St. Joseph's College (ME)

Programme overview

Saint Joseph's College offers an online Master of Arts in Theology framed by Catholic doctrine and aligned with the teaching authority of the Church. The program is intended primarily for Catholic deacons and lay ecclesial ministers serving in parishes, diocesan agencies, hospitals, retreat centers and social service settings, and is also open to students of other faiths who wish to study Catholic theology. The curriculum follows norms articulated by the United States Catholic Bishops and the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons.

What you'll study

The MA provides a theological foundation with a strong pastoral and spiritual orientation. Saint Joseph’s offers three specializations: Pastoral Theology (36 credits) for parish- and agency-based ministers; Sacred Theology (36 credits) oriented to teaching, pastoral ministry and spiritual formation; and Advanced Diaconal Studies (30 credits) tailored for ordained deacons and candidates in diaconal formation. Course content for the diaconal intellectual formation follows the National Directory and draws on Scripture, Tradition, Vatican II documents, the Catechism, and the General Directory for Catechesis. The program prepares students to integrate intellectual learning with human, spiritual and pastoral formation in diocesan contexts.

Entry requirements

General graduate preparatory requirements are assumed to be met for students entering at the graduate level. Specific requirements for the Advanced Diaconal Studies specialization: an ordained deacon must submit a letter from his diocese stating he is in good standing; a diaconal candidate must submit a letter from his diocese stating he is in formation.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to serve the Church in parish and diocesan roles, to pursue Catholic chaplaincy, and to work as catechists or lay ecclesial ministers. The program explicitly aims to equip students for parish leadership, diocesan ministry, hospital and retreat-center ministry, and diaconal service. The college notes relevance to roles described by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for directors of religious activities and religious education, who plan and coordinate religious education and related programs.

Scholarships & funding angle

Saint Joseph’s publishes program tuition information and indicates possible tuition discounts: a stated total cost (excluding textbooks and fees) and employer-based tuition discount opportunities. The college also offers a reduced tuition rate for ordained deacons and diaconal candidates through its partnership arrangements; prospective students are advised to consult Online Admissions for details.