Marquette University

What you'll study

The curriculum comprises ten graduate courses (30 credit hours) and a final comprehensive paper integrating coursework with the student’s personal or vocational goals. Seven required core courses are:

• Old Testament Method
• New Testament Method
• Origen to Late Medieval
• Late Medieval to Early Modern
• Christian Doctrine 1
• Christian Doctrine 2
• Introduction to Theological Ethics

The remaining three courses are electives chosen from the department’s graduate-level offerings. Successful completion culminates in a comprehensive paper applying learning to the student’s aims.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (or international equivalent) completed before starting the program and typically present a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants should have some familiarity with Christian Scripture and basic doctrines; an undergraduate major or minor in theology/religious studies or relevant personal/professional background is acceptable. Opportunities exist to address undergraduate deficiencies.

• Application form and fee
• Transcripts from prior U.S. institutions (and course-by-course evaluation for international coursework)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose outlining reasons for the program, vocational objectives, areas of interest, and reasons for choosing Marquette
• For applicants without a theology undergraduate degree: a list of all college theology work (courses, level, instructor)
• International applicants: TOEFL or other proof of English proficiency

Deadlines operate on a rolling basis with specific final dates for fall and spring admission (see departmental listing for exact dates).

Career prospects

The specialization prepares students for roles that require informed theological competence rather than a narrowly vocational qualification. Typical candidates include teachers of religious studies, diocesan and parish staff, those pursuing lay leadership roles in churches, and professionals in other fields (medicine, law, business) seeking theological formation. Common outcomes are teaching in Catholic high schools, contributing to religious education or formation programs, serving pastoral needs in faith communities, and pursuing personal theological enrichment.

Scholarships & funding angle

Marquette’s Graduate School offers a reduced humanities tuition rate (noted as $500 per credit hour for certain humanities M.A. programs). The Department of Theology advertises a range of financial supports for qualified students, including teaching and research assistantships, multiple named fellowships and scholarships, and departmental merit-based aid listings. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may also be eligible for student loans and private scholarships.