Master's Programs

This program is designed for individuals who wish to combine theories and practice of psychology with studies in theology and the pastoral dimensions of caregiving.

You’ll benefit from faculty advisors in both schools, spending your first year and summers in CSTM and years two and three in the Lynch School. Graduates emerge with both an M.A. in theology and ministry and an M.A. in counseling and can seek licensing as professional mental health counselors. Students usually complete the program in three years. You must apply separately and be admitted to both CSTM and the Lynch School.

Combine an M.A. in theology and ministry with a renowned Boston College M.B.A. This program manifests the University’s mission to educate individuals who serve with excellence in their fields and work for social and economic justice. Students generally begin their studies in CSTM and maintain close contact with advisors both in CTM and the Carroll School. The program must be completed within six years. Students must apply separately and be admitted to both CSTM and the Carroll School.

Combine an M.A. in theology and ministry with an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction through Boston College's Urban Catholic Teacher Corps (UCTC). Through this program, students take coursework in both disciplines while serving as a full-time teacher in the Archdiocese of Boston. This dual degree prepares faith-filled teachers to make a strong impact on Catholic education. Students generally begin their studies in UCTC and maintain close contact with advisors both in CSTM and the Lynch School. Students must apply separately and be admitted to both CSTM and UCTC. 

This program integrates theological understanding with social work theories and practice. Students develop the skills to plan, administer, and provide social services within local churches and faith-based agencies. 

Graduates emerge with both an M.A. in theology and ministry and an M.S.W. and can seek licensing as a clinical social worker. Students usually complete the program in three years. You must apply separately and be admitted to both CSTM and the School of Social Work.

Our programs prepare pastoral leaders, academics, educators and other professionals to serve the needs of a fast-growing Hispanic Catholic population in the United States. These programs offer our entire academic community the opportunity to engage leading U.S. Hispanic and Latin American theological voices as part of their formation.

Through STM’s Department of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry, earn your:

• Master of Arts degree in Theology and Ministry with a Track in Hispanic Ministry 

• Graduate-level Certificate in Hispanic Ministry 

Students typically take on-campus courses during the summer, when on-campus housing is available, and leverage online courses during the fall and spring. Because our program features both in-person and online interaction, students maintain close connections with their classmates.

Program highlights:

• 36 or 48 credits

• Can be completed in three years  

• Take courses across different theological areas (on-campus or online)

• Spiritual formation component

• Supervised ministry

• Capstone grounded in pastoral praxis—a traditional essay-based thesis, an artistic/performance thesis, or a research-based thesis

This two-year, 48-credit program is particularly well suited for lay students seeking intensive study of theology, pastoral development, active engagement in spiritual formation, and practical experience gained through a supervised ministry placement.

You can also pursue dual-degree programs, combining the M.A. with master’s degrees in social work (M.S.W.), business (M.B.A.), or counseling (M.A.).

Program highlights:

• Specialize the degree with a religious education or Hispanic ministry track

• Complete the Hybrid M.A. program through online and on-campus coursework

• Thesis project

This professional degree program combines broad mastery of theology with supervised ministry and spiritual formation. Prerequisites include one year of full-time, post-collegiate ecclesial ministry (exceptions will be made for applicants with significant undergraduate ministerial leadership experience) or its equivalent and two undergraduate courses in philosophy.

Program highlights:

• 82 credits, typically completed in three years of full-time study

• A grounding in Scripture, Church history, historical-systematic-practical theology, moral theology, and pastoral studies

• Supervised ministry in a setting you choose

• A supportive cohort experience, with dinners, nights of prayer and worship, and other bonding opportunities

• Synthesis exams in your third year

A broad curriculum covers various disciplines that make up theology. The program is also flexible: Half of the requirements are core credits—in fields such as Biblical Studies, Systematic and Historical Theology, Moral Theology, and Church History—and half are electives.  

Program highlights:

• 48 credits, usually completed in two years

• Apply up to nine credits in ancient or modern languages to the degree

• Pursue directed readings with faculty members during your second year

• Optional research thesis for credit

This 24-credit, civil degree can be completed full-time or part-time, in one year or two. Students choose either a theological or ministerial specialization. The theological specialization culminates in a thesis.

Lay students who have already completed a first-level master’s degree, are interested in doctoral work, and want additional coursework should also consider our Master of Theology program.

Admission prerequisites:

• A foundational master’s degree in theology or its equivalent in credit hours

• Ministerial experience

• Evidence of excellence in previous academic work