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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. 


The Graduate MA is also a superior degree for those wishing to approach another field such as education, counselling, journalism or public policy from a perspective enriched by theological study.


Master of Arts (Theology) Brochure

 

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.

  • I really loved the faculty and staff at Huron and will always be grateful for their positive influence on my personal and academic life.
    Mahdieh Mirmohammadi
    Master of Arts (Theology)
    Read More
  • The Faculty is a citadel of excellence and Huron’s longstanding traditions set it apart. I would recommend Huron because of the quality of education it offers, the level of spiritual development it fosters, the excellent professors, and the school’s library − whose staff and resources help ensure students’ success.
    John Olufemi Adeyemi
    3rd Year student, MDiv
    Read More
  • You develop within classes that foster critical thinking; challenge you to ask complex questions; and learn how to understand the world in a more human way
    Beth Koudys
    Honours BA, Master of Divinity ‘14
    Read More
  • I found my spark and pursued it at Huron, and the experience was phenomenal.
    Michael Bodkin
    Master of Arts (Theology) Graduate, PhD Candidate at the Centre for the Study of Theory and Criticism at Western University
    Read More

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.  
What will I gain?
  • 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  
Areas of Specialization
  • 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 
Admission Requirements
  • 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. 

MA Degree Requirements
  • 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

 

How do I apply?

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.  

Program Options

Prepare for an exciting and challenging course load that will combine investigations into important works of literature with research, discussions and energetic debates. The Master of Arts (Theology) at Huron is led by incredibly knowledgeable and accessible professors who will promote your maturation as a student and global Leader with Heart.

Please explore detailed Theology program regulations to determine whether this educational journey aligns with your goals.

Terms of Study:  

  • Fall term:  September - December (Normal admission term)  
  • Winter term:  January - April  
  • Summer Term:  May - August (Group A courses generally not offered)   

 Graduate students remain continuously enrolled in programs and are expected to be making academic progress in all three terms each year.   
  
Part-time vs. Full-time:  

  • Full-time students complete in two years (six terms). (Maximum registration three years.)  
  • Part-time students complete in three years (nine terms).  (Maximum registration four years.)  
  • Those beginning as part-time students may later apply to the program to switch to full-time registration.  
  • Those beginning as full-time students may only apply to switch to part-time registration under certain conditions. 

Sample full-time timeline

Sample part-time timeline


 

Master of Arts Course Timetable

Master of Arts (Theology) 2019-20

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.

Master of Arts (Theology) 2018-2019

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.

  • To say that the Bible is the most influential book in history, while true, would be too obvious. What is less obvious, though equally true, is that this collection of often contradictory texts provides major insights in understanding such human phenomena as violence, trauma, imperialism, and social repair.
    Tracy Lemos, PhD
    Associate Professor, Theology
    Read More
  • My goal in teaching is to help people understand the New Testament and the origins of Christianity in ways that are both historically sensitive (so, not anachronistically) and culturally engaged (so, not ethnocentrically).
    Daniel A. Smith, PhD
    Acting Dean of Theology
    Read More
  • My teaching aim is to introduce, broaden, and enrich students' knowledge of Christian liturgical studies. Liturgy encompasses many different disciplines in addition to engaging students in both academic research and pastoral application.
    The Rev. Lizette Larson-Miller, PhD
    Huron-Lawson Chair of Pastoral Theology
    Read More

Interested in learning more, or applying to one of Huron’s programs in Theology?

Current Level of Education
 
 
Which program(s) are you interested in? (Select all that apply)
 
 

Interested in other opportunities in Theology at Huron?

Click here

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.

Where will a Master of Arts (Theology) take you?
  • Theologian
  • Lawyer
  • Historian
  • Librarian
  • Community advocate
  • Priest
  • Professor
  • Minister
  • Missionary
  • Social worker
  • Clergy member
  • Lobbyist
  • Journalist
  • Counselor
  • Non-profit specialist
  • Teacher
1

Key Contacts

Sandra Rice

Assistant to the Dean of Theology
519.438.7224 ext. 289
sricehuron.uwo.ca
A120

Stephen McClatchie, PhD

Professor, Theology
519.438.7224 ext.208
smcclatchiehuron.uwo.ca
A320a

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