Perhaps you have been engaged in ministry, teaching, or nonprofit work for a while and are now seeking a stronger academic foundation in theology. Or maybe you are considering theological studies for the very first time. If you are ready for a deeper exploration of the Catholic tradition in its diverse contexts, the Jesuit School of Theology's HyFlex Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) program is right for you.
In this program, you will gain a nuanced understanding of Catholic tradition as you develop a broad foundation in theological studies. Faculty will encourage you to study theology in its historical, cultural, interreligious context. The program culminates in a capstone project that allows you to synthesize and apply what you've learned in contexts most relevant to your professional and personal goals.
Our graduates become leaders in parishes or dioceses, pursue careers with faith-based organizations, teach high school, serve in campus ministry, and go on to pursue further education in theology, law, medicine, and related fields.
Please see the Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) program handbook for more information.
MTS students may come to Berkeley as full-time residential students and take all of their classes in person. However, with our new hyflex format, students now have the option of participating in an on-campus fall orientation and on-campus summer and intersession courses, while taking online, hybrid, and remote classes that are offered year round.
Who is this degree for?
- Parish/Church Ministers
- Aspiring Theologians
- Educators and Teachers
- Community Leaders
- Pastoral Counselors
- Individuals looking to expand their knowledge of their faith
Admission Requirements
To apply for the M.T.S. program, you'll need:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree. (In some circumstances, an individual may be admitted with the academic equivalent of a bachelor's degree, subject to the discretion of the faculty.)
Being at JST, you hear different voices from different cultures, with different expressions of faith, and we gather together and learn from one another. This shared space has opened what I love about theology and ministry.
Program structure
A full-time student in the Master of Theological Studies program may expect to complete the degree in two academic years, but must complete the program within four calendar years from their date of first registration. 12 semester units is the normal full-time course load. For a more complete explanation of the program requirements, see the handbook for the Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) .
I have two young children and I live out-of-state. The ability to receive at least part of my education online was essential...I [also] liked the flexibility of being able to complete some of my coursework in-person.
- Biblical Studies (6 units)
- Systematic and Historical Theology (6 units)
- Theological Ethics (6 units)
- Religion and Culture (6 units)
Areas of Concentration
- Biblical Studies
- Theological Ethics
- Religion and Culture
- Systematic and Historical Theology
Students may take 9 credits of electives at JST and other schools or the GTU or UC Berkley.
M.T.S. students are to write a paper (roughly 40 pages) or present an equivalent project synthesizing the theological concentration and the general theological components of the program. This paper is to be done under the direction of a full-time JST faculty member and with a second reader, both approved by the Associate Dean.
Students enroll in 3 units of MTS Proseminar.
M.T.S. Program Director
Writing Program Director
Our priority application deadlines are February 1 for the fall and September 1 for the spring. Applications received after these dates will be reviewed on a rolling basis.