Graduate Theology Programs
Graduate Theology Programs
The Graduate Theology Program is a singular offering at a singular institution — the country’s only college founded, sponsored, and administered by Dominican Friars. In the Dominican tradition, our faculty are working scholars who “share the fruits of their contemplation” with students. Our faculty is ecclesially minded, and teaches a theology that is deeply rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition, grounded in the concrete life of the Church and in accord with the Church’s magisterium.
Our program attracts a variety of students, including traditional-minded graduate students who have attended a Roman Catholic undergraduate institution, educators or lay ministers working in the Roman Catholic Church, and employees of local dioceses and Catholic high schools. The program also serves Dominican sisters from traditional communities. Additionally, we encourage applications from students with diverse and non-traditional backgrounds who have discovered a desire to study theology.
EXPLORE GRADUATE THEOLOGY PROGRAMS
Master of Arts in Theology
The Master of Arts in Theology degree introduces and explores the major themes in Catholic doctrine and practice, and emphasizes the development of research skills that prepare the student to engage in further theological study and writing. Required and elective courses permit the student to develop both a foundation and pursue an area of interest among courses in doctrine, biblical studies, morality, spirituality, and Church history.
Master of Theological Studies
The Master of Theological Studies degree introduces and explores the major themes in Catholic doctrine and practice, as well as the research methods that are central to theology as an academic discipline. Required and elective courses permit the student both to develop a solid theological foundation and to pursue an area of interest among courses in doctrine, biblical studies, morality, spirituality, and Church history.
Master of Theological Studies 4+1 for PC Students is also offered as a degree program. Current PC students will apply in their junior year. They will be able to take up to 2 courses in their senior year. Click Program Information to learn more.
Master of Arts in Catholic Theology & Culture
The Master of Arts in Catholic Theology and Culture is designed for those who are interested in exploring the intersection between Catholic thought and doctrine, and every aspect of culture. It is interdisciplinary, and seeks to introduce students to Catholic themes, perspectives, symbols and expressions a variety of fields. The curriculum requires core classes in Catholic Theology and Culture (CTH), and theology proper (THL), as well as a series of thematic distribution requirements, electives, and a final capstone experience.
GRADUATE THEOLOGY COURSES
Summer 2025 Courses
Registration for Summer 2025 opens April 23rd.
THL 520: Introduction to New Testament (CRN 2065)
Dr. Ian Levy | Mondays / Wednesdays | 9:00a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
St. Catherine of Siena, Room 200
THL 644: Thomas Aquinas: Moral Theology (CRN 2061)
Dr. Robert Barry | Mondays / Wednesdays | 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 pm
St. Catherine of Siena, Room 200
THL 654: People of God: Body of Christ (CRN 2062)
Dr. Holly Coolman | Tuesdays / Thursdays | 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 pm
St. Catherine of Siena, Room 200
THL 770: ST: Catholic Intellectual Tradition (CRN 2064)
Dr. Raymond Hain | Tuesdays / Thursdays | 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 pm
St. Catherine of Siena, Room 200
THL 535: Patristic Theology (CRN 2068)
Dr. Sandra Keating | Tuesdays / Thursdays | 1:00p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
St. Catherine of Siena, Room 200
THL 512: Introduction to Old Testament (CRN 2070)
Dr. Stephen Long | Tuesdays / Thursdays | 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
St. Catherine of Siena, Library
To register for courses, please see the Graduate Course Catalog (new students) and log into CyberFriar (current students).
How to register for courses using CyberFriar
If you are experiencing issues with CyberFriar or have questions about your credentials, please contact Technology support at Providence College.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Dr. Arthur Urbano speaks on Pope Emeritus Benedict and Judaism
Dr. Arthur Urbano offered thoughtful commentary on the late Pope Emeritus Benedict’s relationship with Judaism in a recent article published in The Catholic Spirit. Dr. Urbano, who chairs the Jewish-Catholic Theological Exchange Committee at Providence College explains that there is a complicated history between Pope Emeritus and the Jewish community. After allowing use of the 1962 Roman Missal, and composing a subsequent prayer, “many on both sides of the dialogue” still found it “did not reflect the new state of Jewish-Catholic relations,” says Dr. Urbano.
Faculty Scholar Ian Levy, Ph.D., opens the world of Christian history to students
As a historical theologian, Ian Christopher Levy, Ph.D., professor of theology, knows that Christian teaching is inseparable from the experiences of those who have received it and passed it on for nearly two millennia. Tradition is said to be the living faith of the dead. Levy’s teaching and scholarship look to the ways that the dead, in life, gave further shape and context to the tradition Christians inherit today. This approach considers experiences of tradition that are complicated, multi-layered, and multi-linear…
Dr. Holly Taylor Coolman on Religious Community
Dr. Holly Taylor Coolman responded to a Pew Research Center survey about religion during the pandemic in an article entitled “Survey shows stronger personal religious faith during pandemic” in the Rhode Island Catholic newspaper. Dr. Coolman discussed the importance of being part of a community during the pandemic: “Catholics have in their tradition, an especially strong ecclesial sense that all of this has to do with our connections to one another and living with one another.”
THEOLOGY PROGRAM STORIES
What I appreciate most about the program was the opportunity to explore the wonder and mystery of man’s relationship with God from ancient times to today.
VICKI-ANN DOWNING ’21G, Director of Editorial Services, PROVIDENCE COLLEGE MAGAZINE


Rev. John “Jack” Butler, S.J. ’91G has been named the 26th president of Boston College, effective summer 2026. He earned his master’s degree in theology from Providence College before entering the Society of Jesus, and has played a key role in advancing BC’s strategic priorities in formative education, curriculum renewal, and student wellness.
Additional Contacts
Dr. Sandra Toenies Keating
Graduate Program Director
Siena Hall 238
skeating@providence.edu
Jennifer Pastor
Administrative Coordinator
Siena Hall 207
401.865.2274
jpastor@providence.edu
Theology Department
Siena Hall
401.865.2274