Study Abroad in Austria
Tuition & Financial Aid
International Students
Living Your Faith
Housing & Dining
Student Opportunities
Student Resources
Video
Enrich your understanding of the Catholic intellectual and spiritual tradition—on your schedule. Franciscan University of Steubenville’s fully online Master of Arts in Catholic Studies immerses you in an interdisciplinary exploration of the truth, beauty, and goodness of the faith and its enduring impact on human life and culture.
Offering a flexible format that lets you start any time and finish in as little as one year, our program prepares you to see the world with a Catholic perspective and inspire others to do the same.
In Franciscan’s online Catholic studies master’s program, you’ll strengthen your:
Critical thinking and communication: Dive into a rigorous study of hermeneutics, the teachings of Western philosophers, and theology, elevating your ability to wrestle with complex concepts and articulate a cohesive Catholic framework.
Application of the Catholic worldview: Gain an in-depth understanding of how to view the world through the Gospel and Catholic teachings and how to use this wisdom to guide every facet of your life.
Rich knowledge of Catholicism’s impact: Study how Catholicism has shaped nearly every part of society—from the fine arts to Western culture and philosophy—acquiring a deeper appreciation for its enduring influence.
At Franciscan, we design our graduate admissions process to be straightforward, so you can focus on achieving your goals. We accept applications on a rolling basis, which means there is no formal deadline, and you can begin your online Catholic studies program in the fall, spring, or summer.
To ensure a smooth start, please submit your application at least one month before your intended start date.
1. Admission Requirements
To be eligible to apply to the online Catholic studies program, you must have a bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from a regionally accredited university or college in any discipline. If your undergraduate GPA was below 3.0, you may be admitted on a conditional or probationary basis.
At Franciscan, we do not require you to take a Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
2. Free Online Application
Your journey to Franciscan begins by submitting an online application .
3. Submit Documents
Along with your completed online application, please submit:
All official college or university transcripts (sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions by the issuing institution).
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) results (if you are an international applicant whose first language or the country’s official language is not English).
Supplemental materials should be emailed to the graduate admissions office or sent to:
Graduate Admissions Office
Franciscan University of Steubenville
1235 University Boulevard
Steubenville, OH 43952
Franciscan’s fully online Master of Arts in Catholic Studies delivers a transformative graduate education with built-in flexibility and a multidisciplinary approach. Our 30-credit curriculum weaves together a nuanced study of theology, philosophy, history, literature, science, and the arts through a Catholic framework.
In your core classes, you learn about the far-reaching impact of Catholic culture and history from antiquity to the present. With a wide range of elective options, you can tailor your education to align with your unique interests and goals.
Whether you pursue a calling in law, education, business, or another field, your time in the Catholic studies program enriches your relationship with Jesus Christ and guides you toward a life of holiness, purpose, and influence.
Core Courses (15 Credits)
The foundation of your online master’s in Catholic studies program includes:
Catholic Culture and Thought I: Ancient and Medieval, 1–1500
Catholic Culture and Thought II: Modern, 1500–1900
Catholic Culture and Thought IV: 1900–Today
History and Theory of Catholic Arts
Overview of Western Philosophy
Elective Courses (15 Credits)
To explore your interests, choose five courses:
Catholic Social Theory and Practice
Grace & Conversion in Modern Catholic Fiction
Introduction to Newman Philosophy
Philosophy of God (Natural Theology)
Science and Faith
Theology of the Body
Thought of St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas
Virtues and Morality
The Works of C.S. Lewis
The Works of J.R.R. Tolkien
The Works of St. John Henry Newman
Affordable and accessible Catholic education
The average total cost for our online MA in Catholic studies is approximately $18,600. As a student, you can receive generous financial assistance and insightful support from our dedicated staff. From navigating financial aid to managing course schedules, we’ll help you each step of the way.
Explore Financial AidEarning your online MA in Catholic Studies equips you to live out your God-given calling. Grounded in the Catholic tradition, our program delivers an education that refines your analytical and communication skills, deepens your historical and cultural knowledge, and inspires fresh spiritual growth.
Whether you apply your expertise in education, nonprofit management, or media—or use this degree as a next step toward doctoral study or seminary formation—you will graduate ready to speak truth, lead with integrity, and transform culture wherever God calls you.
No matter where you're learning, you’ll receive the same support as our on-campus students. From career coaching to connecting with alumni, our resources help you broaden your impact and pursue your calling.
Alumni Network Career ServicesAngela Bailey ’24
Angela Bailey is a Registered Nurse who uses what she learned in his MA in Catholic Studies to integrate her faith into her nursing.
John Caliguire ’24
John Caliguire is a middle school teacher who uses what he learned in his MA in Catholic Studies to integrate his faith into his lessons.
Jim Burke ’23
Jim Burke earned his MA in Catholic Studies in 2023 and uses his degree in his work as a private equity operator and director.
Mark ’05 and Katie (Lockwood ’05) Hartfiel
Serving the Lord is a mission Houston, Texas, residents Mark and Katie Hartfiel embrace with joy.
Joni Cheng '19
Joni Cheng first heard about Franciscan University’s Master of Arts in Theology and Christian Ministry while volunteering in her home Diocese of Hong Kong…
Benjamin Klare ’18
Benjamin Klare is the associate director for the Office for Marriage and Family Evangelization and Discipleship in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. He coordinates…
Franciscan's world-class faculty members bring years of professional experience and a breadth of discipline-specific knowledge to each class, ensuring you receive a contemporary, high-quality education. Meet some of our dedicated Catholic Studies faculty.