Who Is the Program For?

The Master of Arts in Christian Doctrine program is designed for individuals seeking to improve their understandings of the Christian faith and its connection to their personal and professional endeavors. Students enrolled in the program pursue their degrees through online coursework or through a combination of online and on-campus coursework. The M.A.C.D. program attracts students from a variety of backgrounds, including teachers of religious studies, physicians, lawyers, business people, diocesan and parish employees, those pursuing second careers as church lay officers, and those interested in personal theological enrichment.

Online or On Campus

The M.A.C.D. program can be completed entirely online or through a combination of online and on-campus coursework in conjunction with our M.A. and Ph.D. programs. Both options feature courses taught by Marquette faculty members.  You don’t need a seminary schedule to study theology seriously.
Our fully asynchronous course lets you learn at your own pace—without compromising depth.

Program Requirements and Learning Outcomes

The M.A.C.D. program requires thirty credit hours of coursework, or ten courses. Seven of those courses must be the following core courses:

• Theo 6100.   Introduction to Scripture
• Theo 6200.   Introduction to Historical Theology
• Theo 6310    Introduction to Systematic Theology
• Theo 6410.   Introduction to Theological Ethics
• Theo 6320.   Christian Doctrine 1
• Theo 6321    Christian Doctrine 2

The remaining four courses are electives, which the student may choose from any of the department’s gradutate-level course offerings. In addition to required coursework, students must complete either comprehensive oral exams or a thesis. Please se our departmental policies and procedures for further information on the program’s curricular requirements.

Upon completing the program, graduates will be able to...

• articulate basic theological concepts in Scripture, Church History, and Christian Doctrine.
• relate historical and social contexts to the discussion of theology and evangelization.
• produce analyses based on critical interpretations of Christian texts and theological reflections.
• M.A.C.D. Learning Outcomes and Assessment Plan

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Three letters of recommendation
• Short personal statement specifying applicant's reasons for applying, vocational objectives, and special areas of interest

In addition, applicants should possess some familiarity with the Christian Scriptures and basic Christian doctrines.

Scholarship Aid

Partial tuition scholarships are available to qualified students, including scholarships exclusively for local Catholic school teachers or those planning to teach in Catholic schools or parishes. See our financial aid page for further information.

Be Enriched. Be Fulfilled. Be Transformed. Be the Difference.

Join more than seven hundred Marquette graduates in theology sharing their knowledge throughout the world. Apply to Marquette's M.A.C.D. program today!

Additional Information

For more information about the M.A.C.D. Program, please contact the program director.

Jennifer Henery, Ph.D.

Teaching Associate Professor

jennifer.henery@marquette.edu