Online, Remote, and Hybrid learning options for distance students or those who need more flexibility
The M.T.S. program also offers a hybrid track, which can be completed online. The JST offers many opportunities for distance learning through the JST or through cross registrations at UC Berkeley, Santa Clara University, and any of the GTU’s member schools. Hybrid students have the option of attending an on-campus fall orientation, on-campus summer and intersession courses in addition to taking online, hybrid, and remote classes, which are offered year round. The hybrid track can be completed in two years and culminates in a synthesis project or paper. Distance learners, like on-campus students, may opt to enroll part-time and complete the program in no more than four years. Hybrid and on-campus students also benefit from participating in optional Special Reading Courses (SRC) with the professor of their choice for course credit. For a more complete explanation of the program and its requirements, please see the Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) handbook.
Who is this degree for?
- Parish/Church Ministers
- Aspiring Theologians
- Educators and Teachers
- Community Leaders
- Pastoral Counselors
- Individuals looking to expand their knowledge of their faith
Admission Requirements
To apply for the M.T.S. program, you'll need:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree. (In some circumstances, an individual may be admitted with the academic equivalent of a bachelor's degree, subject to the discretion of the faculty.)
I have two young children and I live out-of-state. The ability to receive at least part of my education online was essential...I [also] liked the flexibility of being able to complete some of my coursework in-person.
Program structure
A full-time student in the Master of Theological Studies program may expect to complete the degree in two academic years, but must complete the program within four calendar years from their date of first registration. 12 semester units is the normal full-time course load. For a more complete explanation of the program requirements, Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) .
36 of these credits should be taken in basic theology:
- Biblical Studies (9 credits)
- Historical and Systematic Theology (9 credits)
- Ethics, Religion and Society (9 credits)
- RS 2092 Culture, Context and Lived Religion, or an approved equivalent, is required as 3 of these nine units.
- Spirituality and Pastoral Theology (9 credits)
- 3 credits for the MTS Proseminar.
- the Proseminar includes a synthesis paper or project in the area of the student’s specialization.
Students concentrating in one of the areas of study listed under general theology must take 9 additional units in their area of concentration in addition to the general theology requirement. The total number of credits that constitute a concentration is 15.
The only currently recognized area of concentration that is not a general theology requirement is Catholic Studies. Students concentrating in Catholic studies must take 15 units of Catholic Studies in order to fulfill their concentration.
*N.B. Any two courses in the general theology requirement that have a distinctly Catholic focus may be counted toward the total of 15.
**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.
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
Online MTS students do not choose an area of concentration, instead taking more General Theology and Elective courses.
All other courses are electives.
All M.T.S. students are required to take the M.T.S. Proseminar. Taken in the last semester of the program, the Proseminar is a three-credit course that helps students synthesize their learning as they prepare their final projects and papers. Required and recommended courses are offered online to accommodate both on-campus and hybrid students.
M.T.S. students are to write a paper (roughly 40 pages) or present an equivalent project synthesizing the theological concentration and the general theological components of the program. This paper is to be done under the direction of a full-time JST faculty member and with a second reader, both approved by the Associate Dean.
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 Registrar or the Office of Admissions.
Our application priority deadlines are February 1 for the fall and September 1 for the spring.