Theology

The M.A. in Theology is rooted in Duquesne University's Catholic identity and simultaneously attentive to the University's mission—which includes a commitment to ecumenical and global concerns—as well as attentiveness to the most pressing moral issues of our time. Generous financial aid packages are available.

What you’ll learn with an M.A. in Theology

With an M.A. in theology, you will have the skills needed to achieve your bigger goals, regardless of industry or area of expertise within the theology realm and will be able to:

  • Understand the foundational areas of theology, including Catholic and ecumenical perspectives, through required Old Testament, New Testament and theology foundations courses.
  • Explain ecumenical, interreligious and global perspectives that inform Christian theological and ethical reflection.
  • Analyze and critically engage classical and contemporary theological sources.
  • Examine moral questions through a required ethics course in theological ethics or social ethics.
  • Present an integrated, self-appropriated stance on critical questions and issues in theology, with an optional master’s thesis.

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Program Information

Catholic theology and rigorous critical inquiry in a setting where we understand that religious questions are real and important, both for you and for the world.

Degree

Master's

School

McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts

Academic Department

Theology

Duration

2-year

Required Credit Hours

30

Modality

In-Person

"The faculty's expertise and knowledge are the program's greatest assets, and they take a genuine interest in the academic and personal lives of their students."

Nicole Powell

Course Offerings

The M.A. in Theology degree program consists of 30 credit hours. Elective offerings will allow you to pursue a degree of specialization as it aligns with your particular goals and interests.

View Catalog
  • THEO 509 New Testament (3 Credits) 
  • THEO 510 Old Testament / Tanakh (3 Credits) 
  • THEO 508 Foundations of Theology (3 Credits) 
  • Seminar in Historical Christian Thought (3 Credits) 
  • Seminar in Interreligious Dialogue or Comparative Religion (3 Credits) 
  • Additional doctrine course from the following options (3 Credits) 
    • THEO 520 Christology (3 Credits) 
    • THEO 3XX/4XX/5XX Doctrine of God (3 Credits) 
    • THEO 531 Ecclesiology (3 Credits) 
    • THEO 538 Sacraments (3 Credits) 
  • Ethics course from the following options (3 Credits) 
    • THEO 541 Theological Ethics (3 Credits) 
    • THEO 543 Social Ethics (3 Credits) 
  • Students writing a thesis will complete one elective course. Students who choose not to write a thesis will complete a second doctrine course from the list included above and two other electives.
  • Thesis Option (6 credits)
    • Students are encouraged to complete an MA thesis. Students will enroll in 6 credit hours while completing their theses. Typically, these credit hours will be completed in sequential semesters. 

Learning Outcomes

In addition to the Liberal Arts General Outcomes for all Graduate Degree Areas, students in the M.A. in Theology program will demonstrate the following general competencies:
  1. Analyze & critically engage sources: Analyze & critically engage both classical and contemporary theological sources.
  2. General knowledge: Demonstrate general knowledge of selected ecumenical, interreligious, & global perspectives as these inform Christian theological & ethical reflection.
  3. Critical question & issues: Present an integrated and self-appropriated stance regarding critical question & issues in theology.
  4. Foundational areas: Demonstrate comprehension of foundational areas of theology – including both Catholic & ecumenical perspectives.