M.A. in Theology
Ottawa, Canada
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English, French
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* April 1: for International applicants. June 1: for Canadian citizens and permanent residents
Key Summary
The MA program is intended for candidates who already have a good basic formation in Theology, with courses in various areas of Theology such as systematic theology, history, biblical studies, ethics, and spirituality.
It is designed to allow these students to gain greater familiarity with the various research methods in Theology, and to begin specialization in a specific area, while promoting an integration of the theological formation already acquired.
Flexible in its structure, the program includes three courses that are periodically renewed, and that will allow students to tackle cutting-edge topics directly related to modern questions and concerns that theology seeks to answer.
The program prepares students to teach at the undergraduate level, undertake doctoral studies in Theology, and assume administrative responsibilities in various institutions or organizations requiring a formation in religious studies or theology.
By virtue of the federation of Saint Paul University with the University of Ottawa, the Faculty of Theology of Saint Paul University offers graduate programs leading to the degrees conferred jointly by the senates of both universities.
Compulsory Courses (12 units)
- Theology in the 21st Century (3u)
- The Bible: How it Came to Be and its Scientific Interpretation (3u)
- Issues and Debates in Contemporary Ethics (3u)
- Methodologies in Theology (3u)
Optional Courses (MA with Research Paper: 9 units; MA with Thesis: 3 units)
To select in consultation with the student’s research supervisor and the director of graduate studies. The options are:
- The following THO courses:
- THO6301 Special Topics in Theology I (3u)
- THO6302 Special Topics in Theology II (3u)
- THO6303 Special Topics in Theology III (3u)
- THO6301 Special Topics in Theology I (3u)
- THO6302 Special Topics in Theology II (3u)
- THO6303 Special Topics in Theology III (3u)
- Graduate courses offered by the Faculties of Canon Law, Human Sciences, Philosophy (Saint Paul University);
- Graduate courses offered in the University of Ottawa;
- Any other graduate course approved by the director of graduate studies.
Research
- Research Paper / Mémoire (6u)
or
- Master’s Thesis / Thèse de maîtrise (12u)
When deemed necessary by the director of graduate studies in consultation with the student’s research supervisor, the Faculty may require that the student must master either modern language or an ancient language specifically related to the student’s field of research.
The student is evaluated on reading only, irrespective of the modern or ancient language selected. The student must be evaluated before the program is completed.
Subject to exceptions, the language requirements when they apply do not count toward the 27-unit degree requirement.
Fast-track from MA to Ph.D. Program
Students enrolled in the MA program may be allowed to transfer to the Ph.D. program without being required to write a master’s thesis provided they meet the following conditions:
- Achievement of an A- average in the last two years of undergraduate studies;
- Completion of at least four graduate courses (12 units) with a grade of A- or better in each;
- Written recommendation by the supervisor;
- Approval by the director of graduate studies.
The student must request permission to fast-track during the fourth term of registration or earlier and must register in the Ph.D. in the fifth term at the latest. Following the transfer, all the requirements of the doctoral program must be met.
Transfer
Students in either the MA (with Thesis) or MA (with Research Paper) may transfer between the two options and qualify for the MA as long as all degree requirements are completed.