Why Choose the M.T.S. Program at Santa Clara’s Jesuit School of Theology?

A master's degree should open doors. People seek graduate degrees to advance their careers, enrich their personal growth, or to attain a deeper understanding of a particular subject. In the case of the ‘hyflex’ Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) program from Santa Clara's Jesuit School of Theology (JST-SCU), students are called to deeply examine Catholic theology, ethics, and culture in preparation for ministry, research, or service.

JST-SCU's M.T.S. program is a rigorous Jesuit program steeped in the traditions of Catholic scholarship, delivered in a modern format that allows students to combine study with their existing or developing professional and family commitments. Through its hyflex format, online and on-campus course modules combine to create customizable paths for ministry, research, or education.

This article examines what makes Santa Clara’s M.T.S. program distinctive—from its Jesuit foundations to its flexible hyflex format—and how it prepares graduates for meaningful work in theology, ministry, and service.

Jesuit Approach to Spiritual and Academic Formation

The first Jesuit school opened in Sicily in 1548.¹ Today, there are more than 3,700 Jesuit schools spread around the world, which is a testament to an inspiring educational approach and a thriving intellectual tradition.²

The first principle of Jesuit education is the widely known emphasis on holistic development: the doctrine of cura personalis, or care for the whole person.³ This manifests as a focus on nurturing each individual's heart, mind, and spirit. It values emotional and spiritual growth as highly as intellectual development.

In turn, this focus gives rise to priorities of Jesuit education, such as service and justice. In the words of Pedro Arrupe, Superior General of the Jesuits from 1965 to 1983, "Today our prime educational objective must be to form [...] men and women who cannot even conceive of love of God which does not include love for the least of their neighbors; men and women completely convinced that love of God which does not issue in justice for others is a farce."⁴

This approach is the core philosophy that drives the work of JST-SCU, from educational programs that emphasize discernment, ethics, and social justice, to student life that fosters a deep sense of community built on global Jesuit connections.

Flexible and Mission-Aligned Curriculum

In the M.T.S. degree program, you’ll take core courses in theology with credits focused on your selected concentration, electives, and a foundational course in Contextual Theology. Concentration options include:

• Theology
• Theological Ethics
• Biblical Studies
• Christian Spirituality
• Synodal Leadership
• Culture, History & the Arts

All of this is offered in a hyflex (online/on-site) format to provide a program that is accommodating for working professionals, but retains the community you'll need to broaden your experience and enrich your academic outlook. The program begins with an in-person orientation, allowing you to connect with peers and faculty before transitioning into hyflex.

The program encourages the integration of lived experience into theological study. In part, this can be achieved through an optional capstone project connected to your personal and professional goals. It is also present in the remarkable range of electives available to M.T.S. students.

Preparation for Diverse Vocational Outcomes

Santa Clara University’s graduate programs are known for offering top-ranked education with the flexibility and accessibility that come from online and hyflex learning models. The M.T.S. program is intentionally designed to prepare graduates for two distinct pathways—academic scholarship and church ministry—and a diverse range of potential vocational outcomes. Broadly, the M.T.S. prepares you to follow a calling into ministry, research, or service. More specifically, this can include chaplaincy, pastoral leadership, doctoral programs, or ministry roles in Catholic and ecumenical settings.

For some students, the flexibility of the M.T.S. program is an essential feature. For example, Wakiza Gámez described his need to stay close to his family and desire to continue his education with Santa Clara Online: "I have two young children, and I live out of state. Relocating for two years wasn't an option for me. [...] I chose Santa Clara Online because I have been connected to Jesuit education since high school, and I attended Santa Clara for my undergraduate degree."

For Kelly Miguens, the M.T.S. experience was transformative: "Every class that I've taken has impacted me personally. [...] It has transformed my prayer, transformed the way I think and live in a really positive, but also challenging, way."

Daniel Valcazar II was struck by the diversity of background and unity of purpose among JST-SCU students: "Having people in your classes that are from Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe—you name it—there are people from all around the world, literally, in class with you. They speak three or four languages and have a way of looking at the world that is unique to them and still connected through this very similar, deep-seated desire to do good in the world."

Daniel encourages prospective students to learn more about JST-SCU directly: "You'll see how unique this place is when you learn more about how it operates."

Santa Clara's M.T.S. Program: Your Path Forward

Why choose the Master of Theological Studies program at JST-SCU? It’s a mission-driven, flexible option for those seeking purpose through theology while continuing to honor their existing obligations.

Our distinguished faculty, such as program director Dr. James Nati and JST-SCU Dean Agbonkhianmeghe E. Orobator, S.J., are deeply versed in the traditions of Jesuit pedagogy and will guide your journey through the nuances of the Catholic theological tradition. Further, our commitment to connection through the Santa Clara Online alumni network and global Jesuit community will enrich your experience and support your professional growth.

Explore the details of our program online, including our admissions requirements and financial aid information. Then contact us to explore how the M.T.S. program can help you fulfill your calling.