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Uncover God’s plan for your life by earning your Master of Arts in Theology and Christian Ministry (MATCM) at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Offered fully online, this two-year program gives you the flexibility to pursue graduate studies without putting your life on hold.
Designed for students with little to no foundational knowledge of theology and philosophy, our curriculum provides an in-depth exploration of all the fundamental theological areas and the teachings of the Catholic Church. This, along with spiritual formation and practical training, equips you for a life and career dedicated to spreading the Gospel.
Throughout your theology and Christian ministry program, you’ll embark on a transformative learning experience that equips you with:
Christ-centered leadership: Learn to lead with virtue and integrity. Our program solidifies a moral foundation rooted in the Catholic faith to guide your decisions, actions, and ministry.
Practical ministry skills: Discover how to apply Scripture and theological teaching to daily ministry and prepare for service in parishes, schools, dioceses, and other Catholic ministries.
Scriptural understanding: Through your studies, you spend time examining, interpreting, and teaching the Old and New Testaments in alignment with the Catholic Church.
Research and writing competence: Our program offers a rigorous academic experience that cultivates strong communication and research skills, in addition to theological expertise. This empowers you to take on advanced theological study, ministry preparation, and to present the Gospel and God's love with clarity and confidence.
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. The online MATCM program has a 15-week term, running from mid-May to early August.
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.
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, which is easy, free, and straightforward.
3. Submit Documents
Along with your completed online application, please submit:
All college or university transcripts (sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions by the issuing institution).
One letter of recommendation from work, education, or volunteer organizations.
All supplemental materials should be emailed to the Graduate Admissions office.
Cultivate an in-depth understanding of Catholic theology in Franciscan’s MATCM online program. Rooted in Sacred Scripture and the magisterium, our curriculum blends academic rigor with spiritual formation, transforming your mind, soul, and spirit for a ministry career.
Here, you dive into a required set of core courses in biblical, historical, systematic, and moral theology, which outline the enduring truths of the Catholic faith and theology as the Church upholds it. You also have the option to pursue a specialization to shape your education to match your calling.
Along the way, you’re supported by Franciscan’s professors, who are faithful Catholic scholars and leaders committed to helping you grow. By the end of the program, you're equipped for theological research and writing, practical ministry, and fulfilling God’s purpose for your life.
Review the master's in theology and Christian ministry program sequence.
Required Background Courses
We believe God calls students from diverse backgrounds to pursue their calling at Franciscan. If you do not have previous training in theology, you must take these two background courses before beginning graduate courses:
Word of God: Scripture and Tradition
Ecclesial Nature and Mission of Theology
Course Sequence
Your online MA in Theology and Christian Ministry program requires you to take these courses:
Philosophy for Theology
Dogmatic Theology I: Trinity, Christology, and Soteriology
Dogmatic Theology II: Church, Sacraments
Dogmatic Theology III: Christian Anthropology, Eschatology, Mariology
Interpreting the Old Testament
Interpreting the New Testament
The Church from Christ to the Council of Trent
The Church from Trent to the Third Millennium
Moral Theology
Fundamental Theology
At Franciscan, we help you pursue a faithful Catholic education that is both high-quality and affordable. The total cost for our online MA in Theology is approximately $22,320. To help you reach your goals, we offer generous financial assistance and personalized support so you can navigate the aid process with confidence and ease.
Explore Financial AidDevote your career to spreading the Gospel and building Christ’s Church. With the Master of Arts in Theology and Christian Ministry, you gain all that you need to serve faithfully in lay, priestly, or religious life or prepare for further studies in theology.
With your online MA in Theology and Christian Ministry, you’re well-equipped for roles as a:
As an online theology student, you receive the same personalized support and resources as our on-campus students. From career coaching to connecting with alumni, these tools enrich your time at Franciscan and build a bright future.
Alumni Network Catechetical Institute 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 business faculty.