Gonzaga University

Grounded in Gonzaga University’s founding Catholic and Jesuit traditions and guided by the spirit of the Second Vatican Council and the ecumenical movement, the Master of Arts in Theology and Leadership (MATL) invites students to discern how they are called to respond to the challenges of today’s world and signs of our times.  Faculty design courses that engage both the depth of Gonzaga’s founding traditions and the breadth of the Christian theological tradition across denominational boundaries. The program’s core courses build a solid foundation in the study of Christian theology while elective courses develop advanced leadership practices through critical, strategic, and creative thinking in a one-of-a-kind, online, interdisciplinary program.

With over a decade of experience as an online program, the MATL’s model of engaged online learning combines asynchronous classes with two short summer on-campus immersions that build community with classmates and faculty members. Students can expect to encounter

• an academically rigorous, yet manageable, course of study that introduces students to the methods and major concepts of contemporary biblical studies, systematic theology, moral theology, pastoral theology, church history, and historical theology;
• electives in organizational leadership chosen from an array of humanities-based leadership courses aimed at developing leaders grounded in the theories and practices of servant leadership; and
• an immersive cohort-model of online education where students consistently build long lasting communities of friends and colleagues across the country and around the globe.

Mission Statement

Gonzaga University is an exemplary learning community that educates students for lives of leadership and service for the common good.

In keeping with its Catholic, Jesuit, and humanistic heritage and identity, Gonzaga models and expects excellence in academic and professional pursuits and intentionally develops the whole person -- intellectually, spiritually, culturally, physically, and emotionally.

Through engagement with knowledge, wisdom, and questions informed by classical and contemporary perspectives, Gonzaga cultivates in its students the capacities and dispositions for reflective and critical thought, lifelong learning, spiritual growth, ethical discernment, creativity, and innovation.

The Gonzaga experience fosters a mature commitment to dignity of the human person, social justice, diversity, intercultural competence, global engagement, solidarity with the poor and vulnerable, and care for the planet. Grateful to God, the Gonzaga community carries out this mission with responsible stewardship of our physical, financial, and human resources.

Qualifying Programs for NACC Certification

The following program satisfies the academic prerequisites for initial certification.

Board Certified Chaplain (BCC, BCC-VA) and Certified Associate Chaplain (CAC)

Master of Arts in Theology and Leadership*

*Students matriculating in the MATL program through the Summer of 2025 who wish to seek NACC certification will be required to complete a 2-credit directed study course in addition to the 30 credits required for graduation in order to meet NACC’s BCC and BCC-VA certification requirement of 32 credits of graduate education. Beginning with students matriculating in the Summer of 2026, all students will be required to complete at least 33 credits to graduate and students seeking NACC certification will not be required to complete an additional directed study course.

Contact Information

Britt Stone
Associate Director, Graduate Enrollment Management
Call or Text: (509) 313-6235
Email: [email protected]
Schedule an Appointment