The Master of Arts degree programs in Systematic Theology or in Sacred Scripture allows students to attain a general knowledge of theology and Scripture with focus on study and research writing in the respective discipline. These programs are designed to equip students with tools for critical thinking and research on a graduate level, feature Master of Arts-level seminars, and allow students to work through a curriculum of studies for the selected degree program.
The Master of Arts degree program offers seminarians as well as religious and lay students the opportunity for coursework, study, and research writing in systematic theology or sacred Scripture. Successful candidates must complete the required coursework, achieving a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 each semester and a “B” in each course. Also, they must complete a capstone summative comprehensive evaluation consisting of three components that collectively evaluate how well the student has achieved the degree program goals: a written comprehensive exam, a directed thesis of 10,000–12,500 words, and a “lectio coram” (public lecture) presented before a panel of professors who question the student and evaluate the presentation.
Learning Outcomes:
- Students will attain academic competency in theology.
- Students will acquire knowledge of the Catholic theological tradition.
- Students will develop the skills needed for authentic theological reflection.
- Students will demonstrate theological integration.
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:
- 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 the MA degree in Sacred Scripture, an introductory course in Sacred Scripture and a working knowledge of Biblical Hebrew or Greek at the intermediate level;
- For the MA in Systematic Theology, 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 proficiency 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; and
- 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 non-ordination students are required to take a non-credit research methodology course during the spring semester of their first year of studies.
Academic Advisement
Each M.A. candidate is responsible for obtaining an academic adviser/M.A. thesis director from the members of the regular faculty of Saint Vincent Seminary who teach in the student’s area of concentration. The faculty member signs the agreement form which the student has obtained from the Academic Dean to confirm his/her willingness to serve as the student’s adviser and director of his written work.
The academic adviser of an M.A. candidate:
- Advises the student regarding program requirements and policies and preparation for the written comprehensive exams;
- Assists the student in following his degree course requirements and the choosing of courses that fulfill both the core and the elective requirements (academic advising);
- Directs the M.A. comprehensive exam thesis for the student (if an adviser does not feel competent to direct the thesis, the student must seek out a faculty member who can do so and then switch to that faculty member as his adviser, all with the approval of the Academic Dean); and
- Consults with the Academic Dean regarding the M.A. comprehensive examinations, if necessary.
Degree Requirements
Master of Arts in Systematic Theology
Core Courses
- HS 872: Modern Church History: 3 credits
- SC 806: NT Exegesis, Mark and Matthew: 3 credits
-or- - SC 807: Luke-Acts and the NT Epistles: 3 credits
- SC 810: The Primary History of Ancient Israel: 3 credits
- SC 817: The Johannine Literature (Gospel, Letters, Revelation): 3 credits
- TH 820: Fundamental Theology: 3 credits
- TH 821: Christian Anthropology and Grace: 3 credits
- TH 832: Christology: 3 credits
- TH 833: Trinity: 3 credits
- TH 834: Ecclesiology, Missiology, and Ecumenism: 3 credits
- TH 835: Sacraments of Initiation: 3 credits
–or- - TH 866 Sacraments of Healing: 3 credits
- TH 850: Principles of Moral Theology: 3 credits
Total Credits: 33
Electives
- Two electives (6 credits) from area of concentration [TH courses], 1 of which must be an M.A. seminar.
- One elective (3 credits) from any area of concentration.
For ordination students only: Elective courses may not include any core courses from the ordination program.
Grand Total Credits: 42
Master of Arts in Sacred Scripture
Core Courses
- HS 872: Modern Church History: 3 credits
- SC 806: NT Exegesis, Mark and Matthew: 3 credits
- SC 807: Luke-Acts and the NT Epistles: 3 credits
- SC 810: The Primary History of Ancient Israel: 3 credits
- SC 811: Wisdom Literature and Psalms: 3 credits
- SC 812: Prophetic Literature: 3 credits
- SC 816: Writings of St. Paul: 3 credits
- SC 817: The Johannine Literature (Gospel, Letters, Revelation): 3 credits
- TH 820: Fundamental Theology: 3 credits
- TH 832: Christology: 3 credits
- TH 833: Trinity: 3 credits
Total Credits: 33
Electives
- Two electives (6 credits), from area of concentration [SC courses], 1 of which must be a M.A. seminar.
- One elective (3 credits) from any area of concentration.
For ordination students only: Elective courses may not include any core courses from the ordination program.
Grand Total Credits: 42
Additional Requirements:
- Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 each semester and a B grade or better in each course and seminar.
- Successful completion of the comprehensive exam
- Completion of all degree requirements within 10 years after acceptance into the M.A. program. (Normally, a period of two to three years will be needed to complete all degree requirements.)
Credit Transfer Policy:
A maximum of 12 credits may be transferred toward the M.A. degree from other accredited graduate schools. Transfer credits must have been earned within the previous ten-year period.