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.
Sample Hybrid M.A. Timeline
This can change based on the realities of each student. Students in this program will be guided by our faculty advisors to craft the best program of study and sequence of courses for them. Feel free to talk to us about your specific timeline and hopes!
| SUMMER | FALL | SPRING | |
|---|---|---|---|
| YEAR 1 | 2 courses (in person) and Spiritual Formation for Ministry |
1 course (online) | 1 course (online) |
| YEAR 2 | 1 May course (online) 2 summer courses (in person) |
1 course (online) and Contextual Education | 1 course (online) and Contextual Ediucation |
| YEAR 3 | 1 May course (online) 2 summer courses (in person) Thesis Proposal |
1 course (online) plus Thesis | 1 course (online) plus Thesis |
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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
Fall 2022
Practice of Ministry with Youth and Young Adults - Theresa O'Keefe
The Mystery of the Trinity - Rafael Luciani
Introduction to Old Testament - Andrew Davis
Education in Living Faith: Foundations and Practice (synchronous, Zoom) - Thomas Groome
Spring 2023
Call and Response: An Introduction to the Moral Life - Mary Jo Iozzio
Synodality and Reforms in the Church Today - Rafael Luciani
Theological Anthropology - Dominic Doyle
Discernment and Prayer in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius - Bart Geger, SJ
Summer 2023
Christology - Barbara Radtke
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 2023:
- November 15, 2022
- Fall 2023 Priority Scholarship Deadline:
- January 13, 2023. We will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis after this date.
- Summer 2023:
- 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, applicants will have the opportunity to indicate interest in being paired with an STM alum from their program of interest to learn more about STM and provide support during the discernment process.
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 granted to the following applicants: Jesuits, veterans, applicants currently completing a year of service, and current STM students. Email the admissions office at stmadm@bc.edu to request a waiver.
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 or IELTS 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 a transcript is only considered official if received directly from the institution issuing it.
Please note that your application may be reviewed with unofficial copies of your transcripts. If you send unofficial copies, know 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:
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.
At least two recommenders 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 master's applicants. 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, research, teaching, 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. How has your education and/or experience impacted your discernment?
- Your understanding of theological education and/or ministry in the context of the Church's mission, as well as the role and responsibilities of a minister and/or theologian today.
- How you plan to apply your theological education.
- Given your experience, how you assess your principal strengths for theological education and ministry as well as your areas of needed development.