Why Earn Your Theology Degree at Saint Leo University?
Saint Leo's online master's degree in Theology offers a flexible adult learning model for nontraditional graduate students, lay ministers and candidates to the diaconate.
Our online theology degree will allow you to balance home and work life with the pursuit of your studies. As one of the oldest Catholic institutions of higher education in the nation, Saint Leo has deep roots in the Benedictine tradition. Holding students to high standards of ethics and academic excellence, theology faculty guide you to a plan that best suits your individual goals, talents and needs at any stage in your career.
The 36-credit hour online master's degree in theology program explores:
- Major theological questions, such as the mystery of God, Jesus as Son of God, and our own human origin, destiny and purpose in life;
- Ethical and cultural implications of a transcendent understanding of life;
- Contributions of and challenges to the Catholic tradition;
- The role of humility and contemplative experience;
- Appropriate skills for leadership in liturgical and ministerial service
What better place to study theology than at Florida’s oldest Catholic college? With centuries-old roots in the Benedictine tradition, we welcome all curious thinkers, regardless of faith background.
Learning Experience:
Education Center
Online
Est. Time to Complete:
2 years
Credit Hours:
36 hours
Master's Theology Program Details
Earning a mater's degree in theology helps us better understand ourselves, our relationships and what motivates cultures around the world. As an online theology student, you'll develop a more holistic view of the human experience — a perspective that will inform your work whether serving the church, classroom, courtroom or a social service organization.
Learn Your Way:
Online, On Campus, or Near You
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What are the on-campus facilities like?
Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.
Theology students enjoy plenty of engaging learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, as well as exciting departmental events.
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What are the benefits of earning your theology degree online?
Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
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Taking online classes has afforded me the opportunity to learn while maintaining a job. They give me some flexibility to study at times that work more cohesively with my schedule and allow me to utilize resources such as the library 24 hours a day.
Bentley Streat | Hayes, VA
Are education centers near you offering theology degree programs?
You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.
Career Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
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What skills you will learn?
You may come to the program with different beliefs and objectives from your classmates, or perhaps with no background in academic theology, but you will also leave spiritually enriched, with a critical knowledge of biblical, systematic, historical, pastoral, and moral theology.
How will you gain real experience?
Classroom learning is only part of the theology degree program at Saint Leo University. We also know the value of hands-on experience. Theology students find opportunities at local parishes, pre-hospital chaplaincy programs, youth ministry programs and Catholic Charities.
Plus, our Career Services center is always available to help connect you with a variety of other experiential learning opportunities to fit your individual career goals.
What can you do with a master's theology degree?
Graduates apply their theology knowledge to a variety of vocations, including lay pastoral ministry, religious education, diaconal ministry, secondary education, chaplaincy and further graduate study.
What are the top theology degree jobs?
| Career | Salary |
|---|---|
| Director religious activities | $63,390 per year |
| Clergy | $56,560 per year |
| Religion teacher | $90,160 per year |
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020.
College of Arts & Sciences
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The College of Arts and Sciences at Saint Leo University offers students a broad education that lays a durable foundation for critical and independent thinking. The essential spirit of the liberal arts is a cornerstone of the varied degree programs. From biology to English to sociology, students enjoy a nice selection of in-demand degree programs for all interests.
Learning takes place both in and out of the classroom. Students travel to Europe through our cultural immersion courses, research unique plant species while trekking through the Peruvian Amazon, and attend film screenings and poetry readings. With highly experienced professors who bring a wealth of practical knowledge to the classroom, students are prepared to work in a variety of rewarding fields. The College supports more than 30 degree programs across University Campus, education centers in five states, and online.
Student Stories
"Saint Leo's Creative Writing MA program helped me immensely as a reader and a writer. Learning to read not only what is in a story, but paying careful attention to how it's written, is just one of the memorable gifts I received from this program's helpful faculty and encouraging environment."
Janna Correa, (Fiction, 2022)
This program allows growth as a writer and as a person. The experience was absurdly personal. Absurd because of the organic evolution fostered by its leadership and absurd because of the personal touches from the instructors. Why expect that? St. Leo is invested in its students. You get more than you bargained for.
Jimmy Sutman, (Poetry, 2022)
It can be intimidating to go back to school after decades of being in the workforce. But as a non-traditional student, I felt nothing but a warm welcome from Saint Leo faculty and my classmates. I started my first semester at another university and wasn't happy. I transferred to Saint Leo and learned more than I could have ever imagined in this program. Best decision I ever made. Thanks to my studies there, I'm getting ready to release my first book at the end of this year!
Lisa Moody, (Nonfiction, 2021)
Being a part of the Creative Writing program at Saint Leo was the right choice for me, as it allowed me to pursue my degree from another state while also working a full-time job. I was still able to have the invaluable experience of connecting with a group of like-minded writers through the in-person residency, and I still maintain those relationships today. Through your coursework in this program, you will both read and write quality work and have constant support and encouragement from professors who really do care about your future as a writer.
Susan Abercrombie, (Nonfiction, 2021)
I enjoyed the close-knit literary community that Saint Leo University provided in the Creative Writing Nonfiction program. The instructors are a very experienced, passionate, and supportive group. I am a confident and better writer because of the workshops, the effective and inspiring feedback from faculty, and peer support.
Tisha Arther, (Nonfiction, 2022)
When I started the MA in Creative Writing at Saint Leo University, I didn't know what to expect and I didn't know if I would be able to fit into the program. After I left my first day of residency, I never questioned the absolute certainty that I had finally found where I belonged as a writer. The faculty were knowledgeable and encouraging, my peers were talented and welcoming, and the university offered an experience catered to my success. Participating in this program absolutely changed the trajectory of my life - as both a student and educator.
Danielle Knight, (Fiction, 2020)
News
Accreditation
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.
