Dual Degrees
Dual Degrees
Best of Both Worlds
At the School of Theology and Ministry, we seek to form students to become agents of change and transformation in a variety of fields, prepared to address sensitive and complex challenges with compassion, faith, and courage – and through integrative inquiry.
Our dual degree programs pair our M.A. in Theology and Ministry with one of three master's programs across Boston College, offering students resources from the School of Theology and Ministry, ranked #7 globally (QS World University Rankings), as well as from one of Boston College's other highly-ranked graduate schools (data from U.S News and World Report):
- Master of Social Work (School of Social Work – #11 nationally)
- Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling (Lynch School of Education and Human Development – #19 nationally; #1 Catholic school of education)
- Master of Business Administration (Carroll School of Management – #41 nationally)
Upcoming Dual Degree Webinars:
Wednesday, September 29 at 1:00pm ET
Monday, October 18 at 7:00pm ET (specifically for MA/MSW dual degree)
Tuesday, November 9 at 4:00pm ET
INQUIRE
Connect with STM to learn more about our dual degree offerings.
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M.A./M.S.W.
The dual degree paired with the Master of Social Work is designed for students who are interested in serving both the pastoral and social needs of individuals, families, groups and communities. The program reflects the University’s mission to educate individuals who are committed to the pursuit of social justice. A specific goal is to develop the skills and credentials necessary to plan, administer and/or provide social services within a local church or church-related agency. Students admitted to the program may expect to receive both the Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry (M.A.) and the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degrees in approximately 3 years of full-time study (more if approved for part-time study by the SSW).
In addition to coursework in both schools, students must complete two social work field education placements: one during their M.S.W. foundation year and another during their final year of study.
M.A./M.A. Mental Health Counseling
The dual M.A./M.A. in Counseling program was developed for individuals who wish to pursue graduate studies that combine theories and practice in counseling and psychology with studies in religion and exploration of the pastoral dimensions of caregiving. It combines the foundational studies and faculty resources of the M.A. in Theology and Ministry with the M.A. in Counseling. Students generally complete the dual degrees in approximately 3 years of full-time study
The dual M.A./M.A. program attracts students who wish to include an appreciation for the faith or spiritual dimensions of human life into their practice of mental health counseling. Dual-degree students couple their study of counseling psychology with the study of pastoral care and spirituality and can seek licensing as professional mental health counselors. Such licensed counselors are well equipped to seek positions in mental health agencies, shelters, pastoral placements in parishes, campus ministry programs, prison work and youth and young adult programs. Graduates will bring the strength of solid counseling skills and exposure to spiritual direction work to their positions.
M.A./M.B.A.
This program is designed for students interested in careers in the management and administration of churches and Church-related organizations and corporations such as dioceses, hospital systems, and social service agencies. Understanding competent and ethical management as a ministry to the Church and related organizations, the program reflects the University’s mission to educate individuals to serve with excellence in their fields and to work for social and economic justice. Students generally begin their studies at STM, and students are encouraged to stay in close contact with advisors both in STM and the Carroll School.
Meet Our Alumni
At a Glance
How do I apply?
Applicants must apply separately to both schools. Full dual degree status is granted when accepted to both.
How long will it take?
Our dual degree programs are typically completed in three years of full-time study, including 2 summers.
Spiritual Formation
Students in the M.A. program take a one-credit Spiritual Formation for Ministry seminar in their first year, during which they design a spiritual formation plan to be completed during their time in the program. The STM also offers funding for students in spiritual direction and who want to attend a retreat.
Contextual Education
M.A./M.S.W. and M.A./M.A. students complete M.A.T.M. Contextual Education requirement through field placement at partner school. M.A./M.B.A. students complete Contextual Education at STM.
Thesis Project
Each student completes the M.A. thesis requirement. Dual degree students should explore a topic of interest that spans both fields. This project gives students an opportunity to demonstrate their learning across coursework and applied experiences. | Thesis Guidelines
Enrollment & Finanical Aid
Dual degree students can only be enrolled in one school at a time. Typically, the student is enrolled at STM in year 1 and both summers, and at the partner school in years 2 and 3.
