M.A.C.D. Program

The Master of Arts in Christian Doctrine program requires that students complete 30 credit hours of course work and successfully complete a comprehensive examination paper that integrates what they have learned and that applies it to their careers. Of the 30 credit hours of course work, 21 credits hours must be taken from seven core courses, and for the remaining 9 credit hours of electives (i.e. three courses) students must choose one course in each of the three principal theological disciplines (biblical, historical, and systematic). At least one-half of the 30 credit hour requirement must be fulfilled in strictly graduate-level course work. Up to 15 credit hours of third-level courses are acceptable for graduate credit if additional readings and writing assignments are arranged with the respective professor and completed satisfactorily. Applications require all of the items listed above with the exception of item 6 (personal statement of language proficiency).

Theology Christian Doctrine Masters Learning Outcomes and Assessment Plan

M.A. Program

The Master of Arts program requires that students complete 30 hours of course work, pass a foreign language examination (in either French or German), successfully complete a comprehensive examination, and write a Master’s essay. The alternative program requires the approval of the departmental chairperson and the Graduate School and demands that the student complete 24 hours of course work, pass a foreign language examination (in either French or German), successfully complete a comprehensive examination, and write a thesis. M.A. students in either program may concentrate in scriptural, historical, or systematic/ethical theology, taking 18 hours in the field of concentration and 6 hours in each of the other two fields.

Theology Masters Learning Outcomes and Assessment Plan

Ph.D. Program

The Doctor of Philosophy program requires a total of 60 semester hours of course work, demonstrated competence in French and German, successful completion of a doctoral qualifying examination, and a successful defense of a written dissertation. Students have the option of concentrating in one of four areas of theology:

In the Judaism and Christianity in Antiquity, Historical and Systematic/Ethical fields students take approximately 36 hours in the field of concentration and 12 hours in each of two other areas. A student in the Theology and Society specialization must complete at least 30 credit hours of theology course work (primarily in one area of
specialization: Judaism and Christianity, historical or systematics/ethics) selected around the theology and society theme, a total of at least 18 credit hours in two other areas of theology, and 12 credit hours in one or more related human sciences (anthropology, economics, education, English, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology). Students pursuing the healthcare mission and ethics specialization within the theology and society track must complete these 12 credit hours in healthcare related courses (e.g., health law, health care finance, etc.). These students may be required to take additional course work, beyond the 60-credit-hour requirement, to certify their qualifications in both theology and the allied discipline. Qualifying examinations and dissertation topics for doctoral students in the theology and society specialization are expected to reflect the cross-disciplinary nature of the course work.

All Ph.D. students must spend at least two semesters in residence. Students entering the program with a Master’s Degree in Theology may incorporate some of their previous course work into their Ph.D. program, providing such courses are approved by the department’s Committee on Graduate Studies.

Theology Religious Studies PhD Learning Outcomes and Assessment Plan


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Theology Department Mission Statement

Theology Department Mission Statement


Marquette University defines itself as Christian, Catholic, Jesuit, urban, and independent. The Department of Theology functions within the university to investigate and understand the Catholic tradition, its relation to other Christian communions, and to other religions of the world. Read more of our mission statement.