Master of Arts
A rigorous academic program in theology, offering excellent preparation for doctoral research, or a superior terminal degree in theology (for those not wishing to pursue full doctoral studies), with an emphasis on the integration of theological vision and of the theological disciplines.
Alumni Stories
Where will a Master of Arts (Theology) take you? Wherever you want to go! Develop the knowledge and skills to actively participate in complex conversations, projects and research that require you to be sensitive towards and understanding of how different belief systems intersect and interact with one another.
Some of our alumni have gone on to pursue further study, while others have put their refined critical thinking and communication skills to work in a wide variety of careers. With their developed appreciation for our global communities - past and present - these Leaders with Heart stand out as master relationship builders, storytellers and curious learners.
The Quick Facts
- A postgraduate research degree offered by the University of Western Ontario, drawing on resources from Anglican (Huron) and Roman Catholic (St. Peter's, Brescia) colleges affiliated with the University, as well as from the wider university itself.
- Develop research skills in written coursework and particularly in the preparation of a thesis constituting at least half of the workload you will undertake in the degree, providing an excellent foundation for further study to the doctoral level, or a capstone for an MA taken as a terminal degree.
- Ideally taken over two years of full-time study (fall term, winter term, May/Summer term), in a way which allows you to continue in part-time employment (part-time study also available).
- Courses are offered on-site at Huron University College or at St. Peter's Seminary.
- Approved by the Ontario Council on Graduate Studies, the graduate MA began May 2006 with its first courses taking place at Huron.
- Development of analytical and critical thinking skills in a rigorous research-based academic program
- Detailed knowledge of the major primary and secondary sources in classical and contemporary religious thought
- Construct informed responses to the arguments encountered in the relevant literature
- Exploration of ways in which theology as an academic discipline is informed by, and can inform, other branches of scholarship
- Hebrew Bible & Early Judaism
- New Testament and Christian Origins
- Qur’anic Studies
- Islamic Theological Ethics
- Church History, especially English Reformation and Oxford Movement
- Religion and Violence
- Liturgical and Ritual Studies
- Systematic Theology; Christian Thought & Doctrine
- Contemporary Theology: Jewish and Christian
- Theology and the Fine and Performing Arts, especially music
- a four-year degree in Theology from an accredited institution with a minimum average of 75% (or the equivalent in Religious Studies, where normally the applicant’s studies should have included a major in Western Religion;
or
- a Bachelor’s degree in an allied subject (e.g., Classics, History, English, Philosophy), followed minimally by the equivalent of 12 half-courses (6.0 course load) in the Master of Theological Studies with a minimum average of 78%
or
- a Master of Divinity or Master of Theological Studies degree with a minimum average of 75% in the last two years of study.
or
- In exceptional cases, the program may choose to admit students who already have an earned Graduate degree in an allied subject, though only in cases where research interests allow for a natural progression from the earlier program to the new. In such cases, however, a student will minimally be required to Audit specified M.Div./M.T.S. courses during at least the first year of study. Admission in these cases is probationary, with continued registration being normally contingent on attaining a minimum average of 78% in the first term of study.
or
- Probationary admission may also be available to students in other cases; e.g., where student's academic record in Theology or Religious Studies (Western Religion) is outstanding, but the degree is not from an accredited institution.
Demonstration of Proficiency in English if your first language is not English (see detailed program regulations under "Admissions.")
International Students should also consult the School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies for details.
- 5 half-courses chosen from Group A (breadth requirement) and Group B (focus requirement) with at least two chosen from each group (details available online)
- Theology 9513: Research Methods
- 25,000-word (100 pp) thesis
- Language study
MA Theology Program Regulations
The normal admission term is September (fall), or January (winter) term.
International students should apply well before these deadlines in order to give themselves sufficient time to arrange a student visa upon admission.
Application
You should complete your application through the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at Western. Click here for a link to SGPS' website, where there are further instructions and links to the online application (see square button on left, "I Want To Apply").
This application will also require two academic references and transcripts for every university you've attended. You will be able to request Ontario transcripts be sent electronically, but you will need to contact universities elsewhere to arrange for transcripts to be sent to Huron. Also required is that you submit an academic writing sample. You can work on this online application, pause, then complete the application later.
Application fee: $100
Application site
Part-time admission is available. Full-time students do not have employment for more than about 10 hours per week, on average.
Master of Arts Course Timetable
FALL 2019 GRADUATE COURSE OFFERINGS
(classes begin September 5, 2019)
Theology 9513a Research Methods (required course)
Dr. Stephen McClatchie, tentatively, Friday’s, 9:30-12:30, W17
Theology 9515a Early Christian & Rabbinical Jewish Liturgy (Group A, Breadth Course)
Dr. Lizette Larson-Miller, Thursdays, 2:30-5:30, W102
Theology 9520a Theology & Existentialism (Group B, Focus Course)
Dr. Gary Badcock, Tuesdays, 1:30-2:30, Thursdays, 12:30-2:30, W102
WINTER 2020 COURSE OFFERINGS
(classes begin Monday January 6, 2020)
Theology 9550b New Testament Theology (Group A, Breadth Course)
Dr. Daniel Smith, tent. Tues., 11:30-1:30, Thurs., 11:30-12:30, W4
Theology 9505b Intro to Islamic Law (Group B, Focus Course)
Dr. Ingrid Mattson, tent. Mondays, 4:30-7:30 pm, W104
Theology 9540b Old Testament Theology: Sex, Marriage & Family in the Hebrew Bible (Group B, Focus Course)
Dr. Tracy Lemos, Mondays, 14:30-16:20 and Wed., 14:30-15:30, W102
GROUP B FOCUS COURSES AS INDEPENDENT STUDIES
MA Independent Focus Course Form, please find form here.
