The two-year Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophical Studies (MACPS) degree program was accredited in 2015. This academic degree, together with the concurrent formation program, fulfills all the requirements required for entering the Master of Divinity program. The MACPS degree program provides the opportunity for advanced graduate study of philosophy that emphasizes both the historical and major topical areas of philosophical inquiry and how they inform and are informed by the Catholic intellectual tradition. Students will engage in a concluding exercise that entails writing an integrative paper to qualify them to take an oral comprehensive exam. Together, the paper and exam assess the achievement of the degree program’s learning outcomes.
Learning Outcomes:
- To obtain the intellectual formation necessary for further theological education;
- To develop a sound philosophical foundation and a reflective awareness of the fundamental relationship between faith and reason (fides quaerens intellectum) in the Catholic tradition;
- To develop good intellectual “habitus” (habits) as well as content – to learn the good habits of speculation and reflection and to apply them to revelation, life, and the human condition.
Admission Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree (B.A., B.S., or equivalent) from an accredited college indicating an aptitude for advanced study
- A personal interview with the Academic Dean
- Dual-degree candidates must have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 after a semester of philosophy/theology at Saint Vincent College and Seminary
- For applicants who have not completed a semester at Saint Vincent College and Seminary, three letters of recommendation are required, at least two of which must be from people who know the academic ability of the applicant.
- Applicants enrolled in the priestly formation program at Saint Vincent Seminary must apply for admission prior to Second Discipleship
Degree Requirements:
1. Completion of the 63 credits required for the degree:
- 30 credits in philosophy;
- 15 credits in Catholic theology and Scripture (including TH 600: Introduction to Philosophy, and SC 600 Introduction to Sacred Scripture),
- 12 credits in language studies (6 credits in Latin, 6 credits in a modern language other than the student’s native language),
- 6 credits in auxiliary studies (3 credits in research methodology, and 3 credits in the M.A. Proficiency Seminar
2. A cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 or above
3. A passing grade on an oral comprehensive exam in the M.A. Proficiency Seminar (“C” = 78.5% or above). (The exam accounts for 60% of the seminar’s final grade).
Cycle of Courses
Year I
Fall Semester
SPL 501: Ancient Philosophy: 3 credits
SPL 521: Logic and Philosophy of Knowledge: 3 credits
TH 600: Philosophy of Nature and Contemporary Science: 3 credits
TH 620: Basics of Catholic Faith and Culture: 3 credits
TH 704: Latin I: 3 credits
Total: 15 credits
Spring Semester
SPL 502: Medieval Philosophy: 3 credits
SPL 515: Ethics and Moral Philosophy: 3 credits
TH 621: Introduction to Catholic Morality: 3 credits
TH 700: Research and Writing Skills: 3 credits
TH 804: Latin II: 3 credits
Total: 15 credits
Year II
Fall Semester
**** Modern Language (1st semester)†: 3 credits
SPL 503: Modern Philosophy: 3 credits
SPL 510: Philosophy of Man (Anthropology): 3 credits
SPL 581: Thomistic Foundations of Christian Social and Political Philosophy: 3 credits
TH 622: Introduction to Spirituality: 3 credits
Total: 15 credits
Spring Semester
**** Modern Language (2nd semester)†: 3 credits
AS 900: MA Proficiency Seminar* (MACPS students ONLY): 3 credits
SC 600: Introduction to the Study of Sacred Scripture: 3 credits
SPL 506: Contemporary Philosophy: 3 credits
SPL 530: Metaphysics, Philosophy of Being, and Natural Theology: 3 credits
SPL 540: Influence of Philosophy on Theology: 3 credits
Total: 18 credits
Total Credits: 63 Credits
TH—Theology; SPL—Seminary Philosophy; AS—Auxiliary Studies
†Students must study a modern language other than their native language for two semesters, and Spanish is strongly encouraged. If advanced studies in Europe are anticipated, then Italian, French, or German are acceptable alternatives. Except for the Spanish courses taught in the Seminary, language courses are to be taken in the College Language Department.
*The M.A. Proficiency Seminar serves to synthesize and test the M.A. candidate’s philosophical learning. This course will be preparation for and taking of the oral comprehensive exam, which will be scheduled for the last two weeks of the semester and will focus upon the integration of philosophy with theology.
Students registering for the M.A.: Catholic Philosophical Studies must be certain to register for the specific courses (course numbers) listed in the above cycle of courses.