Overview

The Master of Arts in Theology (MA) offered by University of San Diego is an academically rigorous degree that allows for specialization in Franciscan studies — especially Franciscan theology, history, and spirituality.

Such specialization prepares students to work in programs of religious formation, in the translation and publication of theological and historical texts, and in preparation of printed and electronic resources to enhance awareness of significant authors, texts, and themes of the Franciscan Tradition.

Goals & Learning Outcomes

The goals of the MA program are to prepare students to:

Demonstrate knowledge of the basic documents and heritage of the Roman Catholic Church through instruction in Scripture, church history, systematic theology, liturgy, and moral theology within diverse cultural contexts
Demonstrate advanced graduate skills in research, multiple languages, sustained augmentation of a thesis, and skills in communicating a position in both oral and written form
Demonstrate advanced knowledge in the sources and themes of the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition

Upon program completion, MA program graduates will be able to:

Demonstrate basic knowledge of major theological disciplines (Scripture, Systematic Theology, Historical Studies, Moral Theology/Ethics)
Exhibit focused knowledge in an area of specialization within the Franciscan tradition (theology, history, spirituality)
Conduct research and construct a coherent, sustained theological argument in the form of a thesis
Use a foreign language in conducting graduate-level research
Communicate coherently, effectively, and persuasively in writing and speaking

Ideal candidates for this program include:

Those interested in Franciscan history, spirituality, and languages
Those who wish to pursue further advanced degrees

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Writings Francis & Clare
Intercultural Theology
Modern Social Justice Prophets
Spirituality Time Climate Crisis
Franciscan Christology
Letters St. Paul
Franciscan Seminar: Lives Francis
The Franciscan Contemplative Tradition
Francis Assisi: Early Documents

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

42 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Diego, United States

Disciplines

Theology and Religious Studies View 749 other Masters in Theology and Religious Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

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Other requirements

General requirements

international applicants with degrees earned outside the us must submit an official course-by-course credential evaluation of their undergraduate (bachelor\’s) degree
english-language exam waiver available if applicant earned a 4-year bachelor's or 2-year master's from an institution with english as the language of instruction and a cumulative gpa \≥ 3.0
applicants for the ma program are required to submit gre results for evaluation before admission
undergraduate (bachelor\’s) degree required for master's admission
program requirement: complete 42 credit hours for the ma degree (coursework and thesis preparation)
maintain a cumulative gpa of 3.0 while enrolled in the ma program
demonstrate competency in a second language for research (language requirement must be completed before the beginning of the second year)
students must take at least one course at the university of san diego (usd)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

18165 USD / year

≈ 18165 USD / year
Out-of-State

18165 USD / year

≈ 18165 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

18165 USD / year

≈ 18165 USD / year

Living costs

San Diego

United States

1400 - 2455 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Theology.

Available Scholarships

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About

Overview

Goals & Learning Outcomes

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

San Diego

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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