Although focus courses are sometimes offered as seminars in the Group B range, the following professors teaching in our program can also work with you individually to fulfill your “Focus” course requirements. Other topics may also be available, so please ask!
Independent Focus Courses
Prof. William Acres, wacres@uwo.ca
• Interpreting Reformation History
• History as Theology, Theology as History
• Residential Schools in Canada: Sources and Methods
Prof. Gary Badcock, gbadcock@uwo.ca
• Christian Doctrine, Second Century to Chalcedon
• Philosophy and Theology in the Modern Period
• The Trinity
Prof. Lizette Larson-Miller, llarson@uwo.ca
• Liturgical History: East and West
• Liturgical and Sacramental Theologies
• Ritual and Place Studies
Prof. Tracy Lemos, tlemos@uwo.ca
• Approaches to Ancient Religion
• Personhood and Self in the Bible
• Gender, Sexuality, and Marriage in the Bible and Early Judaism
Prof. Darren Marks, dmarks@uwo.ca
• Early Modern and Modern Theology: Christian and Jewish
• Theology and Science
• Theology and Popular Culture
Prof. Ingrid Mattson, imattson@uwo.ca
• Qur’anic Studies
• Islamic Theological Ethics
• Muslim Women’s Spirituality
Prof. Stephen McClatchie, smcclatchie@uwo.ca
• Liturgical Music
• Music and Theology
• The Oxford Movement
Prof. Daniel Smith, dsmith89@uwo.ca
• The Death and Resurrection of Jesus: Text, Memory, Reception
• Paul in His Letters and in Early Christian Memory
• New Testament Theology
Prof. Todd Townshend, ttownshe@uwo.ca
• Preaching and Homiletical Theory
• Preaching and Liturgical Theology
• History of Preaching
Prof. John Dool, jdool@uwo.ca
• Contemporary Catholic Theology
• Theological Anthropology
Dr. Herb Gruning, hgruning@uwo.ca
• Models of Divinity
• Theological Anthropology
Prof. Gyongyi Hegedus, ghegedus@uwo.ca
• Rationalism and Mysticism in the Golden Age of Islam
• Medieval Jewish Philosophy
Dr. Michael Wagenman, mwagenma@uwo.ca
• Culture-Engaging Theologies
• The Church after Christendom
or
One graduate course in a closely cognate discipline at Western (e.g., for student proposing to concentrate in New Testament, a relevant course in Classical Studies), at the recommendation of the student's advisor or supervisor, and subject to the approval of the program chair and of the instructor and department concerned. Students who take a full (1.0) graduate course in another discipline will be credited with no more than one half-course toward the concentration requirement.
Interdisciplinary Grad Courses at UWO (e.g., Languages)
Grad Courses at Other Canadian Universities
International Exchange
Taking Undergraduate Courses
Sample Degree Timeline Full-time Student
Sample Degree Timeline Part-time Student
FALL 2018 COURSE OFFERINGS
(classes begin September 7, 2018)
If you wish to complete your language requirement, or take a course in another department at UWO or at another university, please see the links just above for instructions and forms. Plan ahead for registration at another university. Give yourself enough time to complete all the paperwork. Theology MA students will be emailed to request your registration.
Theology 9513a Research Methods (Group A Breadth Course)
An on-line (at owl.uwo.ca) course, self-directed.
2018 course outline tba
WINTER 2019 COURSE OFFERINGS
(classes begin January 7, 2019)
If you wish to complete your language requirement, or take a course in another department at UWO or at another university, please see the links just above for instructions and forms. Plan ahead for registration at another university. Give yourself enough time to complete all the paperwork. Theology MA students will be emailed to request your registration.
Theology 9514b Social Scientific Theories of Religion (Group A Breadth Course)
Dr. Tracy Lemos, date/time tba
In-depth reading of major sources in social-scientific approaches, with particular attention to classic works and authors. Role of social sciences in RS and Theology will be addressed.
Theology 9530b Theology of Karl Barth (Group B Focus Course)
Dr. Gary Badcock, Mondays, 10:30-11:30; Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30, Rm. W4
MA Course Calendar
MA in Theology Courses (graduate-level studies only)
Theology 9513: Research Methods
Will be offered every term. This course requirement (Pass/Fail) will be engaged with the student's Thesis Advisor. A student will not be expected to register for this course until such time as they have selected a Thesis Advisor.
