Program requirements | Saint Paul University

M.A. in Theology

Faculty of Theology

Université Saint Paul University (USP SPU)
Home > Programs > M.A. in Theology > Program requirements

Compulsory Courses (12 units)

  • THO6304 Theology in the 21st Century (3u)
  • THO6305 The Bible: How it Came to Be and its Scientific Interpretation (3u)
  • THO6334 Issues and Debates in Contemporary Ethics (3u)
  • THO6399 Methodologies in Theology (3u)

Optional Courses (MA with Research Paper: 9 units; MA with Thesis: 3 units)

To select in consultation with the student’s research supervisor and the director of graduate studies. The options are:

a) the following THO courses:

  • THO6301 Special Topics in Theology I (3u)
  • THO6302 Special Topics in Theology II (3u)
  • THO6303 Special Topics in Theology III (3u)

b) graduate courses offered by the Faculties of Canon Law, Human Sciences, Philosophy (Saint Paul University);

c) graduate courses offered in the University of Ottawa;

d) Any other graduate course approved by the director of graduate studies.

Research

  • THO6999 Research Paper / Mémoire (6u)
    or
  • THO7999 Master’s Thesis / Thèse de maîtrise (12u)

When deemed necessary by the director of graduate studies in consultation with the student’s research supervisor, the Faculty may require that the student must master either a modern language or an ancient language specifically related to the student’s field of research.

The student is evaluated on reading only, irrespective of the modern or ancient language selected. The student must be evaluated before the program is completed.

Subject to exceptions, the language requirements when they apply do not count toward the 27-unit degree requirement.

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:

  • Achievement of an A- average in the last two years of undergraduate studies;
  • Completion of at least four graduate courses (12 units) with a grade of A- or better in each;
  • Written recommendation by the supervisor;
  • Approval by the director of graduate studies.

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

Transfer

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.