M.A. in Theology and Ministry Hybrid
M.A. in Theology and Ministry Hybrid
Our 48-credit M.A. degree program in theology and ministry can be completed through a combination of on-campus courses and online courses taken throughout the year.
The M.A. program has been designed to be flexible. Students in this program will be guided by our faculty advisors to craft the best program of study and sequence of courses for you. You can take advantage of our on-campus course offerings throughout the academic year, take online courses, and take courses over the summer sessions. Through an intensive program of study, it is possible to complete the program in 3 years. However, you have up to 5 years to complete the program, if you would rather focus on taking one or two courses at a time.
*If you plan to take online STM courses during the academic year in order to complete the M.A. in 3 years, please do not take courses that will satisfy similar area requirements during the summers. For planning purposes, upcoming online courses are listed below.
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Connection and Flexibility
The M.A. in Theology and Ministry Hybrid allows students the option to complete a degree through a combination of summer on-campus courses and online courses taken throughout the year.
At a Glance
Supervised Ministry
For students already working in a full-time ministry setting, our faculty and staff
work with them to complete this requirement within their current roles. | Supervised Ministry
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.
Thesis Project
Each student completes a thesis that explores a topic of interest and gives the student an opportunity
to demonstrate their learning across theological and pastoral coursework and applied contextual experiences. | Thesis Guidelines
Financial Support
Scholarships are available. | Financial Aid
Asynchronous Online Courses
Christology (Fall 2021 online, asynchronous)
Pastoral Care in Communities of Faith (Fall 2021 online, asynchronous)
Introduction to New Testament (Spring 2022 online, asynchronous)
The Church (Spring 2022 online, asynchronous)
Education of Christians (Spring 2022, online, synchronous)
Synchronous courses are conducted in real time. In asynchronous courses there is no weekly day/time that students are required to be online; however, students must check in frequently, often on a daily basis, to complete assignments and/or engage in written discussion sessions.
Application Information
PrintDeadlines
- Spring 2022
- November 15, 2021
- Fall 2022 Priority Scholarship Deadline:
- January 15, 2022. 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, MA applicants will have the opportunity to indicate interest in being paired with an STM MA 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
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