Graduate Programs

Master of Arts with a Major in Theology

Master of Arts with a Major in Christian Spirituality

General Description

Christian Theology is one of the oldest, richest and most challenging intellectual traditions in western culture. The Creighton Theology Department is committed to exploring and participating in that tradition through its three masters of arts (M.A.) graduate degrees. Valuing all religious traditions, as a Catholic and Jesuit university we conduct our theological inquiries within the Christian-Catholic tradition.

The Masters of Arts in Theology degree explores the major areas of contemporary theology: Biblical Studies, Historical-Doctrinal Studies, Moral Theology, Liturgy and Spirituality. This program serves the growing number of professionals engaged in theological and ministerial work in parishes and schools, as well as those interested in further exploration and appropriation of their faith.

The Masters of Arts in Christian Spirituality combines a knowledge of Christian spirituality based on scripture, contact with spiritual masters, and contemporary theology, with experiential appropriation through prayer and shared reflection. This program prepares students for the ministries of spiritual direction and retreat giving, as well as providing opportunity for personal enrichment. A certificate program in spiritual direction and retreat giving is also offered. Both are summer programs with most participants living in residence halls and forming community through shared classes, liturgy, meals and recreation.

Creighton boasts the most talented group of theological teacher-scholars in the Upper Great Plains. Our faculty is exemplary in combining dedication to scholarship with commitment to teaching. A vital community of faculty and students flourishes. Seminars, independent study courses, informal conversations, as well as regular social events and seasonal liturgies create an atmosphere of shared endeavor.

For more information, contact:

Susan Calef, Ph.D.
Director, Graduate Program in Theology
Department of Theology
Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178

or

Fr. Richard J. Hauser, S.J.
Director, Christian Spirituality Program
Department of Theology
Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178

Programs of Study

Master of Arts in Theology

The Master of Arts in Theology program serves students preparing for doctoral studies, for the professional development of educators, pastors and lay leaders, and for individuals seeking theological enrichment. The program affords the student the opportunity to complete the degree with a Master’s Thesis (Plan A) or without (Plan B).

The program is designed for part-time students, with courses scheduled in late afternoons and evenings during the academic year.

Masters of Arts students accumulate 33 hours of credit. Three required core courses provide the basic tools for historical, interpretive and systematic inquiry (9 credit hours).

Core Courses:

THL 703 The Social and Historical Context of the Bible
THL 731 Systematic Theology: The Mediated God
THL 733 Images of the Church Through the Ages

In addition to the core, students take one course in each of the three areas of theological study:

Area 1: Biblical Studies,
Area 2: Historical-Doctrinal-Liturgical Studies, and
Area 3: Christian Life Studies (9 credit hours)

Upon completion of the core and area courses, students may choose between two Plans:

Plan A: requires three further elective courses (9 credit hours) and a Master’s Thesis (6 credit hours)
Plan B: requires five further elective courses (15 credit hours)

Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality

The Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality integrates three elements: (1) knowledge of Christian spirituality based on Scripture, theology and the great masters of the spiritual life, (2) experiential appropriation of the mysteries of faith through prayer and the sacraments, (3) preparation for spiritual direction. Courses are offered only in the summer.

Summer offerings regularly include:

CSP 761 Scriptural Foundations of Christian Spirituality
CSP 764 Prayer and Christian Spirituality
CSP 769 The History of Christian Spirituality
CSP 773 The Theology of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
CSP 776 Discernment of Spirits: Theory and Practice
CSP 778 Biblical Roots for Peace and Justice Ministry

The degree requires 33 credit hours of course work. The courses are scheduled so that students may successfully complete the degree in three eight-week summer sessions. Students are required to make a retreat of eight days under an approved director during the program. No thesis is required, but an integrating essay of approximately 25 pages concludes the program of study.

Students seeking certification for the ministry of retreat and spiritual direction must take one course in each of the following areas: Prayer, Counseling, The Spiritual Exercises, Discernment, Pre- and Post-Practicum, totaling 18 hours. Certificates can be completed in three four-week summer sessions.

The Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality is administered by the Summer Sessions Office of University College. For further information on all aspects of both the certificate and masters programs, see the Christian Spirituality Program Home Page.

Financial Aid for the Study of Theology

Graduate students in Theology enjoy two unique opportunities for financial support. The University offers a 50% tuition reduction for any student engaged in full-time or part-time ministry. This is not restricted to ordained clergy! If you are a teacher, administrator, parish coordinator or pastoral director, paid or volunteer, you are eligible.

The Department of Theology also administers the Bishop John R. Sheets Scholarship for the Masters of Arts in Theology. Students with demonstrated need and potential for excellence in study and ministry are eligible. Please contact the Theology Department for detailed information.

Admission Requirements

The Masters of Arts in Theology requires 18 hours of undergraduate theology (or equivalent) and an adequate undergraduate academic record. If applicants has inadequate prior preparation, the Director of the Graduate Program in Theology will work with individuals to design a preparatory program of study.

The Christian Spirituality Program requires 18 hours of undergraduate or graduate theology. All applicants should share the spiritual goals of the program and must have three letters of reference concerning their life of faith and prayer.

The Graduate Theology program require students to take the Graduate Record Examination.