Intellectual Formation - The program shall foster a survey knowledge of theology in the following four areas; Foundational Theology, Sacred Scripture, Systematic Theology, and Moral/Spiritual Theology. 

Objectives:

• To bring the students to an integral understanding of the Christian Triune God as revealed in Jesus Christ and witnessed to in the Church, by means of theological and biblical study.

• To examine the Christian Tradition and its historical development so that students will be equipped to address various cultural realities.

• To foster an integrated understanding of the program’s four specialized areas of study.

• To foster research at a graduate level in one of the four specialized areas with the goal of completing a        graduate level research paper as the capstone to the program.

• To foster competency for advanced graduate work, including an introduction to various methodologies.

Applicants for the M.T.S. program must possess a previous accredited undergraduate university degree, with a GPA of 3.00 (B) or better. A student’s previous university work should include 12 undergraduate credits in philosophy. Deficiencies in this area must be rectified either prior to admission or acquired in the program before preparing for the research proposal and writing of the research paper. The philosophy credits cannot be counted towards M.T.S. elective credits. Applicants are encouraged to attain a reading proficiency in a classical language, if further study in their area of concentration would demand it. 

This program is a Designated Learning Program and eligible to receive foreign nationals on a study permit.  See International Student Admissions for DLI number.

The academic requirements for the M.T.S. consist of:

• SCR 500, SYT 500, SYT 550, MPS 561 and MPS 562 must be taken during the first year.
• 6 core course credits Foundational Theology.
• 6 core course credits Systematic Theology.
• 6 core course credits Moral/Spiritual Theology.
• 6 core course credits Sacred Scriptures. 
• 18 elective course credits, 12 of which must be in the area of specialization.
• A 3 credit bibliographical study and research proposal.
• A 3 credit research paper of 40-50 pages in the area of specialization, excluding bibliography, in the area of specialization.
• Maintenance of a GPA of 3.0 or better is required to remain in the program and to graduate.
• SCR 500 Introduction Sacred Scriptures and their Interpretation, SYT 500 Introduction to Theology, SYT 550 Christology, and MPS 561 Introduction to Moral Theology, MPS 562 Introduction to Spiritual Theology must be taken in the first year of the M.T.S. program or as soon as possible.

A GPA of 3.00 or better must be maintained throughout the program. 

Normally, all requirements for the degree should be completed within five years from the date of initial registration in the program. Extenuating circumstances may allow for an extension to be granted by the NTC Admissions and Evaluations Committee.

Core Courses

Foundational Theology  

6 Credits

Two of:

FND 500 Early Church History
FND 502 Christianity and World Religions
FND 510 Medieval Church History
FND 511 Modern Church History

Sacred Scriptures

6 Credits

SCR 500 Introduction to Sacred Scriptures and their Interpretation* 

Plus one of:
SCR 521 Matthew and Mark**
SCR 522 Luke-Acts**
SCR 523 Pauline Literature
SCR 524 Johannine Literature
SCR 525 The Synoptic Gospels**
SCR 533 The Pentateuch and Historical Books

Systematic Theology

6 Credits

SYT 500 Introduction to Theology*
SYT 550 Christology*

Moral and Spiritual Theology

6 Credits

MPS 561 Introduction to Moral Theology*
MPS 562 Introduction to Spiritual Theology*

General Electives

6 Credits

Specialized Electives

12 Credits

If area of specialization is Moral or Spiritual Theology then the following courses only are allowable options:

MPS 571 The Social Teaching of the Catholic Church
MPS 669 Classic Christian Spiritualities
MPS 674 The Concept of Christian Faith
MPS 675 Spiritual Direction
MPS 676 Bioethics: Moral Issues from the Life Sciences
MPS 678 Married Love and Sexuality in the Christian Tradition
MPS 679 Contemporary Spiritualities
MPS 763 Contemporary Christian Ethics 

* Must be taken in the First Year of Studies.
** Students who take SCR 525 cannot take SCR 521 and/or SCR 522 for credit.

Bibliographical Study and Research Paper Proposal. 

Research Paper of 40-50 Pages, excluding Bibliography, in the area of specialization. 

For details on M.T.S. research paper, refer to the Master of Theological Studies Program: A Guide for Students and Professors, available from the Program Director or Registrar’s Office.

A student may transfer a maximum of 21 of the 42 required course credits towards the M.T.S. from other recognized educational institutions. Such credits must not be part of the previous degree program. The transfer of credits is subject to the approval of the NTC Admissions and Evaluations Committee.

'Upon moving to Alberta in the early 1980s, I heard about Newman College from Father Len Gartner and was inspired to attend classes there. That dream was realized more than twenty years later, when we moved to Edmonton from Camrose. My first course, the Gospel of John, had me hooked. Besides learning from excellent, dedicated professors, other benefits included meeting seminarians and celebrating their ordinations, and forming friendships with laity of varied ages and backgrounds. The opportunity for seminarians and laity to study together contributes to greater understanding and support for both. Studying at Newman has been an enriching experience; I am more informed about my faith and my church. I am grateful that this diocese has a theological college which welcomes the laity'

Jan K. (January 2013, M.T.S. program). Current Student

'The M.T.S. is described as a basic academic degree, but I am finding it to be far more than that. It is an opportunity to savor a renewed and deepening fervor in and knowledge of the Catholic faith, and a great way to meet people with similar values and interests. It is an efficient, enjoyable and challenging program for someone who is juggling studies and full-time work. It is more than adequate for a person who already has pastoral experience, and the research paper provides the opportunity for in depth theological and practical integration with one's work. I would highly recommend the M.T.S. at Newman Theological College for persons who wish to do serious academic study but who do not have the time or need to complete an M.Th. or M.Div. It has been a wonderful experience in every way for me!'

Marieta P. part time parish Pastoral Associate, part time Spiritual Care Worker (January 2013, M.T.S. program) Current Student

More Testimonials

Tuition and Fees (per term) - 2025/2026

*Full-time student fees include Administration fee, Library fee and Students' Association fee.

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