For those who so desire – ordained clergy, seminarians, those interested in a theological degree and those in ministry who are searching for greater depth in theology – a Master of Arts degree program is available which enables a person to study the basic elements of the Catholic tradition and to come to a personal integration of an authentic experience of faith based on a solid foundation for ministry – particularly as experienced in the Roman Catholic tradition. The participant is given the opportunity to focus on a specific area in either Biblical, Historical, Sacramental-Liturgical, Systematic or Pastoral Theology in order to arrive at a more developed understanding of certain questions as they affect ministry in contemporary Church life. While there is a specific ministerial thrust to this program, a desire to become a pastoral minister is not required.
The Master of Arts degree is distinct from the Master of Divinity degree which is required of students who are preparing for the ordained ministry and which is oriented to the practice of that ministry.
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To achieve these general goals the following functional objectives are offered:
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To provide the participant with an understanding of the basic methodologies of the various theological disciplines.
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To provide a theological foundation which will enable the participant to grasp the basic elements of the Roman Catholic tradition particularly as they impact upon ministry in the Church today.
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To put the participant in contact with the important literature in the theological disciplines and to assist in a critical evaluation of this literature.
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To provide the participant with an opportunity for a specialized focus in one of the following areas: Biblical, Historical, Sacramental-Liturgical, Systematic or Pastoral Theology.
To enable the participant to identify, to integrate and to be articulate about his/her own faith experience and to be able to engage in ongoing qualitative theological reflection about that experience in light of the theological tradition and ministry in the Catholic community.
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Prerequisites for Admission to the Program
Upon request, prospective students will be provided with a personal application form which should be completed and forwarded to the Academic Dean. As indicated on the application, the applicant must request that an official transcript of credit earned at ALL colleges and graduate schools previously attended be sent directly to the seminary, as well as the results from the Graduate Record Aptitude Examination.
Application deadlines are August 1 (prior to Fall admissions); December 1 (prior to Spring admissions). After the application and other records have been received, letters of recommendation may be requested from former professors and others familiar with the applicant’s ability and probable performance as graduate students.
The following are prerequisites for entry into the Master of Arts program:
·A Bachelor of Arts degree or its equivalent from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association.
·Suitable test scores from the Graduate Record Aptitude Examination
·An undergraduate background supported by undergraduate achievement, which would indicate the ability to engage successfully in graduate theological studies. It is most desirable that this background include courses in philosophy and some introductory undergraduate courses in Scripture and Catholic doctrine.
·For those pursuing a double degree program (both the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts degrees), completion of at least one year in the Master of Divinity program while maintaining at least an accumulative “B” average.
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Curriculum Requirements - 44 Semester Hours
Core Courses - 36 semester hours of core courses distributed in the following way:
Biblical Studies - 10 semester hours
Biblical Hermeneutics
2
Pentateuch/Historical Books
3
Synoptic Gospels and Acts
3
Pauline Literature and Catholic Epistles
2
Historical Studies - 6 semester hours
Church History I
3
Church History II
3
Systematics - 14 semester hours
Fundamental Theology
3
Paschal Mystery
3
Christian Church
3
God: One and Three
2
Moral Theology
3
Liturgical and Sacramental Theology - 6 semester hours
Liturgical/Sacramental Theology
3
The Eucharist
3
Electives - 8 semester hours of elective courses distributed in the following way:
Area Electives - 6 semester hours of Biblical, Historical, or Systematic, Liturgical-Sacramental, or Pastoral Studies
General Electives - 2 semester hours [outside main area of emphasis]
After the completion of all course work, the student is required to complete a concluding symposium from one of three formats: a written take-home exam, a developed thesis statement, or a written research paper.
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A student may choose his/her concluding exercise from one of the following formats.
Format A: A written take-home question
Part 1.
A student selecting Format A is appointed an Advisor. During the student's final semester, after some discussion with the student, the Advisor prepares a general question that requires the student to use a specific methodology or interpretative framework. The student is to prepare a written response that demonstrates the integration and competence of his/her theological concentration and study. The question is given to the student in the 1lth week of the final semester at a time jointly agreed upon by the professor and the student. The focus question invites the student to synthesize his/her learning within the broader context of other theological areas. The written response by the student is no less than eight, and no more than twelve typed- written, double spaced, pages completed within a period of forty-eight hours after having received the question.
