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Master of Arts in Theology

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  • Program requirements
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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.

Other graduate theology programs within the sole jurisdiction of the Senate of Saint Paul University are also offered; their description and requirements can be found in the calendar of the Faculty of Theology.

The Faculty of Theology offers the following programs whose degrees are conferred jointly by the senates of the University of Ottawa and Saint Paul University:

  • Master of Arts in Theology; 
  • PhD in Theology; 
  • Master of Pastoral Theology; 
  • Doctor of Ministry; 
  • Master in Religious Education.

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 a specialization in a particular area, while promoting an integration of the theological formation already acquired. The program prepares students to teach at undergraduate level, to undertake doctoral studies in Theology, and to assume diverse administrative responsibilities in institutions or organizations requiring a formation in religious studies or theology.

Admission Requirements

  • To be admitted to the MA program the candidate must hold an honours bachelor's degree (60 credits in theology) or its equivalent, with a minimum 70 per cent (B) average; a candidate who holds an honours bachelor's degree, with a minimum 70 per cent (B) average but who has completed less than 60 credits in theology (or their equivalent) will be required to do a Qualifying Year prior to enrolment in graduate courses.
  • An active knowledge of either English or French is required.
  • A candidate who wants to do a thesis in biblical studies must have a basic knowledge (Level 1 - Introduction) of Hebrew and of Greek.

Some additional documents, and in some cases specific forms, are required. For more information, please see the page Step 4: Gather the documents needed for the assessment of your application.

Master of Arts with Major Research Paper

A) All areas of studies with the exception of Eastern Christian Studies

The MA(Th) degree consists of 27 credits (7 courses and a research paper 6cr.).

Seven courses as follows:

 Four Foundation courses:

1 course from the following:

  • THO6310 THEOLOGICAL HERMENEUTICS (3cr.)
  • THO6354 RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE (3cr.)
  • THO6355 THEOLOGY AND CULTURE (3cr.) 

1 course from the following:

  • THO6317 THE FORMATION OF THE BIBLICAL TEXT (3cr.)
  • THO6318 THE INTERPRETATION OF BIBLICAL TEXTS (3cr.) 

1 course from the following:

  • THO6333 METHODS AND APPROACHES IN CONTEMPORARY ETHICS (3cr.)
  • THO6334 ISSUES AND DEBATES IN CONTEMPORARY ETHICS (3cr.)

1 course from the following:

  • THO6354 RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE (3cr.)
  • THO6358 SPIRITUALITY: METHODS; RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE HUMAN SCIENCES (3cr.)
  • THO6359 COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS (3cr.)

One methodology course (THO6399 Methodologies in Theology, 3cr.) 

Two courses to be chosen in consultation with the student’s research director (who will be from the student’s chosen area of studies) and with the director of Graduate Studies from:

  1. the other THO courses above
  2. graduate courses offered by the Faculties of Canon Law, Human Sciences, Philosophy (Saint Paul University)
  3. courses offered in the context of the MPTh programme (Faculty of Theology)
  4. graduate courses offered in the University of Ottawa.

THO6998 Mémoire / Research Paper (6cr.)

Students are required by the end of the program to demonstrate competency in at least one modern or ancient language as required for their research study. In the case of modern languages, students will be evaluated for reading and oral comprehension; in the case of ancient languages, students will be evaluated for reading comprehension only. (Anglophone students intending to apply for admission to the PhD program of the Faculty are encouraged to ensure that they have passive competency in French by the end of their MA program.)

 

B) Eastern Christian Studies

Consists of: 27 credits – 6 courses, synthesis exam (3cr.), research paper (6cr.)

Two foundation courses (6 credits) from:

  • THO6375 FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS IN EASTERN CHRISTIAN CHURCH HISTORY (3cr.)
  • THO6376 FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS IN EASTERN CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY (3cr.)
  • THO6377 FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS IN EASTERN CHRISTIAN LITURGICAL HISTORY (3cr.)
  • THO6382 FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS IN EASTERN CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY (3cr.)
  • THO6388 FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS IN EASTERN CHRISTIAN LITURGICAL THEOLOGY (3cr.)
  • THO6397 FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS IN EAST-WEST ECUMENISM (3cr.)

