Why Earn Your Theology Degree at Saint Leo University?
Saint Leo's online master's degree in Theology offers a flexible adult learning model for nontraditional graduate students, lay ministers and candidates to the diaconate.
Our online theology degree will allow you to balance home and work life with the pursuit of your studies. As one of the oldest Catholic institutions of higher education in the nation, Saint Leo has deep roots in the Benedictine tradition. Holding students to high standards of ethics and academic excellence, theology faculty guide you to a plan that best suits your individual goals, talents and needs at any stage in your career.
The 36-credit hour online master's degree in theology program explores:
- Major theological questions, such as the mystery of God, Jesus as Son of God, and our own human origin, destiny and purpose in life;
- Ethical and cultural implications of a transcendent understanding of life;
- Contributions of and challenges to the Catholic tradition;
- The role of humility and contemplative experience;
- Appropriate skills for leadership in liturgical and ministerial service
What better place to study theology than at Florida’s oldest Catholic college? With centuries-old roots in the Benedictine tradition, we welcome all curious thinkers, regardless of faith background.
Learning Experience:
Education Center
Online
Est. Time to Complete:
2 years
Credit Hours:
36 hours
Master's Theology Program Details
Earning a mater's degree in theology helps us better understand ourselves, our relationships and what motivates cultures around the world. As an online theology student, you'll develop a more holistic view of the human experience — a perspective that will inform your work whether serving the church, classroom, courtroom or a social service organization.
Learn Your Way:
Online, On Campus, or Near You
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What are the on-campus facilities like?
Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.
Theology students enjoy plenty of engaging learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, as well as exciting departmental events.
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What are the benefits of earning your theology degree online?
Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
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Taking online classes has afforded me the opportunity to learn while maintaining a job. They give me some flexibility to study at times that work more cohesively with my schedule and allow me to utilize resources such as the library 24 hours a day.
Bentley Streat | Hayes, VA
Are education centers near you offering theology degree programs?
You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.
Career Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
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What skills you will learn?
You may come to the program with different beliefs and objectives from your classmates, or perhaps with no background in academic theology, but you will also leave spiritually enriched, with a critical knowledge of biblical, systematic, historical, pastoral, and moral theology.
How will you gain real experience?
Classroom learning is only part of the theology degree program at Saint Leo University. We also know the value of hands-on experience. Theology students find opportunities at local parishes, pre-hospital chaplaincy programs, youth ministry programs and Catholic Charities.
Plus, our Career Services center is always available to help connect you with a variety of other experiential learning opportunities to fit your individual career goals.
What can you do with a master's theology degree?
Graduates apply their theology knowledge to a variety of vocations, including lay pastoral ministry, religious education, diaconal ministry, secondary education, chaplaincy and further graduate study.
What are the top theology degree jobs?
| Career | Salary |
|---|---|
| Director religious activities | $63,390 per year |
| Clergy | $56,560 per year |
| Religion teacher | $90,160 per year |
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020.
College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services
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Saint Leo’s College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services offers students a holistic education that lays a strong foundation for critical and independent thinking. The curriculum is designed to help students broaden their horizons and build valuable skills sought by employers. From biology to sociology, the College offers 17 high-quality and flexible programs on campus, online, and through our education centers.
Student Stories
Saint Leo University has truly been a stepping stone for me. When I entered this university 4 years ago, I was unaware of what I’d be like when I left. Now, 3 weeks away from graduating, I am so thankful that I was a student here. Your time at Saint Leo University is what you make of it, and Saint Leo students are provided with so much opportunity to succeed.
O'shea Williams - Bachelor of Arts Developmental Psychology
“Saint Leo is not just an academic institution, it’s a formation institution. Saint Leo embraced me for who I am, showed faith that I could be my best, and solidified the light that was shining within me.”
Charles Onyeneke ’17
University Campus, Theology
“As a child, my great-grandmother taught me how to pray and to lean on God. Saint Leo inspired us all to learn with compassion and reminded me to keep the faith.”
Brent Patterson ’21
Center for Online Learning, Religious Studies
“As a teacher, building relationships with my students is key to their success. Saint Leo creates those same relationships with its students.”
Brooke Wittington ’17
Education Center, Education
“I had never experienced something as holistic and rewarding as research. Saint Leo University inspired me to take a huge step outside my comfort zone, and I have never looked back.”
Karl Nyman ’22
University Campus, Biology
“Saint Leo inspired me to enjoy learning again, and they had a patient ‘let’s figure this out’ approach.”
Lauren Thomas ’22
Education Center, Management
News
Accreditation
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.