Theological Studies (MA)
Master of Arts (MA)
Program overview
The MA in Theological Studies explores the relationship between religious experience and human society.
With the Church operating in an increasingly pluralistic world, Christianity’s role is in constant evolution. Our researchers approach the history of theology with respect while maintaining an eye on the future.
As part of the humanities, our program provides an interdisciplinary environment for advanced research by using methodologies present in philosophy, history and languages.
Our student body is composed of individuals from a variety of religious and non-religious backgrounds who are interested in questions of faith and spirituality.
Join a vibrant community of researchers and faculty members who will encourage you to go beyond established disciplinary boundaries as you examine the roles of theology and belief in a secular era. For additional information, review the student handbook for the MA in Theological Studies.
Program Details
Admission Requirements
- Solid undergraduate preparation with a range of competence similar to that demanded of Major students at Concordia, and a minimum B average in their undergraduate studies.
- Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.
- Language Requirements. Thesis proposals which depend on special linguistic skills will be accepted only from students competent in the appropriate languages.
Degree Requirements
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.
Please see the Theological Studies Courses page for course descriptions.
Theological Studies MA (45 credits)
| 45 | credits chosen from one of the following options: Theological Studies MA Option A: MA with Thesis Theological Studies MA Option B: MA with Applied Project in Theology |
Theological Studies MA Option A: MA with Thesis (45 credits)
| 15 | credits of Required Courses: |
| 9 | credits of Theology MA Elective Courses |
| 21 | credits: |
Theological Studies MA Option B: MA with Applied Project in Theology (45 credits)
| 9 | credits of Required Courses: |
| 18 | credits of Theology MA Elective Courses |
| 18 | credits: |
Theology MA Elective Courses
| • THEO 621 Old Testament I (3.00) • THEO 623 Old Testament II (3.00) • THEO 627 Questions in Old Testament Research (3.00) • THEO 629 Intertestament Studies (3.00) • THEO 631 New Testament I (3.00) • THEO 633 New Testament II (3.00) • THEO 635 New Testament III (3.00) • THEO 637 Questions in New Testament Research (3.00) • THEO 639 Biblical Studies (3.00) • THEO 641 History I (3.00) • THEO 643 History II (3.00) • THEO 645 History III (3.00) • THEO 647 Research in History of Christian Thought (3.00) • THEO 649 Questions in Christian Worship (3.00) • THEO 651 Theology I (3.00) • THEO 653 Theology II (3.00) • THEO 655 Theology III (3.00) • THEO 657 Questions in Theological Research (3.00) • THEO 661 Ecclesiology I (3.00) • THEO 663 Ecclesiology II (3.00) • THEO 664 Ecclesiology III (3.00) • THEO 667 Research In Ecclesiology (3.00) • THEO 669 Theology & World Religions (3.00) • THEO 671 Ethics I (3.00) • THEO 673 Ethics II (3.00) • THEO 675 Issues in Ethical Research (3.00) | |
| 21 | credits: |
You may choose one of two options:
- Option A: MA with thesis
- Option B: MA with applied project in Theology
We encourage students who have a rich background in Theological Studies and plan to continue their studies at the doctoral level to write a thesis (option A).
Your completed application will include:
- Application form and fee
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three Letters of Reference and assessment form
- Statement of purpose (1 page maximum) should indicate why the applicant is interested in the program and which areas he or she hopes to specialize in
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted.
Please apply online. Read the how-to guide for application procedures.
All applications must be submitted to the Graduate Admissions Application Centre.
*International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply much earlier than these posted deadlinees, as the process to obtain a Canadian student Visa can take approximately four months.
| DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
| Theological Studies | MA | June 1 | Nov. 1 | n/a |
Courses typically offered include:
- Method in Theology
- Theological Hermeneutics
- Methods in Biblical Studies
- Elective courses in various areas of specialization of the professors
The department offers one or two financial packages per year for outstanding students applying to enter the MA in Theological Studies full-time in the fall (valued at $7,000). To be considered, your complete application should be submitted by January 15.
Financial aid is also available to students interested in Teaching or Research Assistantships (valued between $2,000 - $7,000). Contact the Graduate Program Director or your supervisor for more information on these opportunities.
Consult Concordia’s graduate funding page and Financial Aid and Awards.
Choose your supervisor from amongst leading researchers. Speak to the graduate program director to discuss the process of selecting a supervisor.
Faculty interests include:
- interpretation theory, historical theology, theological methodology, and biblical methods
- biblical periods, biblical texts, the patristic age, Gnostic and apocryphal literature, Medieval and Reformation periods
- religion and politics, church-state relations
- fundamental and applied ethics, spirituality, and contemporary theologians
- cross disciplinary studies, for example Bible and politics, ethics and Bible
Review the student-produced multi-disciplinary journal, Word in the World.
Plan for a successful careers in:
- Provincial or federal government: Ethicists providing consulting services on various ethical issues (e.g. assisted dying, bioethics, etc)
- Health care: manager of multi-million-dollar grant helping families with loved ones with mental illness to navigate the healthcare system; hospital chaplains; Spiritual animators in nursing care facilities
- Education: teachers of Ethics and Religious Culture courses at all levels of pre-university education; CEGEP/College teachers of Humanities
- Non-profit sector: employees with a charitable organization offering social services