This degree prepares you for ordained ministry and for general pastoral leadership in congregations and other settings. It is also the recommended first degree if you plan to pursue admission to doctoral programs in theology.
Our Master of Arts degree brings the interdisciplinary insights and methods of the fine arts, business, and the social sciences into the study of theology and the practice of Christian ministry. This program has a core curriculum of up to 27 credits, which consists of three intensive introductory courses on the intersection of Christian formation and 1) Discipleship, 2) Mission, and 3) Reconciliation (6 credits).
In addition, students are required to take several courses in Bible, Church history, and theology/ethics, in conjunction with the Graduate Core Practicum (6 credits). Beyond the core credits, students completing the MA-THEO degree will choose a concentration* with classes specifically focused on their area of study. The MA concentrations are:
On-Campus
Low-Residency
*Students may also opt to specialize in more than one area. Completing a dual-concentration degree can be achieved with as few as 60 total credits, depending on the selected concentrations.
In partnership with SPU’s School of Business and Economics and School of Psychology, Family, and Community, we offer five dual degree programs that enable you to earn two advanced degrees in less time than it would take you to earn the same two degrees separately.
This certificate program equips you with an understanding of Christian formation and vocation, and the practices that nurture an ongoing life of discipleship and mission in the 21st century.
Seminary Degree Completion
The table below summarizes the amount of time and the number of credits students should expect to take each quarter in order to complete their degree:
Master of Divinity
3 years of study
108 Minimum required credits
3 Quarters per academic year
12 Average credits per quarter
Master of Arts in Theology
2 years of study
60 Minimum required credits
3 Quarters per academic year
10 Average credits per quarter
MA (TI) / MFT dual degree
3 years of study
115 Minimum required credits
3 Quarters per academic year
13 Average credits per quarter
MDiv / MFT dual degree
4 years of study
158 Minimum required credits
3 Quarters per academic year
13.16 Average credits per quarter
MA (TI) / MBA dual degree
3 years of study
105 Minimum required credits
3 Quarters per academic year
12 Average credits per quarter
MDiv / MBA dual degree
4 years of study
156 Minimum required credits
3 Quarters per academic year
13 Average credits per quarter
Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies
11 Minimum required credits
3 Quarters per academic year
3 Average credits per quarter
Taking summer school courses and/or taking more credits per quarter, on average, than the number shown above decreases the time to degree completion. Taking fewer credits per quarter, on average, than the number shown above increases the time to degree completion. Students in dual degree programs may sometimes experience schedule conflicts, which can also increase the time to degree completion.