Master of Arts (Christian Studies) at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Canada is a master's degree in Religious Studies programme. The programme runs for 2 years, delivered on campus. Tuition for international students is CAD 11,172 per year (CAD 11,172 per year for local students).
This Master of Arts (Christian Studies) is a research-oriented degree designed to be completed in two years. Students choose a concentration in Biblical Studies (Old or New Testament), Theological Studies (including Patristics and Church History), or Ministry Studies (including Pastoral Theology and Preaching), and complete a research-methods course alongside concentration coursework, building skills in academic writing, critical analysis, and theological inquiry. The program culminates in a major thesis of roughly 40,000 words. Classes are held at McMaster Divinity College's Hamilton, Ontario campus, with both full-time and part-time study available. The degree is aimed at students preparing for doctoral-level study or seeking to develop advanced competence in theological research, though graduates may also apply the credential toward ministry or Christian leadership roles. It suits students who want a rigorous, research-grounded theological credential as a step toward further academic work rather than a purely professional ministry degree.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: The Master of Arts (Christian Studies) programme page states that applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or its educational equivalent, and must agree with the McMaster Divinity College Statement of Faith. Within the degree, at least ten courses must be taken in the area of Theological or Christian Studies, maintained at a B+ average or better. Applicants pursuing a Biblical Studies concentration must additionally have completed at least six units (two terms) of the relevant biblical language, Greek for New Testament study or Hebrew for Old Testament study, a requirement that does not apply to the Ministry or Theological Studies concentrations. International applicants whose first language is not English must provide a TOEFL certificate with a minimum score of 92 iBT. Non-English documents may require official translation, and international credentials may require a WES evaluation.
Application Details
Start Date:Fall and Winter
Application Deadline:Fall term deadline March 15; Winter term deadline August 1 (no Spring-term intake). A late fee applies after the deadline; international applicants use the same dates.
