Master of Arts (M.A.)

The M.A. program introduces the student to scholarship and research in a selected area of theology and religious studies. The goal of the program is to help the student develop critical literacy in the chosen area. The M.A. program promotes a broad and solid grounding in the various academic areas while also allowing for a measure of concentration according to personal preference. The degree program provides a thorough and rigorous foundation for further graduate studies and appropriate theological training for ministerial preparation.

Admission Requirements:
1. A B.A. degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Superior achievement, appropriate preparation, and the ability to pursue graduate work as indicated by official transcripts from previous institutions of study.
3. A completed and signed application form (submitted through the Office of Graduate Admissions website).
4. A Statement of Purpose: In an essay of 500-700 words, applicants state their purpose in undertaking graduate study in theology and religious studies. The essay also includes the applicant's academic objectives, research interests, and career plans as well as related qualifications, including: collegiate activities, professional experience, community involvement, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form.
5. Official Transcripts: Applicants should contact the registrar of every post-secondary school previously attended and request an official transcript be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA). The University also accepts transcripts which are sent electronically from a former institution. Please note: OGA provisionally accepts Unofficial Transcripts to help complete the application process; a Provisional admit hold will be placed on the applicant's record, which will prevent them from obtaining a copy of their transcript or receive their diploma. Enrollment in university graduate courses for students completing their final year of undergraduate or graduate degree study is contingent upon the receipt of the final transcript showing the conferral of the degree.
  Note: All transcripts issued from outside the United must be certified by a recognized evaluator of international education records (such as WES or AACRAO), even if in the English language. Education completed at institutions outside of the United States, as shown by official documents, may be accepted as equivalent to educational experience in the United States.
6. Three Letters of Recommendation: Submit three confidential letters of recommendation using the electronic form sent from the Office of Graduate Admission. Along with the form, it is highly recommended to include a letter from the recommender. Recommendations should come from former or present college or university instructors giving evidence of personal aptitude for, as well as interest in and motivation for, the field of theology and religious studies.
7. Applicants to the degree programs of the School of Theology and Religious Studies (STRS) who are priests, deacons or members of religious communities are required to submit a letter of endorsement from their Bishop or Religious Superior (in addition to their three letters of recommendation) with their application. All applicants who will be funded for their studies by a diocese or religious community are required to submit a separate letter from their superior attesting to this financial support.
8. Nonrefundable Application Fee
9. An academic writing sample must be submitted.
10. International Students: Applicants from non-English speaking nations and some from nations where English is one of the official languages whose previous education has not been at institutions of higher education in the United States are required to certify their proficiency in English by submitting scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Duolingo Exam, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum score on the TOEFL of 92 (Internet-based) is expected. On the IELTS an overall band score of 6.5 or higher is required.
11. The admission process is handled through the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA). Please contact OGA with any questions you may have regarding the admission process 202-319-5057.
Coursework Requirements:
1. If the academic area determines that a student requires additional preparation, he/she may be required to take prerequisite courses which do not count towards the degree program.
2. The M.A. program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, including either a thesis (6 credit hours) or 2 major research papers. Consult the M.A. programs of your academic area for their specific coursework requirements.
3. All M.A. students are required to complete EITHER 2 research papers OR 1 thesis. Please see below for more detailed information:
4. Research Paper Option: M.A. students writing 2 research papers are reminded that 1 paper must show familiarity with pertinent works in either an ancient or modern foreign language.
5. Thesis Option: M.A. students who choose to write a thesis must register for 2 semesters of M.A. Thesis Guidance. The thesis itself should demonstrate the following: a) the student's ability to do research by making a modest contribution to knowledge involving a limited but significant topic of investigation; b) demonstrate the student's familiarity with basic methods of research; c) mastery of the limited subject matter; d) ability to exercise sound judgments involving analysis comparison and/or criticism; and e) the capacity to draw appropriate and accurate conclusions. The length of the thesis is primarily governed by the nature of the subject matter and the research involved but ordinarily should be 75-100 pages. Students should consult their advisor and/or Academic Area Director for more information.
6. M.A. students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to remain in good standing in the program. A student wishing to be considered for advancement into doctoral study should maintain a GPA of 3.3 or higher.
7. STRS accepts up to 6 transfer credits at the M.A. level as deemed appropriate by the area director and the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies.
8. Please refer to the sections describing the coursework requirements in individual academic areas for more details.
Language Requirements:
1. M.A. students must demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language (ordinarily in French, German, or Spanish), as determined by the student's academic area. Full-time students must satisfy languages requirements by the beginning of their second year of study.
2. Please refer to the sections describing language requirements in individual academic area degree programs and the school Policies & Procedures Manual for more details.
Comprehensive Examination:
1. The M.A. comprehensive examination is written and administered on two successive days.
2. The M.A. comprehensive examination is normally taken in the last semester of coursework, on the dates set by the School.
3. In most academic areas of study, a reading list is provided to assist the student's preparation.
4. The examination may be repeated once in the case of failure. Students should consult with their advisors in arranging for the examination.
5. Please refer to the sections describing comprehensive exam requirements in individual academic areas for more details
Residency Requirements:
The M.A. program requires at least one year of residency.