The student may use this outline to develop his/her written answer:
- A summary statement of the approach and scope of how the question is answered.
- A structured format with the use of appropriate subtitles that present biblical and/or systematic foundations pertinent to the focus of the question or a historical framework that provides a context for the development of the question.
- A synthesized response that addresses the scope of the focus question and demonstrates both the depth and breadth gleaned from theological study. The student incorporates references to seminal works from his/her theological discipline and presents his/her ideas with summative clarity and description.
- A conclusion that identifies insights gained from this task.
- Citations and footnotes of theological resources consulted (Turabian style).
- A bibliography of consulted resources.
The Preliminary Process - The student submits his/her finished take home question to the Advisor at the conclusion of the 48-hour period. The student and the Advisor agree upon a predetermined place and time to return the exam, whereupon, the Advisor contacts the Academic Dean to schedule a time for the symposium. The Academic Dean appoints two additional readers to review the written exam. Faculty members are given two weeks to prepare for the scheduled "Symposia Week," in either the fall or spring semesters to review the exam. The Committee evaluates the written exam using the following criteria: the student's approach and organization of the question, the use of salient theological-historical literature, personal integration, and the student's overall creativity in developing the written answer within a forty-eight hour period. The Committee may meet before the scheduled date of the symposium to shape a strategy for their discussion.
Part 2.
Presentation format - The student presents a five-minute summary of his/her response to the exam question followed by a fifty-minute discussion with the committee.
Discussion Process - Faculty readers give feedback and engage the student in a discussion of the written material. The student should be prepared to answer any questions by the committee or to elaborate on his/her theological convictions or pastoral concerns reflected in the written answer.
Evaluation - The written answer and the oral presentation of the student is evaluated and given one of three grades: "pass with honors", "pass," or "fail".
Format B: A developed thesis statement
Part 1.
The student develops a thesis statement that reflects his/her focused area of concentration. The statement should be composed from the student's course work and demonstrate sufficient integration, insight, research, and theological development.
- The thesis statement is a summative paragraph that is no more than 50 words.
- The thesis statement reflects one or severa I theological perspectives) that is (are) clearly defined with a particular focus.
- The thesis statement is supported by a detailed outline. • The thesis statement and outline should not exceed one single spaced typed page.
- The thesis statement has an attached bibliography of sources consulted.
- The thesis statement reflects contemporary scholarship, research, personal insight and integration. It represents a composite of the student's critical assessment and thinking within the theological enterprise.
- Although the Advisor is the primary consultant and is responsible for the final approval of the thesis statement, the student is free to call upon other faculty members for assistance and direction.
The Preliminary Process - The students submits the completed thesis to the Advisor. The Advisor contacts the Academic Dean when the student's thesis statement is received. The Academic Dean appoints two additional committee members, two weeks before the scheduled "Symposia Week," in either the fall or spring semester and schedules a date for the symposium. The Advisor and committee members may meet ahead of time to review the thesis and prepare for the symposium.
Part 2.
Presentation Format - During the symposium, the student presents a five-minute overview of his/her thesis statement followed by a fifty-minute discussion/question period.
Discussion Process - In his/her discussion with faculty members, the student is expected to demonstrate an understanding of theological methodology, an awareness of the important literature/documentation and contemporary scholarship in one of the following areas: Biblical, Historical, Systematic, Pastoral and Liturgical/Sacramental Theology. The student demonstrates the ability to integrate theological and pastoral convictions. The student's area of focus must also demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of the theological enterprise.
Evaluation - The student's thesis outline and oral presentation is given one of three grades: .pass with honors", "pass" or "fail".
Format C: A written research paper
Part 1.
The student choosing Format C approaches the Academic Dean three semesters before his/her projected date of graduation (even though course work may not be completed). The student is appointed an Advisor who will proctor the student through the completed project. The research paper's topic evolves from the student's current area of study and does not require research in an entirely new area. The paper is intended to broaden and deepen the student's knowledge and understanding of an already familiar topic. In order to help the student achieve the objectives for a written research paper, the following format is recommended:
- The student submits a one-page prospectus to his/her advisor with a preliminary bibliography.
