This program brings together two complementary programs: Theology (AST) and Religious Studies (Saint Mary’s University). Graduate students will experience a diverse and rich field of expertise in the study of theology and religion.
Students have a unique opportunity to explore and articulate the relationship between Theology and Religious Studies, especially as the fields have evolved both within Canada and internationally. The relationship allows Theology and Religious Studies students to be enriched with the methods and perspectives each field offers. The result is an exceptional preparation for doctoral work that is unique in North America. Students can shape their own focus, specializing in the multicultural, religiously plural realities of Canada, the Americas, and elsewhere, and choose to study within traditional theological areas, such as biblical studies, systematic theology, ethics, and pastoral theology.
Admission Requirements
The academic requirement for admission to this program as a first degree in theology (thesis or course-only) is a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a university recognized by the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada, the Council for Higher Education in the United States, a similarly recognized AUCC accredited institution, or a similarly recognized institution. You have maintained a minimum ‘B+’ average in your undergraduate program. The academic requirement for admission to this program as a specialization in theology (thesis or course-only) is a Bachelor’s degree in theology, a Bachelor’s degree in a cognate discipline, or a Master of Divinity degree from a university recognized by the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada, the Council for Higher Education in the United States, or a similarly recognized institution, with a minimum ‘B+’ average.
Admissions Process
Submit the following to the Registrar’s office by the published application deadlines: MA program application form; $70 non-refundable application fee; a letter of intent providing information on your area of interest, your goals, and how this degree program will help you meet them; a sample of your academic writing (at least 10 pages); one official transcript in its original sealed and signed/stamped envelope issued from each of your previous and current post-secondary education institutions; and three letters of reference in their original envelopes signed and sealed by your referees. The Academic Dean and the Program Coordinator will review your application and, if successful, you will receive an admission letter from the Dean. If not, you will receive notification that your application was unsuccessful.
Financial Support
Generous entrance scholarships are awarded annually to MA (Theology and Religious Studies) students with outstanding academic backgrounds. No additional application is required; all applicants are considered for these awards.
To be considered for funding, the application is March 1.
MA (Theology and Religious Studies) Program Requirements
Students in the MA (Theology and Religious Studies) program fulfilling the requirements for a first degree in theology (holding a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline) are required to complete 16 course credits and a thesis (valued at 2 course credits); or for a course-only degree, are required to complete 18 course credits. Students in the MA (Theology and Religious Studies) program fulfilling the requirements for a specialization in theology (holding a Bachelor’s degree in theology or in a cognate discipline, or the MDiv) are required to complete 6 course credits and a thesis (valued at 2 course credits); or for a course-only degree, are required to complete 8 course credits. To qualify for graduation with the MA degree, you must maintain an overall B+ average in your course work and your thesis (if you are in the thesis stream).
Program Duration
MA (Theology and Religious Studies) Program Requirements Students in the MA (Theology and Religious Studies) program fulfilling the requirements for a first degree in theology (holding a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline) are required to complete 16 course credits and a thesis (valued at 2 course credits); or for a course-only degree, are required to complete 18 course credits. Students in the MA (Theology and Religious Studies) program fulfilling the requirements for a specialization in theology (holding a Bachelor’s degree in theology or in a cognate discipline, or the MDiv) are required to complete 6 course credits and a thesis (valued at 2 course credits); or for a course-only degree, are required to complete 8 course credits. To qualify for graduation with the MA degree, you must maintain an overall B+ average in your course work and your thesis (if you are in the thesis stream).
Typically, the program will take three academic terms (normally, Fall, Winter and Summer) for full-time specialization in theology thesis students to complete, or two terms for full-time course-only students. Three terms offer you two terms of course work and one term to complete your thesis. Students enrolled in the specialization in theology (thesis or course-only) who require more than six years to complete the requirements of the program must request and receive permission from the AST Senate for an extension.
For more information, please contact our Recruitment and Vocations Coordinator: [email protected]
For an application to the MA Program, please see our Applications page.