Theology Programs at Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Rooted in Christ and faithful to the Catholic magisterium

Our online theology programs are designed to:

Deepen your understanding of the faith and love for God and neighbor.
Equip you for more effective ministry to the church and service to the world.
Convey the knowledge and skills necessary to begin, or to advance, your career or vocational calling.
Provide a solid foundation for further graduate work.

Students participate in service trip to Guatemala.

Pick Your Pathway

Our Immersive Approach

The ultimate aim of Saint Joseph’s Theology program is to promote the love of God “with all of one’s heart, soul, strength, and mind and the love of neighbor as oneself” (Luke 10:27). This is accomplished not only through the rigorous academic study of Catholic doctrine and theology, but also through real-world opportunities to put justice, compassion, and mercy for all of God’s creation--and for the most vulnerable and marginalized in particular—into practice. In this way, our learners become “doers of the Word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).

Student talks with area children during international service trip to Guatemala.

Award-Winning Assignments

In 2015, a number of our Theology courses received formal recognition at the State House by the Maine Campus Compact for the innovative implementation of Community-Based Service-Learning (CBSL) assignments. Today, such experiential learning-type opportunities are featured throughout our curriculum, in courses ranging from Christology to World Religions.

International Service Trips

For nearly twenty years, the Department of Theology has been orchestrating relief efforts for the extreme poor in the countries of Haiti and Guatemala. SJC teams have staffed medical and dental clinics, constructed houses and latrines, improved water systems and cook stoves, assisted with small business initiatives and educational programs, and delivered thousands of pounds of humanitarian supplies. Profoundly popular and impactful, these credit-bearing trips are typically held over Winter Break.

Intensive Immersion Courses

Some subjects lend themselves especially well to on-site learning. In the past, the Department of Theology has offered our students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the complex history, rich culture, aesthetic beauty, welcoming hospitality (and delicious food!) of such spiritual centers as Rome, Italy and Granada, Spain. We have also hosted short-term, residential-based intensive summer session courses for our online learners at our gorgeous Sebago Lake Campus.

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Student Stories

Cathy Mackey '17

Master of Arts, Pastoral Theology

"The professors are second to none; they are intelligent and challenging, yet encouraging and incredibly caring. Through online discussion boards, the optional one-week summer in-residency courses, and the optional one-week course in Rome, Italy, I have experienced indescribable growth both spiritually and intellectually."

Theology veterans connect in Lourdes with help of professor

Paul Bates '20

Master of Arts, Pastoral Theology

“The decision to enroll at Saint Joseph’s to study Catholic theology has been a deeply rewarding experience, both spiritually and professionally. Saint Joseph’s College is the best place to go to get a high-quality education that is still affordable. The professors are always reachable, and the content of the courses has proven incredibly relevant.”

Deacon Dan Pyles '17

Master of Arts, Advanced Diaconal Studies

“Like others, I am sure, I had my doubts initially about a mostly online degree. My experience, though, has been that this MA in Theology is delivered through thoroughly academically and professionally qualified professors. The rigor of research is what one should expect for graduate education, yet care has been taken to provide students with very practical tools of pastoral application.”

Cathy Mackey '17

Master of Arts, Pastoral Theology

"The professors are second to none; they are intelligent and challenging, yet encouraging and incredibly caring. Through online discussion boards, the optional one-week summer in-residency courses, and the optional one-week course in Rome, Italy, I have experienced indescribable growth both spiritually and intellectually."

Paul Bates '20

Master of Arts, Pastoral Theology

“The decision to enroll at Saint Joseph’s to study Catholic theology has been a deeply rewarding experience, both spiritually and professionally. Saint Joseph’s College is the best place to go to get a high-quality education that is still affordable. The professors are always reachable, and the content of the courses has proven incredibly relevant.”

Deacon Dan Pyles '17

Master of Arts, Advanced Diaconal Studies

“Like others, I am sure, I had my doubts initially about a mostly online degree. My experience, though, has been that this MA in Theology is delivered through thoroughly academically and professionally qualified professors. The rigor of research is what one should expect for graduate education, yet care has been taken to provide students with very practical tools of pastoral application.”

Why Saint Joseph’s?

100% Online

Designed for working adults, our courses are convenient and flexible. They can be taken from virtually anywhere! Our consistent terms and frequent start dates allow students to learn with—and from—each other as they are guided through the material by their instructors.

Well-Established

Founded in 1912 by the Sisters of Mercy, we are proud and honored to be Maine’s only Catholic college. In 1997, we became one of the first institutions in the country to provide theological education to distance learners. Our network soon expanded beyond the state and now encompasses the world!

Always Affordable

We are deeply committed to delivering high-quality education at affordable prices. On average, our tuition is 30% lower than most online Theology programs and we offer additional discounts for institutional partnerships. All of this results in a better Return on Investment (ROI) for you!

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SJC student paints a wall in a Guatemalan home

Memberships and Accreditations

Saint Joseph's College is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education, Inc., a non-governmental, nationally recognized organization.

Conference for Mercy Higher Education

The CMHE supports the preservation and development of the core Catholic identity and mission of Mercy higher education in accord with the spirit, mission, and heritage of the Sisters of Mercy.

Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities

The ACCU strengthens and promotes the Catholic identity and mission of its member institutions so that all associated with Catholic higher education can contribute to the greater good of the world and the Church.

Theta Alpha Kappa

Theta Alpha Kappa is the only national honor society dedicated to recognizing academic excellence in religious studies and theology for undergraduate and graduate students.

National Association of Catholic Chaplains

The NACC supports chaplains, clinical pastoral educators, and all members who continue the healing ministry of Jesus in the name of the Church.

Recent Employers

NET Ministries
Lackawanna College
St. James Catholic Church
Euclid University
Clemson University
US Naval Academy
Mustard Seed Communities
Cincinnati Children's Hospital
University of Virginia
The Diocese of Manchester
Diocese of Paterson
Harvard University

Faculty

Our courses are taught by engaged, compassionate, and distinguished faculty who possess their mandatums – a formal commitment “to teach authentic Catholic doctrine and refrain from putting forth as Catholic teaching anything contrary to the Church magisterium.”