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Embark on an in-depth exploration of Scripture and the Church’s Tradition through Franciscan University’s on-campus Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) degree.
Our two-year program invites you into a rigorous graduate education rooted in a faithfully Catholic framework. Here, you strengthen your communication, critical thinking, and research skills and prepare for a life of service in ministry, education, or the professional world.
While on our Steubenville campus, you’re a part of a community of classmates and faculty pursuing academic excellence and connection. Together, you can grow in your God-given calling and start proclaiming the Gospel with clarity and conviction.
Throughout the master’s in theological studies program, you participate in rich, experiential learning that equips you with:
Scriptural and doctrinal knowledge: Through your immersive studies of the Old and New Testaments and magisterial teachings, you gain a comprehensive understanding of and appreciation for the Catholic faith.
Interpretive expertise: As you uncover the mysteries and truths embedded in Scripture, you build advanced skills in biblical hermeneutics to examine and interpret biblical texts and align your insights with the Church’s teachings.
Robust historical insight: Deepen your knowledge of the Catholic Church’s history, from the Incarnation to the Council of Trent to the dawn of the Third Millennium. This empowers you to trace the development of doctrine across centuries.
Refined written and verbal communication: Our integration of philosophy and holistic approach to education prepares you to express complex, theologically sound ideas and arguments through discussion, debate, and research.
At Franciscan, we designed 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 theological studies master’s 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 apply, you must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university or college in any discipline. While we strongly encourage a bachelor’s degree in either theology or philosophy, it is not required for acceptance into Franciscan’s online MA in Theological Studies program.
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).
One letter of recommendation.
English proficiency (as demonstrated by testing results or degree completion within the United States) will be required of all international applicants.
Supplemental materials should be emailed to the admissions office or sent to:
Graduate Admissions Office
Franciscan University of Steubenville
1235 University Boulevard
Steubenville, OH 43952
Designed to cultivate your intellectual and spiritual growth, our 36-credit MATS degree program provides a solid foundation in the major areas of sacred theology. The curriculum blends required core courses with electives while also offering the opportunity to specialize through a concentration.
In your core classes, you trace the Catholic Church’s history from antiquity to the present and study the sources of revelation and scriptural interpretation. You also embark on an intensive study of the Old and New Testaments and magisterial teachings, building your biblical expertise and understanding of how to apply an interpretive lens based on Catholic teaching.
Explore Franciscan’s theological studies coursework sequence and class descriptions.
Required Background Courses
Whatever your academic background, we encourage you to pursue your MA in Theological Studies at Franciscan. But to ensure you’re set up for success, you may be required to complete certain prerequisites if you have not earned an undergraduate degree in theology or philosophy:
Philosophy of the Human Person
Metaphysics
Principles of Biblical Study I
Principles of Biblical Study II
Theology of Christ
Theology of the Church
Christian Moral Principles
The Sacraments
Course Sequence
When enrolled in the on-campus theological studies program, you must complete these required courses:
The Church from Christ to the Council of Trent
The Church from Trent to the Third Millennium
Fundamental Theology
Biblical Hermeneutics
Historical Elective
New Testament Elective
Old Testament Elective
Systematic Elective
Electives (6 credits)
Electives
Historical
Mariology II
Father and Doctors of the Church
Theology of the Body
St. Thomas Aquinas
Grace and the Virtues
Christology
Tradition and the Development of Doctrine
Sacraments of Initiation
Sacraments of Healing
Holy Orders
Moral
Christian Spirituality
Lectio Divina
Contemporary Moral Problems
Theology of the Body
Theology of the Body and Contemporary Moral Issues
Grace and the Virtues
Mariology III
New Testament
Scripture, the Heart of Catechesis
Biblical Spirituality
New Testament Writings
Theology of the Body in Scripture
Synoptics and Acts
Johannine Literature
St. Paul and the Catholic Epistles
Old Testament
Scripture, the Heart of Catechesis
Biblical Spirituality
Old Testament Writings
Theology of the Body in Scripture
Pentateuch
Former and Latter Prophets
Wisdom Literature
Systematic
Deposit of Faith
Christian Liturgy
Mariology I
Canon Law
Father and Doctors of the Church
St. Thomas Aquinas
Grace and the Virtues
Christology
Sacraments
Tradition and the Development of Doctrine
Theological Issues
Sacraments of Initiation
Sacraments of Healing
Holy Orders
Catechetics Specialization
As an on-campus MATS student, you can pursue a specialization in catechetics that provides professional training and leads to certification.
This specialization prepares you for leadership roles in parishes, schools, and diocesan ministries as a teacher, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults director, youth minister, or pastoral leader. By integrating intensive theological study with hands-on catechetical training, you gain the skills to faithfully serve the Church and proclaim the Gospel with lasting impact.
Concentrations
To offer an added layer of customization to your theological education, you can choose from these highly focused concentrations:
Catechetics
Historical Theology
Mariology
Moral Theology
Sacred Scripture
Systematic Theology
Theology of the Body
Sacramental and Liturgical Theology
Each concentration is nine credits. You may acquire more than one concentration; however, the same course may not be used for different concentrations or specializations.
At Franciscan, we help you invest in an affordable, faithfully Catholic education. On average, the total cost for our on-campus MA in Theological Studies is approximately $21,600. To get you closer to your goals, we offer generous financial assistance and personalized support so you can navigate the aid process with confidence and ease.
Explore Financial AidAnswer God’s call to serve and lead with integrity by equipping yourself with a Theological Studies master’s degree. Franciscan’s graduate program challenges you to grow intellectually and spiritually and strengthens practical research, writing, and communication competencies. With this unique skill set, you can pursue meaningful work in the Catholic Church or the professional world, sharing Christ’s love and truth wherever you go
Angela 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…
Study under faithful Catholic theologians rooted in Scripture and Tradition who are dedicated to both scholarship and the life of the Church.