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The Master of Arts (MA) in Applied Catholic Theology provides a robust understanding of the fullness of the Catholic faith, uniting the Church's intellectual, liturgical, and apostolic dimensions into a coherent Catholic vision.

By completing the combined courses of our graduate certificates in Prayer and Spiritual DirectionSacred Scripture, and Evangelization and Catechesis, students will experience a rigorous, coherent course of study providing the necessary intellectual, personal, and spiritual formation to communicate the Church’s magisterial teaching effectively to youth and adults alike in our contemporary age. This degree concludes with an integrative, practical capstone experience under the guidance of a dedicated, experienced faculty mentor.

Take the First Step

Get in touch with any questions or submit a simple application for admission.
After you're admitted to the university as a candidate for graduate studies, we will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance into your academic program so you can enroll and begin your classes!

At a Glance

75%
Growth of the Catholic population in the US over the last 40 years

Program Length

16 months / 32 credits

Formats

Online with on-campus institutes

Scholarship & Aid

In keeping with our commitment to supporting the catholic professional seeking further education, we offer each eligible candidate up to $10,000 in scholarships.

Tuition per Credit

$775

Is This the Degree For Me?

Who It’s For

  • Directors of religious education (DREs)
  • Diocesan and parish personnel
  • Clergy
  • Volunteers involved in faith formation
  • Those looking for personal enrichment or exploring academic or ministerial doctoral programs.

Career Paths

  • Church Leader
  • Missionary Work
  • Director of Religious Education
  • Spiritual Director (with additional certification)

What You’ll Learn

  • Engage the Church’s magisterial tradition on marriage, sex, and family
  • How to apply and proclaim the Church’s teaching to wounded persons and families in our contemporary world
  • Enrich your knowledge and skills as a spiritual director by deepening your own friendship and communion with the Triune God
  • Broaden your own scriptural prayer and devotion as well as your ability to communicate its glories and depths to others in evangelism and catechesis

This degree has contributed greatly to my career. I have accepted a new position at my parish as a junior high theology teacher and the Teen Youth Group Coordinator. This is my dream job! I will have the daily joy of teaching the Gospel to our teens as well as guiding high school students who want to dive deeper into their faith through service, weekly meetings, and retreats. What a blessing to share what I know with youth who are so receptive to the Word and searching for the truth!

Daniela Romano

Program Details

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Your first step is to get in touch with any questions or submit the simple application for admission. After acceptance to the University as a candidate for graduate studies, we will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance into your academic program so you can enroll and begin your classes!

The following are examples of courses that will be offered for this program. For more information regarding the full list of courses, please contact us.

The Mystery of the Sacred Page

Address the philosophy and fundamental theology requisite for the proper and fruitful interpretation of Sacred Scripture with a view towards making true and faithful judgments regarding its content, as formed by the life and teaching authority of the Catholic Church.

Evangelization and Catechesis

Explore the Church’s mission of evangelization and key cultural and philosophical challenges that work against the proclamation of the Christian message in a post-Christendom era—preparing you to effectively proclaim gospel message, especially to those who struggle to hear and respond to the Lord’s invitation. 

Being with God: What Happens in Prayer

Develop your understanding and practice of truly relational Christian prayer, awakening your heart to a deeper lived relationship with God rooted in your identity as a beloved son or daughter—the foundation for a life of effective apostolic mission.

If you are serving or have served our country, we sincerely thank you. Our military services office is here to work closely with active duty, retired, reserve, and eligible family members qualified for military benefits. Learn how we can help you with the application process and review the benefits you have earned.

For a full list of fees, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

The University of Mary is committed to putting your educational goals within reach. Learn what scholarships you qualify for.

We welcome students from various backgrounds, including transfer students from institutionally accredited colleges and universities recognized by the US Dept. of Education and those with military or career and work experience. 

How do I show my previous college, military, or work experience?

  • Official transcripts (if applicable) from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 should be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions.
    • Did you graduate from the University of Mary? Then we’ll get your Mary transcript for you!
    • At most other schools, you can request transcripts by going to the National Student Clearinghouse or by contacting the registrar’s office. 
      • Have your transcripts sent to:
        Office of Admissions
        University of Mary
        7500 University Drive
        Bismarck, ND 58504
      • Or request to send electronic transcripts to registrar@umary.edu.
  • Students with previous career or work experience can earn credits for prior learning.
    • You can choose to test for prior learning credits — we convert your test scores into college credit.
    • You can request a portfolio review for prior learning credits. You’ll assemble documentation to show your experience, which will be reviewed and evaluated by an experienced faculty member.
  • Military experience can count towards a degree.

WHAT WILL I NEED TO APPLY?

  • All of our programs require you to fill out the general application form in addition to submitting the application fee and your transcripts.
  • Any program-specific requirements you’ll need to submit in addition to the items listed above can be found in our catalog.

At the University of Mary, we review every application on an individual basis, ensuring that the materials you submit are evaluated with care and attention. Reach out to us if you have any questions in filling out your application.

Each qualifying candidate will receive up to $10,000 in scholarships.

For more information about this and other financial aid opportunities, please reach out to our online admissions team at 701-355-8030 or enroll@umary.edu.

Get Started Today

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