The Theological Institute - Saint John's Seminary
Celebrating 140 Years of Our Faithful Mission!

The Theological Institute

Why our programs?

In addition to forming future priests, The Theological Institute of Saint John's Seminary offers two fully accredited graduate degree programs in Catholic theology for laity, religious, and deacons.

Learning from within the

heart of the Church

“Lay formation at Saint John’s Seminary is an integral part of our mission to form disciples who are adequately prepared to evangelize the world, not only through their ministries, but also through their lives.”

Rev. Msgr. Stephen Salocks, 80'
Rector of Saint John’s Seminary

What do our degrees have in common?

Both the Master of Arts in Ministry (M.A.M.) and Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) degree programs possess an academic core stemming from within the heart of the Church. The intellectual dimension of formation immerses the student in the rich and robust treasury of Catholic theology, and is faithfully anchored in Scripture, Tradition, and the magisterial teachings of the Church.

What makes these degrees unique?

  • Master of Arts in Ministry

    Program Overview

    The Master of Arts in Ministry degree is designed for those who seek to serve the local Church as pastoral associates, religious educators, or in a variety of administrative and ministerial positions. It also prepares students to serve the Church in other settings, such as hospitals, campuses, and prisons.

    • 12 academic courses (36 credits)
    • 4 semesters of field education (12 credits)
    • 4 semesters of monthly human and spiritual formation
    • 2 Year Program
    • Classes offered on evenings and weekends

    Outcomes

    Upon graduation from the Master of Arts in Ministry program, the student will have achieved the following objectives:

    • All students will possess a graduate-level understanding of the fundamentals of Catholic theology and each of its branches.
    • All students will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of theology to philosophy and culture.
    • All students will develop skills in evangelization.
    • All students will demonstrate competence in the art of ministry.
  • Master of Theological Studies

    Program Overview

    The Master of Theological Studies for the New Evangelization is an academic degree to equip laypersons and others to fulfill the call of Vatican II: to bring the beauty of the Gospel to the fields of work, culture, and family.

    • 12 academic courses (36 credits)
    • 2 semesters of monthly M.T.S. Colloquium (2 credits)
    • 2 semesters of monthly human and spiritual formation
    • Student’s choice of composing a thesis or taking comprehensive exams
    • 2 Year Program
    • Classes offered on evenings and weekends

    Outcomes

    Upon graduation from the Master of Theological Studies, the student will have achieved the following objectives:

    • All students will possess a graduate-level understanding of the fundamentals of Catholic theology and each of its branches.
    • All students will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of theology to philosophy and culture.
    • All students will develop skills in evangelization.
    • All students will demonstrate competence in advanced academic study and/or research.

The Four Dimensions of Formation

Intellectual Formation

Human Formation

Spiritual Formation

Apostolic Formation

Top Tier Faculty

Many classes are taught by eminent scholars in their field and their work is at the forefront of Catholic theology. Students benefit by studying directly with academics who are not only the best at what they do, but are dedicated to the authentic handing on of the Faith and whole person formation.

Academic Rigor

Our programs provide both a solid theological foundation and a depth of study into the various areas of theology, such as Trinitarian Theology and Christology, Ecclesiology, Moral Theology, and Liturgical and Sacramental Theology. Our curriculum was designed to reveal the breath and depth of Catholic theology to each student.

Admissions

The MAM and MTS degree programs have a rolling admissions policy. Catholics who have a bachelor’s degree may apply. Individuals are welcome to take courses for continuing education credits or personal enrichment. Come meet our staff and observe a class.

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What are our Alumni saying about their experience at Saint John's Seminary?

Lay Formation Alumni

Ed Ciampa - MAM 2018

The way that Father Riley's Field Education training impacted me was probably the most important aspect of my MAM career as it led up to my continuing as a volunteer at D'Youville Health and Wellness Community in working with those with dementia. The training received with Father Riley allowed me to continue in this field where I met the Chaplain at D'Youville who suggested that I take courses in order to become a Chaplain myself. I am pleased to report at this time that I have just been provisionally accepted into the CPE Unit program (leading to Chaplaincy) at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen beginning in September. Praise God!

Dr. Anthony Coleman
Director of MAM/MTS Degree Programs

SCHEDULE A MEETING


Ellen Oesterle
Assistant to the Director

Phone: (617) 779-4104