Explore theological heritage and become a steward of Christian thought. Theology (M.A.)

The M.A. in Theology from Wheaton College Graduate School equips you with a theological education that is rooted in Scripture and engaged with the theological traditions of the global church in order to form students as faithful stewards of Christian thought for the church and academy today. You'll discover contemporary developments in Christian theology, while establishing a strong biblical, historical, evangelical, and global theological foundation.

Credential Type

M.A.

Major Credits Required

Duration

2-5 years, part or full-time

Format

Hybrid, Residential

3 Concentrations

Explore ecclesial, historical, or systematic theology.

691 Graduate Students

Large enough to broaden your perspective. Small enough to feel connected.

34 Average Age

Wheaton graduate students come from all over the country and at every stage in life.

Graduate School Commencement, student hugging loved one

Investing in You

Scholarships and Financial Wellness

We are currently offering 20 tuition discount scholarships for the Bible and Theology graduate programs. Priority consideration will be given to students who submit their full application by the following deadlines:

Spring 2025 start: November 1
Fall 2025 start: February 1

The Wheaton College Graduate School Student Financial Services team can help you understand how much your graduate studies will cost and what scholarships, loans, and aid may be available to you.

Learn About Graduate Financial Aid

Request Information

Or reach out to us anytime at graduate.admissions@wheaton.edu.

Meet the Program Director and Professor of Theology and History of Christianity Jennifer Powell McNutt, Ph.D.

I would love to connect with you! Email me at Jennifer.mcnutt@wheaton.edu to explore pursuing your M.A. in Theology.

Email Jennifer McNutt

Jennifer McNutt headshot

Why Wheaton for your M.A. in Theology? The Center of Christian Tradition

Biblical truth stands at the center of Christian tradition, and an M.A. in Theology puts Christ at the center of your personal and professional development.

We believe that studying theology equips students to be stewards of God's love and Christian thought in the academy, church, workplace, and community. You’ll deepen your understanding and appreciation of the global evangelical church and leave Wheaton prepared for service to society.

The M.A. in Theology’s Three Concentrations

Students pursuing the M.A. in Theology can cater their degree to their own interests in one of our three concentrations: ecclesial, historical, or systematic theology. If these concentrations don’t fit, a student can pursue the “general” concentration.

Explore the catalog to see the course offerings for each concentration.

Ecclesial Theology

The Ecclesial Theology concentration for the M.A. in Theology at Wheaton focuses on the thoughtful application of theological teaching for the benefit of the church. In the Ecclesial concentration, ministry-minded students are prepared to become theologically thoughtful church leaders. This concentration is offered in partnership with the Center for Pastor Theologians.

Historical Theology

The Historical Theology concentration for the M.A. in Theology at Wheaton focuses on the development of theological ideas and doctrines over time and in context. In the Historical concentration, students draw meaningful connections between various points in the history of Christian thought and articulate the doctrines of the Christian church in relation to the broader historical, social, and philosophical context.

Systematic Theology

The Systematic Theology concentration for the M.A. in Theology at Wheaton focuses on the development and application of particular theological ideas and doctrines and how they constitute and operate within broader theological systems. In the Systematic concentration, students draw meaningful connections between various points of doctrine in relation to scripture, church practice, and contemporary thought.

Our Curriculum

This graduate program engages both historical and contemporary developments in Christian theology with a strong biblical, historical, evangelical, and global foundation. Students can cater their degree to their own interests in one of our three concentrations: systematic, historical, or ecclesial theology.

Please see the graduate course catalog for current requirements as well as the most up-to-date course numbers, titles, and descriptions.

Sample Courses

While your specific coursework will depend on your chosen concentration, common core and elective options for M.A. in Theology students include:

Christian Theology
Global Church History
New Testament Theology
Old Testament Theology
World Religions
Seminars in Early Christianity, Medieval/Reformation/Early Modern, Enlightenment, and Modern
Seminars in Theological Doctrine or Theologians
MA Thesis or Independent Studies

Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies

The Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies fosters systematic study in the fields of Patristics and early Christian literature by engaging in sustained teaching, research, and publication related to the early Church.

The Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies

Our Faculty World-Renowned Professors

Our world-renowned professors will deepen your knowledge of theology in its connection to Scripture, philosophy, historical context, ecclesiology, and the Christian faith today. Our faculty members have expertise in a range of areas including theological anthropology, analytical theology, modern theology, and Reformation theology. Students may also take core classes or electives with other graduate faculty in Biblical Studies including Esau McCaulley, Amy Peeler, Danny Carroll, or Andrew Abernethy.

James M. Arcadi, Ph.D.

Guest Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

Jeffrey W. Barbeau, Ph.D.

Professor of Theology

Marc Cortez, Ph.D.

Dean of the Litfin Divinity School, Professor of Theology, Director of M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies

George Kalantzis, Ph.D.

Professor of Theology, Director of The Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies

Timothy Larsen, Ph.D., D.D.

Carolyn and Fred McManis Professor of Christian Thought and Professor of History

Jennifer Powell McNutt, Ph.D.

Franklin S. Dyrness Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies, Professor of Theology and History of Christianity, Director of M.A. in History of Christianity, Director of M.A. in Theology

Daniel Treier, Ph.D.

Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Theology Director of Ph.D. Program

Biblical and Theological Studies women enjoying a day out in Chicago

BTS Grad Women's Fellowship

The Biblical and Theological Studies (BTS) Grad Women’s Fellowship was started over a decade ago to provide a space for female graduate students in the department to meet together regularly throughout the year with female faculty, build relationships, provide support, and enjoy each other’s company. The group was started by Dr. Karen Jobes (Faculty Emerita) and is led today by Rev. Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt and Rev. Dr. Amy Peeler. Food, fellowship, and prayer are the focus of our time together. If you are a female Bible and Theology student in an M.A. or Ph.D. program, please join us! Feel free to email bts.graduate.studies@wheaton.edu with any questions.

Success After Wheaton What Can You Do With a Master's in Theology?

Our M.A. of Theology graduates obtain the skills necessary for advanced study and service in the Church and society. They leaver prepared to transition effectively into the wider academic and ecclesial community. Many have gone on to careers in missions and missions administration, ministry, publishing, higher education, and more.

A master's in theology can lead to a range of roles in organizations like:

Churches
Colleges and universities
Junior colleges
Parachurch agencies
Religious organizations
Seminaries
Publishing houses

Many Theology M.A. continue on to doctoral programs right here at the Wheaton College Graduate School and at institutions such as:

Australian Catholic University
Baylor University
Dallas Theological Seminary
Fordham University
Harvard University
Marquette University
New York University
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Trinity International University
University of Cambridge
University of Edinburgh
University of Notre Dame
University of Oxford
Vanderbilt University

Alumni Perspectives

A Theological Foundation

"My background in systematic theology and biblical theology really enables me to look for what God is doing in a person's life and to hear their theological questions—'Why am I suffering? Why am I in pain? Why is this happening to me?' and to be able to engage with my patients and answer them"

— Alyssa Foll '13

Alyssa Foll '13 says Wheaton College gave her the solid theological foundation she needs to work with others every day. After earning her M.A. in Theology, Alyssa served as staff chaplain for Adventist Midwest Health where she provided spiritual support and crisis intervention for culturally and religiously diverse populations. She is now a system manager for ministry formation for Ascension Health Illinois.

Next Steps

Interested in earning your master’s degree in theology at Wheaton College? Request more information or start your application today.

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