Master of Arts in Religious Studies

This program is designed for students with a wide range of pursuits and career goals, from education and catechetics to preparation for a doctoral degree in religious studies, theology or a related field. Rooted in the Catholic and Franciscan tradition, the M.A. in Religious Studies is a 30-credit program particularly but not exclusively focused on Christianity in its many historical contexts and denominational aspects, and situated within contemporary local and global realities.

The Professional Development Seminar is taken in the first semester and is designed to assess and assist readiness for graduate work in religious studies and to aid in examining personal and professional goals. A series of three 4-credit courses in scriptural studies, systematic theology, and church history lays a foundation for methodological application courses in those same areas, and for further elective courses suited to the students' needs and interests. In the final semester, a comprehensive examination, with oral and written components, completes the program; students with a program GPA of 3.7 or higher may opt for a 2-credit Thesis on a chosen topic in religious studies written under the direction of a faculty member in lieu of the comprehensive exam.

M.A. in Religious Studies - Concentration in Ministry Option

Students working in or preparing for church ministry may elect to pursue the M.A. in Religious Studies with a Concentration in Ministry by completing additional required courses designed to foster pastoral skills and understanding.

Along with an advanced scripture area elective, concentration students will complete courses in Pastoral Theology, Ecclesiology, Worship & Sacrament, and Morality & Justice. In the final semester, a case study examination, with oral and written components, completes the program; students with a program GPA of 3.7 or higher may opt for a 2-credit Pastoral Project on a chosen ministerial issue which they plan, implement, and assess under the direction of a faculty member in lieu of the case study exam.

Degree Requirements

• Program Credits: 30
• Required Courses
  • Masters of Arts in Religious Studies
    • RS 500 - Professional Development Seminar (1 credit)
    • RS 552 - The Study of the Scriptures (4 credits)
    • RS 553 - The Study of Systematic Theology (4 credits)
    • RS 554 - The Study of Church History (4 credits)
    • Area electives (2 credits each) in scripture, systematic theology, and church history, Comprehensive Examination or 2-credit Thesis option (for qualifying students)
  • Masters of Arts in Religious Studies - Concentration in Ministry Option
    • RS 500 - Professional Development Seminar (1 credit)
    • RS 552 - The Study of the Scriptures (4 credits)
    • RS 553 - The Study of Systematic Theology (4 credits)
    • RS 554 - The Study of Church History (4 credits)
    • RS 556 - Pastoral Theology (2 credits)
    • RS 558 - Ecclesiology (2 credits)
    • RS 559 - Worship & Sacrament (2 credits)
    • RS 562 - Morality & Justice (2 credits)
    • An area elective (2 credits) in scripture Case Study Examination or 2-credit Pastoral Project option (for qualifying students)
• Required Auxiliary Courses: None

Additional Information

Courses in the Master of Arts in Religious Studies program are generally scheduled in the evenings to accommodate working students. In some courses, a graduate course meets simultaneously with advanced undergraduate courses designed for Religious Studies majors, providing a broad-based, intergenerational student experience.

To qualify for graduation from this program, students must:

• Complete the required coursework with at least a 3.0 overall grade point average, with no individual course below a "B-." Any course(s) in which a final grade below a "B-" is earned do not count toward the 30 credit requirement. If a student receives a final grade of "C+" or below in two courses, that student will be automatically removed from the M.A. in Religious Studies program.
• Satisfactorily complete the capstone requirement (comprehensive examination, or thesis option for students with the requisite program GPA; or, for Concentration in Ministry students, a case study examination, or pastoral project option for students with the requisite program GPA).
• Obtain a recommendation for graduation from the department chair.
• Satisfactorily complete all requirements for the degree within seven consecutive academic years.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Religious Studies degree, students will, in oral and written formats, be able to:

Demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of the Judeo-Christian tradition, including its ecumenical dimensions and contemporary standing within a global context of diverse traditions and commitments, including the Franciscan tradition; Utilize an array of scholarly methods in the study of Christianity (e.g., historical-critical, philosophical, structural/post-structural, praxis-oriented, etc.); Apply various critical lenses of awareness (e.g., historical, cultural, contemporary, ethical, spiritual, scientific, secular) in religious/theological thinking and ritualizing; Relate and apply religious and theological understanding to contemporary issues and problems of human concern. *Further develop the knowledge, skills and aptitudes for service to the life of the Church and its mission to the world within the context of their own ecclesial communities and ministerial activities, including (a) knowledge of the purpose of ministry and its role within the Church and development of these basic ministerial abilities: (b) fostering communal prayer and worship; (c) interpreting the Bible in the contemporary context; (d) providing pastoral care; (e) promoting social justice; and (f) communicating the Christian faith in written and oral exposition.

*For students completing the Master of Arts in Religious Studies - Concentration in Ministry

Cardinal Stritch University was founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi in 1937 and was chartered by the State of Wisconsin as a fully-accredited, degree granting institution. Today, Stritch is one of the largest Franciscan institutions of higher education in North America. We offer more than 60 exceptional undergraduate and graduate degree programs that help students develop new skills, gain career-related experience and build professional networks. These academic programs prepare students of all ages, faiths, races and socio-economic backgrounds to succeed in the communities where they live, work, serve and lead.

Stritch is known as an excellent choice for studying business, education, liberal arts, leadership, nursing and the sciences. Students with diverse faith and cultural backgrounds embrace and live our core Franciscan values of creating a caring community, showing compassion, reverencing creation and making peace.