Home > Master’s Programs > Master of Arts in Theological Studies
The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) provides students with a thorough understanding of theology that simultaneously increases knowledge of the faith and incites humble adoration of the mysteries of divine revelation.
The MATS program is well-designed for those who wish to engage in further study (such as a Ph.D. program in theology); for those who wish to pursue the art of teaching the faith (either in a Catholic school or parish environment); or for those who wish to receive systematic theological formation with the opportunity to study a particular area through a concentration and the possibility of a thesis. Students can take this Masters in Catholic theology online or on campus.
Students engage theology broadly while choosing a specific focus in Biblical Theology, Historical Theology, Systematic Theology, or Pastoral Theology. Unique among our degree programs, the MATS affords students great flexibility in course selection: within a given concentration, students have freedom to build a curriculum that can be directed towards comprehensive understanding or particular areas of research interest.
Program Outcomes:
A student who completes the Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree can expect:
1. To demonstrate an understanding of the foundations of Catholic theology
2. To achieve rigorous competency in a focused area of theological study
3. To integrate theological reflection, spiritual devotion, and academic research
4. To articulate Catholic theology in a manner that both draws on received tradition and engages contemporary culture
Curriculum:
15 courses (45 credits)
Foundational Courses:
Courses in Area of Concentration (Area A: Biblical Theology, Area B: Historical Theology, Area C: Systematic Theology, Area D: Pastoral Theology):
Courses in Other Areas (at least one from each area outside of concentration):
- C215 - Introduction to Theological Studies
- D214 – Spiritual Formation
Course I
Course II
Course III
Course IV
Course V
Course VI
Course VII
Course VIII
A/B/C/D-Area Elective I
A/B/C/D-Area Elective II
A/B/C/D-Area Elective III
A/B/C/D-Area Elective* IV
A/B/C/D-Area Elective* V
*In the thesis track, A/B/C/D-Area Electives IV and V are replaced with Thesis I and Thesis II.
To further explore the courses available as electives in the MATS program, click here to view our Course Catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What can I do with a Masters in Catholic Theology?
The graduates of St. Bernard's MATS program have successfully pursued Ph.D. programs in theology, diocesan and parish catechetical/ministerial positions, Catholic school teaching, and other positions within the Church’s mission of evangelization. At the same time, the MATS program affords an opportunity for you to be transformed by the sources of our faith, even if you do not yet know your mission within the Church. Many students come to St. Bernard’s to be formed for an as-yet-undefined mission, and they find that the MATS program is a crucial step in discerning what they might be called to. For further reading, a discussion that touches on this question can be found here: https://www.stbernards.edu/blog/why-study-theology -
What are the prerequisites for a Masters in Theology?
The prerequisites for a Masters in Theology at St. Bernard's include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5. No GRE is required. More information on prerequisites and the admissions process can be found here: https://www.stbernards.edu/admissions -
Can I study theology online?
Yes, St. Bernard's offers the entire MATS degree online through live, synchronous coursework that fosters community among students and personal engagement with faculty. For those in difficult time zones, asynchronous delivery (recorded sessions engaged at your own pace) is also available. More information about studying online at St. Bernard’s can be found here: https://www.stbernards.edu/distance-learning-and-online-education -
What is the difference between a Master of Theology and Master of Divinity?
While both the MATS and the MDiv are theological degree programs, there are some significant differences. The MATS is 45 credits and the MDiv is 72, which means that the MDiv provides a broader, more extensive formation that prepares you for leadership roles in the Church; the MATS provides an in-depth and transformative engagement with theological sources with a more targeted purpose: to prepare you for excellence in communicating, teaching, and (especially if you choose the thesis track) researching the riches of the Catholic faith. Also, while the MATS provides more flexibility in selecting coursework according to a chosen concentration, the MDiv provides a more determinate core curriculum that ensures the breadth of formation in all areas of study. Finally, while the MATS concludes with comprehensive exams and (if the thesis track is selected) a thesis, the MDiv includes Pastoral Field Education placements and a capstone Graduates’ Colloquium. To explore more about the MDiv program, click here: https://www.stbernards.edu/master-of-divinity -
How long is a Masters in Theology?
The MATS at St. Bernard's can be completed in 2 years when pursued on a full-time basis, and completed in 4 years when pursued on a part-time basis. Our programs are flexible and can be completed at a pace that works for you! There is no ‘locked-in’ pacing or cohort structure, so you are free to discern what is best for your schedule during any given semester.
