Arts & Humanities

Master of Arts in Theology

The Master of Arts in Theology is a postgraduate programme that provides advanced study of theological disciplines, including biblical theology, dogmatic theology, moral theology, pastoral theology, and ecclesiastical history. The programme equips students with rigorous theological knowledge, research skills, and pastoral competencies.

Core areas include systematic theology, biblical studies, moral theology, church history, liturgy, pastoral theology, mission theology, and research methods. Students engage with both theoretical frameworks and practical pastoral applications.

The programme is offered by the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) through its Faculty of Theology, Tangaza University through its School of Theology, Pan Africa Christian University through its School of Theology, and Great Lakes University of Kisumu. CUEA offers Master of Theology with specialisations in Biblical, Moral, Dogmatic, Spiritual, Pastoral Theology, and Sacred Liturgy.

Students develop competencies in theological analysis, biblical interpretation, moral reasoning, pastoral practice, research, and academic writing. The programme includes coursework, examinations, thesis, and oral defence. CUEA's programme runs for 2 years full-time.

CUEA (private) charges KES 620,750 total over 2 years (~KES 310,375/year). Tangaza (private) charges approximately KES 95,000 per semester (~KES 253,333/year). Great Lakes (private) charges KES 54,000 per semester (~KES 88,000/year). No public university confirmed offering this exact programme title.

Graduates pursue careers as theology educators, pastors, chaplains, researchers, religious education coordinators, and church administrators in churches, seminaries, schools, and religious organisations.

Skills Required

Systematic Theology and Dogmatic Theology
Biblical Studies and Exegesis
Moral Theology and Ethics
Pastoral Theology and Ministry
Church History and Ecclesiastical History
Liturgy and Worship
Mission Theology and Missiology
Theological Research Methods
Interfaith Dialogue and Ecumenism
Pastoral Counselling and Care

Key Subjects

Systematic Theology
Biblical Studies and Exegesis
Moral Theology and Ethics
Church History and Ecclesiastical History
Pastoral Theology and Ministry
Liturgy and Worship
Mission Theology and Missiology
Theological Research Methods
Spiritual Theology
Interfaith Dialogue and Ecumenism

Certifications

ATS Theological Education Certification
CTSA Theological Scholarship Certification

Specializations

Biblical Theology

Focuses on biblical theology, biblical exegesis, Old Testament, New Testament, hermeneutics, and interpreting and analysing biblical texts and theology.

Dogmatic Theology

Examines dogmatic theology, systematic theology, doctrine, Trinity, Christology, ecclesiology, and understanding and systematising Christian doctrine.

Moral Theology

Covers moral theology, Christian ethics, bioethics, social ethics, moral reasoning, and understanding and applying Christian moral principles.

Pastoral Theology

Focuses on pastoral theology, pastoral ministry, pastoral care, counselling, parish management, and equipping for pastoral leadership and ministry.

Spiritual Theology

Examines spiritual theology, spirituality, ascetical theology, mysticism, spiritual direction, and understanding and practising Christian spirituality.

Mission Theology

Covers mission theology, missiology, evangelisation, inculturation, interfaith dialogue, and understanding and practising Christian mission.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 220,500
Private, up to: Ksh 310,375
Job market: Low

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Blended, Online
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Systematic Theology
Biblical Studies and Exegesis
Moral Theology and Ethics
Church History and Ecclesiastical History
Pastoral Theology and Ministry
Liturgy and Worship
Mission Theology and Missiology
Theological Research Methods
Spiritual Theology
Interfaith Dialogue and Ecumenism

