Dual Degrees
Our M.A. can be paired with a top-ranked master's in business administration, social work, mental health counseling, or curriculum and instruction (through a partnership with BC's Urban Catholic Teacher Corps).
M.A. in Theology and Ministry
In the M.A. in Theology and Ministry program, students engage in deep academic and pastoral inquiry attuned to present societal challenges as they prepare to respond to the complex needs of our Church and world. Offered in both in-person and hybrid formats, as well as 36- and 48-credit tracks, the M.A. combines intensive theological study, spiritual formation, and ministerial development.
The M.A. is available through three modalities, listed below.
Boston-based (full-time or part-time)
Hybrid (summer residencies in Boston, academic year online)
Dual degree (with social work, counseling, business, or education)
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Why Our M.A.?
Participate in a small group seminar that allows you to integrate spiritual growth with ministerial identity.
Design your own formation plan and complete it during your time in the program.
Pair your M.A. with an M.B.A., an M.S.W., an M.Ed., or an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling.
Complete a project that synthesizes your theology studies with a pastoral program of your own design.
On the 48-credit track, complete a field experience to deepen your understanding of ministry in a particular context.
Develop the skills to integrate life experience and service with theology, scripture, and pastoral studies.
We offer funding for all students to pursue spiritual direction and attend the guided retreat of their choice.
On the 48-credit track, tailor your M.A. degree with one of six optional concentrations.
Our Students and Alumni
Our M.A. can be completed in a number of ways, including academic year or hybrid models, as well as four dual degrees. Explore some of our student and alumni stories.
Curriculum
Typically completed in two years of full-time study or three years for dual degree and hybrid modality students, this program provides students with a thorough grounding in theology and ministry. This program can be completed on either a 36- or 48-credit track. See below for the differences between the two tracks:
48-Credit Track
- Available in academic year, hybrid, or dual degree formats
- Includes contextual education component, excluding dual degrees (practicum completed through partner school)
- Option to choose degree concentration (academic year degree format only)
36-Credit Track
- Only available in hybrid or dual degree formats
- Hybrid students in 36-credit track must be working in full time ministry
Theology & Scripture Core
21 credits
| Course Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| Theological Foundations in Practical Perspective | 3 |
| Christology | 3 |
| Systematic Theology or History of Christianity | 3 |
| Ecclesiology or Ecumenical/Interreligious Studies | 3 |
| Ethics | 3 |
| Old/New Testament | 3 |
| Scripture course that includes a focus on the other Testament | 3 |
Pastoral Studies for Ministry Core
12 credits
| Course Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| Religious Education | 3 |
| Pastoral Care | 3 |
| Spirituality | 3 |
| Pastoral/Practical Theology or Liturgy | 3 |
Formation for Ministry
6 credits
| Course Area | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Spiritual Formation | TMPS 7080: Spiritual Formation For Ministry | 1 |
| Contextual Education | TMPS 7280: Theological Reflection for Ministry | 1 |
| Contextual Education | TMPS 8139: Internship Reflection Group | 4 |
Electives
9 credits
| Course Area | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Elective | ||
| Elective | ||
| Elective |
In their last year of study, M.A. students will complete their degree with a Capstone Project, which can be completed in one of three ways:
- An integrative ministry project design with accompanying theological reflection
- An arts-based project or performance with accompanying theological reflection
- A written research-based thesis, which will culminate in an oral defense
One three-credit course in each of the following areas must be courses identified by the CSTM as meeting schoolwide criteria to fulfill Justice and Diversity formation commitments:
- Theology and Scripture Core
- Pastoral Studies Core
- Elective
In addition to these courses, Spiritual Formation for Ministry and Contextual Education will also include components that fulfill CSTM Justice and Diversity formation commitments.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the M.A. in Theology and Ministry program will be able to:
- bring informed theological, biblical, and pastoral resources to interpret and enhance the life and ministry of faith-based communities and programs of service;
- embody the intellectual, pastoral and spiritual formation that is needed to provide leadership and empowerment to diverse communities of faith through various functions of education, ministry and service;
- demonstrate leadership (ecclesial, educational, ministerial, and public) that is well grounded in theological and pastoral studies, and that affirms the values of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, enabling persons and communities to integrate life and Christian faith in accord with these values.
Theology & Scripture Core
18 credits
| Course Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| Theological Foundations in Practical Perspective | 3 |
| Systematic theology or History of Christianity | 3 |
| Ecclesiology or Ecumenical/Interreligious Studies | 3 |
| Ethics | 3 |
| Old/New Testament | 3 |
| Scripture course that includes a focus on the other Testament | 3 |
Pastoral Studies for Ministry Core
12 credits
| Course Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| Religious Education | 3 |
| Pastoral Care | 3 |
| Spirituality | 3 |
| Pastoral/Practical Theology | 3 |
Formation for Ministry
3 credits
| Course Area | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Spiritual Formation | TMPS 7080: Spiritual Formation For Ministry | 1 |
| Theological Reflection | TMPS 7280: Theological Reflection for Ministry | 1 |
| Module | 1 |
Electives
3 credits
| Course Area | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Elective |
In their last year of study, M.A. students will complete their degree with a Capstone Project, which can be completed in one of three ways:
- An integrative ministry project design with accompanying theological reflection
- An arts-based project or performance with accompanying theological reflection
- A written research-based thesis, which will culminate in an oral defense
One three-credit course in each of the following areas must be courses identified by the CSTM as meeting schoolwide criteria to fulfill Justice and Diversity formation commitments:
- Theology and Scripture Core
- Pastoral Studies Core
In addition to these courses, Spiritual Formation for Ministry will also include components that fulfill CSTM Justice and Diversity formation commitments.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the M.A. in Theology and Ministry program will be able to:
- bring informed theological, biblical, and pastoral resources to interpret and enhance the life and ministry of faith-based communities and programs of service;
- embody the intellectual, pastoral and spiritual formation that is needed to provide leadership and empowerment to diverse communities of faith through various functions of education, ministry and service;
- demonstrate leadership (ecclesial, educational, ministerial, and public) that is well grounded in theological and pastoral studies, and that affirms the values of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, enabling persons and communities to integrate life and Christian faith in accord with these values.