One methodology course (THO6378 Resources and Methods for the Study of Eastern Christianity, 3cr.)

Two other courses (6 credits) from the following:

  • THO6352 STUDIES IN EASTERN CHRISTIANITY (3cr.)
  • THO6379 ISSUES IN EASTERN CHRISTIAN HERMENEUTICS & EXEGESIS (3cr.)
  • THO6380 PATRISTIC THEOLOGY (3cr.)
  • THO6381 CONTEMPORARY EASTERN THEOLOGY (3cr.)
  • THO6382 FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS IN EASTERN CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY (3cr.)
  • THO6387 ISSUES IN EASTERN CHRISTIAN LITURGICAL HISTORY (3cr.)
  • THO6392 THE HISTORY OF EASTERN CHRISTIAN INSTITUTIONS, MOVEMENTS, PERSONS (3cr.)
  • THO6393 METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES IN EASTERN CHURCH HISTORY (3cr.)
  • THO6398 INTER-RELIGIOUS ISSUES AND THE CHRISTIAN EAST (3cr.)

Or, from the following Foundational courses that have not been taken under (1) above: 

  • THO6375 FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS IN EASTERN CHRISTIAN CHURCH HISTORY (3cr.)
  • THO6376 FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS IN EASTERN CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY (3cr.)
  • THO6377 FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS IN EASTERN CHRISTIAN LITURGICAL HISTORY (3cr.)
  • THO6382 FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS IN EASTERN CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY (3cr.)
  • THO6388 FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS IN EASTERN CHRISTIAN LITURGICAL THEOLOGY (3cr.)
  • THO6397 FOUNDATIONAL TEXTS IN EAST-WEST ECUMENISM (3cr.)

One course from outside the area of studies (3cr.)

THO6998 Mémoire / Research Paper (6cr.)

THO6997 Examen de synthèse de M.A. en christianisme oriental / MA Synthesis Examination in Eastern Christian Studies (3cr.)

     

 

Master of Arts with Thesis

The MA(Th) degree consists of 5 courses (15 credits) and a thesis. 

A) All areas of studies with the exception of Eastern Christian Studies

Five courses as follows:

Four Foundation courses: 

1 course from the following:

  • THO6310 THEOLOGICAL HERMENEUTICS (3cr.)
  • THO6354 RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE (3cr.)
  • THO6355 THEOLOGY AND CULTURE (3cr.)

1 course from the following:

  • THO6317 THE FORMATION OF THE BIBLICAL TEXT (3cr.)
  • THO6318 THE INTERPRETATION OF BIBLICAL TEXTS (3cr.)

1 course from the following:

  • THO6333 METHODS AND APPROACHES IN CONTEMPORARY ETHICS (3cr.)
  • THO6334 ISSUES AND DEBATES IN CONTEMPORARY ETHICS (3cr.)

1 course from the following:

  • THO6354 RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE (3cr.)
  • THO6358 SPIRITUALITY: METHODS; RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE HUMAN SCIENCES (3cr.)
  • THO6359 COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS (3cr.)

One methodology course (THO6399 Methodologies in Theology, 3cr.)

THO7999 MA Thesis (cr.)

Students are required by the end of the program to demonstrate competency in at least one modern or ancient language as required for research in their field. In the case of modern languages, students will be evaluated for reading and oral comprehension; in the case of ancient languages, students will be evaluated for reading comprehension only. (Anglophone students intending to apply for admission to the PhD program of the Faculty are encouraged to ensure that they have passive competency in French by the end of their MA program of study.)

 

B) Eastern Christian Studies

The thesis option is not offered in this area of study.

Duration of the Program

Students are expected to fulfill all requirements within two years. The maximum time permitted is four years from the date of initial registration in the program.

Minimum Standards

The passing grade in all courses is C+. Students who fail two courses (equivalent to 6 credits) must withdraw from the program.

