Master's Programs

Our intensive master’s programs provide students with a strong theological foundation and the opportunity to deepen their faith through personalized spiritual formation plans—ultimately enriching their career journeys as ministers, educators, and scholars. Dual degrees with social work, counseling, education, and business are taught by world-class faculty from across Boston College. 

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Compare Master's Programs

Program

Who is this for?

Credits

Typical Duration

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

The M.Div. program is well-suited for students preparing for the ordained priesthood or for full-time lay ecclesial ministry in the Church. Women and men, lay and religious, work and study collaboratively in this program, preparing for leadership roles in ministry today. 823 years of full-time study

Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)

An ideal degree for students wishing to prepare for doctoral studies in religion or theology or for teaching theology in a high school, the M.T.S. program enables rigorous studies in the various subdisciplines of theology. 482 years of full-time study

M.A. in Theology and Ministry (Boston-based)

This program is particularly well-suited for students seeking intensive study of theology and pastoral development as well as active engagement in spiritual formation.482 years of full-time study

M.A. in Theology and Ministry (Hybrid)

Geared toward practicing ministers, our M.A. can be pursued on hybrid track that combines three summer residencies with online coursework during the academic year.36 or 482 years (36-credit program); 3 years (48-credit program)
Dual DegreesOur M.A. in theology and ministry can be combined with another Boston College graduate program: social work, counseling, business, or education.36 or 483 years of full-time study
Master of Theology (Th.M.)This program allows students who already hold an M.Div. or other first-level master's degree (e.g. M.A. or M.T.S.) to delve into specific issues more deeply or to continue developing certain ministerial competencies. 241 year of full-time study

