Master of Arts in Theology
The Master of Arts in Theology program at Barry University serves those individuals seeking a degree in preparation for teaching theology in secondary school systems, assuming the position of Director of Religious Education, pursuing further study in doctoral programs, and seeking personal enrichment in theology. The Master of Arts in Theology requires 36 credits and provides students in the field of theological and religious education and in the pursuit of a doctoral degree with a rigorous theological foundation geared to their specific needs.
Program Objectives
The purpose of the M.A. in Theology degree program is to provide a foundational understanding of the theological disciplines of the Christian tradition for the professional education credential and/or further graduate study through:
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Rigorous academic engagement in the areas of biblical, systematic, liturgical/sacramental, and moral theology
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Theological research through historical methods in Scripture, systematic, sacramental/liturgical, and moral theology
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Integrated theological reflection on experience
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Theological engagement with diverse cross-cultural contexts and a global worldview.
Admission Requirements and Policies
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Completed Application
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Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized institution with at least a 3.0 grade point average
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Sufficient undergraduate preparation or life experience, usually 18 hours of under-graduate theology or religious studies
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A minimum score of 350 on the Miller Analogies Test or 150 on the Verbal portion of the G.R.E.
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Theology Pre-Test
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Academic Writing Sample
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Two letters of recommendation
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An interview with the members of the Graduate Theology Committee
Requirements for Graduation
Course Work
For completion of the M.A. in Theology degree, students must: 1) complete a minimum of 36 hours of course work and 2) pass written and oral comprehensive examinations.
Orientation
All new students are required to participate in an orientation at the start of their studies. The orientation will provide: 1) an overview of the program, 2) an explanation of the various requirements and stages of the program, 3) information and guidance about the resources of Barry University, and 4) an opportunity to meet professors and students in order to be more fully integrated on a personal level in the program.
Capstone Process
The Capstone Process for the Master of Arts in Theology consists of Written Comprehensive Examinations and an Oral Examination on the contents of comprehensives.
Students complete Written Comprehensive Examinations in five theological disciplines: Hebrew Scriptures, New Testament, Systematic theology, Sacramental/Liturgical theology, and Moral theology. The Department provides students with questions and a reading list for examinations at the time of their matriculation into the program. On the day of the examination, the student is given one question from each area.
Using historical critical method, as well as contemporary, contextual/practical theological perspectives, students are expected to integrate course content as well as other bibliographic resources into each theological area. The written exams are timed (one hour per question) and proctored by the Comprehensive Examination Committee of the Graduate Theology Committee. Students then sit for Oral Examination on the contents of the Written Comprehensives. This examination is conducted by at least three members of the Graduate Theology Committee and may take up to one and a half hours. Examiners question students on the theological content of the written examination.
Transfer of Credits
A maximum of 6 graduate semester hours in Religious Studies or Theology may be transferred from another regionally accredited college or university. Such course work must be relevant to the discipline, with the students having earned a minimum of 3.0 within the seven-year time limitation of the degree. Transfer credit must have the approval of the Chair of the Department.
Time Limitations
A minimum of three years is required to complete the degree. Students pursuing the Master of Arts in Theology are permitted seven years from the date of initial matriculation to complete requirements. Degrees may be completed on a full- or part-time basis.
Master of Arts, Theology (36 credits)
Required Courses (6 Credits)
Required Curriculum Distribution (12 credits)
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| One Hebrew Scripture Course | 3 |
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| One New Testament Course | 3 |
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| One Liturgical/Sacramental Theology Course | 3 |
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| One Fundamental Morality Course | 3 |
Elective Courses (18 credits)