MA Theology : Christian Studies
This Master of Arts in Theology is an exceptional program of theological studies designed for students not preparing for ordained ministry. Some of the required courses for this program are offered in the evening and during the spring term making it an excellent choice for the part-time student.
| Program at a Glance: • Number of courses: 16 • Format: full-time or part-time studies • Course content: theology and research • Tuition: approximately $9,000 for program • Degree conferred by: Wilfrid Laurier University • Available start terms: Fall, Winter or Spring |
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Why choose the MA Christian Studies:
• Degree covers the Bible, church history, systematics, ethics and practical theology
• Bursaries guaranteed for all full-time students
• Students eligible for OGS scholarships ($15, 000 per year) or SSHRC ($17,500 per year)
• Flexibility to complete program full or part-time
• No thesis requirement, completing a major research project is optional
• Honours degree not required for admission
• Prepare for a career in theology not leading to ordained ministry
• Career examples for graduates: teacher of theology, Christian writer/journalist, Bible translator, International Voluntary Organization member, ecumenical council and agency employee, church group leader, non-government organization employee, Christian book store owner, community developer, community centre worker.
What our students are saying:
"Going to Seminary can be a difficult experience for some people. It can be harder than what is expected because of theological or personal issues that arise. What happens at this Seminary is you give birth to yourself, and that can be a very difficult and trying journey - but one you wouldn't trade for the world. Some journeys take longer than others (I was horribly green when I started mine over fourteen years ago), but each one reveals God's truth in God's time. At this seminary, there are people who serve as mid-wives at this birthing process. Thanks be to God! Being a non-counselling academic-stream M.A. student here has given me a freedom I did not expect to find. Within the first two months, I had what could only be called a personal epiphany - both my plans and my life changed dramatically. The professors value each student individually, giving the student permission to let their true selves be revealed. If someone had told me when I started that I would be planning to pursue doctoral studies in theology, I would have laughed at the sheer ridiculousness of the thought. Now I would see them as being prophetic. I did not truly know what I was capable of doing until I had one very powerful conversation with a professor here that did more for me in 90 minutes than various others in the last twelve years. The next thing I know I'm preparing for future studies with a hope and a confidence I did not have when I started. I believe I am better prepared now for what direction my life will take because of the people I have met here. The words "thank you" are far too small to encompass my gratitude to the people here at WLS, but they are all I have."
--Adrienne Jones, MA Theology: Christian Studies
For more student testimonials, click here
- Admission Requirements
- Application Instructions
- Transfer Credits
- Fields & Areas of Study
- Model Program of Studies
Students will be admitted to this program only with the permission of the Principal-Dean of the Seminary. The requirements for admission include a Bachelor's degree (normally with a minimum Grade Point Average of B) from a recognized accredited University or University College. Computer literacy is expected of all WLS students.
Applicants with a Master of Theological Studies or Master of Divinity from WLS or other ATS accredited institution may request admission with transfer credits. Up to eight courses are granted as transfer credits towards the Master of Arts program. Transfer credits requests are assessed on an individual basis by the Academic Admissions Committee.
Students in the MA in Theology program will select one of two fields and select one of the areas of concentration. They must successfully complete 16 half-credit courses, including courses required for the selected area of study. See the model program below for further details.
| Field | Area of Study |
| Christian Studies | Historical Theology New Testament Studies Old Testament Studies Systematic Theology Functional Theology |
| Spiritual Care & Psychotherapy | Spiritual Care & Psychotherapy |
In order to graduate, students with a concentration in Christian Studies must successfully complete 4 half-credit courses within the areas of study listed above. Courses do not need to be restricted to one area of study.
The MA in Theology degree program normally involves two years of full-time studies or its equivalent in part-time studies. Each student is required to complete satisfactorily the following 16 half-credit courses or their equivalent.
Courses are normally structured in three-hour segments per week for 12 weeks, mornings (9:00 - 11:50 am), early afternoons (1:00 - 3:50 pm), late afternoon (4:00 - 6:50 pm) or evenings (7:00-9:50 pm) to meet the varying needs of our students. Some courses also run in five all-day classes, for example, Fridays from 9:00 - 3:50 pm. In Spring term, we often run courses in five day intensives, for example, the first week of July. We have one counselling course, Professional Studies and Ethics, which runs online once a year (normally Fall term).
| Field – Christian Studies (MA in Theology) |
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| Required Core Courses | |
| TH 500A | Literature & History of the Old Testament - Foundations |
| TH 500B | Literature & History of the Old Testament - Development |
| TH 500C | Literature & History of the New Testament - Foundations |
| TH 500D | Literature & History of the New Testament - Development |
| TH 540A | Introduction to Theology I |
| TH 540B | Introduction to Theology II |
| TH 520A | Church History I |
| TH 520B | Church History II |
| TH 664I | Qualitative and Quantitative Research |
| TH 680A | Spiritual Reflection and Thinking Theologically |
| TH 680E | MA Research Project OR another theology course |
| Concentration & Electives | |
| Five (5) | Theology courses |
To see the model program for the MA in the field of Spiritual Care & Psychotherapy, click here.
To apply for the MA in Theology, click here.
For more questions about this program, please contact the Admissions Coordinator at swheeler@wlu.ca or 519-884-0710 ext. 3498.
