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
This program is offered:
Education Center
Online
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.
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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It will help me be responsive to the latest needs and issues such as gender identity, issues of technology, abuse, and the concerns of the smartphone generation. What I like is that it will teach me how to use applied theology to discuss these issues.
Fr. Rojas
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, and Allied Services
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Saint Leo’s College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services offers students a holistic education that lays a strong foundation for critical and independent thinking. The curriculum is designed to help students broaden their horizons and build valuable skills sought by employers. From biology to sociology, the College offers 17 high-quality and flexible programs on campus, online, and through our education centers.
Student Stories
"Saint Leo's online MBA program in Supply Chain Management provided me the opportunity for flexible learning alongside other supply chain professionals in my industry. With this MBA, I expanded upon educational and professional abilities within the field of Supply Chain Operations."
Paige Holt- MBA Student specializing in Supply Chain Management
Paige is one of our MBA students who has taken full advantage of the opportunities offered by Saint Leo's online MBA program in Supply Chain Management.
“Learning ignites my passion to seek and find information that intrigues my soul, spirit, and mind. Education at Saint Leo University has had an extremely positive influence on my life and my development as a person. It has made me more confident and enabled me to steer into my destiny. Saint Leo University has provided me with different learning experiences that has enabled me to branch out and work with people effectively. It has helped me develop a great amount of self-discipline and, aside from teaching me some very important life skills, Saint Leo University has opened many doors for my future.”
Karen Sislava Reyes - MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING
Karen came to Saint Leo from Flagler College where she earned her undergraduate accounting degree. Karen has worked as an intern for CliftonLarsonAllen. She plans on sitting for the CPA exam this year and will then pursue a doctorate degree.
''As a graduate now pursuing my masters of science in accounting, I’m even more thankful for how well Saint leo equipped me and not just educationally but as a leader, student, and even on a personal level. It is truly a privilege to have been taught by professors whose efforts go beyond the classroom.”
Tayhana Taylor - Undergrad Bachelor of Science- Accounting
Tayhana has completed four prestigious internships, including two with the BIG 4 CPA firms of Ernst & Young and Deloitte in New York City. These internships were highly competitive, and Tayhana engaged in both audit and tax while in these roles, gaining experience with leading-edge accounting protocols. She has been offered a full-time position with Deloitte in 2025. Tayhana has published three articles with faculty in the Tapia College of Business. The most recent titled, "The Impact of COVID-19 on the Airline Industry," was published in the Journal of Finance and Accountancy in Fall 2023
Saint Leo University has truly been a stepping stone for me. When I entered this university 4 years ago, I was unaware of what I’d be like when I left. Now, 3 weeks away from graduating, I am so thankful that I was a student here. Your time at Saint Leo University is what you make of it, and Saint Leo students are provided with so much opportunity to succeed.
O'shea Williams - Bachelor of Arts Developmental Psychology
“Saint Leo is not just an academic institution, it’s a formation institution. Saint Leo embraced me for who I am, showed faith that I could be my best, and solidified the light that was shining within me.”
Charles Onyeneke ’17
University Campus, Theology
“As a child, my great-grandmother taught me how to pray and to lean on God. Saint Leo inspired us all to learn with compassion and reminded me to keep the faith.”
Brent Patterson ’21
Center for Online Learning, Religious Studies
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.