Theology & Religious Studies M.A.

Students seeking to enroll in the Theology & Religious Studies (TRS) Master of Arts program typically should have completed at least six undergraduate courses in theology or religious studies. Since few undergraduates major in theology or religious studies per se, the department offers introductory courses in biblical interpretation (TRS 400) and systematic theology (TRS 430) to acquaint students with the basic themes and methods in the field, and to introduce students to standard research procedures and tools in the discipline. 

Program Learning Goals

The successful Master of Arts graduate will achieve the following Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):

1. Critically analyze the religious dimensions of human experience as expressed in sacred texts, art, ritual practice, ethical commitments, philosophy/ theology, and social structures.

2. Appreciate how religious or ethical traditions provide resources for responding to injustice and living ethically.

Achievement of these two TRS learning goals will be measured according to the following performance standards:

1. Student uses pertinent, appropriately documented, primary and/or secondary sources to demonstrate sophisticated critical engagement with a religious expression in its context and from an explicit, well-defined, disciplinary perspective; takes into account diverse contexts, alternative explanations, assumptions, and implications, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of those interpretations.

2. Student uses pertinent, appropriately documented, primary and/or secondary sources adeptly and insightfully to analyze an ethical question or injustice in light of diverse religious resources or ethical theories; identifies strengths and possible critiques of the various resources or theories; and articulates own response, including an explanation of the assumptions behind, objections to, and implications of this position.

TRS M.A. Application Requirements

Applicants to the M.A. program are required to submit the following:

• The online graduate application form.

• Official academic transcript(s) of the baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year institution.

• Two letters of recommendation from persons acquainted with the applicant’s academic qualifications. If appropriate, one letter may be from someone familiar with the applicant’s professional work.

• A personal statement indicating the applicant’s aims and goals in pursuing the TRS M.A. program.

In addition, applicants may submit in support of the application:

• A research writing sample; and/or

• Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test or Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

TRS M.A. Degree Requirements

30 credit hours of graduate study, including at least 15 hours at the 500 level.

Four required courses:

• TRS 400, Scripture & Revelation

• TRS 430, Introduction to Systematic Theology

• One course in Ethics & Justice

• One course in Non-Catholic Religions

Additional eighteen credit hours of elective coursework.

A culminating assessment portfolio and oral defense (= the comprehensive examination).

Note: Students accepted under the degree requirements listed in previous Graduate School and Graduate Studies bulletins normally should fulfill those requirements, but they may petition for permission to follow the requirements introduced in this Bulletin instead.

Course of Studies

Ordinarily graduate courses are three semester hours; no more than nine semester hours toward the degree may be taken in one- or two-credit courses. No more than six semester hours or the equivalent of two comparable John Carroll University courses may be transferred from another institution. A student’s program typically may include no more than two independent studies. Students may petition to write an independent MA essay or thesis as part of their 500-level coursework; consult the department for details.

Financial Assistance

Students enrolled in the Theology & Religious Studies M.A. program are eligible for a limited number of Graduate Assistantships. In exchange for working 20 hours weekly in the department, the Graduate Assistantship provides a monthly living stipend and a tuition scholarship for 15 credit hours per year. The University’s Office of Financial Aid provides assistance with student loans.

Professional Credentialing

Since the Master of Arts degree in Theology & Religious Studies is designed to provide students with the necessary background for diverse careers and ministries or for further graduate or professional study, the student and advisor will work out a program of study best suited to the student’s particular needs and goals. When desirable, this program may include a concentration in a particular area. While in itself the M.A. degree does not guarantee Religion Teacher or Pastoral Ministry Certification in the Diocese of Cleveland, the proper selection of courses within the program can lead to such certification in Cleveland and other dioceses with similar  credentialing requirements.

TRS Certificate Programs

The TRS department sponsors three post-baccalaureate certificate programs that can be pursued independently or in conjunction with the TRS Master of Arts degree program.

• The Certificate in Ecclesial Ministry (CEM) meets the intellectual formation components necessary to become a Certified Lay Ecclesial Minister in the Diocese of Cleveland.

• The Certificate in Theological Education (CTE) is designed for teachers (or those intending to become teachers) in Catholic secondary schools.

• The Ignatian Spirituality Institute (ISI) certificate program prepares people  to become spiritual directors in the tradition of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola.

Five-Year TRS B.A./M.A. Program

The integrated five-year B.A./M.A. program in Theology & Religious Studies is designed for undergraduate TRS majors who wish to earn the Master of Arts degree with an additional year of study beyond the baccalaureate degree. Undergraduates majoring in Theology & Religious Studies may apply for admission to the M.A. program in the junior year. Once accepted, they may begin taking graduate courses in senior year, in order to complete the M.A. in the fifth year. Normally students will complete 6 graduate credits by the end of their senior year, 6 graduate credits in the summer between the fourth and fifth years, and 18 graduate credits in the fifth year. More information about this program is available  on the TRS website.