Optional Program Concentrations
Students completing the 48-credit M.A. full-time may pick one of the following concentrations. Students can also complete the degree with no concentration. See below for sample courses for each concentration.
- Education in Living Faith: Foundations and Practice
- Spiritual Sources of Catholic Education
- Educating for Justice and Peace
- Education of Christians: Past, Present, and Future
- What Makes Education Catholic
- Mission, Curriculum, and Pedagogy: Teaching High School Religion
- Ministry in a Diverse Church
- U.S. Latinx Theologies
- Faith & Justice: Liberation Theology in U.S.
- Faith in Context: Faith and Culture in American Catholicism
- Spiritual Autobiography: Journeys into the Self and God
- Classic Wisdom for Discerning the Spirits
- Pathways to God: Classic Texts on Prayer and Mysticism
- Introduction to Ignatian Spirituality
- Seminar: Saints & Sanctity
- Biblical Spirituality
- Historical Spiritual Classics in Theological Perspective
- Contemplative Theory, Contemplative Practice
- Pilgrimage: History, Theology, and Actuality
- Spirituality and Justice: Twentieth Century Writings
- Public Theology, Politics, & Faith in the U.S.
- Theology, Race, & Critical Race Theory
- Educating for Justice & Peace
- Conflict Transformation
- Social Sin, Responsibility, & Justice
- Disability Studies & Theological Ethics
- Christian Ethics & Social Structures
- Theological Ethics and the Economy
- Theological Ethics and Global Development
- Theological Aesthetics
- Theopoetics and Theologies of Imagination
- Theology and Literature
- Screening Theology: Theology in & through Film
- Christian Sacred Music: Survey & Application
- The Music of Christ's Passion: Survey & Application
- Theological Anthropology and the Body
- Social Ethics in Feminist Perspective
- Seminar: Doctors of the Church: Hildegard, Catherine, Teresa & Therese
- Women Theologians, Ministers, and Preachers in Christian History
- Women in Scripture
- Race Gender and Ethics
- Relational Ethics: Body, Gender and Sex
- Identity: From Discovery to Integration
- Seminar: The Theology of Elizabeth Johnson
Careers
100%
of 2022 M.A. graduates found a placement within six months of graduation.
Recent Placements
Director of Faith Formation, St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish
Campus Minister for Retreats, Loyola University Chicago
Hispanic Youth and Young Adult Coordinator, Diocese of Mobile
Theology Teacher, Mount Alvernia High School
Therapist/Case Manager, McLean Hospital
Chaplain Resident, New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care
Apply
Application Requirements
PrintDeadlines:
Spring 2025: November 1, 2024
Fall 2025 Priority Scholarship Deadline: January 15, 2025. Applications are still accepted after this date as space allows.
Summer 2025: Rolling Admissions
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 CSTM alum from their program of interest to learn more about CSTM and provide support during the discernment process.
Students interested in completing the M.A. program through the hybrid modality (summers in-person, academic year online) should plan to start during the summer so they begin the program with hybrid student orientation and progress through the program as part of a cohort. If there is a reason why starting in the summer is not possible, please reach out to the admissions office.
Religious & International Applicants
Applicants who are Catholic diocesan priests or deacons or members of religious orders must submit a letter of approval and financial support from their bishop, major superior, or Provincial. Please select "Bishop/Major Superior" as the recommender type on the application form.
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 you submit your application form.
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 or who are Pell Grant-eligible, and current CSTM students. Email the admissions office at cstmapply@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 cstmapply@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 CSTM.
Mailing Addresses
For applicants using the U.S. Postal Service:
Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry
Simboli Hall
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
For applicants using FedEx or UPS:
Boston College Clough 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 background and potential. For applicants who have been out of school for a significant amount of time, recommenders should be familiar with the applicant's professional competence.
Applicants who are Catholic diocesan priests or deacons, or members of religious orders must submit a letter of approval and financial support from their bishop, major superior, or Provincial. This is in addition to the other three recommendations. Please select "Bishop/Major Superior" as the recommender type on the application form.
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 CSTM. 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, 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/or ministry as well as your areas of needed development
CSTM Opportunities
Chaplaincy
Graduate studies at CSTM offer a unique opportunity to engage in rigorous theological studies for ministry in the context of one of the world's most expansive healthcare settings.
Theology & the Arts
Seeking God in all things, our engagement with artistic mediums like poetry, music, drama, and literature nourishes our imagination, informs our ministry, and enlivens our theology.
Hispanic Ministry
Mindful that nearly 45 percent of all Catholics in the United States identify as Hispanic/Latino, CSTM is at the forefront of the conversation about how to serve the needs of an increasingly Hispanic church.