Modules

12 in the programme

Systematic Theology I: God and Trinity
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines systematic theology, doctrine of God, Trinity, creation, providence, and understanding and systematising Christian doctrine about God.
Biblical Exegesis and Hermeneutics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers biblical exegesis, hermeneutics, Old Testament, New Testament, biblical interpretation methods, and interpreting and analysing biblical texts.
Theological Research Methods
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines theological research methods, design, methodology, academic writing, and conducting theological research, preparing students for their thesis.
Moral Theology and Christian Ethics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers moral theology, Christian ethics, bioethics, social ethics, moral reasoning, and understanding and applying Christian moral principles.
Church History and Patristics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines church history, patristics, early church, medieval church, Reformation, African church history, and understanding the church's historical development.
Christology and Soteriology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers Christology, person of Christ, work of Christ, soteriology, salvation, redemption, and understanding and systematising Christian doctrine about Christ.
Pastoral Theology and Ministry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines pastoral theology, pastoral ministry, pastoral care, counselling, parish management, and equipping for pastoral leadership and ministry.
Liturgy and Sacramental Theology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers liturgy, worship, sacraments, liturgical theology, liturgical practice, and understanding and practising Christian worship and sacraments.
Mission Theology and Missiology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines mission theology, missiology, evangelisation, inculturation, interfaith dialogue, and understanding and practising Christian mission.
Spiritual Theology and Direction
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers spiritual theology, spirituality, ascetical theology, mysticism, spiritual direction, and understanding and practising Christian spirituality.
Thesis Proposal
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Preparation of thesis proposal, including research design, literature review, methodology, and proposal presentation for thesis.
Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original thesis on a theological topic, demonstrating mastery of theological research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Biblical Theology
Focuses on biblical theology, biblical exegesis, Old Testament, New Testament, hermeneutics, and interpreting and analysing biblical texts and theology.
Dogmatic Theology
Examines dogmatic theology, systematic theology, doctrine, Trinity, Christology, ecclesiology, and understanding and systematising Christian doctrine.
Moral Theology
Covers moral theology, Christian ethics, bioethics, social ethics, moral reasoning, and understanding and applying Christian moral principles.
Pastoral Theology
Focuses on pastoral theology, pastoral ministry, pastoral care, counselling, parish management, and equipping for pastoral leadership and ministry.
Spiritual Theology
Examines spiritual theology, spirituality, ascetical theology, mysticism, spiritual direction, and understanding and practising Christian spirituality.
Mission Theology
Covers mission theology, missiology, evangelisation, inculturation, interfaith dialogue, and understanding and practising Christian mission.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MA in Theology programme combines lectures, seminars, research, and pastoral formation. Sessions cover systematic theology, biblical studies, moral theology, church history, and pastoral theology. Systematic theology sessions examine doctrine, Trinity, Christology, ecclesiology, and understanding and systematising Christian doctrine. Biblical studies sessions cover biblical exegesis, Old Testament, New Testament, hermeneutics, and interpreting and analysing biblical texts. Moral theology sessions examine Christian ethics, bioethics, social ethics, moral reasoning, and understanding and applying Christian moral principles. Church history sessions cover church history, patristics, medieval church, Reformation, African church history, and understanding the church's historical development. Pastoral theology sessions examine pastoral ministry, pastoral care, counselling, parish management, and equipping for pastoral leadership. Liturgy sessions cover liturgy, worship, sacraments, liturgical theology, and understanding and practising Christian worship. Mission theology sessions examine missiology, evangelisation, inculturation, interfaith dialogue, and understanding and practising Christian mission. Spiritual theology sessions cover spirituality, ascetical theology, mysticism, spiritual direction, and understanding and practising Christian spirituality. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering theological research, design, methodology, and academic writing. The programme includes both theoretical coursework and practical pastoral formation. CUEA's programme runs full-time over 2 years with coursework, examinations, and thesis. Tangaza offers blended learning (online and face-to-face) over 18 months. Guest lectures from theologians, bishops, pastors, and pastoral practitioners provide real-world insights. The programme culminates in a thesis defended at the faculty.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme available at multiple faith-based institutions (CUEA, Tangaza, PAC, GLUK) providing choice of tradition, specialisation, and cost.
CUEA offers comprehensive specialisations in Biblical, Moral, Dogmatic, Spiritual, Pastoral Theology, and Sacred Liturgy.
Tangaza offers blended learning (online and face-to-face) over 18 months, providing flexibility for working professionals.
Career opportunities in churches, seminaries, schools, counselling, chaplaincy, and religious organisations.

Against it

No public university confirmed offering this exact programme, limiting options to private faith-based institutions.
CUEA tuition of KES 620,750 total may be challenging for self-sponsored students.
Job market demand is low, with career paths primarily in religious institutions and education.
Some career paths may require ordination or ecclesiastical endorsement in addition to academic qualifications.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 188 arts & humanities courses

Public171k to 221k

171k at Maseno University221k at University of Nairobi

Private108k to 310k

108k at Great Lakes University of Kisumu310k at Catholic University of Eastern Africa

