Religious Education, M.A.

Saint Louis University's Department of Theological Studies offers a Master of Arts in Religious Education (M.A.R.E.) geared toward students who want to earn a degree that will prepare them to work as a religious educator in a parish setting or a theology teacher in Catholic schools. This program offers students an introduction to the major fields of theological study and pedagogical training, and practical experience through a joint degree with the SLU School of Education.

Curriculum Overview

The M.A. in religious education program consists of two years of study that includes 36 credits of coursework. Fifteen credits, including a three-credit practicum, are taken in SLU's School of Education. The remaining 21 credits are taken in SLU's Department of Theological Studies.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Resources for theology students at SLU include the more than 37,000 microfilms of the Vatican Film Library, the archives of the Institute of Jesuit Sources and more than 150,000 volumes of the Divinity Library in the Pius XII Memorial Library. Pius Library itself contains 1.4 million books, journals and other media. The library also provides access to many key research resources, including the Patrologia Latina, Brepolis, Early English Books OnLine, ATLA, Catholic Periodical Index, J-STOR, Index of Christian Art and electronic access to major journals and other indexing tools.

Careers

Graduates of SLU's theology program have gone on to a wide range of careers in academia, educational administration, museums, libraries, archives and nonprofit agencies. SLU's Department of Theological Studies is committed to the professional preparation of every graduate student.

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate major in theology or religious studies is recommended but not required. Applicants with a strong background (at least 18 credits of upper-level coursework) in theology or religious studies will also be considered.

Application Requirements

• Application form and fee
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Résumé
• Professional goal statement

Requirements for International Students

All Saint Louis University admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students applying to SLU must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate English language proficiency
• Academic records must include an English translation. Unofficial copies may be accepted in some cases for initial admission review, however official copies must be received prior to enrollment. Course-by-course transcript evaluations are accepted. 

Students must submit financial documents to be issued an I-20 for their F-1 visa application. Proof of financial support must include:

• A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
• A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University

Application Deadline

Interested students should apply by Jan. 1.

Review Process

The department’s graduate studies committee reviews applications.

Tuition 

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships, Assistantships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines listed. Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award. 

Explore Scholarships and Financial Aid Options

1. Graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the broad outlines of Christian scripture, Christian history and the major theological developments in the tradition, as well as core terms and categories that frame the field of education.
2. Graduates will be able to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, demonstrating clear, coherent and well-developed complexity of thought and analysis.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

For additional questions regarding the M.A.R.E. program, contact theology@slu.edu or call 314-977-2881 and ask for M.A.R.E. program coordinator.