Theology—Online Master’s Degree
Earn your master’s in theology at Georgian Court University and learn to lead communities in their spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth. Our theology degree embodies the core values of prayer and service that are central to Mercy life and encourages a pastoral approach to scholarship.
Program Highlights
Degree
2 years
Delivery
Cost
Total credits
Time of entry
Master’s Degree in
Theology
We offer several theology master’s degree track options, depending on your specific educational and career objectives. Consider our Pastoral Ministry track if you are looking for a solid basis in theology to support your parish, school, or chaplaincy ministry. Our Mercy spirituality track is a great fit for students who are involved in Mercy-sponsored work and interested in spiritual formation. We also offer a general Master of Arts track. Learn more about theology master’s degree tracks and view course requirements.
Online Learning
Our online theology master’s degree offers a unique real-time learning format, allowing you to interact with our faculty and your student colleagues while working from the comfort of your home or workplace. We also offer generous tuition discounts (up to 50%) for students who work in ministry and/or pursue the Mercy spirituality master’s track.
Other Graduate Theology Programs at Georgian Court
Explore formal academic coursework, spiritual reflection, and thoughtful dialogue with students and faculty from around the world in our Mercy spirituality online graduate certificate program. If you’re not interested in obtaining a Master of Arts degree but still want a solid academic background in theology, we also offer an 18-credit theology graduate certificate.
Program Information
Earn your master’s in theology online at Georgian Court University and learn to meet the pastoral faith needs of communities. Our program offers tracks in Mercy spirituality, research seminar, and a general Master of Arts.
Program Tracks
The General Master of Arts
This program is designed for students who teach in religious education programs and religion in the schools and those who minister in churches or related fields or work in another field but are interested in formal studies in theology.
Degree Requirements
- Successfully complete 30 credits, including TH500 Introduction to Theological Study and 3 credits each in three areas: Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Studies
- 18 credits in electives
- Maintain a B (3.0) average.
- Complete degree requirements within six years of formal admission.
- During the last semester, the student will assemble a portfolio of four research papers, one from each area of study and a fourth in an area of the student’s choice. The student will defend two of these papers before a committee of professors. Portfolios must be submitted either October 1 or March 1.
The Research Master of Arts (Research Seminar)
This program is designed for students who intend to pursue doctoral studies in theology and for those who hope to publish in the field and for those who are interested in research.
Degree Requirements
- Successfully complete 36 credits, including: TH500 Introduction to Theological Study; 3 credits each in Biblical, Theological and Pastoral Studies; 21 credits in electives; and a 3-credit thesis.
- Maintain a B (3.0) average.
- Complete degree requirements within six years after formal admission.
M.A. in Theology (Mercy Spirituality Track) (30 or 361)
This program provides the student with a grounding in the academic study of spirituality and an opportunity for personal spiritual formation. The focus is on the spirituality of mercy.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TH500 | Introduction to Theological Study | 3.0 |
| TH662 | Foundations of Mercy Spirituality | 3.0 |
| TH663 | Journey of Mercy: History & Spirituality | 3.0 |
| TH664 | Comparative Mercy Spirituality | 3.0 |
| TH665 | Mercy Praxis: Spirituality & Ethics | 3.0 |
| TH666 | Toward a Theology of Mercy | 3.0 |
| Electives | ||
| Select 12 credits | 12.0 | |
| Total Credits | 30.0 | |
- 1
If thesis option is chosen, 6 additional credits in thesis preparation.
M.A. in Theology (Pastoral Ministry Track)
This program is designed for those who intend to work in lay ministry in the Catholic tradition or in other Christian communities.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TH500 | Introduction to Theological Study | 3.0 |
| TH501 | Hebrew Bible Selections | 3.0 |
| TH502 | New Testament: Selections | 3.0 |
| TH533 | The Christian Community | 3.0 |
| TH551 | The Sacraments | 3.0 |
| TH552 | Canon Law:Intro to Pastoral Perspectives | 3.0 |
| TH556 | Theology of Pastoral Mininstry | 3.0 |
| TH650 | Christian Formation Ministry | 3.0 |
| TH651 | Counseling: Pastoral Applications | 3.0 |
| Elective | 3.0 | |
| Total Credits | 30.0 | |
View the full curriculum and admission requirements.
Elissa Cutter, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Religious Studies & Theology
School of Arts & Sciences
Jeffries Hall 223
ecutter@georgian.edu
732-987-2321
Judith Schubert, Ph.D.
Professor
School of Arts & Sciences
jschubert@georgian.edu
732-987-2328
Johann M. Vento, Ph.D.
Professor, Religious Studies and Theology
School of Arts & Sciences
Mercy Hall (107)
jvento@georgian.edu
732-987-2381
If you’re interested in our online theology master’s degree, here are other programs at Georgian Court you might want to explore:
Why Earn Your Theology Degree at GCU?
Our master’s in theology offers unique opportunities for academic and spiritual formation. You’ll learn about ethics and historical developments and trends in theology while expanding your research, critical thinking, and writing skills. All classes have a pastoral focus, so you’ll gain a deeper understanding of applying faith in your career and your life. You’ll also benefit from the diverse cultural perspectives of students who join our theology master’s degree program from all over the world.
Here are more reasons to choose Georgian Court University for your master’s in theology.
Real-Time Distance Learning
Join classes taking place at our campus in Lakewood, New Jersey, from wherever you live or work, interacting with professors and peers in real time. You can also work at your own pace, taking one or two classes at a time.
Grounded in Mercy Spirituality
If you’re interested in the theology of Mercy, there’s no better place than Georgian Court University. Mercy spirituality (including the history and tradition of the Sisters of Mercy as well as Mercy and its link to ethics and the world) is embedded in every aspect of our education.
Accomplished, Devoted Faculty
Our four full-time faculty are accomplished theological scholars and teachers, active in publishing and dedicated to helping our graduate students to develop spiritually and achieve their professional goals. All have doctoral degrees.
Diverse Perspectives
Our students are of all ages, ranging from 20s to 60+, and bring diverse perspectives that enrich our theology degree. Some are priests, deacons, or laypeople who work in Catholic ministries, while others come from different religious backgrounds. Some are teachers of religion and theology, while others are taking courses for spiritual and academic enrichment.
Theology Degree
What Can You Do With a Degree in Theology?
At Georgian Court, you’ll gain more than an in-depth understanding of scripture and theology—you’ll develop the knowledge and skills to prepare for careers in the ministerial or educational field.
Many of our master’s in theology students work in the ministry or Catholic schools and parishes. Others are searching for personal enrichment by gaining a deeper understanding of scripture and a deeper connection to their own faith.
Theology Degree Jobs
What jobs can you get with a theology degree? A master’s in theology will open doors to opportunities in a variety of pastoral contexts. Examples of theology jobs that you might pursue (or further immerse yourself in) with this degree include:
- chaplain,
- teacher,
- parish catechetical leader,
- youth minister, or
- pastoral associate.
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