M.A. in Theology and Ministry (Hybrid)
In the M.A. in Theology and Ministry, students engage in deep academic and pastoral inquiry attuned to present societal challenges as they prepare to respond to the complex needs of our church and world. Students may pursue the M.A. through a hybrid track, which includes three summer residencies. The rest of the degree is completed online.
The M.A. is available through three modalities, listed below.听This page details the听hybrid modality.
Boston-based (full-time or part-time)
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Hybrid (summer residencies in Boston, academic year online)
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Dual degree (with social work, counseling, business, or education)
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Why Our Hybrid M.A.?
Participate in a small group seminar that allows you to integrate spiritual growth with ministerial identity.
Design your own formation plan and complete it during your time in the program.听
Move through the program with a cohort of practicing ministers from around the world.
Complete a project that synthesizes your theology studies with a pastoral program of your own design.
On the 48-credit track, complete a field experience to deepen your understanding of ministry in a particular context.
Develop the skills to integrate life experience and service with theology, scripture, and pastoral studies.
We offer funding for all students to pursue spiritual direction and attend the guided retreat of their choice.
Enhance your ministry through a flexible program that accounts for your busy life.
Our Students and Alumni
Our M.A. can be completed in a number of ways, including academic year or hybrid models, as well as four dual degrees. Explore some of our student and alumni stories.
Curriculum
All hybrid students must attend in-person residencies during Summer Session 2 (typically late June - mid July).听Students in the 48-credit program must complete three residencies, and students in the 36-credit program must complete two residencies.
Below are sample timelines for the hybrid program. Based on individual circumstances and with advisor approval, the timelines below may be adapted.
| 听 | Summer | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 2 courses* and Spiritual Formation for Ministry | 1 course (online)** | 1 course (online)** |
| Year 2 | 1 May course (online) 2 summer courses* Theological Reflection for Ministry | 1 course (online)** and Internship Reflection Group | 1 course (online)** and Internship Reflection Group |
| Year 3 | 1 May course (online) 2 summer courses* Capstone Proposal | 1 course (online)** and Capstone Project | 1 course (online)** plus Capstone Project |
*at least one course each summer (for three summers) must be in-person, during Summer Session 2.
**other than the in-person residency, students can adapt the number of courses they take per term.
Note that this is only a sample timeline 鈥� based on your circumstances, your plan may look slightly different. You should be in close contact with your academic advisor.
The 36-credit M.A. (hybrid modality) can be completed in two full years (two summers and two academic years).
| 听 | Summer | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1* | 1 May course (online)**, 1 summer course (in person, Session 2), and Spiritual Formation for Ministry | 2 courses (online)** | 1 course (online)** |
| Year 2* | 1 May course (online)**,听1 summer course (in person, Session 2), Theological Reflection for Ministry, and Capstone Proposal | 2 courses (online)** and Capstone Project | 1 course (online)** and Capstone Project |
*during the term of your choice, you will need to take one more course (online or in-person) as well as one 1-credit module.
**other than the in-person residency, students can adapt the number of courses they take per term.
Note that this is only a sample timeline 鈥� based on your circumstances, your plan may look slightly different. You should be in close contact with your academic advisor.
Theology & Scripture Core
21 credits
| Course Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| Theological Foundations in Practical Perspective | 3 |
| Christology | 3 |
| Systematic Theology or History of Christianity | 3 |
| Ecclesiology or Ecumenical/Interreligious Studies | 3 |
| Ethics | 3 |
| Old/New Testament | 3 |
| Scripture course that includes a focus on the other Testament | 3 |
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Pastoral Studies for Ministry Core
12 credits
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| Course Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| Religious Education | 3 |
| Pastoral Care | 3 |
| Spirituality | 3 |
| Pastoral/Practical Theology or Liturgy | 3 |
Formation for Ministry
6 credits
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| Course Area听 | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Spiritual Formation | TMPS 7080: Spiritual Formation For Ministry | 1 |
| Contextual Education | TMPS 7280: Theological Reflection for Ministry | 1 |
| Contextual Education | TMPS 8139: Internship Reflection Group | 听 听 听 听 听 听 4 |
Electives
9 credits
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| Course Area听 | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Elective | 听 | 听 |
| Elective | 听 | 听 |
| Elective | 听 | 听 听 听 听 听 听听 |
One three-credit course in each of the following areas must be courses identified by the CSTM as meeting schoolwide criteria to fulfill Justice and Diversity formation commitments:
- Theology and Scripture Core
- Pastoral Studies Core
- Elective
In addition to these courses, Spiritual Formation for Ministry and Contextual Education will also include components that fulfill CSTM Justice and Diversity formation commitments.
Theology & Scripture Core
18 credits
| Course Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| Theological Foundations in Practical Perspective | 3 |
| Systematic theology or History of Christianity | 3 |
| Ecclesiology or Ecumenical/Interreligious Studies | 3 |
| Ethics | 3 |
| Old/New Testament | 3 |
| Scripture course that includes a focus on the other Testament | 3 |
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Pastoral Studies for Ministry Core
12 credits
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| Course Area | Credits |
|---|---|
| Religious Education | 3 |
| Pastoral Care | 3 |
| Spirituality | 3 |
| Pastoral/Practical Theology | 3 |
Formation for Ministry
3 credits
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| Course Area听 | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Spiritual Formation | TMPS 7080: Spiritual Formation For Ministry | 1 |
| Theological Reflection | TMPS 7280: Theological Reflection for Ministry | 1 |
| Module | 听 | 听 听 听 听 听 听 1 |
Electives
3 credits
听
| Course Area听 | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Elective | 听 | 听 |
One three-credit course in each of the following areas must be courses identified by the CSTM as meeting schoolwide criteria to fulfill Justice and Diversity formation commitments:
- Theology and Scripture Core
- Pastoral Studies Core
In addition to these courses, Spiritual Formation for Ministry will also include components that fulfill CSTM Diversity and Justice formation commitments.
Additional Program Components
In their last year of study, M.A. students will complete their degree with a Capstone Project, which can be completed in one of three ways:
- An integrative ministry project design with accompanying theological reflection
- An arts-based project or performance with accompanying theological reflection
- A written research-based thesis, which will culminate in an oral defense
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the M.A. in Theology and Ministry program will be able to:
- bring informed theological, biblical, and pastoral resources to interpret and enhance the life and ministry of faith-based communities and programs of service;
- embody the intellectual, pastoral and spiritual formation that is needed to provide leadership and empowerment to diverse communities of faith through various functions of education, ministry and service;
- demonstrate leadership (ecclesial, educational, ministerial, and public) that is well grounded in theological and pastoral studies, and that affirms the values of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, enabling persons and communities to integrate life and Christian faith in accord with these values.