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Evangelize the World
Graduate Theology from the heart of the Church since 1980
Our internationally respected faculty joyfully live out their mission to educate the most competent and dedicated Catholic leaders and teachers. We offer graduate programs in theology, catechetics, and evangelization that are accessible, comprehensive, and ecclesial.
Why Franciscan?
Find Your Program
“I’ve taught at Franciscan University since 1990, and through the years I’ve seen that what this University does, more than anything else, is change lives.”
Dr. Scott Hahn, Scanlan Professor of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization
Why Franciscan?
Our internationally respected faculty joyfully live out their mission to educate the most competent and dedicated Catholic leaders and teachers. We offer graduate programs in theology, catechetics, and evangelization that are accessible, comprehensive, and ecclesial.
Respected
A Life of Theology
Choose Your Program
MA Theology and Christian Ministry
On campus or online, immerse yourself in the authentic teachings of the Church, and gain the tools to go forth and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ! Appropriate for administrators, teachers in Catholic schools, and as preparation for more advanced degrees. Complete the program in as few as two or as many as seven years. No previous theology studies are necessary. Online classes are asynchronous, so you can “go to class” on your schedule, while rolling admissions and three sessions each year mean maximum flexibility!
MA Catechetics & Evangelization
A fully online program that trains Catholic who want to serve the Church and minister to others in the New Evangelization! Appropriate for directors of RCIA, parish faith formation, youth ministry, and religious education. Complete the program in as few as two or as many as seven years. No previous theology studies are necessary. Online classes are asynchronous, so you can “go to class” on your schedule, while rolling admissions and three sessions each year mean maximum flexibility!
MA Theology: Research Intensive Track
See AlsoOn heartland roads, and a riverboat, devout Catholics press on with two-month nationwide pilgrimageUndergraduate AdmissionsFormation and training in the skills necessary for further studies at the doctoral level. Coursework strikes a balance between a broad approach to the basic theological disciplines, while focusing on one discipline of specialization. Applicants must have reading competency in two foreign languages. This program is not offered online, but students can begin the MA Theology online before entering this track here on campus.
MA Theology: Catechetics Specialization
Learning the faith is not enough for some people—they also want to know how to pass it on effectively and compellingly. The Catechetics Specialization focuses more intently on pedagogical techniques, preparing graduates to be exceptional teachers of the Faith. Graduates of this track receive a Catechetics Certificate in addition to their MA Theology degree. Not available online, but students can switch into this specialization after beginning the MA Theology online.
MA Theology: Canon Law First Cycle
Those who feel called to study canon law, the law that governs the workings of the Church on earth, can begin their studies here at Franciscan University. Through an agreement with Catholic University of America School of Canon Law, the First Cycle of classes can be completed here at Franciscan University, with the Second Cycle and Third Cycle following at CUA’s campus in Washington, D.C.
MA Theology and Christian Ministry
On campus or online, immerse yourself in the authentic teachings of the Church, and gain the tools to go forth and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ! Appropriate for administrators, teachers in Catholic schools, and as preparation for more advanced degrees.
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Complete the program in as few as two or as many as seven years. No previous theology studies are necessary. Online classes are asynchronous, so you can “go to class” on your schedule, while rolling admissions and three sessions each year mean maximum flexibility!
MA Catechetics & Evangelization
A fully online program that trains Catholics who want to serve the Church and minister to others in the New Evangelization! Appropriate for directors of RCIA, parish faith formation, youth ministry, and religious education.
close
Complete the program in as few as two or as many as seven years. No previous theology studies are necessary. Online classes are asynchronous, so you can “go to class” on your schedule, while rolling admissions and three sessions each year mean maximum flexibility!
MA Theology: Research Intensive Track
Formation and training in the skills necessary for further studies at the doctoral level. Coursework strikes a balance between a broad approach to the basic theological disciplines, while focusing on one discipline of specialization.
close
Applicants must have reading competency in two foreign languages. This program is not offered online, but students can begin the MA Theology online before entering this track here on campus.
MA Theology: Catechetics Specialization
Learning the faith is not enough for some people—they also want to know how to pass it on effectively and compellingly. The Catechetics Specialization focuses more intently on pedagogical techniques, preparing graduates to be exceptional teachers of the Faith.
close
Graduates of this track receive a Catechetics Certificate in addition to their MA Theology degree. Not available online, but students can switch into this specialization after beginning the MA Theology online.
MA Theology: Canon Law First Cycle
Those who feel called to study canon law, the law that governs the workings of the Church on earth, can begin their studies here at Franciscan University.
close
Through an agreement with Catholic University of America School of Canon Law, the First Cycle of classes can be completed here at Franciscan University, with the Second Cycle and Third Cycle following at CUA’s campus in Washington, D.C.
Not sure which program? Take the quiz!
Notable Franciscan Alumni
Hon. Jeff Fortenberry, U.S. Congressman from Nebraska • Curtis Martin, founder, FOCUS • Dr. Tim Gray, President, Augustine Institute • Father Michael Gaitley, MIC • Jim Beckman, Lecturer, Augustine Institute • Jason Evert, Catholic author and speaker • Dr. Edward Sri, Professor and Vice President, Augustine Institute • Jacob King, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Archdiocese of Philadelphia • Megan Mastroianni, Associate Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Archdiocese of Philadelphia • Chris Stefanick, Catholic author and speaker
What Bishops Say About Us
“As a bishop…it was my great desire to have as many of your graduates as possible be involved in the critical—the fundamental—mission of Catholic education in the Church, handing on of the faith and its practice to our children and young people."
Raymond Cardinal Burke, Archbishop of St. Louis 2004-2008
“I want to say how much I admire this University and how much the Church relies on you who are its graduates.”
Most Rev. William Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore
“I’m convinced that this institution has been central to the renewal of the Church.”
James Cardinal Stafford, Archbishop of Denver 1986-1996
“Franciscan University has a unique place in our country…. Founded after the Second World War, Franciscan has quickly become the light on the hill. You have remained a truly Catholic institution, passionate in your commitment to the Church. …Your authentic and trustworthy presentation of the truth leads your students to Him who is the Truth.”
Most Rev. Arthur Seratelli, Bishop of Paterson
“As a bishop I sought the help in carrying out my episcopal responsibilities of graduates from Franciscan University and I must say I was never disappointed, except that frequently I couldn't obtain them because other bishops got to the graduates before I did.”
Raymond Cardinal Burke, Archbishop of St. Louis 2004-2008
“As a bishop and a Church leader I am grateful for your graduates who provide such faithful service to the Church in so many areas of ministry.”
Most Rev. José Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles
“Franciscan University is a center of spirituality, catechesis, vocations, evangelization, community—a truly passionately Catholic university. … Everywhere you go in the country you meet graduates who are running RCIA programs, teaching in Catholic high schools, are working in Catholic parishes, running programs of evangelization, it is just such a blessing.”
Seán Cardinal O'Malley, Archbishop of Boston
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