The Master of Arts degree program goals include both the attainment of a general knowledge of Theology, as well as a focus for study and research writing in one of three areas of concentration: Systematic Theology, Sacred Scripture, or Monastic Studies. Successful candidates complete the required coursework, achieving a minimum of a 3.0 GPA each semester and a “B” in each course. This, together with the capstone summative comprehensive exam in three parts serves to indicate the degree to which the student has achieved the M.A. program goals. The three parts of the M.A. Comprehensive exam include: a written comprehensive exam, a 10,000-12,500-word directed thesis, and a “lectio coram” (public lecture) presented before a panel of professors who question and then evaluate the presentation.
The MA Degree Goals are:
- Students will attain academic competency in theology with a concentration in Systematic Theology, Sacred Scripture, or Monastic Studies.
- Students will acquire knowledge of the Catholic theological tradition by engaging in graduate-level research, including at least one graduate research seminar.
- Students will develop the skills needed for critical theological reflection through coursework and discussion of research topics.
- Students will demonstrate theological integration through a written comprehensive examination, a directed thesis, and the presentation of a public lecture.
The Master of Arts programs are open to diocesan, religious, and lay students. These are 2-3 year programs leading to a Master of Arts degree with a concentration in Catholic Philosophical Studies, Systematic Theology, Sacred Scripture, Monastic Studies, or Ecclesial Ministry. These programs are designed to equip the student with the tools for critical thinking and research on a graduate level or for diaconal and lay ministry within the Church. They feature M.A.-level seminars and afford the student the opportunity to work through a program of studies best suited to his/her life circumstances, interests, and projected goals.
Master of Arts in Systematic Theology, Sacred Scripture, Monastic Studies
The Master of Arts degree prepares people in one of three ways: (a) primarily academically for graduate study of one or more theologically related disciplines, including personal enrichment; (b) primarily professionally for some form of religious leadership or other kinds of service; or (c) both academically and professionally with each receiving similar attention. Each Master of Arts degree offered by a school has a clear purpose statement that indicates which of these ways is primary. The degree requires a minimum of 36 semester credits or equivalent units. (ATS Standard 4.6, M.A. Degree, 2020)
Learning Outcomes for the MA in Systematic Theology, Sacred Scripture, and Monastic Studies
- Students will attain academic competency in theology with a concentration in either Systematic Theology, Sacred Scripture, or Monastic Studies;
- Students will acquire knowledge of the Catholic theological tradition by engaging in graduate-level research, including at least one graduate research seminar and the completion of a directed THESIS in the student’s area of concentration. The thesis is to be 10,000-12,500 words (exclusive of footnotes and Bibliography = 40-50 pages).
- Students will develop the skills needed for critical theological reflection through coursework and discussion of research topics;
- Students will acquire knowledge of the Catholic theological tradition by engaging in graduate-level courses and research;
- Students will demonstrate theological integration through a comprehensive written examination, the writing of a suitable thesis, and the presentation of a public lecture —“Lectio Coram.”
The courses in the Seminary curriculum acceptable for the Master of Arts program are in the 800 series. The courses in the 700 series, with additional work, may also be acceptable if first approved by the Academic Dean.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements are as follows:
- A bachelor’s degree (B.A., B.S. or equivalent) from an accredited college indicating an aptitude for advanced study;
- 18 credits in philosophy and Judeo-Christian theology, with no less than six credits in each area;
- For a concentration in Sacred Scripture, an introductory course in Sacred Scripture is required;
- For a concentration in Sacred Scripture, a working knowledge of Biblical Hebrew or Greek, at the intermediate level; for a concentration in Systematic Theology or Monastic Studies, a working knowledge of Biblical Greek or Latin is preferable, although French or German may be substituted. The determination of sufficient language ability is normally made through language exams;
- The score of a recent Graduate Record Examination, if requested;
- Three letters of recommendation, at least two of which must be from people who know the academic ability of the applicant;
- A personal interview with the Academic Dean;
- Dual-degree candidates must have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 after two semesters of theology.
Non-ordination track students admitted to this program must be available to take courses during the day. The average course load for lay students is nine credits. All lay students are required to take a non-credit research methodology course during the spring semester of their first year of studies.
Degree Requirements
Concentration in Systematic Theology
Core Courses
- HS 872: Modern Church History 3
- SC 806: NT Exegesis, Mark and Matthew 3
-or- - SC 807: Luke-Acts and the NT Epistles 3
- SC 810: The Primary History of Ancient Israel 3
- SC 817: The Johannine Literature (Gospel, Letters, Revelation) 3
- TH 820: Fundamental Theology 3
- TH 821: Christian Anthropology and Grace 3
- TH 832: Christology 3
- TH 833: Trinity 3
- TH 834: Ecclesiology, Missiology, and Ecumenism 3
- TH 835: Sacraments of Initiation 3
–or- - TH 866 Sacraments of Healing 3
- TH 850: Principles of Moral Theology 3
Subtotal: 33 Credits
Electives
- 2 electives (6 credits) from area of concentration [TH courses], 1 of which must be an M.A. seminar.
- 1 elective (3 credits) from any area of concentration.
For ordination students only: elective courses may not include a core course from the ordination program.
Grand Total: 42 Credits
Concentration in Sacred Scripture
Core Courses
- HS 872: Modern Church History 3
- SC 806: NT Exegesis, Mark and Matthew 3
- SC 807: Luke-Acts and the NT Epistles 3
- SC 810: The Primary History of Ancient Israel 3
- SC 811: Wisdom Literature and Psalms 3
- SC 812: Prophetic Literature 3
- SC 816: Writings of St. Paul 3
- SC 817: The Johannine Literature (Gospel, Letters, Revelation) 3
- TH 820: Fundamental Theology 3
- TH 832: Christology 3
- TH 833: Trinity 3
Subtotal: 33 Credits
Electives
- 2 electives (6 credits), from area of concentration [SC courses], 1 of which must be a M.A. seminar.
- 1 elective (3 credits) from any area of concentration.
For ordination students only: elective courses may not include a core course from the ordination program.
Grand Total: 42 Credits
Concentration in Monastic Studies
Core Courses
- MS 810: Rule of Benedict 3
- MS 800: Monastic Spirituality 3
- MS 838: History of Monasticism 3
- MS 837: The Institutes and Conferences of John Cassian 3
- HS 870: Patrology 3
- TH 840: Fundamental Liturgy (with 1 credit worth of monastic liturgy in the last 4 weeks) 3
- TH 832: Christology 3
-or- - TH 833: Trinity 3
- TH 850: Principles of Moral Theology 3
- SC 811: Wisdom Literature and Psalms 3
- SC 806: NT Exegesis, Mark and Matthew 3
-or- - SC 807: Luke-Acts and the NT Epistles 3
-or- - SC 817: The Johannine Literature (Gospel, Letters, Revelation) 3
Subtotal: 30 Credits
Electives
- 3 electives in area of concentration (9 credits), 1 of which must be an M.A. seminar.
- 1 elective (3 credits) from any area of concentration.
For ordination students only: elective courses may not include a core course from the ordination program.
Grand Total: 42 Credits