Masters
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring
On-Campus
About the Master's in Theology Program at Loyola
Catholicism and theology contain a rich history that is highly relevant to the world we live in today. From helping us engage with ethical questions to enabling work in social justice, theology is as practical as it is theoretical.
Whether you are looking to produce academic research or go into ministry, Loyola University Chicago's MA in Theology program helps you grow as an intellectual, professional, and most importantly, as a whole person.
Program Structure
The theology MA can be pursued full time or part time. Classes are held weekday evenings and on weekends at Loyola's Lake Shore Campus.
Concentrations
Theological Studies
Investigate a full range of topics within theology, including biblical studies, historical theology, and ethics. This concentration provides a comprehensive foundation in the theology discipline, preparing you for work in ministry, clergy, and education.
Biblical Language and Literature
Gain the initial language and biblical study necessary to pursue doctoral programs in biblical studies. For this concentration, half of your coursework will be in biblical Greek and Hebrew.
Biblical Studies
Analyze the Bible, its stories, and interpretations. The master's in biblical studies concentration allows you to approach the Bible from several disciplines, including history, literature, and religious studies. Please note: This concentration does not incorporate the language studies necessary for doctoral work in biblical studies.
Bioethics & Health Care Policy
Explore the history of bioethics, including issues of racism and eugenics; medical ethics and bioethics methods and approaches; and bioethics topics, such as reproductive medicine and reproductive justice, genetics, disability ethics, spiritual care ethics, end of life, and health care justice. This concentration is offered in partnership with the Strich School of Medicine
Christian Ethics
Delve into Christian practices, beliefs, and ethics. This concentration is similar to the theological studies emphasis but includes coursework in Christian ethics. This emphasis will prepare you for work in ministry, education, or academia.
Are you a current Loyola undergrad?
This program is eligible for an Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's degree. Earn a Master’s with only one extra year of study following the completion of your eligible undergraduate degree.
LEARN MOREWhy Choose Loyola for Your Master's in Theology Degree?
Loyola's Master of Arts in Theology program balances historical study with contemporary discourse, making it distinctive among theology master's programs. Through it, you will prepare to contribute creative and relevant scholarship to the discipline of theology.
- Tailored to your interests
- An interdisciplinary theology MA program
- Rooted in Jesuit tradition
- Leading scholars in biblical studies and more
- A focus on social justice
- Opportunities for dual degrees or additional career preparation
Choose a concentration that fits your interests and goals. Whether you want to explore biblical languages, historical theology, or modern ethical questions, Loyola's Theology MA has an emphasis that is ideal for you.
Explore theological issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. The theology master's program draws on the fields of history, literature, philosophy, women's studies, and others to provide you with a nuanced understanding of ethical and theological questions.
Develop intellectually, spiritually, morally, and socially in a master's in theology program from a Jesuit institution. As a Jesuit institution, Loyola emphasizes academic excellence, moral and spiritual formation, and a commitment to service.
Gain a rich understanding of theology from professors who specialize in a wide range of topics within the field. Loyola is home to experts in biblical studies, Catholicism, Christian ethics, gender and ethnic studies, Islamic studies, and other areas.
Learn in a program that prioritizes equity and advocacy. The master's in theology program equips you to engage with pressing contemporary issues such as racism, economic injustice, gender inequality, and others.
Further customize your theology MA according to your research interests or career goals. The Master of Arts in Theology program gives you the opportunity to pursue simultaneous degrees in Theology and Women's Studies and Gender Studies; minor in education; or earn your BA/MA in Theology in an accelerated format.
Theology Department
The Department of Theology designs its programs to provide students with resources for the analysis of religion; for investigation of the sources, historical development and contemporary practices of particular religious traditions - principally the Roman Catholic tradition, although attention is given to other Christian traditions as well as Judaism, Islam and eastern religions; and for the critical appropriation of these traditions for one's personal faith and for sympathetic appreciation of the beliefs of others. Find stories showcasing current students and graduates from the Theology MA program and learn more about why Loyola is right for you.
Department WebsiteDepartment News and StoriesMeet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the department faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Theology MA program.
FacultyTheology: Career Connections
Theology master's programs prepare you for roles in a wide variety of contexts, including academia, religious organizations, nonprofit agencies, and education. Many of our graduates work in these fields or continue on to pursue PhDs in theology, biblical studies, and religious studies.
Specific job options include:
- Bereavement counselor
- Chaplain
- College instructor
- Counselor
- Director of ministry
- Minister
- Religious studies teacher
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Loyola Stories
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Theology MA program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Theology MA learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2024-2025 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogMA in Theology: Results and Skills
A Master of Arts in Theology helps you grow as a person and scholar. After completing the program, you will have developed the following skills:
- Advocacy
- Critical thinking
- Research and inquiry
- Ethical reasoning
- Leadership
- Cultural awareness
- Verbal and written communication
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the Theology MA totals $34950.00, or 30 credit hours at a cost of $1,165.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
The Graduate School Funding Opportunities
Information about funding opportunities within The Graduate School can be found on The Graduate School website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe Graduate School offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsVisit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Theology MA are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Fall & Spring: Rolling admission
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Theology MA include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
2 Letters of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Statement of Purpose
Writing Sample
Statement of Purpose Details
Please write a brief statement describing your academic and research interests as well as your professional goals. Please note there is a writing sample requirement that needs to be completed in addition to this section.
Official Documents
Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Theology MA program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
APPLY TODAY