- The student receives approval of the topic and focus of the paper from the Advisor at least two semesters before graduation.
- In some instances, the Advisor may have the student consult the wider faculty for guidance and assistance.
- The Advisor serves as the writing mentor for the student. Thus, the student should work out a schedule to meet with the Advisor during the course of the semester. It is in the student's best interest to submit drafts of the paper to the advisor for feedback and direction.
- The paper should be at least 25 pages in length, but not exceed 40 pages.
- The research paper follows the format and style of Turabian (6th edition).
The Preliminary Process - The student presents the completed paper to the Advisor five weeks before the scheduled symposia week in the academic calendar. During that time, the Advisor may meet with the student and make minor revisions to that paper. No later than three weeks before the scheduled symposia week, the Advisor presents the approved research paper to the Academic Dean so that two additional readers are appointed to form the committee. Faculty readers are given at least two weeks to read the paper. The Committee may meet before the scheduled symposium to pre- pare their comments for the student.
Part 2.
Presentation Format - During the symposium, the student is expected to give a five-minute synopsis of his/her paper. This will be followed by a fifty-minute discussion/question period.
Discussion Process - The student may be asked by the committee to clarify or further develop an area represented in his/her paper. The student will be asked to discuss certain points, areas or sections within his/her paper, explain his/her theological or historical methodology, and discuss the literature reflected in the bibliography. The student's research demonstrates the interdisciplinary nature of the theological enterprise that is reflected in the treatment of the topic. The committee will evaluate the student's overall organization of the paper, the quality of the written work, the development of the topic and the student's ability to discuss and support his/her written work.
The student's written paper and his/her oral presentation is given one of three grades: -pass with honors", "pass," or "fail".
Procedure for all formats
Three semesters before projected graduation, the student should meet with the Academic Dean to begin preparation for the final symposium of his/her choice when they are near completion of all course work. After review of the student's academic records, the Academic Dean will discuss with the student, preferences for an Advisor who will guide them through the symposium (Format A, B or C). The student may work for a symposium even though has not completed all course work. It is the responsibility of the student to meet with his/her advisor, choose a format, and create a time line in order to complete symposium requirements.
The thirteenth week of each semester is designated as Master of Arts Symposia Week. All M.A. students whose exams, theses and papers have been approved by their Advisors will have scheduled symposia during this week.
Once the Advisor receives the final document, he/she petitions the Academic Dean to schedule a symposium date during the designated week in the Academic calendar. In some cases, dates may be assigned the week before, in order to accommodate the number of symposia scheduled.
All scheduled symposia will be posted on the Faculty and Student Bulletin boards with committee appointments, time and location.
The symposium is a public forum. Faculty, students and invited guests may attend any of the scheduled symposia. The student should notify the Academic Dean or Registrar when a large number of guests are expected. He/she will also need to contact the library to arrange for the use of any audio-visual equipment should that be needed.
At the symposium, students may use the following resources: (a) the final copy of the one's work (i.e., the written exam, the thesis outline, or the research paper), (b) appropriate resources or materials approved by the Advisor (e.g., a bible, a theological work by a given author), and (c) in special cases, audio-visual equipment (i.e., PowerPoint) that may enhance the student's presentation.
At the end of the fifty-minute symposium, the committee meets for a short time to discuss and grade the student's overall project. The student meets with his/her committee after their deliberations to receive his/her final grade.
A passing grade signifies that the student has demonstrated sufficient graduate level work. (Master's level work for a passing vote is equivalent to the grade "B". If a student's work reflects outstanding integration, exceptional aptitude, excellence, and originality both in the written and oral presentations, the committee may award 'pass with honors' equivalent to the grades of A, or A-).
Students who receive a failing vote by the committee must reschedule a symposium during one of the next two semesters. Students will have the option to: (1) Choose a new format for the symposium. (2) Change his/her Advisor and have a new committee appointed. (3) Continue to work with the same Advisor and committee, using the same format, but addressing concerns and implementing recommendations from the previous symposium. A student is given only one opportunity to reschedule a symposium.
