M.A. in Theology

Why Study Theology?

At the Wheaton College Graduate School, we believe that studying theology equips students to be stewards of God's love and thought in the academy, church, workplace, and community.

Biblical Training for Kingdom Service

You will gain the academic skills necessary for advanced study and service in the church and society through formation in three interrelated areas: biblical and theological knowledge; academic skills and critical reflection; and Christian life and service. Our graduate programs are committed to stimulating learning that bears fruit in lives of faithful thinking and witness for Christ and His Kingdom.

A Charitable Approach

You will discuss key positions within the evangelical global church in a community that values charitable conversation. Together you and your peers will wrestle through the hard questions of faith with faculty willing to walk alongside you to find answers in evangelical theology and exegesis.

Stewards of Christian Thought

The M.A. in Theology degree seeks to equip students to become responsible interpreters of Scripture and faithful stewards of Christian thought.

Ecclesial Theology

The Ecclesial Theology concentration for the M.A. in Theology at Wheaton focuses on the thoughtful application of theological teaching for the benefit of the church. In the Ecclesial concentration, ministry-minded students are prepared to become theologically thoughtful church leaders. This concentration is offered in partnership with the Center for Pastor Theologians.

Historical Theology

The Historical Theology concentration for the M.A. in Theology at Wheaton focuses on the development of theological ideas and doctrines over time and in context. In the Historical concentration, students draw meaningful connections between various points in the history of Christian thought and articulate the doctrines of the Christian church in relation to the broader historical, social, and philosophical context.

Systematic Theology

The Systematic Theology concentration for the M.A. in Theology at Wheaton focuses on the development and application of particular theological ideas and doctrines and how they constitute and operate within broader theological systems. In the Systematic concentration, students draw meaningful connections between various points of doctrine in relation to scripture, church practice, and contemporary thought.

The Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies fosters systematic study in the fields of Patristics and early Christian literature by engaging in sustained teaching, research, and publication related to the early Church.

Students in the M.A. in Theology take the same core 28 credits covering the following areas:

• Bible and Biblical Interpretation 
• Historical Theology Survey
• Christian Theology
• Global Church History

Plus 12 specialized credits in their chosen concentration (Ecclesial Theology, Historical Theology, or Systematic Theology), a capstone course, and a comprehensive exam.

At the Wheaton College Graduate School, we offer a number of programs in the School of Biblical and Theological Studies:

• M.A. in Theology concentrates on the historical and systematic development of theological ideas and doctrines in the context of particular historical or doctrinal systems.
• M.A. in History of Christianity focuses on both the historiography and the history of the Christian church and on the social, political, and economic contexts in which Christianity has developed over time.
• M.A. Biblical Studies prepares students to study and interpret the Bible for the purposes of practical ministry and the enrichment of contemporary Christian life.
• M.A. in Biblical Exegesis equips students to study and interpret the Bible with a rigorous, academic knowledge of biblical languages, hermeneutics, and literary and historical backgrounds.
• M.A. in Old Testament Archaeology investigates the world of the Bible through the recovery and study of ancient sources in order to better understand Scripture.
• Ph.D. in Biblical & Theological Studies is a highly competitive, rigorous, and academic doctoral program that trains Biblical Scholars and Theologians to serve as teachers, researchers, pastors, and leaders in the church and the academy worldwide.

The M.A. in Theology is a full-time or part-time residential program on Wheaton's campus in Wheaton, IL. The program takes two years of full-time course work to complete.

Who Hires M.A. in Theology Graduates?

• Churches
• Colleges and universities
• Junior colleges
• Parachurch agencies
• Religious organizations
• Seminaries

What Career Paths Have Our Alumni Taken?

Alumni of the M.A. in Theology have been able to use their experience to transition effectively into the wider academic and ecclesial community. Many have gone on to careers in missions and missions administration, ministry, publishing, higher education, and many more.

Where have graduates pursued a Ph.D.?

Alumni from the program have gone on to complete doctoral degrees at the following universities:

• Baylor University
• Boston University
• Brown University
• Dallas Theological Seminary
• Drew University
• Duke University
• Harvard University
• Marquette University
• New York University
• Northwestern University
• Princeton University
• Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
• Trinity International University
• University of Aberdeen
• University of Cambridge
• University of Chicago
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Michigan
• University of Oxford
• University of St. Andrews
• Vanderbilt University
• Wheaton College Graduate School

The M.A. in Theology is accessible for remote learners while retaining robust residential experience. The remote option will be available beginning fall of 2024. Please reach out to Graduate Admissions for more information.

The tuition for the M.A. in Theology is available below.

Affording your Wheaton College Graduate School degree is possible through financial aid packages and scholarships.

All incoming M.A. in Theology students are automatically considered for department-based scholarships.

In addition, Student Financial Services provides information about additional scholarships options.

Please see the below link for more information about the financial aid.

Admission requirements include:

• Application Deadline: March 15, 2020. The M.A. in Theology program will continue to review completed Fall Semester Applications after June 15th on a rolling basis.
• Bachelor's Degree from a Regionally Accredited Institution
• GPA 3.0 minimum
• Resume
• Three References: Academic, Pastoral (or other Christian leader), Professional (employer)