FAQs

Jesuits have been educating people since 1540 with a focus on the whole person, not just your mind. Gonzaga was founded in 1887 and continues to pursue a mission of educating leaders with the capacity for reflective and critical thought. Gonzaga's graduate programs offer you the opportunity to pursue a degree that strives to educate you; intellectually, spiritually, physically and emotionally.

There are two summer on-campus immersions; 3 days during the first summer, 5 days during the second summer. This allows you to further build a support network and connect with your cohort.

Semesters are split into two eight-week sessions. This means you can complete two courses in one semester while dedicating your attention to one course at a time.

The program can be completed in 2 years.

Yes, Gonzaga is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Schools (NWCCS). Gonzaga is also member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.

No, the program is open to lay-persons who work in the private sector, for non-profits, charitable organizations, in church settings or a variety of other these fields. It is also open to ordained clergy, and religious women and men who seek additional theological or leadership education, or those pursuing ordination.

The program does not require you to have an undergraduate degree in theology or religious studies. Students with a degree in another discipline, but are interested in mission or ministry related fields are encouraged to apply. All students will complete an introduction to the field of theology.

This program is not a seminary program and does not secure ordination. However, in some instances, it may provide a portion of the theological education necessary for ordination.  The program meets the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) Chaplaincy Certification Program requirements.

The program welcomes all lifelong learners seeking to deepen their faith and inspire others both intellectually and spiritually. The program is ecumenical and inclusive to all. 

Graduate students may transfer credits into the MATL program with the approval of their Department Chair, the Dean of the student’s program and the Registrar’s Office. A maximum of 1/5 of program credits (usually 6 semester credits for graduate level students) may be transferred.

• Course work must be distinctively graduate level and must have been taken within the last five years.
• A minimum grade of a B (P grades must be defined as B or better) must be earned.
• Courses previously applied to a completed degree are not transferable to the student’s current program.

It is important to note that all credits are converted to semester credits and are awarded after signatures have been obtained.

The  program prepares you for leadership positions in non-profit, charitable or other mission-focused work, or work in a parish or diocesan setting. Some graduates go on to pursue a doctoral degree in ministry or theology. Others come to enrich the work to which they are already committed.

This program is designed for working professionals with the majority of coursework completely online, so you can maintain your work and family life.  We also take community-building seriously. You will have substantial interaction with your instructors and classmates online and of course, during the immersion experiences. Class sizes and cohorts are kept small to further foster the program’s learning community.

There are two summer on-campus immersions; 3 days during the first summer, 5 days during the second summer. This allows you to further build a support network and connect with your cohort.

The summer immersion experiences are central to the program. You will participate in an on-campus orientation during your first summer. In the second summer, you participate in the Theology and Leadership Institute. This event provides you the opportunity to meet experienced professionals in mission and ministry fields and to hone practical leadership skills in a workshop environment. Students say the summer immersion experience is one of the best parts of the program.

You will move through the program with the same group of 20 to 24 students (your cohort) to encourage an interdisciplinary, collaborative and supportive learning environment. Students in each cohort will grow together by teaching each other, learning from each other and supporting each other. One cohort is admitted each May.

Every class is designed by our Gonzaga faculty. All theology courses will be taught by faculty who hold a PhD in a relevant field (see faculty page). Organizational Leadership courses are taught by faculty who have a PhD in the field of Leadership or who have an M.A. degree and extensive experience as a practitioner in the field.

This will vary, depending on the courses you are taking, your learning style and your course load. We find that students commit on average 10-15 hours per week towards coursework. This may fluctuate. During a week with a major paper or project due, you might spend more time on coursework than other weeks. What remains true is that you will get out of this program what you put into it.

The Student Services team is available to answer your questions and connect you to the resources you need.  You will also be assigned a faculty advisor to help guide you with your academic goals.  You will have access to all of Gonzaga’s resources including:

• Foley Library
• IT Help Desk
• Career Center
• Grad Student Association
• Disability Access
• University Ministry

Gonzaga University provides a 35% tuition reduction to qualified persons in the Diocese of Spokane who are working full-time professionally as Catholic School Teachers, Principals and Pastoral/Diocesan Ministers in schools or parishes under the auspices of the Diocese of Spokane.

Tuition is based on the cost of a credit.  Gonzaga is committed to keeping this program affordable, currently a credit costs a discounted $735* a credit. The MATL program is 30-credits, with a total tuition cost of $22,050**.  Most students finish the program in two years, so the program ends up running approximately $11,025** per year.

*Tuition rates subject to change.
**Does not include additional fees, books or travel for immersions. 

The Master's in Theology and Leadership Program awards scholarships for students on a competitive basis.  Gonzaga’s Financial Aid Office also maintains a database of scholarships.