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

CUEA MTh 620.75K/2yr=310.4K/yr. GLUK 54K/sem(eafinder)=108K/yr. UoN 220.5K/yr.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. CUEA offers theology scholarships for qualifying students. Tangaza offers post-graduate scholarship opportunities. The programme's theological and pastoral focus attracts church, seminary, and religious organisation funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
CUEA Theology Scholarships
Tangaza Post-Graduate Scholarships

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate theology studies at recognised universities.
CUEA Theology Scholarships
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
CUEA offers theology scholarships for qualifying students, particularly those preparing for ecclesiastical ministry.
Tangaza Post-Graduate Scholarships
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
Tangaza University offers post-graduate scholarship opportunities for qualifying theology students.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: CUEA offers Master of Theology with specialisations in Biblical, Moral, Dogmatic, Spiritual, Pastoral Theology, and Sacred Liturgy over 2 years full-time. Tangaza offers MA | STL in Theology over 18 months with blended learning (online and face-to-face). PAC University requires a GPA of 2.70 or Second Class Upper Division. Great Lakes requires a recognised university degree or higher diploma. Intakes in January, May, and September at most institutions. Application fee is KES 2,000.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, exegetical papers, theological essays, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering systematic theology, biblical studies, moral theology, church history, and research methods.
Pastoral Practicum
Practical40% of the mark
Practical assessment through pastoral practicum, supervised ministry, pastoral reflection, and demonstrating pastoral competencies and formation.
Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original thesis on a theological topic, demonstrating mastery of theological research methods and knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). CUEA offers Master of Theology through its Faculty of Theology. Tangaza University offers MA | STL in Theology through its School of Theology. PAC University offers MA in Biblical Theology through its School of Theology. Great Lakes University of Kisumu offers MTh. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate theology training.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. CUEA offers Master of Theology through its Faculty of Theology. Tangaza University offers MA | STL in Theology through its School of Theology. PAC University offers MA in Biblical Theology. Great Lakes University offers MTh. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate theology training.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Theology Lecturer
Low demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 400,000
Teaches theology in universities and seminaries, conducting research and training future theologians, pastors, and church leaders.
Pastor
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 350,000
Leads pastoral ministry, overseeing worship, preaching, pastoral care, counselling, and supporting church congregation and ministry.
Chaplain
Low demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000
Provides chaplaincy in schools, hospitals, prisons, or military, overseeing pastoral care, counselling, spiritual support, and supporting people in need.
Religious Education Coordinator
Low demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000
Coordinates religious education in schools and parishes, overseeing curriculum, teaching, formation, and supporting religious education programmes.
Church Administrator
Low demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 350,000
Manages church operations, overseeing administration, finance, programmes, staff, and supporting church mission and ministry.
Theological Researcher
Low demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 400,000
Conducts theological research, overseeing research projects, publications, analysis, and supporting theological scholarship and knowledge generation.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as theology educators, pastors, chaplains, researchers, and religious education coordinators in churches, seminaries, schools, and religious organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

BibleWorks
SoftwarePrimary
Bible study software for biblical exegesis, original languages, Greek and Hebrew, lexical analysis, and biblical research and interpretation.
Logos Bible Software
Software
Digital theological library software for biblical studies, theological research, sermon preparation, and accessing theological resources and references.
Accordance Bible Software
Software
Bible study software for biblical exegesis, original languages, textual analysis, and advanced biblical research and interpretation.
EndNote
Software
Reference management software for theological research, citations, bibliographies, and managing research references and sources for thesis writing.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Theology is just about reading the Bible.
Theology involves rigorous systematic analysis, biblical exegesis, historical study, moral reasoning, and pastoral practice, far beyond Bible reading.
A master's in theology is only for those becoming priests or pastors.
Graduates pursue careers in education, research, counselling, chaplaincy, interfaith dialogue, and church administration across religious and secular institutions.
Theology is not a rigorous academic discipline.
Theology involves rigorous research methods, critical analysis, philosophical reasoning, and scholarly writing comparable to other humanities disciplines.
There are no career opportunities with a theology degree.
Kenya's vibrant religious landscape, church growth, schools, seminaries, and interfaith needs create demand for qualified theology professionals.
All theology programmes are the same.
Programmes vary by tradition (Catholic, Protestant, Pentecostal), specialisation (Biblical, Dogmatic, Moral, Pastoral), and approach (academic, pastoral, practical).
Theology is only for Christians.
While primarily Christian-focused in Kenya, theology includes interfaith dialogue, religious studies, and comparative religion, relevant to broader religious understanding.