Master of Theological Studies

The Master of Theological Studies degree introduces and explores the major themes of Catholic doctrine and practices. Required and elective courses are designed to give a foundation and assist the student in pursuing an area of interest in doctrine, biblical studies, morality, spirituality, Church history or the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas. The concentration in Catholic Education allows the student the opportunity to earn a more specialized degree by taking four education courses that are offered each summer by the Providence Alliance for Catholic Teachers (PACT), which is centered at Providence College. This program of study concludes with comprehensive examinations and does not require a thesis.

For current PC students who are interested in a Master of Theological Studies 4+1, apply in your junior year in order to take up to two graduate courses in your senior year. Please note you will be expected to take four undergraduate courses each semester.

Fast Facts

30 credit hours.
On campus.
Full-Time and Part-Time options available.
Click here for tuition information.
Deadlines: July 1 for Fall, November 1 for Spring, March 1 for Summer.
Admission requirements below.

“Catholics have in their tradition, an especially strong ecclesial sense that all of this has to do with our connections to one another and living with one another.”

Dr. Holly Taylor Coolman

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Required Courses
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In addition to their 18 credit hours of required Theology courses, students devote their remaining 12 credits to the following PACT courses:

THL 500 – Theology: History and Methods
THL 512 – Introduction to the Old Testament
THL 520 – Introduction to the New Testament
THL 535 – Patristic Theology
THL 550 – Christ: Word and Redeemer
THL 670 – Fundamental Moral Theology

Students opting for the concentration in Catholic Education will devote their remaining 12 elective credits to the following PACT courses:

THL 790/EDU 790 – Introduction to Teaching
THL 791/EDU 791 – Educational Psychology
THL 806/EDU 806 – Mission and Culture of the Catholic School
THL 808/EDU 808 – Methods in Secondary Education

Comprehensive Exams
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After completing coursework, M.T.S. students demonstrate their proficiency in theology by answering six 1/2-hour exams based on the courses they have taken.

At a minimum of ten weeks prior to their exams, students will speak with their advisor to identify the six courses on which the exam questions will be based.
The student will notify the Graduate Director and the department secretary of the six courses on which the exam shall be based, and schedule a day during that semester on which the student will take the exam.
The student may contact professors to ask for guidance in studying for their exam.
The student will come to the department offices on the appointed day, and write for three hours, choosing one question for each of six classes.
Within two weeks of the exam (or four weeks if the exam is administered outside the ordinary academic semester), the essays will each be graded by the faculty-members who composed each question, who will assign a letter grade on the AF scale. Students who earn a “B” or better average grade for all essays, with no grades below a “C”, will be considered to have passed the exams. A student with an average grade of “A-” or better will be considered to have passed the exams “With Distinction.”
M.T.S. students who have passed their comprehensive exams will be eligible to graduate.

Admission Requirements

A complete online application and $65 application fee.

A personal statement of no more than three pages in length that discusses:

Reason for pursuing graduate study.
Personal and academic background.
Assumed responsibility for your own personal growth.

Official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate course work.

Two letters of reference.

Undergraduate degree coursework with a minimum of B average

Interview with the Program Director.

Admission Deadlines

Admission Deadlines – Domestic

July 1 for Fall
November 1 for Spring
March 1 for Summer

All other applicants will be considered on a rolling basis if space is available.

Admission Deadlines – International

April 1 for Fall
September 1 for Spring

To learn more about the international graduate application process and requirements, please see the International Graduate Admission page.

Please reference the following application process steps for international applicants:

Apply for academic admission.
Complete the Graduate Application and submit your transcripts to the credential evaluation service.
Complete the International Graduate Student Supplement Forms.
Submit all documents, including a copy of your letter of academic admission, to Dr. Sandra Keating (skeating@providence.edu).
Electronic copies are sufficient for I-20 issuance, but originals must be submitted upon arrival to the United States.

Additional Resources

Dr. Sandra Toenies Keating

Graduate Program Director
Siena Hall 238
skeating@providence.edu

Jennifer Pastor

Administrative Coordinator
Siena Hall 207
401.865.2274
jpastor@providence.edu

Theology Department

Siena Hall
401.865.2274

Helpful Links

Master of Theological Studies

Fast Facts

Additional Resources