Fast-track from MA to PhD program

Students enrolled in the MA program may be allowed to transfer to the PhD program without being required to write a master’s thesis provided they meet the following conditions:

  1. Achievement of an A- average in the last two years of undergraduate studies; 
  2. Completion of at least four graduate courses (12 credits) with a grade of A- or better in each;
  3. Satisfactory progress in the thesis program;
  4. Written recommendation by the supervisor;
  5. Approval by the graduate studies committee.

The student must request permission to fast-track during the fourth session of registration or earlier and must register in the PhD in the fifth session at the latest. Following the transfer, all of the requirements of the doctoral program must be met.

Transfer from MA with thesis to MA with research paper

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.

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IPA 5321 - PASTORAL MINISTRY AND PSYCHOLOGY

Interaction between theology and psychology with reference to pastoral ministry, the experience of the believer, the development of faith and of religious attitudes. The pastoral implications of psychological theories of the individual and his/her social relations: impact on cognitive processes, emotion, behaviour, competence, values. Psychological perspectives on the pastoral minister's practice, role and identity.

IPA 5322 - PASTORAL MINISTRY AND SOCIOLOGY

Interaction between theology and sociology with reference to pastoral ministry. A study of the pastoral implications of socio-historical structures, and of social and cultural change. Analysis of how the social milieu forms the way people think, feel and act, and the reflection on the importance of this formation for values and beliefs. Sociological perspectives on Christian communities' practice, role and identity.

THO 5304 - CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IN ITS SOCIAL DIMENSION

The Christian community as a social reality embodying beliefs and values. Its relationship to and responsibility toward contemporary society and church: local, national, international. Present social questions and the Christian social tradition.

THO 5308 - STUDIES IN PASTORAL PRACTICE II

Study of a specific topic or issue in pastoral theology.

THO 6310 - THEOLOGICAL HERMENEUTICS

Principles and history of interpretation in theology. Recent developments and debates. The role of classic texts and the question of historical consciousness.

THO 6317 - Formation of Biblical Text

Transmission of the text. Inspiration. Canonicity. The authority of the text and the believing community.

THO 6318 - Interpretation of the Biblical Text

Principles and methods of interpretation. History of interpretation: the Church Fathers, Middle Ages, the Reformation, 19th and 20th centuries.

THO 6333 - METHODS AND APPROACHES IN CONTEMPORARY ETHICS

Hermeneutical questions and methodological foundations of contemporary ethical reflection analysed from a theological perspective.

THO 6334 - ISSUES AND DEBATES IN CONTEMPORARY ETHICS

Exploring in depth the basic concepts of theological tradition with regard to Christian ethics, as well as the main questions related to ethical research in a contemporary context. Reflection on what is at stake with regard to the public relevance of the Christian ethical discourse in a pluralist and multicultural society.

THO 6354 - RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE

Faith and experience. The Mystery of God. Interpretations and expressions of the experience of God.

THO 6355 - THEOLOGY AND CULTURE

The relationship between faith and culture; contemporary issues, questions and challenges. The contextual nature of theology.

THO 6358 - SPIRITUALITY: METHODS; RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE HUMAN SCIENCES

Analysis of the methods used in the theological study of spirituality. Spirituality in relation to the human sciences.

THO 6359 - COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS

Comparative theological study of one or more Christian spiritual traditions and one or more spiritual traditions within other religions to highlight their views of the world, human reality and salvation.

THO 6399 - METHODOLOGIES IN THEOLOGY

Various methodologies used in the main fields of theological research. Theoretical and practical aspects of writing a paper or a thesis: matters of research, defining the problem, a working hypothesis, choosing a method, bibliographical research, writing up the status questiones, etc.

THO 9295 - DOCTORAL SEMINAR IN THEOLOGY

Organization and composition of a thesis proposal acceptable to the Faculty of theology and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. (Graded: S or N/S)

Contact Us

Office of the Associate Vice-Rector, Strategic Enrolment Management
Room 148
Saint Paul University
223 Main Street
Ottawa, ON
K1S 1C4
CANADA

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Telephone: 613-236-1393
Fax: 613-782-3014
admission@ustpaul.ca

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Please leave your documents in the mailbox in front of room 148 when our offices are closed.





Information for future students

Saint Paul University

223 Main Street
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1S 1C4

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613-236-1393

613-782-3005

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