Students receive a separate financial aid package from both schools. The package from each school is applied when a student is enrolled in that school, even if the student may also be taking classes at the other school. For example, in year 1, if a student takes courses in both the STM and the School of Social Work, STM financial aid applies to credits from both schools. In year 2, the School of Social Work financial aid would apply to credits in both schools (if applicable). | STM Financial Aid
Contact Us
School of Theology and Ministry
stmadm@bc.edu
617–552–6506
Carroll School of Management
bcmba@bc.edu
617–552–3920
School of Social Work
swadmit@bc.edu
617–552–4024
Lynch School of Education and Human Development
gsoe@bc.edu
617–552–4214
Application Information
PrintDeadlines
- Spring 2022:
- November 15, 2021
- Fall 2022 Priority Scholarship Deadline:
- January 15, 2021. We will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis after this date
- Summer 2022:
- Summer applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Application Form
Please note you can submit your application form once it is completed; you do not need to wait for all of your supplemental materials to arrive. We are able to schedule your interview once we have received your submitted application
On the application form, dual degree applicants will have the opportunity to indicate interest in being paired with a dual degree alumni or current student to assist in learning more about the program and navigating the application and discernment processes.
Additional Requirements:
Application Fee
A non-refundable fee of $75 is required for every degree and non-degree application submitted.
Payment Options
- Pay by credit or debit card via the web; You can pay the application fee at the same time your submit your application form. However, if you do not pay the fee at the same time you submit your application, you can pay online at a later date through the Agora Portal. You must use your BC Username and password to log in.
- Pay by check or money order made payable to Boston College, via regular mail. Please include your check with a copy of your application form submission confirmation page and include your name and intended degree program.
Please note: The application fee cannot be refunded for any reason. If you qualify for a fee waiver, you should not pay the fee when you submit the application form. Fee waivers are automatically granted to the following applicants: Jesuits, veterans, applicants currently completing a year of service, and current STM students. We do not waive the application fee for other reasons.
Standardized Tests
The GRE is optional, but preferred. We especially recommend applicants submit scores if 1) they feel their undergraduate transcript is not indicative of their capacity for success in graduate studies, OR 2) they do not have a strong background in the humanities. We review all applications holistically. Applicants who choose not to submit GRE scores will not be penalized in the admissions process.
Applicants who do send GRE scores should have them sent directly from ETS. Our GRE code is 2508.
English Proficiency Exam
All applicants for whom English is not their native language must also provide TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test score results. Read more about special instructions for international applicants here. This webpage will also indicate under with criteria a waiver may be granted. Waivers must be approved in writing by the admissions office.
Transcripts
We require transcripts from all colleges, universities, seminaries, or theological schools that you have attended. Each transcript should contain a list of all coursework taken, grades/marks received, and, if applicable, degree granted and date of degree confirmation. If your college or university will send official transcripts electronically, they can be emailed to stmadm@bc.edu. Otherwise, transcripts must be mailed and be contained in a sealed, signed envelope. If the official transcript is not English, a translation should be provided with the official document. Please alert us if your transcript will be arriving with a different name than the one you are using on your application (e.g. your maiden name).
Please note that your application may be reviewed with unofficial copies of your transcripts, though we prefer official copies at the time of application. If you send unofficial copies, please note that if admitted, you must sent official copies before you begin coursework. In addition, if you are currently finishing a degree, you must send a final, official version of the transcript upon graduating, and before beginning coursework at STM.
Mailing Addresses
For applicants using the U.S. Postal Service:
Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
Simboli Hall
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
For applicants using FedEx or UPS, please use this address:
Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
Simboli Hall
9 Lake Street
Brighton, MA 02135-3841
Recommendations
M.A. applicants are required to submit three recommendations using the online application system.
Each recommender should be familiar with the applicant’s academic competence. For applicants who have been out of school for a significant amount of time, recommenders should be familiar with the applicant's professional competence. One recommender should be familiar with the applicant's ministerial potential and experience. Please be sure that your recommenders are aware of the application deadlines and online process, and choose them carefully to ensure that they can write on your behalf in a timely manner.
Interview
The admissions office interviews all applicants to the M.A. program. All interviews take place remotely.
Résumé
The resume must be uploaded as part of the application. It is helpful if you highlight relevant ministry, service, and leadership positions you have held.
Personal Statement
The personal statement must be uploaded as part of the application. The personal statement should be three pages in length, double-spaced.
Your statement should address the following:
- The academic, professional, and personal development that has motivated you to apply to STM. Include a sketch of your educational background and interests, any experience you have in ministry and/or religious education, and any other relevant professional and volunteer experience
- Your understanding of theological education and/or ministry in the context of the Church’s mission
- How you plan to apply your theological education
- Given your experience, how you assess your principal strengths for theological education and/or ministry as well as your areas of needed development