Graduate Theology Programs
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
Spring 2025 Courses
THL 528: Epistles of St. Paul (CRN # 2799) Dr. James Keating | Tuesdays | 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
THL 500: Theology: History and Methods (CRN # 2797) Dr. Gary Culpepper | Thursdays | 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
THL 770: Special Topics: CS Lewis and Catholic Doctrine (CRN # 2800) Dr. Francesca Murphy | Mondays | 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
In this course, we will situate the writings of CS Lewis in relation to ancient, mediaeval and contemporary Catholic theology, and in relation to Catholic doctrine. We will begin by studying Athanasius’ On the Incarnation of the Word, in the edition with CS Lewis’ introduction to the text. We will follow that by reading The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. We will consider Lewis’ ideas about science (physics and astronomy) by reference to texts from Lewis’ The Discarded Image, Out of the Silent Planet, and Michael Ward’s Planet Narnia. Continuing with Out of the Silent Planet, we will discuss Lewis’ idea of the Fall. We will compare and contrast the CCC on the afterlife with Lewis’ The Great Divorce. We will discuss the idea of the soul’s exile and return to God in The Horse and His Boy. We will discuss Lewis’ response to demythologization in Letters to Malcolm on Prayer. We will ask whether Lewis’ idea of Mere Christianity is a sufficient notion of the Church. We will debate Lewis’ defense of Miracles. The course will conclude with conversation about Lewis’ eudemonistic.
THL 770: Theology of the Human Person (CRN # 2885) Dr. Stephen Long | Wednesdays | 7:00 p.m. – 9:20 p.m.
This course is an overview of Christian reflection concerning the nature of the human being (i.e., “theological anthropology”), in dialogue with contemporary challenges. Issues to be touched upon include the “image of God” in humanity, the nature of “the soul,” the theological implications of gendered/sexual difference, and the human place in the cosmos. Special and recurring emphasis will be given to the category of “personhood”: what does it mean to be a “person”—a someone and not just a something?
Classes in Greek, Hebrew, and Latin are available each semester upon request.
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
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
