President Daniel J. Elsener | Marian University website

Saint Meinrad Seminary, School of Theology, and Marian University have partnered to provide Marian students with a fast track to earning a Master of Arts degree in theology. This collaboration allows students to complete their M.A. in theology in just one academic year.

Chase Cloutier, the director of Graduate Theology Programs at Saint Meinrad, expressed, “Saint Meinrad and Marian University are both committed to holistic theological education that enriches students’ personal development and prepares them for pastoral ministry. This new collaboration recognizes the excellent education received at Marian while making Saint Meinrad’s exceptional formation more accessible to Marian students.”

John Noble, Ph.D., Marian University's theology department chair, highlighted the benefits of the partnership, stating, “This cooperative agreement with Saint Meinrad offers students a wonderful opportunity to carry forth the tradition of excellence begun at Marian. The intellectual and personal growth that takes place at Marian can continue with further studies at Saint Meinrad.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Marian undergraduates enrolled in upper-level theology or ministry classes can receive advanced standing for up to nine graduate credits. Additionally, Marian University will offer a three-credit graduate theology course that senior students can take as one of their undergraduate electives. This combination of advanced standing and transfer credit amounts to 12 graduate credits, allowing students to complete Saint Meinrad’s 36-credit M.A. in theology in just two semesters.

Marian graduates are encouraged to apply for advanced standing at Saint Meinrad immediately, while current Marian students can apply for entry into the accelerated M.A. program as early as June 1 after their junior year. More information about the accelerated M.A. program and inquiries can be directed to Chase J. Cloutier at ccloutier@saintmeinrad.edu.

The collaboration between Saint Meinrad and Marian University opens up new opportunities for students to further their theological education and embark on a path towards pastoral ministry.