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 (courses numbered 200 or above). Up to 15 credit hours of 100 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).

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.

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 biblical, historical and systematic/ethical fields students take approximately 36 hours in the field of concentration and 12 hours in each of two other areas. In the theology and society program, students take at least 39 hours in theology, and 15 hours in one or more of the related human sciences (currently, Anthropology, Economics, Education, English, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology). Qualifying examinations and dissertation topics for doctoral students specializing in theology and society are expected to reflect the cross-disciplinary nature of their 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.


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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.