Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry (M.A.)

Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry (M.A.)

All around the world, at parishes, high schools, and college campuses, in healthcare and social service settings, our M.A. graduates serve as leaders in ecclesial ministry roles. This program is particularly well suited for students seeking intensive study of theology, pastoral development, active engagement in spiritual formation, and practical experience gained through a supervised ministry placement. Students engage in deep academic inquiry intentionally integrated with contextual realities, preparing them to understand and respond to the diverse needs of our Church and world.

Those who pursue the program full-time can expect to complete it in two years. Alternatively, our M.A. can also be completed through a hybrid format, combining online and summer options to allow you to tailor the program to your needs.

97% of 2021 M.A. graduates found placement within six months of graduation.

Theresa Nguyen

Theresa Nguyen

M.A. '21

"Upon finishing my missionary work, I realized how much I wanted to empower young people. My latest VIDES+USA volunteer placement in Geneva, Switzerland, at the UN, filled me with great dreams. I wanted to inspire youth to see that they mattered and that their one small voice, together, made a difference. Coming home to assist with my parish Confirmation program was a challenging and humbling experience. As a young person, compelled to serve the youth, here at the STM, I am reminded that although I am an educator, I am first and foremost, a learner, a seeker – created in the imago Dei to live the very theology I spoke."

INQUIRE

Connect with STM to learn more about the M.A. application process.

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We offer three master's programs. Explore the others below!

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

Master of Theological Studies

At a Glance

How long will it take?

This 48-credit program is typically completed in two years of full-time study. Part-time study is an option as well.

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.

 Supervised Ministry

Veteran supervisors oversee your work, and bi-weekly meetings provide a forum for
STM students to reflect on and synthesize ministry experiences within a classroom setting. | Supervised Ministry

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

Finanical Support

Scholarships and on-campus assistantships are available. | Financial Aid

Common Career Paths

Parish ministry

Religious education

High school teaching

High school or university ministry

Hospital chaplaincy

Prison ministry

 

career services

 

Application Information

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Deadlines

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.

Application Form

 

Additional Requirements:

International Applicants

Religious Applicants

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. 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
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