Santa Clara University

Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)

Introduction

The Master of Theological Studies program offers students a broad understanding of the Catholic theological vision in combination with areas of concentration including liturgy, history, spirituality and ethics. Students can complete the degree on a full-time basis, but the program also accommodates the schedules of part-time students with evening and weekend course offerings. The M.T.S. is an ideal program for persons engaged in ministry or seeking theological enrichment and a rewarding exploration of their faith. M.T.S. students become theologically literate in the scriptures, doctrinal history and the ethical consequences of that doctrine. Students also learn a theology of ministry for service in a changing Church and world.

Areas of Concentration

• Biblical Studies
• Christian Spirituality
• Cultural and Historical Studies of Catholicism
• Ethics and Social Theory/Religion and Society
• Church History
• History of Art and Religion
• Liturgical Studies
• Systematic and Philosophical Theology

Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

The Jesuit School welcomes the application of all qualified persons who wish to pursue the Master of Theological Studies program. Prerequisites for the M.T.S. include:

1. A bachelor's degree, in Arts or Sciences, or its academic equivalent, completed with at least a 3.0 (B) Grade Point Average.
2. The applicant should have a background in theology or religious studies, either through formal coursework or its equivalent.
3. The applicant should have been involved for at least one year in active ministry or its equivalent.

Advanced Standing

A student who has taken graduate courses in theology no longer than six years prior to registration may petition for advanced placement in the M.T.S. program. This petition may be included with the Application for Admission or it may be submitted during the first semester of study at the Jesuit School. No more than 12 semester units of advanced standing can be applied to the Jesuit School M.T.S. program. Petition forms are available from the Assistant Academic Dean or the Office of Admissions.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Theological Studies degree requires the completion of 48 semester hours (16 three-unit courses). A full-time student may expect to complete the M.T.S. degree in two academic years, but must complete the program within four calendar years from the date of first registration in the program. Twelve semester units is the normal full-time course load.

'Theology after Hours' (A Part-Time Option)

In respond to the needs of lay ecclesial ministers, religious educators, and other part-time working professionals who are looking to explore new dimensions of their faith, JST-SCU is now offering Theology after Hours. Expanding upon an already existing menu of courses, students interested in a diverse array of theological areas (see Concentrations above) can now complete the M.T.S. while studying part-time. At least five courses will be slated each semester for evenings and weekend intensives.

Credit Distribution for Course Work

General Theology (27 credits)

1. 24 of these units should be taken in basic theology:
   • • Biblical Studies (6 units)
     • Historical and Systematic Theology (6 units)
     • Ethics, Religion and Society (6 units)
     • Spirituality and Pastoral Theology (6 units)
2. 3 units for the MTS Proseminar.

N.B.  The units required for the two components (general theology and theological concentration) may be altered, with the permission of the Associate Academic Dean, if the student has already done extensive work in general theology or the area of concentration. 

Electives (6-12 credits)

All other courses taken in the MTS program are electives.  Students concentrating in general theology fields have 12 units of elective coursework.  Students concentrating in Catholic Studies have at least 6, and up to 12, units of electives, depending on whether their general theology courses reflect distinctively Catholic themes. 

The paper (roughly 40 pages) or equivalent project will synthesize the theological concentration and the general theological component.  A proposal for the project or paper is subject to the approval of the Academic Dean who will approve the principal advisor and a second reader.