Graduate Programs in Theological Studies

Graduate Theology Programs

Loyola University Maryland’s department of theology offers two graduate programs, the Master of Theological Studies and the Certificate in Theology and Ministry. The Master of Theological Studies is a rigorous and rewarding 48-credit program that may be used as preparation for a doctoral program or to pursue  such fields as parochial education, faith-based non-profit leadership, law, library science, and more. The 25-credit Certificate in Theology and Ministry may be pursued by those seeking ministerial vocations such as ordained ministry or chaplaincy, or by those who would like to apply the insights of theology and ministry to their current role or setting in life. 

Master of Theological Studies   Certificate in Theology and Ministry

About Graduate Theology at Loyola

The graduate theology programs fulfill Loyola's mission to "inspire students to learn, lead, and serve in a diverse and changing world," with particular attention to religiously and spiritually diverse contexts. Grounded in the Jesuit, Catholic intellectual traditions, we welcome students of any or no faith background.

Located in Loyola’s theology department, both programs offer a collegial, ecumenical environment to study with world-class faculty. Rather than treating the various sub-fields of theological studies as discrete areas of technical expertise, the department integrates courses into a single vision that includes the Old and New Testaments and the history of patristic, medieval, and modern theology. Students have the opportunity not only to become familiar with the great Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant theologians, but also—with a specialist in Islam—the opportunity to study the historic dialogue between Christianity and other religious traditions. Both programs give attention to the study of ethics so that students may reflect on the practical implications of their studies. Students seeking a variety of career paths will be well equipped to think theologically with depth, precision, and charity.

Distinctives

• Small, vibrant, discussion-based classes
• Classes scheduled in the late afternoon and evening to accommodate full- and part-time students (with the exception of some language classes)
• Individual mentoring relevant to your career goals
• A talented and renowned faculty with expertise in Bible, contemporary and historical theology, comparative theology, and ethics
• A required course in comparative theology, exploring the relationship between Christian theology and another religious tradition
• Grounded in Ignatian pedagogy, an education for the whole person
• Located in an affordable, world-class city with easy access to DC and NYC
• A beautiful university campus with excellent resources and first-rate library facilities

Alumni Careers

MTS and Certificate alumni go on to become:

• Campus ministers
• Teachers in secondary education and parochial schools
• Doctoral students in competitive PhD and ThD programs such as Duke Divinity School and Princeton Theological Seminary
• University faculty (after completion of a PhD program)
• Leaders in faith-based non-profits
• And more!

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a campus visit, please contact our admissions staff at graduate@loyola.edu.

More About the Theology Department