6060	Foundations of Theological Ethics	3
THST 6090	Graduate Pro-Seminar (usually taken during the first semester)	3
THST 6092	Comprehensive Exam Seminar (taken after completing 36 semester hours minimum)	3
THST 6093	Research and Writing Seminar (taken after completing 36 semester hours minimum)	3
Subtotal		21
Theology Electives
Select an additional 21 semester hours of Theology electives		21
Subtotal		21
Total Semester Hours		42

Comparative Theology Concentration

An option for Students in the M.A. (Theology)

M.A. (Theology) students may choose to take elective courses that develop a concentration in Comparative Theology. The concentration in Comparative Theology serves students who wish to focus their program more specifically around questions of religious diversity, inter-religious dialogue, world religions, and comparative theology.

The concentration is comprised of four courses (12 semester hours), one (1) required course (THST 6080 Comparative Theology), and three (3) other approved courses, which the student chooses in conjunction with the academic advisor. Students must also fulfill core requirements as listed above, items A through G.

Comparative Theology Concentration–Course Offerings

Students who choose to do this Concentration are required to take:

Course List

Code	Title	Semester Hours
THST 6080	Comparative Theology	3
Select three of the following: 1		9
THST 6033	Feminist Theology
THST 6081	Comparative Religious Ethics
THST 6082	Comparative Mysticism
THST 6083	Hinduism, Vedanta, and Yoga
THST 6084	Buddhism
THST 6085	Classics of Chinese Philosophy
THST 6086	Readings in Religious Literature
THST 6087	Jainism
THST 6088	Judaism
THST 6089
Total Semester Hours		12

¹

Or other courses approved by the academic advisor in concert with the graduate director