Theology

Master of Arts inTheology

Program Philosophy

Our graduate program is situated in the vision of the Church elaborated in the documents of the Second Vatican Council. The Council invited us to return to our roots in Scripture, Patristicsand the Great Tradition of the Church.

At the same time the Church called us to be discerning of the "signs of the times,"gave new focus to the role of the laity, and unleashed a challenging and exciting era in the study of theology. This era is characterized by the recognition of the role of culture in shaping the concerns of the theological enterprise, the emergence of new theological disciplines, the growing importance of ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, and the recognition that the academic study of theology and reflection on experience are mutually animating and enriching.

It is in the spirit conveyed by Pope John Paul II in his many writings, that we invite you to join the theology department to "put out into the deep" (Lk 5:4).

Program Description

The M.A. in Theology is a 36-credit program which consists of a core of four courses (12 credits), complemented by eight electives (24 credits). Though a broad curriculum has been designed, students have some flexibility to shape their program to fit their interests and needs,with approval from their faculty advisor. This may include taking courses in the Summer Institute of the Center for Theological and Spiritual Development (three credits maximum), or courses at other accredited institutions. No student may earn more than nine credits in this fashion.

To receive the M.A.degree, each student must accomplish the following:

• Complete 36 credits in theology,with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0. Since the program is designed as a part-time program of study, our students usually complete the program between four and six years.
• Submit three research papers from courses taken in the program as a final requirement. With the guidance of a faculty advisor, expand and deepen these papers as evidence of ability to research and present theological topics in an indepth, competent and scholarly manner. Ordinarily, the papers will be 15 typed pages, double-spaced, including bibliography. The MLA style,which is to be used for all papers written during the program, is the acceptable format for the papers.
• With recommendations from the student, 2-3 faculty members (full-time and adjunct) will participate in a one-hour conversation about the papers presented. The faculty will then assess a grade of Pass, Fail, or Pass with Distinction.

Academic Progress

The M.A. in Theology is designed for part-time, rather than fulltime students. Ordinarily, a student will complete the degree program in four years. A student coming to the completion of the M.A.degree program is required to have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better.

Graduate Certificate in Spirituality

The certificate consists of 15 graduate credits. The 15 credits may be earned by taking the 4 courses listed below and one elective course from the courses listed for the M.A. in Theology program.

• THEO 641: Spirituality Through the Ages
• THEO 663: Spirituality and Ethics 
• THEO 667: The Wisdom of the Mystics 
• THEO 674: Christian Spiritualities and Charity

Certificate in Religious Education

Requirements

• THEO 150: Introduction to Scriptures
• THEO 230: Religious Education Skills and Competencies 
• THEO 241: Church: Community of Faith 
• THEO 243: Sacraments:Holy Encounters with the Living God 
• THEO 250: Christian Ethics: Principles and Process for Decision-Making 
• THEO 275: Christology:"Who Do You Say That I Am?" 
• THEO 280/281: Pastoral Internship

Related Requirement:

Students are expected to participate in ongoing spiritual formation, which includes appropriate workshops, liturgies, retreats, and days of reflection for personal faith development. More detailed information is given upon acceptance into the program.

Certificate in Youth and Young Adult Ministry

Requirements

• THEO 150: Introduction to Scriptures
• THEO 153: Foundations in Lay Ministry: Identity and Pastoral Practice 
• THEO 241: Church: Community of Faith, Witness and Service 
• THEO 243: Sacraments:Holy Encounters with the Living God 
• THEO 250: Christian Ethics: Principles and Process for Decision-Making 
• THEO 275: Christology: "Who Do You Say That I Am?" 
• THEO 137: Youth and Young Adult Ministry: Skills and Competencies 
• THEO 280/281: Pastoral Internship

Related Requirement:

Students are expected to participate in ongoing spiritual formation, which includes appropriate workshops, liturgies, retreats, and days of reflection for personal faith development. More detailed information is given upon acceptance into the program.

Certificate in Parish Life Ministries

Requirements

• THEO 150: Introduction to Scriptures
• THEO 153: Foundations in Lay Ministry: Identity and Pastoral Practice 
• THEO 241: Church: Community of Faith, Witness and Service 
• THEO 243: Sacraments: Holy Encounters with the Living God 
• THEO 250: Christian Ethics: Principles and Process for Decision-Making 
• THEO 275: Christology: "Who Do You Say That I Am?" 
• THEO 205: Christian Marriage and Family 
• THEO 280/281: Pastoral Internship

Related Requirement:

Students are expected to participate in ongoing spiritual formation, which includes appropriate workshops, liturgies, retreats, and days of reflection for personal faith development. More detailed information is given upon acceptance into the program.

Certificate in Pastoral Administration

Requirements

• THEO 150: Introduction to Scriptures
• THEO 153: Foundations in Lay Ministry: Identity and Pastoral Practice 
• THEO 241: Church: Community of Faith, Witness and Service 
• THEO 243: Sacraments: Holy Encounters with the Living God 
• THEO 250: Christian Ethics: Principles and Process for Decision-Making 
• THEO 275: Christology: "Who Do You Say That I Am?" 
• THEO 315: Special Topics in Theology: Tailored to meet the student's background and ministry setting 
• THEO 280/281: Pastoral Internship

Related Requirement:

Students are expected to participate in ongoing spiritual
formation, which includes appropriate workshops, liturgies, retreats, and days of reflection for personal faith development. More detailed information is given upon acceptance into the program.

Certificate in Diaconal Ministry

The College of Saint Elizabeth offers deacon candidates the best of its rich heritage and outstanding resources to help prepare deacon candidates for ministry in the Church. The goal of the Center is to challenge its students to cherish the tradition and create the future. The faculty prepares the candidates by educating them in the richness of the Catholic theological and spiritual tradition. This enables the men in this program to be able to serve the Church and its needs in today's world.

The College works in collaboration with various dioceses in creating a program that will meet the needs of each individual diocese. The course of studies listed below is just one model that is currently being used. Others can be designed. Each diocese provides the spiritual and pastoral formation of the candidates, which supplements and enhances the theological formation offered by the College.

Requirements

• THEO 105: Pastoral Counseling for Ministry
• THEO 110: Hebrew Scriptures 
• THEO 115: The Gospels 
• THEO 143: Liturgy and Spirituality 
• THEO 155: Theological Reflection 
• THEO 221: Fundamental Moral Theology 
• THEO 300: Homiletics:The Art of Preaching 
• THEO 241: Church: Community of Faith, Witness, and Service 
• THEO 243: Sacraments: Holy Encounters with the Living God 
• THEO 250: Christian Ethics: Principles and Process for Decision Making 
• THEO 275: Christology: "Who Do You Say That I Am?"

Related Requirements:

Deacon candidates are required to participate in a series of preaching workshops and training over a four year period. In addition, three workshops on various pastoral issues and concerns are offered each year by experts in theology, spirituality, and liturgy. Additional topics, such as Canon Law, are provided by each diocese.