Find Your Master's Program

degree match your criteria

Dual Program with M.A. in Counseling
<p>This program is designed for individuals who wish to combine theories and practice of psychology with studies in theology and the pastoral dimensions of caregiving.</p> <p>You’ll benefit from faculty advisors in both schools, spending your first year and summers in CSTM and years two and three in the Lynch School. Graduates emerge with both an M.A. in theology and ministry and an M.A. in counseling and can seek licensing as professional mental health counselors. Students usually complete the program in three years. You must apply separately and be admitted to both CSTM and the Lynch School.</p>
<p>Learn how to incorporate faith and spirituality successfully into mental health care. Alumni work in mental health agencies, shelters, pastoral placements in parishes, campus ministry programs, prisons, and youth and young adult programs.</p>
Spiritual and pastoral care Counseling High school or university ministry Parish ministry and religious education High school teaching
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Dual Program with M.B.A.
<p>Combine an M.A. in theology and ministry with a renowned Boston College M.B.A. This program manifests the University’s mission to educate individuals who serve with excellence in their fields and work for social and economic justice. Students generally begin their studies in CSTM and maintain close contact with advisors both in CTM and the Carroll School. The program must be completed within six years. Students must apply separately and be admitted to both CSTM and the Carroll School.</p>
<p>Calling all future leaders—prepare to apply management best practices in the Church and ministry. Graduates work in the administration of churches and Church-related organizations such as dioceses, hospital systems, and social service agencies.</p>
MBA
Church management Finance and administration Parish ministry and religious education High school or university ministry Non-profit work
bc:schools/stm/program-browser/cards/dual-MBA
Dual Program with M.Ed. (Urban Catholic Teacher Corps)
<p>Combine an M.A. in theology and ministry with an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction through <a href="/content/bc-web/schools/lynch-school/academics/departments/tcs/urban-catholic-teacher-corps.html">Boston College&#39;s Urban Catholic Teacher Corps (UCTC)</a>. Through this program, students take coursework in both disciplines while serving as a full-time teacher in the Archdiocese of Boston. This dual degree prepares faith-filled teachers to make a strong impact on Catholic education. Students generally begin their studies in UCTC and maintain close contact with advisors both in CSTM and the Lynch School. Students must apply separately and be admitted to both CSTM and UCTC. </p>
<p>Develop as a Catholic school educator through strong foundations in both theology and education. This dual degree equips Catholic educators to navigate the relationship between faith and culture. <br /> </p>
High school teaching Religious education Campus ministry School leadership
Dual Program with M.S.W.
<p>This program integrates theological understanding with social work theories and practice. Students develop the skills to plan, administer, and provide social services within local churches and faith-based agencies.&nbsp;</p> <p>Graduates emerge with both an M.A. in theology and ministry and an M.S.W. and can seek licensing as a clinical social worker. Students usually complete the program in three years. You must apply separately and be admitted to both CSTM and the School of Social Work.</p>
<p>Interested in serving both the pastoral and social needs of individuals, families, and communities? Acquire an M.A. in theology and ministry from CSTM in conjunction with an M.S.W.</p>
Clinical social worker High school or university ministry High school teaching Hospital chaplaincy Non-profit
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Hispanic Ministry Programs
<p>Our programs prepare pastoral leaders, academics, educators and other professionals to serve the needs of a fast-growing Hispanic Catholic population in the United States. These programs offer our entire academic community the opportunity to engage leading U.S. Hispanic and Latin American theological voices as part of their formation.</p> <p>Through STM’s Department of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry, earn your:</p> <ul> <li><p><a adhocenable="false" href="/content/bc-web/schools/stm/academics/degrees-certificates/masters-programs/master-of-arts-theology-ministry.html">Master of Arts degree in Theology and Ministry</a> with a Track in Hispanic Ministry </p> </li> <li><p><a adhocenable="false" href="/content/bc-web/schools/stm/academics/degrees-certificates/certificates-and-non-degree.html">Graduate-level Certificate in Hispanic Ministry</a> </p> </li> </ul>
<p>As part of its commitment to forming creative and transformative leaders who take seriously the challenges and opportunities of serving in culturally diverse contexts, the School of Theology and Ministry offers an exciting curriculum in Hispanic Theology and Ministry.</p>
Parish ministry Religious educator High school teaching High school or college campus ministry College or university administration Non-profit work
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Hybrid M.A. in Theology and Ministry
<p>Students typically take on-campus courses during the summer, when on-campus housing is available, and leverage online courses during the fall and spring. Because our program features both in-person and online interaction, students maintain close connections with their classmates.</p> <p>Program highlights:</p> <ul> <li><p>36 or 48 credits</p> </li> <li><p>Can be completed in three years &nbsp;</p> </li> <li><p>Take courses across different theological areas (on-campus or online)</p> </li> <li><p>Spiritual formation component</p> </li> <li><p>Supervised ministry</p> </li> <li><p>Capstone grounded in pastoral praxis—a traditional essay-based thesis, an artistic/performance thesis, or a research-based thesis</p> </li> </ul>
<p>Are you a professional working at a parish, high school, college, or other ministerial setting? Earn an esteemed STM degree through this flexible program. Combine in-person and online courses to meet your needs, and use your full-time job to fulfill our supervised ministry requirement.</p>
Parish ministry and religious education High school or university ministry High school teaching Hospital chaplaincy Prison ministry
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Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry (M.A.)
<p>This two-year, 48-credit program is particularly well suited for lay students seeking intensive study of theology, pastoral development, active engagement in spiritual formation, and practical experience gained through a supervised ministry placement.</p> <p>You can also pursue dual-degree programs, combining the M.A. with master’s degrees in social work (M.S.W.), business (M.B.A.), or counseling (M.A.).</p> <p>Program highlights:</p> <ul> <li><p>Specialize the degree with a religious education or Hispanic ministry track</p> </li> <li><p>Complete the Hybrid M.A. program through online and on-campus coursework</p> </li> <li><p>Thesis project</p> </li> </ul>
<p>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. Online and summer options allow you to tailor the program to your needs.</p>
Parish ministry and religious education High school or university ministry High school teaching Hospital chaplaincy Prison ministry
bc:schools/stm/program-browser/cards/MA-theology
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
<p>This professional degree program combines broad mastery of theology with supervised ministry and spiritual formation. Prerequisites include one year of full-time, post-collegiate ecclesial ministry <i>(exceptions will be made for applicants with significant undergraduate ministerial leadership experience)</i> or its equivalent and two undergraduate courses in philosophy.</p> <p>Program highlights:</p> <ul> <li><p>82 credits, typically completed in three years of full-time study</p> </li> <li><p>A grounding in Scripture, Church history, historical-systematic-practical theology, moral theology, and pastoral studies</p> </li> <li><p>Supervised ministry in a setting you choose</p> </li> <li><p>A supportive cohort experience, with dinners, nights of prayer and worship, and other bonding opportunities</p> </li> <li><p>Synthesis exams in your third year</p> </li> </ul>
<p>Rigorous and intensive, comprehensive and practical, our highly respected program forms students for the ordained priesthood and lay ecclesial ministry. Here, women and men work, study, and worship side by side, developing into leaders who serve today’s Church and world.</p>
Ecclesial ministry in a parish, high school, university, or diocese Social justice agencies Religious and other nonprofit organizations Doctoral work High school teaching Prison Ministry Hospital chaplaincy
bc:schools/stm/program-browser/cards/mdiv
Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)
<p>A broad curriculum covers various disciplines that make up theology. The program is also flexible: Half of the requirements are core credits—in fields such as Biblical Studies, Systematic and Historical Theology, Moral Theology, and Church History—and half are electives.  </p> <p> </p> <p>Program highlights:</p> <ul> <li><p>48 credits, usually completed in two years</p> </li> <li><p>Apply up to nine credits in ancient or modern languages to the degree</p> </li> <li><p>Pursue directed readings with faculty members during your second year</p> </li> <li><p>Optional research thesis for credit</p> </li> </ul>
<p>Pursue meaningful work with faith-based and other nonprofit organizations or doctoral studies in theology after completing this program. Academically rigorous coursework in general theological literacy and a rich range of electives distinguish our M.T.S.</p>
Doctoral student High school teacher Diocesan administration Nonprofit careers
bc:schools/stm/program-browser/cards/mts
Master of Theology (Th.M.)
<p>This 24-credit, civil degree can be completed full-time or part-time, in one year or two. Students choose either a theological or ministerial specialization. The theological specialization culminates in a thesis.</p> <p>Lay students who have already completed a first-level master’s degree, are interested in doctoral work, and want additional coursework should also consider our Master of Theology program.</p> <p>Admission prerequisites:</p> <ul> <li><p>A foundational master’s degree in theology or its equivalent in credit hours</p> </li> <li><p>Ministerial experience</p> </li> <li><p>Evidence of excellence in previous academic work</p> </li> </ul>
<p>Examine specific issues more deeply and sharpen ministerial skills through this flexible program. Students use their degrees in many ways: to pursue ordination, complete theological studies, address challenges in their fields, and prepare for doctoral work.</p>
Parish ministry Further studies High school teaching CPE residency
bc:schools/stm/program-browser/cards/thm

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