0.5 course
Group A (Breadth Courses)
Theology 9510: Theology and Practice
An interdisciplinary study of the theological problem of moral and political practice. Attention will be given to select historical, doctrinal and exegetical questions which frame classical and contemporary approaches in moral and political theology.
0.5 course
Theology 9511: Theology and Interpretation
An interdisciplinary study of the place and problem of the theological interpretation of scripture in Christian theology, and of its contemporary possibilities, drawing on biblical, philosophical, and theological sources.
0.5 course
Theology 9512: Theology in the Global Context
An interdisciplinary study of some major trends in contemporary global Christian theology. Specific attention will be given to issues such as religious pluralism, gender, wealth, ecumenism, enculturation and mission. These will be examined in the light of the fact that Christianity is today a global rather than a uniquely Western religion.
0.5 course
Theology 9514b Social-Scientific Theories of Religion
In-depth reading of major sources in social-scientific approaches, with particular attention to classic works and authors. Role of social sciences in RS and Theology will be addressed.
0.5 course
or
One-half Graduate course in another university discipline at UWO, at the recommendation of the student's advisor or supervisor, and subject to the approval of the program chair and of the instructor and department concerned. Students who take a full (1.0) graduate course in another discipline will be credited with no more than one half-course (0.5) toward the breadth requirement.
Group B (Focus Courses)
Although focus courses are sometimes offered as seminars in the Group B range, the following professors teaching in our program can also work with you individually to fulfill your “Focus” course requirements. Other topics may also be available, so please ask!
MA Theology: Independent Focus Courses
Prof. William Acres, wacres@uwo.ca
• Interpreting Reformation History
• History as Theology, Theology as History
• Residential Schools in Canada: Sources and Methods
Prof. Gary Badcock, gbadcock@uwo.ca
• Christian Doctrine, Second Century to Chalcedon
• Philosophy and Theology in the Modern Period
• The Trinity
Prof. Lizette Larson-Miller, llarson@uwo.ca
• Liturgical History: East and West
• Liturgical and Sacramental Theologies
• Ritual and Place Studies
Prof. Tracy Lemos, tlemos@uwo.ca
• Approaches to Ancient Religion
• Personhood and Self in the Bible
• Gender, Sexuality, and Marriage in the Bible and Early Judaism
Prof. Darren Marks, dmarks@uwo.ca
• Early Modern and Modern Theology: Christian and Jewish
• Theology and Science
• Theology and Popular Culture
Prof. Ingrid Mattson, imattson@uwo.ca
• Qur’anic Studies
• Islamic Theological Ethics
• Muslim Women’s Spirituality
Prof. Stephen McClatchie, smcclatchie@uwo.ca
• Liturgical Music
• Music and Theology
• The Oxford Movement
Prof. Daniel Smith, dsmith89@uwo.ca
• The Death and Resurrection of Jesus: Text, Memory, Reception
• Paul in His Letters and in Early Christian Memory
• New Testament Theology
Prof. Todd Townshend, ttownshe@uwo.ca
• Preaching and Homiletical Theory
• Preaching and Liturgical Theology
• History of Preaching
Prof. John Dool, jdool@uwo.ca
• Contemporary Catholic Theology
• Theological Anthropology
Dr. Herb Gruning, hgruning@uwo.ca
• Models of Divinity
• Theological Anthropology
Prof. Gyongyi Hegedus, ghegedus@uwo.ca
• Rationalism and Mysticism in the Golden Age of Islam
• Medieval Jewish Philosophy
Dr. Michael Wagenman, mwagenma@uwo.ca
• Culture-Engaging Theologies
• The Church after Christendom
or
One graduate course in a closely cognate discipline at Western (e.g., for student proposing to concentrate in New Testament, a relevant course in Classical Studies), at the recommendation of the student's advisor or supervisor, and subject to the approval of the program chair and of the instructor and department concerned. Students who take a full (1.0) graduate course in another discipline will be credited with no more than one half-course toward the concentration requirement.
Professors
Learn from and research under world-renowned experts in the exploration of Theology. Huron's professors can each offer you unique perspectives, based on their specific areas of research. They look forward to welcoming you into an inclusive community where ideas are challenged, but also respected and sharing is always encouraged. Get to know the people who will support your graduate studies and empower you to become the type of student, and community member, who feels confident standing up for what you believe in, as well as the people who may be unable to advocate for themselves.
Interested in learning more, or applying to one of Huron’s programs in Theology?
Interested in other opportunities in Theology at Huron?
Master of Arts (Theology) Careers
You love to learn and you're prepared to tackle challenging subject matter because you recognize the importance of continuously sharpening your knowledge, as well as your capacity for critical and creative thought. The best part about this is your future employers are going to sincerely appreciate these qualities, and you'll find the skills you enhance through this program of study will help you stand out in any modern workplace.
Learn where your Master of Arts (Theology) will take you and feel excited to follow in the paths of wise theologians and vibrant social change agents.
- Theologian
- Lawyer
- Historian
- Librarian
- Community advocate
- Priest
- Professor
- Minister
- Missionary
- Social worker
- Clergy member
- Lobbyist
- Journalist
- Counselor
- Non-profit specialist
- Teacher