In the heart of Southwest Florida, Ave Maria University (AMU) works tirelessly to preserve authentically Catholic education. This commitment is especially evident in our Master of Arts (M.A.) in Theology, a program designed to form students in the Catholic spiritual, intellectual, and cultural tradition. Graduate students who embark on this rigorous and enriching path will find a transformative exploration of the eternal truths of the Catholic faith, finishing their degree with a deeper knowledge of and relationship with the Triune God.

Embracing the Rich Tradition of Catholic Scholarship

Studying theology at AMU means opening one’s mind and heart to Jesus Christ, the divine Teacher who illuminates all things by His very being as the Word of the Father in the Holy Spirit. The M.A. in Theology program is designed to immerse students in the great tradition of the Catholic Church, drawing from the insights of saints and scholars who, over millennia, have contributed to the quest for genuine clarity, wisdom, and holiness.

At AMU, the study of theology is embraced as a contemplative endeavor that engages with both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition under the guidance of the Magisterium of the Church. This approach ensures that every aspect of the program is deeply rooted in the truth of the Catholic faith, connecting students with the wisdom of the past and inspiring their spiritual and intellectual growth.

Strengths of the M.A. in Theology Program

The M.A. in Theology at AMU is a 48-credit program typically completed over two academic years. This curriculum is designed to challenge students intellectually while nurturing their Catholic faith. The program’s strengths include:

• Excellent Faculty: The theology department at AMU boasts a faculty of accomplished scholars, most of whom hold terminal degrees and have prestigious records of publication. Every faculty member has received the canonical mandatum, ensuring their adherence to Church teachings and their commitment to delivering a faithfully Catholic education.

• Intellectual Rigor and Catholic Fidelity: The program emphasizes a pattern of study that integrates philosophical and theological thought. This approach is a response to the fragmentation often found in contemporary academic culture and fosters a unified vision of creation and redemption. Students engage with the greatest minds in Church’s tradition, exploring their lives and writings to gain more context for their theological and philosophical insights.

• Small Class Sizes and Personalized Attention: AMU’s M.A. program benefits from small class sizes, which facilitate personalized instruction and dynamic discussions. This intimate learning environment allows students to engage deeply with their professors and peers, enhancing their educational experience.

Core Courses and Areas of Study

AMU’s M.A. in Theology offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers several essential areas of Catholic theology. Key courses and areas of study include:

• Sacred Scripture: Graduate students study the Old and New Testaments and their critical role in Catholic doctrine. Scripture courses explore the historical, literary, and theological dimensions of the Bible, enriching students’ understanding of its significance as one facet of God’s revelation of Himself to us.

• Systematic Theology: This area presents the truths of the Catholic faith in a coherent (or “systematic”) manner, covering topics such as the Trinity, Christology, Ecclesiology, and Sacramental Theology. Students engage with both historical and contemporary theological writings to develop a well-rounded grasp of Catholic doctrine.

• Moral Theology and Ethics: Addressing the Church’s moral teachings, these courses prepare students to navigate moral, ethical, and social issues in light of Catholic doctrine. The study of moral theology helps to foster a deep understanding of what it means to live a truly virtuous life as a faithful Catholic today.

• Church History and Tradition: M.A. students at AMU learn about significant figures, events, and councils in the Catholic Church, as well as the misunderstandings and heresies which motivated the gradual explicit articulation of Church doctrine. Students also gain an appreciation for the Church as a beautiful communion which, through its foundation in Christ, spans history with its salvific mission.

• Philosophical Foundations: Philosophy is the handmaid to theology, and AMU’s program emphasizes the importance of careful reasoning in theological thought. By building a foundation in philosophy, M.A. students develop critical thinking skills and a deeper appreciation for the principles guiding the best Catholic scholars.

Skills You Will Gain

The M.A. in Theology at AMU equips students with a range of skills that are both intellectually enriching and spiritually transformative:

• A Deeper Knowledge of Catholic Doctrine: AMU’s M.A. students gain a profound understanding of Church teachings and their foundations. This knowledge enhances personal faith and prepares graduates to teach and defend the faith effectively.

• Research and Critical Thinking Skills: The program emphasizes research and critical thinking, challenging students to engage deeply with specific theological topics and to clearly articulate and defend their beliefs. This focus helps students to see the relevance of theology in all aspects of life and to express themselves convincingly and well.

• Spiritual Growth and Fruitful Faith: Beyond academic achievement, the program emphasizes personal sanctification. Students are encouraged to grow closer to God through their studies, cultivating a deeper love for the Creator and a greater commitment to living out their faith.

Beyond the Classroom: Campus Life and Community

Ave Maria University offers a vibrant campus life that supports students’ spiritual and academic growth. With daily Mass, Adoration, and a variety of faith-based activities, students are immersed in a community dedicated to living out Catholic values. The university’s world-class theological and philosophical library further supports their studies.

As a Newman Guide school accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, AMU upholds a strong Catholic identity and provides a rigorous academic environment. The university’s commitment to Catholic teaching is evident in every aspect of campus life, ensuring that students receive an education that is both faithful and intellectually challenging.

Career Opportunities and Alumni Success

Graduates of AMU’s M.A. in Theology program are well-prepared for diverse career paths, including further academic study, high-level teaching, diocesan ministry, and roles in Catholic education. The program boasts excellent placement rates, with many graduates pursuing doctoral studies or finding fulfilling employment in diocesan roles and educational institutions.

The formation provided by AMU equips graduates not only for professional success but for a lifetime of faithful service to the Church. Whether in teaching, writing, or ministry, alumni carry forward the mission of glorifying God in all things.

Join a Tradition of Excellence

Ave Maria University’s Master of Arts in Theology is an invitation to join a tradition of faithful Catholic scholarship. It is a journey that promises to deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith while fostering personal and spiritual growth. For those seeking to explore the depths of theology and engage with a community dedicated to the pursuit of truth, AMU offers a program that is both intellectually enriching and spiritually transformative.

If you are ready to deepen your knowledge of the Catholic faith and join a community that upholds the highest standards of theological education, consider applying to AMU’s Master of Arts in Theology. Here, you will not only gain a profound understanding of theology but also grow in holiness, so that in all things God may be glorified.