Theology and Religious Studies, MA

This program is offered jointly by Atlantic School of Theology and Saint Mary's University

This program brings together two complementary, interdisciplinary programs, Theology (AST) and Religious Studies (SMU). Graduate students will experience a diverse and rich field of expertise in the study of religion.

Students have a unique opportunity to explore and articulate the relationship between Theology and Religious Studies as the fields have evolved both within Canada and internationally. The program is committed to enabling students to study diverse religious communities as they exist in the Maritimes, in Canada and around the world. Students may also choose to study the traditional religious studies and theological areas, such as:

• comparative religions
• comparative ethics
• biblical studies
• systematic theology
• pastoral theology

Students may pursue a thesis based M.A. designed to qualify for admission to doctoral programs or a course-only program designed for students wishing to develop theoretical and applied skills to work within churches and other religious institutions.  One of the objectives of the program is to provide the religious communities in the Maritimes, whether long-established or new, with appropriate expertise that could enhance their understanding of their place in a multicultural society.

Admission Requirements

Applicants may apply to either the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at Saint Mary’s University or to Atlantic School of Theology.  Students applying to Saint Mary’s University meet the general admission requirements and follow the procedures of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research as outlined in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.  For additional requirements and conditions, see below.

Applicants must have an Honours B.A. in Religious Studies or Theology, or a first degree in Theology (Masters in Divinity, for example), or their equivalent, from an AUCC accredited university or a similarly recognized institution. Students may be admitted on a full-time or part-time basis (also see “Full-time versus Part-time Status” in the Graduate Academic Calendar).

Financial Support

Full-time students admitted to the program may be eligible for funding administered by Saint Mary’s University. Funding recommendations are made by the program All successful applicants are automatically considered for graduate funding. Students are encouraged to apply for external scholarships.

Note: Students not registered in any course work but working on their Program/Thesis must register in Program Continuation (Prog Registration/Continuation (FGSR 9000)) for every semester (including summer) in which they are in their graduate program.

Thesis Stream

Includes the completion of a traditional research-oriented thesis as required for admission to Ph.D. studies. Students may do theses using either field-based or library-based research. Students will complete:

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
GTRS 6000	Theory and Methods Seminar	6
Select 12 credit hours of elective courses		12
GTRS 6020	Thesis in Theology and Religious Studies	6
Total Credit Hours		24

Thesis proposal submission and thesis writing guidelines will be designed to enable students to complete their programs within three (3) semesters for full-time students (also see “Time-for-Completion of Graduate Programs” in the Graduate Academic Calendar).

Candidates for the Thesis Stream are required to demonstrate a reading proficiency in a modern language, normally French or German. Students may apply to the M.A. Program Committee to be examined in another modern language if it is more relevant to their specialty. Those entering the M.A. are expected to pass the modern language requirements by the end of their second semester. Exemption from these requirements is granted to those who have proof of a reading competence in the language. In fulfillment of a language requirement the acceptable standard of proficiency is the equivalent of a grade of “B” or higher in a SMU 2000 level undergraduate language course. This standard may be demonstrated by completing a university course or by an examination administered by the M.A. Program Committee. Students whose work concentrates on Biblical Studies must have completed, with a grade of “B” or higher, two full university courses of ancient Greek, Latin or Hebrew.

Course Only Stream

Students will complete:

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
GTRS 6000	Theory and Methods Seminar	6
Select 18 credit hours of elective courses		18
Total Credit Hours		24

Students in this stream will be encouraged to include at least one practicum course (Practicum (GTRS 6400), three (3) credit hours). The program is designed to be completed within three (3) semesters for full-time students (also see “Time-for-Completion of Graduate Programs" in the Graduate Academic Calendar).