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Pursue your calling to evangelize, teach, and lead with Franciscan University of Steubenville’s online Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) degree. This faithfully Catholic program empowers you with the robust research, writing, and interpretive skills needed to engage with the faith at an advanced academic level and share it boldly with the world.
Offered in a flexible, asynchronous format, this program allows you to immerse yourself in a rich study of Scripture, theology, and more. Along the way, you’re guided by our dedicated faculty eager to share their expertise, wisdom, and passion for the Gospel.
In Franciscan’s online master’s in theological studies program, you’ll strengthen your:
Theological reasoning: Refine your critical thinking and strengthen your ability to engage with complex theological concepts, arguments, and moral issues.
Historical, scriptural, and liturgical knowledge: In your coursework, you explore the development of doctrine, key biblical texts, and the liturgical tradition to deepen your understanding of the Catholic Church’s history, biblical foundations, and sacramental life.
Communication skills: Become well-acquainted with fundamental concepts of biblical, historical, systematic, and moral theology, which equip you to teach, share, and defend the faith with clarity and conviction.
At Franciscan, we keep the graduate admissions process simple. We accept applications on a rolling basis, which means there is no formal deadline, and you can begin your online MBA program in the fall, spring, or summer.
To give yourself enough time to prepare, we recommend submitting your application at least one month before your intended start date.
1. Admission Requirements
When applying, you must have a bachelor's degree (BA or BS) 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 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 Graduate Admissions office or sent to:
Graduate Admissions Office
Franciscan University of Steubenville
1235 University Boulevard
Steubenville, OH 43952
Embark on an academic journey that transforms how you engage with God’s Word and the world around you. Our 36-credit Master of Arts in Theological Studies online program offers a comprehensive and flexible curriculum grounded in the truth of Catholic teachings.
Through a blend of core classes and electives, you build a strong theological foundation, rooted in moral reasoning, Church history, and doctrinal development. As you explore the Sacraments, biblical spirituality, and liturgy, you grow in your ability to navigate moral issues with clarity and conviction and interpret Scripture through a Catholic lens.
At every step, you deepen your faith and appreciation for the Gospel so you can boldly share the Good News.
Review our catalog to learn more about the required background courses and program details.
Required Background Courses
If you have not earned an undergraduate degree in theology or philosophy, you may be required to complete coursework prior to enrolling in graduate-level classes:
THE 600 Philosophy for Theology
THE 611 Interpreting the Old Testament
THE 612 Interpreting the New Testament
THE 606 Dogmatic Theology I: Trinity, Christology, and Soteriology
THE 607 Dogmatic Theology II: Church, Sacraments
THE 615 Moral Theology
Course Sequence
To complete your online master’s in theological studies degree, 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
Concentrations
To offer an added layer of customization to your theological education, you may be able to choose from these highly focused concentrations:
Catechetics
Mariology
Moral Theology
Sacred Scripture
Systematic Theology
Theology of the Body
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, a faithfully Catholic education is within reach. While the average total cost for our online MA in Theological Studies is approximately $22,320. Whatever you need, our team helps you navigate every part of the financial aid process.
Explore Financial AidDedicate your life to making disciples—wherever God calls you. Earning a master’s degree in Theological Studies online at Franciscan empowers you with a rich theological education while cultivating versatile research, writing, and communication skills. Whether pursuing a career in the Church or the professional world, you graduate equipped to lead and proclaim the Gospel to transform hearts and minds.
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"The MATS program reaffirmed the intellectual foundation of my faith time and time again."
— Emma Tully Salamida 25'
MA Theological Studies
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"I gained a deeper understanding of my faith through my coursework and the excellent faculty. The program's Christo-centricity fostered not only academic growth, but spiritual growth as well. I was given an intellectual challenge with practical application that has equipped me to live and teach the faith with greater clarity in both personal and professional contexts."
— Adam Boyle '23
MA Theological Studies
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.