On Campus
Master of Arts (MA)
Discover Franciscan Theology in a World-Class Academic Setting
Goals & Learning Outcomes
The goals of the MA program are to prepare students to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the basic documents and heritage of the Roman Catholic Church through instruction in Scripture, church history, systematic theology, liturgy, and moral theology within diverse cultural contexts
- Demonstrate advanced graduate skills in research, multiple languages, sustained augmentation of a thesis, and skills in communicating a position in both oral and written form
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge in the sources and themes of the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition
Upon program completion, MA program graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of major theological disciplines (Scripture, Systematic Theology, Historical Studies, Moral Theology/Ethics)
- Exhibit focused knowledge in an area of specialization within the Franciscan tradition (theology, history, spirituality)
- Conduct research and construct a coherent, sustained theological argument in the form of a thesis
- Use a foreign language in conducting graduate-level research
- Communicate coherently, effectively, and persuasively in writing and speaking
Ideal candidates for this program include:
- Those interested in Franciscan history, spirituality, and languages
- Those who wish to pursue further advanced degrees
MTS Program Requirements
Students are required to:
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Applicants for the MA Program are required to submit results of the GRE for evaluation before admission.
- Credit Hours: All students are required to complete 42 credit hours for the MA degree including coursework, online and in-person, and thesis preparation.
- Grade Point Average: Students are required to maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled in the MA program.
- USD Requirement: Students must take at least one course at USD.
- Foreign language requirement: Each student must demonstrate competency in a second language to be used for research in preparation of the thesis. Competency will be determined by passing of courses at the appropriate level (at USD or other approved institution), or by written or oral examination. No more than three units of language study may be applied to the degree requirements. The language requirement must be completed before the beginning of the second year in the program to aid in the preparation of the thesis.
Discover the Franciscan Difference
The Franciscan School of Theology embodies Franciscan theology in a diverse world, offering an optimistic, Christ-centered perspective. We integrate pastoral and academic learning, nurturing both mind and heart, and, in partnership with the University of San Diego, share a commitment to Catholic identity, academic excellence, social change, and global awareness. On-campus students benefit from small class sizes, experienced faculty, a supportive community, career-focused education, and access to USD resources.
MA Curriculum
Students in the MA program will encounter courses like Writings of Francis & Clare (SP 501), Intercultural Theology (ST 603), Modern Social Justice Prophets (HS 505), and Spirituality in the Time of Climate Crisis (CE 615). Special Reading Courses may be designed by a student in collaboration with a faculty member to allow deeper investigation of an individual author, theme, or work.
FST faculty members are also available to work with students using Franciscan research materials in Latin, French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Portuguese, and English.
Featured Courses
Accreditation
The Franciscan School of Theology is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
The Franciscan School of Theology regularly assesses its academic programs to ensure that they continue to provide the desired depth and breadth of theological education and that they conform to the standards of the WSCUC and ATS accrediting agencies.
Admissions
Step 1:
Create an online account to start an application and apply to FST graduate programs. Review the Steps to Apply page to see all requirements.
Step 2:
Connect with an FST enrollment advisor. An enrollment advisor can guide you through the process, coordinate a campus visit, and even get your application fee waived.
Step 3:
Gather additional application materials. Request official transcripts and the contact information for your letters of recommendation.
Step 4:
Submit your application. Once all application materials have been received, the Admissions Committee will review your application, and the Admissions team will contact you with the decision.
Tuition & Financial Aid
The Franciscan School of Theology utilizes the University of San Diego’s financial aid department to provide financial aid guidance and support to our student body.
FST offers scholarships based on financial need and academic merit. Additionally, we offer two special programs for employees of Catholic institutions and professed members of the Secular Franciscan Order (full-time, on-campus degree programs only).
FST also participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program, open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
We recommend that applicants begin the financial aid process when applying for admission.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Franciscan School of Theology admit lay persons?
Our students come from all walks of life, both lay and religious. Our Requirements Page gives more information about requirements for our degrees and non-degree programs.Do I have to be Catholic to attend FST?
The Franciscan School of Theology gladly welcomes people of all beliefs to share in the Franciscan Spiritual and Intellectual Tradition – you do not need to be Roman Catholic to attend. FST is a Roman Catholic institution.What do graduates do with their MA degrees?
A Master of Arts holder can enter a wide range of careers with their degree, provided they have any additional required preparation. MA graduates have gone on to become theological researchers, PhD students, religious or secular secondary school teachers, diocesan catechetical leaders, lay ecclesial ministers, and community ministers.Does FST offer financial assistance?
Yes. The Franciscan School of Theology offers financial aid in scholarships, tuition assistance, programs for employees of Catholic institutions, and a program for professed members of the Secular Franciscan Order. In addition, FST participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program, open to US citizens and permanent residents. Alumni can also audit courses as Clare of Assisi Scholars at a discounted rate.Does the Franciscan School of Theology admit International Students?
Yes. The Franciscan School of Theology has a long tradition of welcoming students from around the world. Students have joined us from countries such as Germany, Korea, Vietnam, Guam, Spain, China, the Philippines, Ireland, Japan, South Africa, and Mexico. FST is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students.Explore Our Additional Programs
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